Flooring Tile - Sub floor discrepancy

I know this has been addressed before but I'm still a bit confused as to what the proper method is for laying ceramic tiles in the kitchen. My dilemma: the kitchen floor currently has sheet linoleum. I want to lay ceramic tiles but am being told different ways to do it by so called experts. Some say that I can tile over the linoleum as long as I de-gloss it. Others say that I have to take up the linoleum and also the luan underneath. After that I should put down the backer board and then mortar over the top before appling tiles (why not adhesive?). I'm willing to do whatever will work best (if it's necessary). The house is 14 years old, recently purchased by us, and has a basement below the kitchen. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Artist,

Anything can be done, and there are a bunch of people out there who do things their own way.

But since you are asking for "good" advice, I'll tell you that putting tile over linoleum is not going to be high on any pro's list. And it's not even on my list.

Use the backer board.

John

http://www.johnbridge.com

John-
I had a feeling I was going to end up doing that. Thanks.