—by Linda J. Groundwater
Long post, but important to read, please.
When Bob Crane: The Definitive Biography was conceived more than 15
years ago, the goal was to bring to the surface, the truth about Bob
Crane. To separate the truth from the lies, the reality from the rumor,
and the hidden gems and buried things that showed Bob as a whole,
three-dimensional person into the light.
More than a decade was
spent making this happen. We went from one person, to two, to three
deeply involved in this expedition. And we picked up speed and momentum
along the way, talking to anyone who was willing, who had ANY connection
with Bob, be it professional, personal, familial. We had NO
expectations. All we wanted was the truth, whatever it was.
What
we learned surprised us, saddened us, made us joyful. Surprised that
there was even more depth than we had imagined. Sad that a life so rich,
and so full of potential and hope even in the difficult times, was cut
short. Joyful, that there was so much good to tell, and that after so
many difficult encounters, that the people who truly knew Bob finally
had a chance to tell their truth to people who would listen, and tell it
faithfully, without twisting it, or sensationalizing it, or making it
fit an agenda.
Since its publication, our mission has been to
spread the word about this man, about his truth, about his LIFE, and
occasionally to dispel the falsities about his death. We have the
support of his family, his friends, his coworkers, his estate. We
represent no one but Bob himself-- we are not family representatives or
anything of the sort. We do not make money from the sale of the book or
from posting on these pages. We do not make money from the podcasts.
Author proceeds are either donated to various charities and non-profit
organizations, including to the Liberty Aviation Museum and charities of
our choice, or go directly to funding our work on Bob Crane's behalf,
such as the podcast and other projects. We are not out to support any
particular point of view. As Bob's official biographers, we aim simply
to tell the TRUTH.
With that in mind, we are grateful for the
people who come to these pages looking for the true story of Bob Crane.
Who want to know truth instead of fiction. We expect people come to this
page because they already know that there's more to Bob than they have
been told, or they want to know what that truth is. That they want to be
educated. That if they have theories or ideas, that they are willing to
be gently told the truth as we know it. Those who choose truth over
ignorance will find this page to be a haven. Those who choose to cling
to their false ideas by being abusive toward others on the timeline, by
insisting on maintaining their false ideas despite being able to educate
themselves (e.g.-- the truth has just been advised, or they can read
the book, or listen to the podcast, or look at any of the firsthand
sources that we provide), and instead of accepting that the truth is not
what they thought, continue to spew vitriol, hate, and salacious
untruths, will be removed and blocked from the page.
Bob Crane:
The Definitive Biography is about truth. It's about fixing the wrongs
and exposing reality. Abuse of Bob, his family or friends, the authors,
or other members of the page is not welcome and those guilty of this
will be removed without warning. Those who start out ignorant or
uninformed are welcome with open arms. Those who stubbornly choose to
stay that way in the rudest ways possible, will be removed.
Take a page out of Bob's own book: have a desire to learn. Learn the truth about Bob Crane.