Loch Ness a Lot Less?

According to this, the Loch Ness Monster is merely the trunk of an elephant. In actuality, this photo, one of the most famous, is a fake.

This legend, according the article, has been around since 1933. While I admit the picture does indeed look like an elephant's trunk, I would suggest that the researcher dig a little deeper on reported sightings.

Here for example, or here. There are a number of places and websites dedicated to the alleged Loch Ness Monster, or plesiosaur, some are good some are not. There are dedicated sites and there are sites, which I'm sure you can find, that are a combination of all modern day mythologies. And you're wondering about my point.

Well, it is this: a lucrative myth has grown up around Nessie, just like it has around Bigfoot, Area 52, the assassination of JFK, werewolves, etc. The outrageous and astonishing have always captured the imagination of the public, even as they garner sneers in private professional circles.

I think media outlets should really check their facts - and photos - first before printing speculation unless the readership is told specifically that it is speculative.

I've long thought that media standards have dropped to an all time low since a certain someone came to the fore in the industry. Sensationalism has replaced Facts... but that's another bugbear of mine.

While Nessie and the other mysteries continue to be categorically unproven, the media should stay out of it. Have definitive proof and print it, or leave the myths and mysteries alone to be enjoyed by those who believe in them. Anything else smacks of the above mentioned sensationalism.