CFZ Director Jon Downes asks the question: How does one become a cryptozoologist? 1. Becoming a cryptozoologist is easy, because there are no professional qualifications in the field. So, in many ways, one becomes a cryptozoologist by simply saying one is. But, it doesn't end there. There are lots of people who claim to be cryptozoologists, but very few who actually fulfil on these claims. The way that one gets respect and a position within the field is by being scrupulously scientific in one's methodology, and rigorous in what one publishes. My organisation, the Centre for Fortean Zoology, was started 25yrs ago, primarily to encourage a pursuit of excellence within the cryptozoological field. From your position do you encounter many young people entering the field? 2. We always encourage young people to get involved in cryptozoology and - indeed - a young man from Ohio, Colin Schneider, is currently in the process of starting the 'Next Generation Initiative...
