Recently I was contacted regarding efforts by Ms. Warnock (formerly Lesley Mills) to enhance her network via facebook.com. It was suggested that Ms. Warnock was using her former connection to me and/or to triedit.net to influence colleagues to accept her as a “friend”. Additionally, Ms. Warnock is slated to appear at the G.H.O.S.T.S. conference in St Catherine’s, Ontario. This combination of events has unfortunately caused some discussion negative toward Ms. Warnock, and by association, the upcoming conference.

I want to clearly state that although Ms. Warnock and I are no longer either colleagues or friends, I bear her no ill will. If she is indeed embarking on a journey of research into cryptozoology, I encourage her absolutely.

Ms. Warnock appeared on a television show entitled Freak Encounters as a specialist regarding the Jersey Devil. She appeared through her association with triedit.net and with significant coaching on both the research and the on camera work. She did an outstanding job in that performance. To my knowledge she has done no independent research on this topic or any other paranormal topic, but as I have not communicated with her in many months that may no longer be the case. It is my hope that she has prepared herself significantly more for her presentation next October. To my knowledge she is not affiliated with any organizations engaged in paranormal research. She has never been associated with PSICAN or any of its affiliate organizations. She was, for a period of about a year, assigned as a research assistant with triedit.net. This affiliation ended in March 2011. I have not endorsed or recommended her for any situations, nor has she requested I do so. She is not accompanying me on my onsite research trip to the New Jersey Pine Barrens later this month.

I have spoken with the conference director and assured her that I have no problem with Ms. Warnock presenting at the conference. I trust that she will behave professionally when she and I are required to interact and that she will be sufficiently knowledgeable to answer questions proposed, regardless of her inexperience in the field. I have volunteered to avoid discussion of the Jersey Devil as part of my own presentation on Cryptozoology as a courtesy to Ms. Warnock.

One of the things we learn in “this business” is that personal views and backbiting are counterproductive. Unfortunately Ms. Warnock has engaged in some disparagement of PSICAN director Matthew Didier, a well respected researcher, based on some personal opinions she shares with a former PSICAN investigator. These opinions were passed on to me by Ms. Warnock and I have learned they have been passed on to others in the field as well. I find this unfortunate and irresponsible. To that end, it is appropriate that PSICAN members distance themselves from Ms. Warnock in situations of a professional bent. Who Ms. Warnock chooses to befriend on a personal level is of no consequence to either myself or PSICAN, but there is not now nor will there ever be a supportive initiative on her behalf given her chosen behaviour in this regard. Additionally, PSICAN members and executives are well within their right to challenge her appearance as an “expert” in any public speaking endeavour; she simply has no published experience or dossier of work to support the assertion that she has extended knowledge. I also gratefully acknowledge the support my colleagues at PSICAN as well as my network of paranormal professionals have shown me as this has unfolded. It is a comfort to know that one’s work is appreciated and recognized.

The conference director has discussed this situation with me and we have agreed that it is appropriate for Ms. Warnock to remain on the agenda for this year’s conference. At the time of booking, the director was not aware that Ms. Warnock and I were no longer colleagues as Ms. Warnock did not choose to disclose that. Because we had enjoyed a good working relationship at last year’s conference it was naturally assumed there would be no conflict. I respect the conference director very much and certainly would not ask her to rescind the invitation. Ms. Byl is a woman of honour and she keeps her promises. I expect nothing less.

It is my sincere hope that we can move forward and enjoy an entertaining and educational G.H.O.S.T.S. conference and that everyone involved in this unfortunate situation can get back to researching and interacting in a more positive way.

Robin Pyatt Bellamy

June 11 2011