The Armchair Ufologist - Issue 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Tough on Ufology - Tough on the Causes of Ufology" is a critical examination of the state of ufology, particularly within the UK. It delves into internal conflicts, the behavior of prominent figures, and the perceived lack of genuine research and ethical practices within the field. The publication date is noted as February 1998.

Key Articles and Content

Countdown to Ecstasy?

The article introduces 'Max Burns', a self-proclaimed ET believer from Rotherham, who gained notoriety through 'Alien Encounters' magazine. Burns was reportedly arrested for possession with intent to supply ecstasy and claims he is being targeted by 'The Establishment' due to his ufological knowledge. The author expresses skepticism about Burns' claims, noting that other ufologists, like Miles Johnstone, seem to agree with him. The piece also mentions that Burns has been committed to Crown Court, with the charge potentially being reduced to amphetamine possession. The author personally dismisses ecstasy as a drug.

The Max Factor and Miles Johnstone

The author recounts a personal encounter with Max Burns, who allegedly made abusive phone calls after Dave Clarke's research into a UFO 'crash' case was perceived as a challenge. Miles Johnstone, a long-time BUFORA member, is presented as being aligned with Max Burns. Johnstone allegedly filmed something related to the 'crash' for BUFORA, which the author views critically. The author emailed Johnstone suggesting he contact Dave Clarke for a more balanced view, but Johnstone claimed Dave had not returned his call and expressed frustration with perceived rudeness.

Rendlesham Forest and James Easton

The article touches upon the Rendlesham Forest incident, suggesting it might be a complex series of misidentifications and misperceptions, similar to the Sheffield crash case. Researcher James Easton is credited with in-depth research on Rendlesham, including original statements from witnesses. The author notes that Easton's research has been met with resistance, with some accusing him of being a debunker despite his previous support for the case. The internet is highlighted as a tool that has exacerbated ufological tendencies and the spread of rumors.

Harry Harris and Legal Threats

Ufologist Harry Harris is discussed, noting his tendency to use legal action against those who disagree with him. The article mentions a past case where Harris took legal action against Jenny Randles. More recently, the Manchester Evening News reported that Harry Harris was facing charges of making threats to kill and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear, allegedly related to an incident involving his cat and a neighbor's dog. The article states that this case was pending court proceedings.

Lights, Camera, Action: The Pennines Sighting

This section details a UFO sighting on February 2nd, 1998, where hundreds of people saw two bright lights flying over the Pennines. Airports had no record of the objects, and the press received numerous reports and videos. BUFORA's NIC's John Heptonstall studied the case and concluded the objects were likely helicopters or RPVs. The author questions why official sources deny knowledge, proposing a 'Federal Hypothesis' where governments use the UFO mythos for their own ends, suggesting the craft were intentionally flown with lights on to monitor public reaction.

The Law Of The Bungle: BUFORA's Issues

This section heavily criticizes BUFORA, describing its website being hijacked and subsequently terminated. The author details how BUFORA allegedly changed its Articles of Association to claim ownership of review books, rather than them going to the editor. The article also points to a breach of witness confidentiality within BUFORA, where details were allegedly passed to the press, causing distress. Despite these breaches, Philip Mantle, the Press Officer, was reportedly supported by the Council. The author argues that BUFORA has become a publicity vehicle, allowing tabloid ufology to penetrate its core and breaking its moratorium on hypnotic regression.

North Of The Border News: Billy Buchanan

Scottish councillor Billy Buchanan has been banned from council committees until 1999 and restricted in his communication with staff due to his behavior, which included calling chief officers 'vagabonds' and accusing the chief executive of racism.

Aftermath and UFO Times

The author reflects on the article's potential publication in 'Fortean Times' being rejected, suggesting it was too truthful. The author resigned from 'UFO Times' after Dave 'Sensible' Newton took over, describing the resulting issue as a 'mess'. The article also mentions a 'cash retrieval team' from BUFOONA visiting Mike Wootten's residence to collect items.

General Criticisms of Ufology

The publication expresses a strong critical stance on ufology, labeling many involved as 'ufologists' who are more interested in stroking egos and generating publicity than in genuine research. The author suggests that without ufologists, the UFO subject would cease to exist, describing it as a self-perpetuating, hermetically sealed system. The article posits that professionals recoil from the subject due to a lack of evidence, proof, methodology, or integrity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the internal politics and perceived corruption within ufology, particularly concerning organizations like BUFORA. There is a strong emphasis on skepticism towards sensational claims, a focus on misidentification and misperception as explanations for sightings, and a critique of ufologists who prioritize publicity and personal agendas over rigorous investigation. The editorial stance is highly critical, bordering on cynical, of the ufological community, highlighting what the author views as a lack of substance, ethical breaches, and a tendency towards paranoia and infighting. The author champions genuine research and ethical treatment of witnesses, contrasting it with the prevailing trends in ufology.

This issue of "Tough on Ufology - Tough on the Causes of Ufology" is a critical examination of the state of ufology in the UK, focusing heavily on internal politics, organizational dysfunction, and the credibility of prominent figures and research methods. The publication adopts a highly critical and often sarcastic tone, aiming to expose what it perceives as flaws, hypocrisy, and deliberate obfuscation within the ufology community.

BUFORA Under Fire

The lead article, "You Can't Come In Here Thinking Like That," directly addresses the author's own membership status within BUFORA (British UFO Research Association). The author details a challenge to their membership renewal, stemming from their consistent criticism of how BUFORA is run. They accuse a small, controlling group within BUFORA of being unable to handle criticism and of resorting to personal attacks rather than addressing substantive issues. The author lists several past transgressions by BUFORA members, including using hypnosis against ethical codes, revealing witness names to the press, selling private photographs, and writing abusive notes, contrasting this with the severe reaction to their own criticisms.

A significant point of contention is the handling of BUFORA's financial and ethical state. The author criticizes the organization's logic of ignoring problems in the hope they will disappear, and then attempting to remove critics. The article "BUFORA Captain? Illogical - Does Not Compute" further elaborates on this, suggesting BUFORA is in a "mess financially and ethically" and that its leadership is attempting to hide this reality. The author quotes Steve Gamble, the chairman, as stating that if a force is trying to destroy UK ufology, BUFORA has "succeeded admirably by putting us all at odds with each other."

The issue also touches upon the resignation and subsequent 'unresignation' of chairman Steve Gamble, portraying it as a common tactic among BUFORA officers to maintain power. The article "Even Mushrooms Don't Get Treated This Way!" criticizes BUFORA's communication strategy, accusing them of using "spin doctors" to cover up financial problems and their inability to deliver promised services, such as the six magazines members paid for.

The Tim Matthews Controversy

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to dissecting the activities and alleged background of ufologist Tim Matthews. The article "The saga of Tim Matthews" notes that Matthews is criticized by some for being "in your face" and for conducting research and publishing it. More serious allegations are explored, including his alleged past involvement with the British National Party (BNP) and other far-right groups. The piece references an "uncredited story" in the conspiracy journal "Lobster" that links Matthews to such activities. It also mentions his alleged work for the anti-fascist publication "Searchlight" and his involvement in Green politics before turning to ufology. Larry O'Hara is cited as alleging that Matthews, whose real name might be Tim Hepple, is working for the UK military as an agent provocateur to spread disinformation.

Matthews himself is reported to have vigorously denied some allegations but admitted to past affiliations. The article questions whether people are allowed to have a past and draws parallels with other figures in the ufology community, such as Patrick Harrington and George Sturgeon, who are accused of involvement in far-right politics or racist remarks.

"I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night" presents a fictionalized dialogue between Tim Matthews and Eric Morris, set in Southport, discussing plans for a conference and hinting at a conspiracy involving government manipulation of UFO sightings. This section appears to be a satirical take on the perceived paranoia and internal machinations within the ufology community.

Further scrutiny of Matthews comes in "Tough on Ufology - Tough on the Causes of Ufology" (pages 3-6), where his background is examined, including allegations of involvement with a white supremacist group called "The Church of The Creator." The author questions whether people are allowed to have a past and points to other figures with questionable associations. The article "We'll Fight Them On The Beaches" suggests that Matthews, as a young rebel, got involved with "big boys with bad ideas" and later became involved in ufology, realizing that much "research" was flawed. It posits that he is now active and outspoken, potentially annoying those in power, and has secured a book contract, but his "earlier 'enthusiasms'" are catching up with him.

Other Figures and Events

The issue also discusses other ufologists and events. "Beyond Our Ken (our kid)" focuses on Tony Dodd, formerly of YUFOS and UFO magazine, who is described as a "wild card" prone to discussing animal mutilations, MIBs, and death threats. Dodd has resigned from UFO magazine to pursue private investigations. A letter from Dodd to Omar Fowler, published in the OVNI newsletter, is presented. In this letter, Dodd suggests that some "flying triangles" are terrestrial and that there is liaison between humans and a "friendly" race of ETs who are providing advanced technology to defend against a "malevolent" ET race. The article "Dodd Watch" expresses skepticism about these claims.

"Sensible" is criticized for misrepresenting evidence and making vague claims, particularly in relation to the IUN (International UFO Network) collapse. The author recounts an incident where "Sensible" was allegedly misled by information and subsequently received a stiffly worded letter.

There is also a mention of a conference in Southport where conspiracy theories were prevalent, and an incident involving Larry O'Hara and Tim Matthews is described as a "near drubbing incident."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is a deep skepticism and criticism directed at the ufology community itself. The editorial stance is one of disillusionment with the internal politics, alleged lack of rigor in research, and the personal agendas of many involved. The author frequently employs sarcasm and direct accusation to highlight what they see as hypocrisy, paranoia, and a failure to address the core issues within the subject. There is a strong emphasis on the need for transparency, ethical conduct, and genuine research, contrasting these ideals with the perceived reality of infighting, personal vendettas, and questionable backgrounds of key figures.
The magazine appears to advocate for a more grounded and critical approach to ufology, questioning the validity of many claims and the motivations of those promoting them. The recurring criticism of organizations like BUFORA suggests a belief that their current structures and leadership are detrimental to the advancement of serious UFO research.