The Armchair Ufologist - Issue 4

Magazine Overview

Title: The Armchair Ufologist
Issue: issue four
Date: Summer 1998 (issue_date: 1998-07)
Theme: This issue critically examines the state of ufology, focusing on media portrayals, organizational infighting, and the prevalence of hoaxes within the community. It adopts a skeptical yet engaged tone, dissecting the motivations and methodologies of various figures and groups.

Tough on ufology - Tough on the causes of ufology

The editorial piece sets a critical tone, suggesting that ufology is plagued by internal issues rather than genuine extraterrestrial phenomena. The author reflects on the time elapsed since the last issue and the significant events in ufology during the summer of 1998. A key theme is the author's experience being invited to a TV discussion show about UFOs, which he views as a platform for sensationalism rather than serious inquiry. He describes the producers' approach as seeking 'heated debates' and highlights the role of 'researchers' as essentially tele-sales people who manipulate participants for entertainment.

The author contrasts 'believers' and 'skeptics' invited to the show, noting the 'lumpen ufoletariat' (the author and other less prominent figures) being used to balance the 'proper' ufologists. He details the pre-show preparations, the atmosphere in the green room, and the show's format, which sandwiched ufology between genetic engineering and porn. The author expresses disdain for the perceived lack of genuine debate and the participants' motivations, suggesting that many are seeking fame or financial gain.

TV or not TV

This section details the author's experience being contacted by Carlton TV for a discussion show. He outlines the process, from the initial idea to the selection of participants. The author criticizes the producers' approach, suggesting they are driven by current trends rather than new ideas. He notes that the show aimed to pit skeptics against believers, a dynamic he finds predictable. The author also mentions the financial aspect, stating that such shows often have large budgets and participants should aim to profit from their appearance. He also discusses the strategy of influencing the perception of who is appearing on the show.

Nothing Was Delivered

This section focuses on the author's participation in the TV show, contrasting the 'Queens own Believers' (including figures like Omar Fowler, Philip Kinsella, Nick Pope, David Cayton, Sir Malcolm of Robinson, and Terry Marsh) with the 'Satan's Sceptics' (including the author, Tim Matthews, James Diss, David Hughes, and Dave Clarke). The author recounts the experience of waiting at the studio, observing other participants, and the general atmosphere. He describes the show's format, which included discussions on ufology, genetic engineering, and porn. The author notes the interactions between participants, particularly the smugness of Omar Fowler and the demeanor of Terry Marsh. He also mentions the presence of presenters Kaye Adams and Simon Mayo, and a researcher named Jackie.

The author recounts the screening of video footage, initially provided by Graham B from Mexico City, which was deemed too silly for broadcast. Instead, Omar Fowler presented 'evidence,' which the author dismisses. The author also mentions David Cayton's presentation of a dead and ripped sheep as evidence, which was met with ridicule.

Only Fools And Abductees Smirk

This section continues the narrative of the TV show experience. Philip Kinsella's story about alien tampering is described as being met with laughter from the audience, with the author suggesting Kaye had led him into a trap. Nick Pope's contribution is characterized as 'man from ministry mode,' speaking of significant evidence and upcoming news. Tim Matthews attempts to question Pope about a past abduction claim, but the presenter steers the conversation away. The author then interjects with 'psycho-social' commentary regarding Kinsella and Marsh's experiences. Hypnosis is discussed, with Sir Malcolm of Robinson's analogy about abduction investigation being compared to a workman needing a hammer, to which the author counters that hypnosis is an untested tool that distorts reality.

Tough on ufology - Tough on the causes of ufology (continued)

This section delves into the author's personal reflections and criticisms of the ufology community. He questions the validity of UFO sightings, suggesting that many could be misidentifications, such as pelicans (as in the Kenneth Arnold case). The author criticizes the tendency within ufology to prefer anecdotal stories over hard facts and evidence, labeling such individuals as 'morons.' He recounts his own experiences, including attending conferences and giving talks, and expresses frustration with the lack of critical thinking and the prevalence of 'scary bedtime stories' over genuine research.

Do The Trouser Press, Baby

This section details a specific incident involving Sir Malcolm of Robinson presenting 'the Livingston Trousers' as 'undeniable proof' of something, which the author finds absurd. He describes the presentation as baffling to the studio audience and home viewers, likening it to a comedy act. The author contrasts this with the Bob Taylor case, which he suggests might be related to natural phenomena like ball lightning. The author concludes that for most, Sir Malcolm appeared as a Scotsman holding comedy trousers.

Was It Good For YouToo Darling?

Following the ufology segment, the show moved on to other topics. The author and other participants returned to the green room for food and drink. He reflects on the motivations of some ufologists, suggesting they are primarily interested in fame and financial gain, and that they often fail to grasp the entertainment nature of such shows. The author concludes this part by stating that they left the studio feeling well-fed and amused, having earned some money.

Meanwhile, Back At The Ranch.....

This section shifts focus to the internal politics and perceived dysfunction of BUFORA (British UFO Research Association). The author describes BUFORA as being in a 'mess,' with a small group controlling the organization and allegedly taking money from members without providing value. He criticizes their lack of engagement in actual UFO research and their focus on internal power struggles. The author recounts his own attempts to engage with BUFORA, including a public email forum where he queried their accounts, but received no satisfactory answers. He alleges that BUFORA officials were involved in the 'tent footage' controversy and suggests that the organization is intentionally defrauding its members.

Tough on ufology - Tough on the causes of ufology (continued)

The author continues his critique of BUFORA, detailing a dispute with Dave Newton, who allegedly reacted defensively to criticism and demanded the author cease contact. The author accuses Newton of having 'Victorian attitudes' and a 'wacky' sense of humor. He also mentions John Spencer, who he claims was 'carefully grooming' Newton. The author concludes that BUFORA consistently loses valuable members due to its internal issues.

Join Our Club! NOT!

This section provides a brief history of the 'BUFORA wars,' describing the organization as poorly managed, with a 'ship of fools' running it. The author criticizes Dave Newton for taking over UFO Times and resigning without producing any issues, and Steve Gamble for producing 'hopeless, hapless' bulletins. He questions BUFORA's claim to be the UK's flagship UFO organization.

Tough on ufology - Tough on the causes of ufology (continued)

The author details his own attempts to obtain information from BUFORA regarding the Carl Farlow case, which he and Dave Clarke intended to reinvestigate. He states that his requests, made through Steve 'I don't' Gamble and Gloria Dixon, were ignored. He expresses frustration that BUFORA, which purports to support UFO research, is actively suppressing information. The author notes that the original investigator, Tony Pace, was willing to share the file, highlighting BUFORA's obstructive behavior. He questions whether BUFORA has lost the file or is deliberately withholding it.

Jet!

This section focuses on a specific UFO incident claimed by Max Burns, who alleged that a UFO shot down a Tornado jet over the Peak District moors. The author lists the lack of evidence provided by Burns, including no witness interviews, no pilot names, no serial numbers, and no location details. Despite this lack of verifiable facts, Burns' supporters, including Matthew Williams, Roy Hale, and Miles Johnstone, accepted his claims.

A hoax, a hoax, Max's kingdom for a hoax

This section elaborates on the Max Burns hoax. Burns was contacted by someone named 'Bluehare,' who claimed to be part of an SAS-style crash/retrieval team. Bluehare provided Burns with information and instructions, including meeting at a reservoir. The author points out the obviousness of the hoax, especially when Burns arrived with UFO stickers on his car. Bluehare allegedly provided 'proof' of the events, including photographs. The author notes that Max was facing drug possession charges at the time and had apparently told the courts he was ill, yet was able to participate in this elaborate hoax.

Any Old Iron?...

The author suggests that Max should have 'packed up and go home' after this hoax. He then discusses the 'Burns/Howden Moor (aka Sheffield Incident)' case, urging readers to understand the situation. He warns against 'Masonic Reptilian conspiracy' theories and people desperate to make the Berwyn case their 'Roswell.' The author mentions that Burns was prevented from speaking at BUFORA in 1998 due to concerns about his credibility, but Sir Malcolm of Robinson arranged for him to speak. The author criticizes Burns for making unsubstantiated claims about the case and failing to provide evidence.

The Dark Side Of The Loon

This section describes the aftermath of the Max Burns hoax and the subsequent accusations made by Matthew Williams. Williams claimed that Max had been framed, and that the author, Doktor Klarke, and Tim Matthews were responsible for his charges and false imprisonment. The author dismisses this as a 'nutcase' delusion, illustrating how easily people can construct elaborate conspiracy theories based on unrelated facts and personal disagreements. He argues that this kind of thinking makes ufology easier for those who want to blame others for their own ineptitude.

The author mentions that the debate spilled over to the UFOUpdates email list, where 'Jerry Clarke' realized that too many people were speaking the truth about ufology.

You lookin' At My Bird?

This section discusses the 'Pelicanist' label, which emerged from discussions on UFOUpdates regarding the Kenneth Arnold sighting. The author embraces the label, which was used to dismiss dissenters who questioned the established narrative of Arnold seeing an alien craft. The author argues that Arnold himself did not believe he saw an alien craft and that many things could have been mistaken for UFOs. He criticizes the American ufology community for being humorless and intolerant of dissent, likening it to BUFORA's control by a small group.

The author mentions that the Max Burns issue quieted down, but David Icke was reportedly involved, and Matthew Williams was planning an appeal. He then notes Phil Mantle's heart attack, comparing it to the death of Stuart Smith, and speculates about 'curses.' The author visited Mantle, describing it as 'like old times.'

I suppose a book's out of the question?

This section introduces a book co-authored by the author, Dave and Jenny Randles, titled 'The UFOs That Never Were.' The book is described as a mixture of studies of UK UFO cases that were sensationalized but ultimately turned out to be misperceptions, hoaxes, or misinterpretations. Examples mentioned include Rendlesham, Cracoe, Berwyn, and Sheffield. The author contrasts this type of research, which involves investigating public records and newspaper archives, with the superficial 'research' of some ufologists who rely solely on the internet.

Death don't have no mercy

This section reports on the deaths of two figures in the ufology community: Cath Calvo, a Lancashire ufologist with whom the author rarely agreed but maintained a civil relationship, and Arnold West, a BUFORA stalwart. The author notes that these deaths further destabilize BUFORA, with Gloria Dixon no longer on the Council and other members seemingly disengaged. He suggests this means even less will be done by BUFORA, with more money being wasted.

Baby you can stop my car

This section revisits the Carl Farlow 1967 'car stop' case. The author explains that BUFORA's stated aims include collecting and disseminating UFO evidence and cooperating with others. However, when the author and Dave Clarke sought BUFORA's case file for reinvestigation, their requests were ignored by Steve Gamble and Gloria Dixon. The author criticizes BUFORA for this suppression of information, questioning whether they have lost the file or are deliberately withholding it. He notes that the original investigator, Tony Pace, was willing to share the file, highlighting BUFORA's uncooperative stance.

Tough on ufology - Tough on the causes of ufology (continued)

The author reiterates his criticism of BUFORA's lack of transparency and cooperation. He states that he applied to BUFORA via Steve 'I don't' Gamble and then Gloria Dixon, but received no reply. He suggests that BUFORA members are unable to handle criticism and are preventing access to cases. The author questions BUFORA's commitment to its stated aims and wonders if they have lost the file or are intentionally hiding it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'The Armchair Ufologist' are the critique of ufology as a field riddled with hoaxes, misinterpretations, and internal politics, and the media's role in sensationalizing UFO phenomena. The author maintains a consistently skeptical stance, questioning the validity of claims, the methodologies of researchers, and the integrity of UFO organizations like BUFORA. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, aiming to expose what the author perceives as the 'causes of ufology' – the human factors, biases, and organizational issues that drive the field, rather than genuine evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. The author advocates for rigorous research, factual evidence, and open debate, while condemning what he sees as gullibility, self-deception, and deliberate deception within the ufology community.

This issue of "Tough on ufology - Tough on the causes of ufology" is a critical and often sarcastic examination of the state of ufology, focusing on conferences, key figures, and perceived problems within the field. The author expresses a strong skeptical viewpoint, questioning the validity of many UFO claims and the motivations of those who promote them.

LAPIS Conference Review

The author recounts attending the LAPIS conference, noting a decline in attendance and the formation of a separate group by Sam Wright. Despite this, the atmosphere was described as 'bracing sea air'. The conference began with a talk by Jon Downes, whose social interactions were found more interesting than his ufological tales. Jon Downes is humorously compared to Blackadder's Bishop of Bath & Wells, with praise for his knowledge of music.

Nigel Wright and Jon Downes presented on their book "Rising of the Moon," which the author found to be a stitched-together adventure story. The presentation was notable for the 'visual aid' of a four-pack of Stella, which Jon Downes consumed.

Notable Personalities and Encounters

The author describes encountering 'Posh and Becks of ufology,' the Lady Jafaar and Sir Malcolm of Robinson, who were ignoring the author. They also mention seeing Graham Birdsall, Nick Redfern, Irene Bott, and Tracy. Tim Matthews is noted for handing out leaflets for a rally.

A pub lunch followed, leading into Jose Escamilla's lecture on 'Rods: Discover of a New Life Form.' The author dismisses this as film faults, criticizing the gullibility of the audience. The author also mentions missing Nick Redfern's FBI File lecture, deeming the FBI an anagram of 'fib.'

Critiques of Ufological Claims and Personalities

The article delves into various controversial figures and claims. Matthew Williams is mentioned for his 'cowboys and Indians' activities inside military bases. George Wingfield is discussed in relation to the 'alien autopsy' and his accusations against Rob Irving, Rod Dickinson, and John Lumberg, whom he believes are responsible for hoaxed crop circles.

George Wingfield also expressed skepticism about Tony Dodd's evidence. The author then critiques Larry O'Hara's publication, "At War With The Universe," calling it a 'Mad Rant of the Millennium' and labeling O'Hara and Steve Booth as 'Grade A pillocks.' O'Hara's interpretation of Tim Matthews' political past and his alleged connections are scrutinized.

UFOIN and Political Interpretations

The article touches on the internal politics of ufology, mentioning UFOIN and the author's belief that Larry O'Hara misunderstands the communication systems and allegiances within the subject. The author dismisses O'Hara's claims about Tim Matthews being influenced by 'paymasters' or the government.

Max Burns Case and Dave Moncur

The 'Max Burns case' is revisited, with the author noting its persistence despite poor evidence. Dave Moncur, a Scottish ufologist, is investigating the case and has spoken to 'Dr. Klarke.' Moncur believes Max Burns was 'set up' on drug charges, a claim linked to Sharon Larkin's similar experience. The author finds this 'evidence' to be concocted.

UFO Politics and 'Darksiders'

The author expresses disdain for what they call 'darksiders' who create elaborate conspiracies based on flimsy evidence. They criticize the tendency to interpret any opposition or altered statement as proof of a cover-up. The article also mentions the 'Sonderburo 13' hoax and criticizes ufologists for not checking sources. The author also finds chart music to be 'utter, utter crap.'

Dr. Moncur's Spacebook

Dave Moncur is described as a ufologist who previously believed in ufology's 'darkside.' He is now investigating the 'Max Burns case' and has spoken to 'Dr. Klarke,' whom he calls 'one of the most repugnant people I have dealt with.' Moncur and the author disagree on the case, with Moncur believing Burns was 'set up.' The author questions Moncur's sources and his knowledge of the case.

Conclusion on Ufology

The author concludes that many in ufology are driven by belief rather than reality, and that figures like Larry O'Hara and Tim Matthews are 'way off the mark.' The article ends with a call to action to practice 'sorceries' against these people, for the 'sheer fun of it.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards UFO claims, criticism of prominent ufologists and their methods, and an exposé of perceived hoaxes and political maneuvering within the ufology community. The editorial stance is overwhelmingly critical and dismissive of much of what is presented as ufological fact, advocating for a more rigorous and evidence-based approach. The author frequently uses sarcasm and humor to underscore their points.