A small step for ufology, but a giant leap for SETI

[Frank]

It seems that SETI has taken the step from radio waves (technology that is inadequate for communication over even interplanetary distances) to sentient machines. Wow!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11041449

Let’s see what could follow:
- “Maybe these sentient machines could travel around and explore the galaxy?”
- “Our solar system is relatively young, so they could be billions of years ahead of us.”
- How much time would it take them to find us it they systematically explore the galaxy? Wait a minute, the math on this has already been done by the famous physicist Enrico Fermi in the 50’s (http://www.fermisparadox.com/).
What did he find? Only 50 to 100 million years? But then they should be here already! Why haven’t we noticed?”
- “Maybe they consider us too primitive for a chat. Maybe we are just observed under a policy of minimum interference. What kind of data would we expect then? Seth, can you check if there are any observations that point to extraterrestrial visitation?”
* Do we see strange crafts and probes flying around occasionally? – Yep!
* Do we observe this all around the world? – Yep!
* Do we see them on radar? – Yep!
* Do pilots, astronauts and astronomers see them? – Yep!
* Do we have pictures and videos of them? – Yep!
* Do they fly in ways that reveal non-human technology? – Yep!
* Do they land occasionally and leave traces? – Yep!
* Are there signs of other physical influences on their environment? – Yep!
* Do they take samples and occasionally investigate humans? – Yep!
* Do they generally avoid densely populated areas? – Yep!
* Are they interested in sites that reveal our technological status? – Yep!
“Seems interesting guys, but of course it is all nonsense that belongs in the same category as witchcraft, Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness monster.
Hey I have a great idea: Let’s try to look for encoded neutrino beams next!”