Correction: Scott Wolter Will NOT Be Participating in My Class

7/20/2016

I'm sorry to announce that Scott Wolter will not be participating in my Forbidden Archaeology (ANT 291) class this fall. In an email exchange, Wolter told me that he has "lost his enthusiasm" for the idea. I don't fully understand his rationale for the decision, so I think the simplest and fairest thing to do is to leave it up to him to discuss his decision if he chooses.

The class will stilll be evaluating evidence and ideas about the Kensington Rune Stone (KRS), and we still be using Wolter's Hooked X book as a jumping off point for discussion (I was required by South Carolina law to choose the books for the course some time ago). My sense is that the KRS remains, over a hundred years since it's discovery, one of the more genuinely enigmatic objects used to support claims of pre-Columbian transoceanic contact. It's worth discussing no matter how we do it, so we're going to discuss it. I'll be thinking about options for bringing in someone else (probably via a remote lecture) to lay out an argument for/against the authenticity of the KRS. If I can get a prominent KRS skeptic to participate, maybe I'll set it up so the students take the position that the KRS is authentic . . . I'll think about it.

As far as the GoFundMe campaign to fund the costs of Wolter's travel, I can either find a way to return that money to the (n=3) donors or I can look into rolling it into the Jim Vieira travel fund. Vieira has agreed to pay for his own travel, but it would still be nice to offset some of the costs associated with getting him down here.

Please let me know if you have suggestions about KRS advocates/skeptics. I'll adjust the syllabus to accommodate whatever position the speaker wants to take. The class is first and foremost an exercise in critical thinking, logic, and the evidence-based methods we can employ to discriminate credible from non-credible statements about the human past.

47 Comments

GEE

7/20/2016 09:22:21 am

Seems to me he didn't have the balls to face skeptics fave to face, ashame. So he's not interested and his enthusiasm has gone south to prove his theory... wow, therefore, hoe can we take him seriously.

Bob Jase

7/20/2016 09:53:39 am

oh noes! I hope he doesn't fall on his sword in grief!

Joe Scales

7/20/2016 10:40:25 am

This isn't too surprising considering that Wolter prefers to control the medium for his preposterous views. He stupidly promoted his recent paint by numbers scheme of reducing the KRS inscription to a Templar/Mystic Egyptian/Masonic rendering on his blog, claiming his "work" was published in the peer-reviewed Rocky Mountain Journal. When the editor, Ben Williams, confirmed that his journal was neither scholarly nor peer-reviewed, Wolter double-downed on his lie to claim that since he is now a Freemason and the publication is for his Freemason peers, it is indeed "peer-reviewed". That is textbook equivocation; one of the many fallacies in his arsenal.

For KRS sceptics, I would contact Harold Edwards, who I believe has contributed to the comments here previously and is at work on his own scholarly rejection of authenticity. He has a PhD in geology and worked with Wolter during his initial examination of the KRS. His insight and first hand observations are rather damning against Wolter in this regard. As for the runes themselves, there is no one better than Professor Henrik Williams to clarify Wolter's disingenuous manipulations.

Joe Scales link

7/20/2016 10:42:14 am

Correction: that journal would be the Rocky Mountain Mason.

Hutton Pulitzer link

7/20/2016 10:50:17 am

Andy, as always facts matter and getting the facts to your base should matter. For the record, Scott struggled over this for some time once he found out that you were bringing in Jason Colavito. Once that was revealed, then the decision was rather simple. You see and have acknowledged in the past that Colvatio would rather attack than debate and share. Thus, for Scott or anyone on the other side of the historical coin to yours, would not be participating in an environment where learning could occur when it potentially could be reduced to a verbal attack. Simpler put, seems you had a choice- Scott and his huge fan base and media base, or Colavito. You chose Colavito. Thus, the real story is Scott would not subject himself to the attack of a sci-fi writer who continually and abusively attacks Scott. It would be a volatile and contentious time to say the least and no one would benefit or learn. Thus, to your fans- Andy made the choice for Scott, not the other way around. As always facts matter and I am answering for me, my view and not Scott, I will leave that to him. But, as one always knows we (Scott and I) put out a significant information and education and one can expect an expanded KRS series very soon. BTW, us on the other-side of this history biz should have a working relationship with your side, but that cannot happen when it is attacked based and volatile. If it was polite and ethical than many could learn from each side, but as long as negative and attacking (or as long as your blog and servers are tied to Jason's rack space) then it is hard to achieve.

Andy White

7/20/2016 11:03:06 am

Hi Hutton.

Finally we can agree on something: facts DO matter. Allow me to help you out with understanding them.

Here's what I said in a previous blog post:

"Finally, I'm happy to announce that Jason Colavito has agreed to participate in the course. I've asked him to talk to the class about his long history of online engagement with "fringe" ideas and explain how he gathers evidence and crafts an argument. I'm also going to ask him to discuss the history of ideas about Atlantis, as he has far more expertise there than I do. Thanks for agreeing to participate, Jason! "

I invited Jason to participate in the class to discuss exactly what I said: (1) his experiences and methods doing what he does, and (2) his knowledge about the history of Atlantis. He was never going to interact with Wolter, and that was plain to anyone who cared to understand the facts.

Based on your comment, it seems that you were probably the one that misinformed Wolter that I was going to have him and Colavito participate at the same time, and it seems you were the one who also told him that Colavito and I have some sinister connection because our websites were both apparently down at the same time. Did you ever bother to consider that it might be because we both use Weebly?

Good luck with your silly games, misrepresentations, and nonsense.

Hutton Pulitzer

7/20/2016 04:11:14 pm

Andy, now I am answering for Scott since Scott and I are on the phone together as I write this. The premise is simple. Scott will NOT participate if Colavito participates. That is the non starter. Your own "fringe" statement is your angle and it sets the tone. You cannot expect to have someone's presence, when you allow attacking, bashing and participate in those sites. Thus, seems again you have to choose i) great and ethical debate, or ii) or align yourself with sci-fi writers. Scott should share the platform with peers not a sci fi writer blogger. Your use of the word fringe denotes you feel such is an approved approach to Scotts work and label , but nothing about Scotts work is fringe. Even the fact you are okay with that word, shows you are not pragmatic and open minded on how to present and approach this, and gives the impression you are aligned with Colvatio not those who seek history with tremendous effort. Tone is everything. Using terms like fringe and pseudo scientist is a label in the most negative sense, a negative label and Scott's 31 years as a forensic scientists is not fringe nor pseudo. Maybe get an authentic panel trying to find common ground, versus a bait and attack approach? You are who you associate with and in this case you associate with Scott's number one intentional detractor. Thus your students cannot not learn anything due to heavy bias. Wish it was different. Scott was looking forward and wanted to make time for your students, but when Colvatio cropped up you lost Scott and his valuable time.

Hutton Pulitzer

7/20/2016 04:13:56 pm

Andy, in response to your
"Good luck with your silly games, misrepresentations, and nonsense"
Scott and I are more than willing to record a program and let you make your pitch and justify the issue and let the public decide where the disconnect is.. When would you be willing to record a program?

Hutton Pulitzer

7/20/2016 04:23:02 pm

Andy, Scott suggest you use for the course "The Kensington Rune Stone: Compelling New Evidence" That is the new factual book of research evidence. The Hooked X is more the speculative first book. Your students would be better served. The book to relied on is the "New Evidence" book.

Jason Colavito link

7/20/2016 05:20:31 pm

Hutton, you and Scott need to have the courage of your convictions and speak to me directly if you have a problem with me. If you recall, I spoke directly with you by phone for several hours the last time you became upset with me. Had you done so, you would have learned that I am not participating in an event with Scott and was never asked to do so. I was asked to speak on a different day (in a different month, I believe) on a different topic, about Atlantis.

There is no debate that Andy was trying to secretly ambush Scott into having. Canceling on Andy, who was doing his best to fairly present multiple points of view, was ungentlemanly and to accuse him of a conspiracy is shameful. To declare that you wish Andy to censor particular viewpoints to favor your own simply proves that you lack the fortitude to face even the most cursory challenge.

You say that "tone is everything," and yet you devote so very much space in your answer to deriding me as a "sci-fi writer," despite my being no such thing. (I published a handful of short stories, most in 2011-2013, of which I was paid for, I believe, two, and all the fiction I've ever published would barely equal a week's blog posts.)

When you say Scott should "share the platform with peers," please do enlighten us on what his peer would be. I hold a bachelor's degree in anthropology, just as his only degree is a bachelor's in earth science. He self-published a few books, and I published several with serious publishers. He had a TV show, and I appeared on a cable TV show. He conducted geological research into fringe history, and I have produced a greater volume of historiographic research into fringe topics than virtually anyone in the field, including original translations, documentary research, etc.

Your petty insults detract from what Andy was hoping to do, and I am deeply sorry that your ignorance has cost him the opportunity to give his students the chance to hear directly from people on all sides of the issue.

Doug

7/20/2016 05:45:08 pm

I commend Mr. Colavito on his very reasoned and to the point rebuttal to an attack on his character. THAT is the type professional you want participating in an educational debate within an institute of higher learning.

F. Dixon

7/20/2016 06:53:24 pm

Hello Mr. White, and thank you for allowing me to comment on your website. I have seen some of Mr. Colavito's posts in the past, and was directed here by a friend today.

This particular conversation thread is fascinating. In summary:

- Mr. White informs his readers Mr. Wolter is no longer interested in participating in his Forbidden Archaeology course.
- Mr. Pulitzer (who I gather is Mr. Wolter's PR rep?) explains to Mr. White that Mr. Wolter has declined to participate in the course because Mr. Colavito is involved.
- Mr. White explains to Mr. Pulitzer that Mr. Colavito was being brought in at a different date, on an unrelated subject matter.
- Mr. Pulitzer phones his client, and presumably informs Mr. Wolter of this fact. At this point, Mr. Wolter responds will not participate at all - period - if Mr. Colavito is involved in any way, shape or form. I am unclear if it is at the behest of Mr. Wolter or not, but Mr. Pulitzer then goes on to deride Mr. Colavito as a science fiction writer, and accuses Mr. White of trying to pull a bait-and-switch.
- Mr. Colavito rebuts Mr. Pulitzer's/Mr. Wolter's accusations.

Mr. Pulitzer - Please consider encouraging your client to re-think his stance on this matter. It seems clear that Mr. Wolter and Mr. Colavito will never be in the same place at the same time, nor will they even be discussing the same topic. If Mr. Wolter is truly taking a "him or me" attitude, that is a veritable shame. The KRS is a deeply fascinating topic, and the presence of Mr. Wolter would be a boon to any class discussing it.

Thank you.

ArchyFantasies

7/20/2016 03:09:04 pm

My co-host and I were wondering what type of persecution Wolter was going to whip up in order to play the martyr card. This has been a fun series of events to watch unfold. We were all surprised that Wolter even agreed to show up in the first place. I am disappointed that he won't be participating in Andy's class anymore, I was interested to see how he would handle it and what he might say. However, my co-host won our bet that Wolter would pull out citing some potential discrimination. Ah well, next time perhaps.

Hutton Pulitzer

7/20/2016 04:15:01 pm

Both Scott and I would be more than happy to discuss this on YOUR program in the open and let the audience decide. Lets get it scheduled.

John

7/20/2016 08:45:14 pm

Funny! I also won that bet. Didn't count on Pulitzer being involved though but it was a while ago that Andy announced Wolter agreed to do the class. I thought the excuse would be something to do with a new fake TV show deal that never appeared.

ArchyFantasies

7/21/2016 10:27:24 am

Mr. Pulitzer,

I can't reply to your comment directly for some reason.

That said, my show is anything but sympathetic to fringe views and those that make such claims. It would not be a good platform for your or Wolter's views. The best chance Wolter had for a open discussion of his views he back out of, and I see absolutely no reason not to expect similar behavior if I was to schedule a recording with him or you. You see, the problem with backing out of things like this and then trying to play the martyr is that no one else will want to work with you afterwards. Especially when you then take to an open forum like this and create a baseless accusation against another individual as support for your decision.

Sorry if that comes off as harsh, but honestly, my show is not a good resource for you.

Sunshine

7/21/2016 07:21:10 am

Scott, Thanks for joining us. I absolutely, believe this was written by you. I am Not understanding the game you are playing, using Hutton's name on your post?

Rotty Scoberts

7/21/2016 08:51:24 am

Perhaps a basic English course would help you convey whatever message it is you have, Mr. Pulitzer. The above post is nearly monosyllabic.

Joe Scales

7/21/2016 08:54:12 am

While you're here "Hutton", you mind answering a few questions?

1) Isn't it true that you accepted money from customers as a pre-order fee for a book, kit, guide or report that is yet unpublished? To refresh your recollection, that would be Solomon's Secrets and/or Commodus' Secret.

2) If not, please explain.

3) If so, how long has it been since you first accepted such pre-order funds?

4) Have refunds been demanded on these pre-orders, and if so, how many have been made and how many have been honored?

5) If any such refund demands were made and you did not honor them, please explain why?

6) Has anyone contacted your local police and/or State Attorneys office to initiate a criminal claim against you in this regard?

Andy White

7/22/2016 09:47:54 am

For the record, I have been told by several people via Facebook and email that they now HAVE received refunds. I was told those refunds occurred following my last blog post about "Solomon's Secret."

Joe Scales

7/22/2016 10:33:09 am

Great to hear professor. Good work in bringing this to light.

Hutton Pulitzer

7/23/2016 08:16:21 am

Addressing you as scales since you do not use your real name. In regards to your post just read. Not a single request for refund has been denied at any time. Thus as always facts matter. Thus stating refunds have been denied is wholly untrue. We had two processed in December and two recent requests. All have been honored

Joe Scales

7/23/2016 09:15:20 am

It's been a while "Hutton" since I first read your web page advertisement for the Solomon's Secret kit. It was right before the premiere of the last episode of Curse of Oak Island's second season. You promised things would be revealed in that episode and your kit would be in such demand after the episode aired... and you hadn't even written or produced such a kit at the time, and still to this date haven't delivered? Of course that last episode revealed no such things that were promised by you, and that web page disappeared the next day.

Yeah, facts matter.

Andy White

7/23/2016 01:30:31 pm

Hutton,

You didn't answer my questions on Jason's blog, so I ask them again here in the hope that maybe you can tell us something of interest:

Where can I get a copy of "Commodus's Secret" (you said it is shipping)?

When will the promised Roman sword white paper be coming out?

Andy White

7/24/2016 03:13:45 pm

And . . . cue the crickets.

RW Taylor

7/20/2016 11:08:11 am

"For the record, Scott struggled over this for some time once he found out that you were bringing in Jason Colavito. Once that was revealed, then the decision was rather simple"

"As always facts matter and I am answering for me, my view and not Scott, I will leave that to him."

I think Wolter should be giving these reasons and talking to the public on his own behalf rather than a load of excuses and 3rd party heresay.

Appears to be more of an excuse for control over anything else.

Carl Feagans link

7/20/2016 11:52:26 am

Perhaps JHP is unaware that a "class" in a university meets two, sometimes three times a week for many weeks over the course of months? And just assumed Colavito would be there flexing his biceps at Wolter from the VIP seats.

Also, of what utility is a "huge fan base and media base" to a small classroom of undergrads or the professor instructing them? :-)

GEE

7/20/2016 05:14:11 pm

From past experiences Jason and Andy are professionals. I have never seen either of these gentlemen "Attack" anyone. I beg to differ on this point. A debate among professionals is what the purpose of the classroom visits purpose, and to teach the students, points of views and the facts behind it. I imagine it's the same principal behind all of your web sites and tweets.. to "teach" and inform. Hutton, call Scott back and ask him to reply.. we all want to hear from him. Than we can move on.

GEE

7/20/2016 05:18:47 pm

~~Signed Disappointed, but not surprised.

GEE

7/20/2016 06:03:05 pm

In response to Huttons post
Both Scott and I would be more than happy to discuss this on YOUR program in the open and let the audience decide. Lets get it scheduled.
It's funny the two of them can do a show with Andy, which makes Andy solo against two... but when Scott thought Andy and Jason would be together it was refused.. since when does Scott need to hold Huttons hand? Man up Scott

River M.

7/20/2016 07:33:15 pm

Mr. Wolter's decision to retract from attending Mr. White's class because Mr. Colavito is participating in the class, whether on the same day or not, is quite pathetic. Why is Mr. Wolter not responding in this blog instead of his recent partner, who I don't believe had any part in authoring or researching the two KRS books mentioned above? The views of Mr. White, Mr. Wolter, Mr. Colavito and Mr. Pulitzer each have their own identity, charm and interest and would be welcomed by many in the same forum. Mr. White and his students lose significantly in the absence of either Mr. Wolter or Mr. Colavito.

Peter Geuzen

7/20/2016 07:59:46 pm

Lost me at "...facts matter..."

Sunshine

7/20/2016 08:22:04 pm

Wish there was a thumbs-up button for your comment Peter G.!!!

Mike Morgan

7/20/2016 10:06:05 pm

<Sigh> So much I would like to say about this Wolter reneging/Pulitzer butting in fiasco, but I'll just leave at that they both desperately need to sharpen their reading comprehension skills.

Andy, I have no idea what rules or procedures Go Fund Me has in place for cancelled campaign, but my being one of the 3 contributors to the Wolter Travel Fund campaign and the ONLY (hint, hint people) contributor to the Jim Vieira travel fund campaign, I do not wish for a refund. If at all possible you have my permission to move it to your Woo War One coffers or to the Vieira fund or use it for anything else you deem appropriate -- with the exception of using it to purchase another $16 pre-made chicken sandwich and a coke and an $8 pint of beer at your next SAA convention. :>)

Sunshine

7/21/2016 05:45:06 am

From past experiences with both Hutton and Scott, It seems to me, these blog posts may not be from Hutton, but from Scott himself., I did notice less Grammatical errors, than usual. The language of these posts are more Scott.

Tom Rent

7/21/2016 05:51:24 am

You should ask Paul Stewart to participate. His 2013 book "The Enigmatist" lays out the most likely hypothesis using strong circumstantial evidence of the origin of the KRS and most of the other American runestones. These stones were the work of George W. Cooley, a Minnesota Land surveyor and the head of the Minnesota Cryptic Rite Masons in the late 1800s. The numbers on the stone align with the numbers in the Cryptic Rite's Select Master degree ritual, and the "date" 1362 on the stone is really a mile value centering the KRS 1362 miles from the 3 furthest USA border points in Washington, Maine, and Texas (ie: the center of the country) using a flat map from the period. Stewart, a Notre Dame grad, did the research and wrote the book after reading Wolter's books and finding them to be, well, garbage. The scientific work was flawed, not using any recognized or validated weathering protocols and did not take into account that the KRS suffered through many deep cleanings with solvents that artificially weathered the stone over the last century. Disgraceful. Stewart found that the KRS is a late 1800s Masonic artifact and not a "hoax" in the traditional sense. It was placed in Kensington in approximately 1880 to celebrate the Masonic foundation of the USA and the establishment of the Cryptic Rite as a valid national group. Stewart would likely welcome your invitation to participate in the class to share his findings. I'd also recommend his book be used for the class.

GEE

7/21/2016 06:25:21 am

I don't think Scott Wolter and Hutton Pulitzer understand the level of professionalism that Andy and Jason are on.
Andy, was trying to accomplish something incredible for his students. This has turned into a childish argument. When will Scott Realize that anything that Hutton Touches turns into a fight. Hutton is very argumentative., and demands to be in the center of everything, even subjects that have nothing to do with him at all. The 20th Century, Laurel and Hardy. Maybe these two belong together. I have the utmost respect for Andy and Jason and stand firm on that point.

Hutton Pulitzer

7/21/2016 02:00:42 pm

For you ANDie (added both CAPS and missppellun- so you know its me). Here is two hours on the facts presented. Just for you. Funny how your comments are from people not even using their real names and identities. But, none the less - birds of a feather..... for your listening pleasure:
Would history be recorded the same way if it had to stand up to the rigors of a legal trail? Could the findings of anthropology and archaeology withstand a trial by jury? Would history be viewed and taught the same way? What is one of North America's most controversial archaeological discoveries was put on trial to determine if it was a hoax or a real historic artifact? Which side would win? Where would the most compelling evidence come from? Would it be considered pseudo-science? Or would forensic science and the scientific method win the debate once and for all.

Listen in as Explorers, Researchers and Authors Scott Wolter and J Hutton Pulitzer put the Kensington Rune Stone ON TRIAL. #GoXplrr #WolterPulitzer #ScottWolter #HuttonPulitzer #FightForTruth #TrueHistory

http://wp.me/p1TaCe-14d

Joe Scales

7/22/2016 08:50:58 am

Poisoning the well of knowledge for profit and (perceived) fame. That is your legacy "Hutton". The true downside of the internet is that it is all too easy to do within this medium. Everyone has a voice; including frauds, liars and cheats such as yourself.

7/22/2016 11:48:08 am

Today's headline: "...Scott Wolter and J Hutton Pulitzer put the Kensington Rune Stone ON TRIAL"

Tomorrow's headline: KENSINGTON RUNE STONE FILES APPEAL BASED ON INCOMPETENT REPRESENTATION. ;)

RW Taylor

7/22/2016 08:10:39 pm

I've talked to both Jason and Andy at different points, and Hutton knows point blank how much I can run my mouth.

Andy and Jason have never been anything but professional, sometimes with a bit of mirth or anger to direct their comments. But they've always spoken the truth as they see it.

On the other hand, from Hutton, we see blatant lies, excuses and the continued luse for control. If he doesn't get it he becomes a petulant baby, and if he sees it slipping he goes on the attack.

It's a shame that Wolter is being affected by this. As a tv personality I've always enjoyed what he put forth when he was doing his due diligence, but now that he's teamed up with JHP it seems that his persona has changed. Of course, this is probably the reflection of who is doing all of his answers and so forth.

Why are we not hearing directly from Scott on these issues? Nobody wants to hear from Hutton, regardless of who he claims to be speaking for.

Does Scott Wolter even know the damage being done to his reputation on behalf of JHP?

John

7/23/2016 02:38:12 am

@ RW Taylor

Scott damaged his reputation before Pulitzer came into the picture. He made an ass of himself on Amazon when another geologist challenged him on his claims in one of his books, and when many people, from his old colleagues (e.g. Richard Neilsen and Henrik Williams) to various other academics he has been associated with (Paul Weiblen and Alice Kehoe), to even an old employee of his (named Harold Edwards) came out against him. He has also associated himself with white supremacists, such as Frank Josephs a former American Nazi party member and peadophile, and Frank from queens as well.

GEE

7/23/2016 08:26:46 am

John do you have the link to the Amazon Fiasco?

John

7/23/2016 05:50:26 pm

@ GEE

Here you go:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1LR8R024WZH7D/ref=cm_cr_pr_cmt?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0878393129&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=#wasThisHelpful

Some posts have been deleted since then, since the discussion got out of hand (of course) but for the most part its all there.

GEE

7/23/2016 07:58:02 pm

John, thank you. I read it, and immediately saw his new motto when he is in a tight situation "Seems this person is on an Agenda", I guess the "Agenda" is to refute your claims Scott, ever think of that...LOL Thanks again for posting the link John

heywood

7/24/2016 05:18:51 am

Facts matter? If you throw enough bull crap on the wall and some of it sticks, it rapidly becomes a fact that there is bull crap on the wall.

Holly

8/23/2016 07:49:31 am

Have you ever looked at "Westward from Vinland" by Hjalmar Holand?? Copyright 1949 but has some great information about the Kennsington Rune Stone -good photos and drawings as well. The follow up book - "America 1355 - 1364" takes on the Newport Tower as it is connected to the stone. Some fascinating stuff!

Correction: Scott Wolter Will NOT Be Participating in My Class

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