Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1982 06

Magazine Overview

Title: BASIS
Issue: Vol.1, No.1
Date: June 1982

This document is the premier issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, a newly formed organization dedicated to the critical examination of paranormal claims. The newsletter announces the founding of the organization, its affiliation as the first local chapter of CSICOP (The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), and introduces its key members and their roles.

Bay Area Skeptics Founded

The founding of the Bay Area Skeptics is described as an accomplishment that took just over one month, a rapid realization in a world often perceived as bogged down by bureaucracy. The newsletter highlights the growing awareness among individuals in the Bay Area who are interested in skeptically investigating paranormal phenomena. This sentiment is directly linked to the Statement of Principles of CSICOP.

The inspiration for forming the organization is attributed to a telephone conversation with Robert Sheaffer, who proposed the name "LET'S FORM AN ORGANIZATION OF BAY AREA SKEPTICS!". This idea was met with immediate acceptance from the author, the Executive Council of CSICOP, and other local skeptics. The newsletter expresses gratitude to Paul Kurtz, Phil Klass, and James Randi, along with other members of CSICOP's Executive Council, for their swift and considerable support.

Who We Are

This section invites interested individuals to join the Bay Area Skeptics. The founding members are listed with their affiliations and professions:

• Lawrence Jerome: Fellow of CSICOP, science writer, engineer.
• Wallace I. Sampson, M.D.: Member of the Paranormal Health Claims Subcommittee of CSICOP, and an outspoken critic of health fraud.
• Terence J. Sandbek: Member of the Education Subcommittee of CSICOP, Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Psychology at American River College.
• Robert Sheaffer: Fellow of CSICOP, science writer, designer of micro-processor software, and an "alert idea man."
• Robert A. Steiner: Consultant to CSICOP, Member of the Education Subcommittee, CPA, magician, writer, and lecturer.

Where We Are

Contact information, including area codes, addresses, and phone numbers, is provided for Robert Sheaffer (408 Area Code), Bob Steiner (415 Area Code), and Terry Sandbek (916 Area Code). The mailing address for the Bay Area Skeptics is also listed as Box 659, El Cerrito, CA 94530.

Positions Open

The newsletter outlines various ways individuals can contribute and participate:

• Subscribers: A minimum contribution of $5.00 per year keeps individuals on the mailing list for updates on activities and challenges.
• Friends, Supporters, Contributors: These are general categories for involvement.
• Editor: Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Robert Sheaffer or Bob Steiner.
• Publisher: Assistance is sought from someone with copying equipment and computer mailing list capabilities.
• Scientific and Technical Consultants: Those with investigative skills or considerable critical judgment are invited to contact Robert Sheaffer.
• Writers: Individuals with contributions for the newsletter should send their copy to Bob Steiner. Those with significant contributions or organizational skills are encouraged to consider the editor role.
• Media persons: Interested parties are asked to contact any of the listed members.
• Other interested parties: A catch-all category for any other interested individuals.

Are Your Contributions Tax-Deductible?

The newsletter expresses a tentative opinion that contributions are likely tax-deductible, as the Bay Area Skeptics are covered under CSICOP's tax-exempt status. A formal answer is expected by the next issue of "BASIS."

A Founding Party!

A founding party was announced for Saturday, June 26, 1982, at 7:30 P.M. at the home of Bob Steiner. The event was described as an opportunity for skeptics to meet each other and would include "snacks, conversation (REAL conversation), magic, planning, challenges, intellectual stimulation, and more." Attendees were encouraged to bring a spouse or date and other sincere skeptics. Smoking was to be permitted outside on the patio, and it was a BYOB event.

Directions to Bob Steiner's home at 6000 Avila Avenue, Apt. D, El Cerrito, CA 94530, are provided.

Time for a Commercial

A $5.00 contribution is reiterated as the annual subscription fee for the mailing list. Contributions of any amount are welcome. Checks should be made payable to Bay Area Skeptics and mailed to their El Cerrito address.

Is There a Need?

This section questions the need for the Bay Area Skeptics by referencing an article from Rev. B. Woods Mattingley's newsletter, "The Seeker's Quest." Mattingley's article, "Why Do We Suffer Pain?", suggests that serious illness can be attributed to reasons such as karmic debt from past lives. The newsletter counters this by stating that those suffering pain do not need guilt piled on top of it, implying a critique of such explanations.

Disclaimer and Reprint Information

Opinions expressed in "BASIS" are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Bay Area Skeptics, its board, or its advisors. The document notes that the content consists of selected articles from the June 1982 premier issue. Information on obtaining a free sample copy is provided, including contact details for Bay Area Skeptics and "The Skeptic's Board" BBS. The copyright is noted as (C) 1989 BAY AREA SKEPTICS, with reprints requiring credit to "BASIS, newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the establishment and purpose of the Bay Area Skeptics. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting scientific skepticism, critical thinking, and the investigation of paranormal claims in a rational manner. The organization positions itself as a counterpoint to what it perceives as unfounded or harmful beliefs, particularly those related to health and suffering. The emphasis is on community building among like-minded individuals and providing a platform for discussion and action within the skeptical movement.