Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1982 07

Magazine Overview

Title: BASIS
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 2
Date: July 1982
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Editor: Bob Steiner

This issue of 'BASIS', the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, is the second publication and serves as an information sheet for the organization. The Bay Area Skeptics is identified as the first local chapter of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP).

Reactions to the Founding

The "REACTION" section presents a collection of positive feedback from various individuals regarding the establishment of the Bay Area Skeptics. Paul Kurtz, Chairman of CSICOP, congratulates the organization on its first issue. Other notable figures, including Michael McCarthy, Lawrence A. William, M.D., Andy Neher, Andrew Fraknoi, Richard L. Goode, M.D., Ray Hyman, and William A. McConnell, express their enthusiasm and willingness to support or consult for the new group. The editor notes that the list of credentials for these individuals would take up significant space, indicating the caliber of people involved. The overall reaction is described as good, considerable, and expanding.

A "True Believer" Speaks

This short, anecdotal piece describes a party where the author gave a "demonstration of ESP" which was later revealed to be trickery. A woman in the audience, upon learning it was a trick, demanded to know how the author was certain it was trickery, highlighting a persistent belief in the paranormal despite evidence to the contrary.

BAS Founding Party

Written by Robert Sheaffer, this article recounts the first organizational meeting and social gathering of the Bay Area Skeptics, held on June 26 at Bob Steiner's home. Before the social event, the Directors held a brief meeting where no permanent editor for 'BASIS' was appointed, with Bob Steiner continuing to edit on a temporary basis. Approximately $135 had been contributed for stationery, copying, and mailing. The Charter of BAS was discussed and adopted. The party itself featured good food, fun, and stimulating conversation. Attendees included Board members Jerome, Sampson, Sandbek, Sheaffer, and Steiner, along with notable figures such as psychologist Ray Hyman (a founding Fellow of CSICOP), Professor Jack Patterson, inventor Ridgway Banks, chemist Kenneth Bomben, astronomer Donald Goldsmith, psychologist William McConnell, writer Michael McCarthy, magician Charles Nyquist, and 'Chronicle' reporter Michael Robertson, among others. The article humorously notes that some names may have been lost to the "Bermuda Triangle" after drinks. During the party, Bob Steiner demonstrated "psychic abilities" through card identification, precognition of a newspaper sentence, and psychokinesis. Terry Sandbek also performed psychic feats, including telepathic card discovery. Robert Sheaffer then telepathically transmitted a card's identity to his wife in another room. The audience, composed of skeptics, was amused but not convinced, viewing these demonstrations as tricks.

An editor's note clarifies that these demonstrations were "all in fun and was all tricks" and that any quotes must include this clarification.

Are Your Contributions Tax Deductible? (Revisited)

This brief section indicates that research for tax deductibility of contributions has been completed, and the filing process is pending. The organization anticipates approval as a recognized subordinate of CSICOP after filing with the IRS.

The Sacramento Scene

Authored by Terence J. Sandbek, Ph.D., this article discusses the prevalence of paranormal beliefs and discussions in Sacramento, California. Despite not having the same appeal as San Francisco or Los Angeles, Sacramento, as the state capitol, is described as a "hotbed of distorted thinking on paranormal events." The author points to the city's talk shows, with two competing local radio stations, as a primary venue for this phenomenon. Audience response to psychics on these shows is often frenetic, leading media outlets (described as profit-making ventures) to promote their appearances. The article emphasizes the widespread acceptance of psychics and similar individuals in the area, not to attack the media, but to highlight this acceptance. Sandbek announces that in the next column, he and Bob Steiner will share their experiences posing as psychics on Sacramento talk shows.

Scientific Consultants

Compiled by Robert Sheaffer, this section lists the individuals who have joined BAS as scientific consultants. The list includes:

• Kenneth D. Bomben, Ph.D., chemist at U.C. Berkeley.
• William Cromack, M.D., San Mateo, psychiatrist.
• Donald Goldsmith, Ph.D., Berkeley, astronomer, textbook author.
• Ray Hyman, Ph.D., psychologist, Stanford University.
• Ronald Hipschmann, Ph.D., educator, The Exploratorium, San Francisco.
• Michael McCarthy, San Lorenzo, science writer.
• William McConnell, Ph.D., psychologist, Community Health Services, San Francisco.
• Andrew Neher, psychologist, Cabrillo College, Aptos.
• Lawrence A. William, M.D., Mountain View.

The list is noted as incomplete, with invitations extended to others who have not yet replied. The author encourages potential consultants to get in touch.

"BASIS" Marches On

This section is a thank you note from the editor to the supporters and contributors of 'BASIS'. Bob Steiner expresses his pleasure in editing the newsletter due to the positive feedback and contributions. He encourages continued support and mentions that contributions from "Mike" and "Ken" will appear in the next issue. Special thanks are given to Dan Byrd for handling all aspects of publishing, including printing, mailing list processing, labels, and mailing, with a suggestion for readers to patronize his services.

Disclaimer and Reprint Information

An important disclaimer states that opinions expressed in 'BASIS' are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of BAS, its board, or its advisors. The issue also provides information on how to obtain a free sample copy of 'BASIS' by mail or through a BBS and a voice hotline. The copyright is held by BAY AREA SKEPTICS (1982), and reprints must credit 'BASIS, newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, 4030 Moraga, San Francisco, CA 94122-3928.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the establishment and growth of the Bay Area Skeptics as an organization dedicated to skepticism and the scientific investigation of paranormal claims. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking and rational inquiry, as evidenced by the organization's affiliation with CSICOP and the selection of scientific consultants. The content aims to engage readers with both serious discussions about the prevalence of paranormal beliefs in society (e.g., Sacramento talk shows) and lighthearted, yet illustrative, anecdotes (e.g., the founding party demonstrations, the 'true believer' story) that underscore the skeptical perspective. The newsletter actively seeks community involvement and feedback, positioning itself as a platform for disseminating skeptical viewpoints and fostering a community of like-minded individuals.