dhfan said, “I assume the number of mugs who sign up to fund his inflated income are diminishing?”

The short answer is Yes, but as with all things TIGHAR, it’s complicated. Gillespie never talks about actual, we-have-their-payment-in-hand membership numbers. The only data we have is what comes from the IRS tax forms, and remember, it’s a federal crime to give false information on one. Here are TIGHAR’s membership numbers from the last five years, from the “total number of volunteers” line on the form, which you are allowed to “estimate if necessary”:

• 2014 – 1,000
• 2015 – 1,000
• 2016 – 1,000
• 2017 – 0 (no, that’s not a typo)
• 2018 – 200

It’s worth noting that TIGHAR was audited by the IRS in 2018 after a complaint was filed against it. Gillespie has never said anything publicly about the audit, but the precipitous drop in “volunteer” numbers makes one wonder.

If all 1,000 “volunteers” in 2016 chose the lowest membership level of $25, that’s still $25,000 in Gillespie’s pocket. And it’s quite a drop to the minimum of $5,000 he would have collected in 2018.

True, John Green – and let’s not forget the “new book project” by Gillespie, first promised in August 2015, which he has solicited (likely) thousands of dollars for already …

… still waiting …

… Oh, wow! A very abbreviated sample Introduction has been posted! …

… *twiddles thumbs* …

… Amazing! A very abbreviated First Chapter has been posted! …

… *yawns* …

… Uh, oh – “Devoting the time required to a project like this is expensive,” Gillespie states. “To help fund the writing we’re asking you to join the TIGHAR Literary Guild with a contribution of at least $100.” …

… almost six years later, still waiting …

As I said above, “In its latest attempt to get some attention, Gillespie has announced that TIGHAR will start a series of podcasts in April about all of their “expeditions” to Nikumaroro Island to “solve” the Amelia Earhart mystery. These will apparently be free, at least at first, which is unusual for TIGHAR.”

The e-mail notice from TIGHAR about these stressed, right off, “PODCASTS ARE FREE.” So props to Gillespie for not trying to corrupt that business model right out of the gate.

However, “Listeners who enjoy our podcasts can show their support on Patreon where you can make a small monthly contribution and get access to bonus material such as special episodes and videos.” He just couldn’t resist putting his hand out …

More than 340 people have listened to the first few episodes. Playing What If, if each one of those individuals made the minimum $3 a month donation for a full year, that’s more than $12,000 straight into Gillespie’s pocket for a few hours of work. Not a bad side hustle. With horse feed going for $20 or so a bag at the nearest Tractor Supply store, he’ll be set!

J Boyle said, “Did they ever file the various IRS (tax) reports required for non profits? Last I heard, some were very late.”

They did finally file the 2018 form … in November 2019. I had to do a bit of prying to get the 2017 form, but one of their lawyers coughed that up.

Nowhere, though, has Gillespie ever said a word publicly about the IRS audit TIGHAR underwent in 2018, and whether that had a bearing on the dramatic changes in some sections of their tax forms.

PS – Aviation Mysteries is serving up a “closed for maintenance, check back tomorrow” message. Not sure what, if anything, that means.