Computer UFO Newsletter - Experimental issue 1985 05

Magazine Overview

Title: THE COMPUTER UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: Experimental Issue
Date: May 1985
Publisher: Not specified
Country: ITALY
Language: English

Introduction and Editorial Stance

This experimental issue of "The Computer UFO Newsletter" marks the debut of a new publication dedicated to the intersection of ufology and computer technology. The newsletter aims to be an independent platform for presenting research, discussions, and works related to the UFO mystery, with a particular focus on how computers can be utilized in this field. Contributions are welcomed from all researchers with personal experience, and the exchange of publications dealing with ufology is encouraged.

The newsletter is envisioned as an aperiodical publication, intended to be released four to six times per year. It will be available in a computerized version, compatible with floppy disk or cassette for the Commodore-64 microcomputer. The editor, Maurizio Verga, emphasizes that the existence and success of the newsletter depend on the contributions of its readers. The editorial stance is open and collaborative, seeking to build a community of ufologists who leverage computational tools.

Content and Focus Areas

The primary matters to be developed in the newsletter are outlined as follows:

• Presentation of computer-prepared works: Sharing projects, whether completed or planned, that have been developed using a computer.
• Common codification and database: Exploring the possibility of establishing a standardized procedure for data codification and creating a shared database for UFO information.
• Data exchange: Investigating methods for data exchange between different computer systems.
• Computer census: Surveying the types of computers available to ufologists.
• Network linking: Examining the potential for linking computers via modem.
• Statistical processing: Proposing models and methods for statistical analysis of UFO data using existing home/personal computer programs.

Furthermore, the exchange of software and personal experiences with computers is also considered valuable.

"The Italian Scene" - Computer & Ufology in Italy: An Abstract

This section details the burgeoning use of computers in ufology within Italy during 1984. Beyond simple applications like mail lists and bibliographies, significant efforts have been directed towards creating UFO event catalogs. The computers predominantly used by Italian ufologists are the Commodore-64 (at least 8 or 9 units) and Apple II (6 or 7 units), with some having access to more advanced systems such as PC IBM, Olivetti M-20 & M-24, and IBM/34.

Several key projects are highlighted:

• Texas Instruments 990/I Project: All Italian UFO cases from the 1980s have been stored on a Texas Instruments 990/I. Each entry includes date, hour, place, province, classification, and available sources. Statistical analyses have been performed, including unidentified flying object (UFO) events. Edited by E. Russo in Turin, this work aims to continuously update the Italian UFO casuistry using a computer.
• P. Fiorino's Catalogue: Using a similar computer and database program, P. Fiorino is finalizing his catalog of Italian CE3 (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) events. This project has stored approximately 300 events and thousands of sources, including hoaxes and claims from contactees.
• C.U.N. Network Project: The Centro Ufologico Nazionale (C.U.N.), the largest Italian ufology group, has initiated a project to computerize Italian UFO casuistry through a "network" of Commodore-64 computers. Italian ufologists with this machine receive a common database to store their local UFO data on a provincial or regional basis. According to the project, at least 25% of known Italian UFO casuistry (several thousand cases) was expected to be available on computer by the end of 1985. Data is intended to be accessible via floppy disk or cassette. As the Commodore-64 has limitations for complex statistical analysis, C.U.N. members are seeking interfaces and software to transfer data to more powerful personal computers like Apple IIc or PC IBM.
• M. Verga's ITACAT: Maurizio Verga has created a computerized version of his ITACAT (Italian Catalogue of Type-1 events) on a Commodore 64. This program is structured as a four-part series, offering detailed information on screen and a powerful database capable of processing 425 entries for entering, correcting, printing, sorting, and ordering data. Special attention has been given to graphics, with color TV or monitor use strongly recommended. The program includes written explanations on ITACAT and its usage.
• M. Verga's Sightings Catalogues: Verga has also prepared two other catalogues of Italian sightings: one for "negative" (IFO - Identified Flying Object) events, containing about 100 entries, and another for Italian trace cases, comprising around 160 entries. These programs are designed as simple reference works.

Copies of these programs and their reports, along with more detailed information, can be requested from the address of "The Computer UFO Newsletter".

Call for Papers

Authors are encouraged to prepare their texts using a word processor. For Commodore-64 owners, the use of "Easy Script" is strongly recommended, with specific standards provided for margins (Left 5, Right 75), text length (55), justification, and headings/footings (two spaces from start/bottom of page). Texts written on other computer systems should adhere to similar standards. Authors are invited to supply a printed copy along with the file generated by the word processor on a floppy disk or cassette. C-64 files can be provided without a printed version, but the latter is preferred. Papers composed on a typewriter should be double-spaced, with sketches and diagrams on separate sheets for easier reproduction. All papers must be in English; French language may be accepted exceptionally. Contributions are free of charge and will be published as soon as possible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this experimental issue revolve around the integration of computer technology into ufological research. There is a strong emphasis on data management, analysis, and sharing among researchers. The editorial stance is one of open collaboration and technological advancement, aiming to modernize the study of UFOs through computational tools. The newsletter positions itself as a vital resource for ufologists seeking to leverage the power of personal computers for their investigations.