This word might get thrown around a lot online, but what does it really mean?

Google defines cryptids as: "an animal whose existence is unsubstantiated." Basically, an animal that doesn't exist because there's no proof except for eyewitnesses.

Cryptozoology is the study of cryptids. I, however, am not a cryptozoologist because cryptozoologists actually believe in the monsters they're studying. The key difference is that I'm just a meme-loving zoomer who likes the stories.

Cryptozoology is classified as a pseudoscience because just like other pseudosciences, it rotates around a collection of beliefs that practicers mistakenly think is backed up by the scientific method. I'm in no way qualified to lecture anyone about the scientific method, though, and I don't really want to get into arguments in the comments, so we'll just leave it at that!

According to Wikipedia, the holy grail of completely accurate information, related pseudosciences include ufology and ghost hunting. You'll find in the following chapters that these two pseudosciences show up a lot in the world of cryptozoology.

Now, how can you help me in my cryptid cataloguing?

There are a few ways.

1. Recommend cryptids to me! This is, in my opinion, the easiest way to contribute. If a cryptid isn't in this book and you'd like it to be, tell me about it!

2. Tell me about any media appearances. If your favorite cryptid has appeared on a news report or television show, tell me!

3. Fact-check me. Do I have something wrong? PLEASE tell me if I do.

4. Contribute any way you can think of. Is there some way you could help but it isn't on this list? That's fine! Help a girl out anyway!