Stephanie wrote: "What I seem to be getting from a few these posts is that Bob is only in it for the money and the glory. IMHO I don't think that's totally true...but how would I...or any of us really..... know?"
Some people on the board have had personal experiences with Ballard. So it's likely that a few of the opinions expressed here are being drawn from first hand knowledge. Regardless, people not even remotely associated with Ballard and his expeditions can come to the conclusion, whether correctly or not, that he is less than altruistic.
You're right that we don't know that this man's main motive is to line his pockets but, in my opinion, his want of thoroughness and habit of allying himself with experts only to disregard their information and advice, shows that his main motive is NOT to educate and inform.
Stephanie: "I do know several people who are not Bob fans, but they are right there ready to pay to read what he has to say next....lol."
Some people probably don't mind paying to read what Ballard has to say. But I do. He's taken enough people's money as it is.
As to people flip-flopping in their opinions about various issues, maybe Stephanie is right there, too. Our views certainly should be amended when new reliable data is produced. But on the question of salvage, I, for one, have not changed my stance. I am fundamentally opposed. So my attitude toward Ballard is not based on a disagreement on the salvage question. I do feel though, that as so many "artifacts" have been retrieved already that these items should be preserved in a permanent and respectable home - not carted round the world for movie-addled tourists to peep and poke at.
The collection of retrieved items ought to have either a museum of their own or be presented to a reputable repository where they can be treated with care and displayed tastefully.
I am not at all supportive of any plan that would involve Ballard, in the guise of Titanic's ultimate protector, sailing off with National Geographic in tow and another contingent of token experts, to return these salvaged items to the seabed. Absolutely NOT!
There has been enough of a circus surrounding the salvaged material. It needs to end quietly and peacefully.
Randy