Computer UFO Newsletter - Vol 1 no 2 - 1985 11

Magazine Overview

Title: THE COMPUTER UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: Volume 01, Number 02
Date: November 1985
Publisher: CUFON
Country: ITALY
Language: English

This second issue of "The Computer UFO Newsletter" arrives with a delay due to the editor's involvement in organizing an important UFO congress. The newsletter is now exclusively for paying subscribers, as printing and posting costs necessitate this model to ensure continued publication. The editor emphasizes the importance of new subscribers and their publicity efforts.

Editorial

The editor apologizes for the delay in publishing this second issue, explaining that it was caused by preparations for a UFO congress. The publication is now strictly subscription-based to cover costs, and the editor expresses a preference for a dedicated readership over a large, temporary audience. Publicity from new subscribers is considered crucial.

The newsletter announces new subscription rates due to recent increases in postal charges. Remittances must be made via International Postal Money Order or banknotes, as cheques are not accepted due to a 3 US$ collection charge.

CUFON is also involved in other projects beyond publishing. One such project is the "Offer of software" section, and another ambitious idea is being considered.

COMPUFON: A Computer UFO Network

The newsletter highlights COMPUFON, a Computer UFO Network directed by Michael Hart. This network is founded on a PC IBM and is planned to integrate with a 20Mbyte hard disc, significantly expanding its information storage capacity. COMPUFON features various command files, including:

• "Announcements": A section for items of interest to ufologists.
• "Acronyms": A compilation of ufology-related acronyms.
• "A/SP Review": Full pages from the monthly newsletter "Aerial/Space Phenomena Review", edited by Raymond Keller & Steve Firmani.
• "F.O.I.A. papers": A list of names and items mentioned in F.O.I.A. documents.
• "Public Mail": The mailbox section.
• "Read Report": A file to log UFO sightings or access the private mail section.
• "Video": A list of available videotapes, movies, and tapes.

Michael Hart's address is provided: P.O. Box 954, Duvall, WA 98019, U.S.A.

European UFO Bulletin Board Project

The editor discusses the current state of computer networking in Europe compared to the United States. While the US has numerous bulletin boards and modems in use, Europe lags behind, with only a few people possessing modems and early bulletin boards emerging. The poor status of phone lines in Italy further complicates data exchange.

To address this, the editor is projecting the creation of a European UFO Bulletin Board, with the software expected from the U.S. The aim is to have it operational by January 1986, even if initial connectivity is limited. This project is seen as an experiment to understand how such a service can benefit ufology and to gain experience for a future regular service once modems become more widespread among European ufologists. The time between the experimental and operative stages will be used to prepare UFO documents for the bulletin board. The system will initially run on a Commodore 64, with plans to expand to a Commodore 128. The editor acknowledges the limitations of the Commodore 64's hardware and seeks opinions and suggestions from CUFON readers.

Change of Minimum Fee

Due to a recent increase in Italian postal charges, the minimum fee for receiving six issues of the newsletter has been raised. The US dollar exchange rate has also been adjusted. The new rates are:

• Surface Mail: 14,500 Italian lire (8 US$)
• Air Mail: 20,000 Italian lire (11.5 US$)

A database project: UFODOC by Henry Kampherbeek

This section details a database project called UFODOC, developed by Henry Kampherbeek, a Dutch researcher. UFODOC is designed to create, handle, and consult a catalogue of Dutch and Belgian UFO cases using a computer. The current version is implemented on a Commodore 64 and is at an experimental stage.

How it all started

Kampherbeek initiated the project out of frustration with the scattered nature of UFO literature. He began by making notes on small cards, creating a private UFO catalogue. When this collection grew to about 1000-1100 cards, it became unmanageable, leading him to purchase a Commodore 64 computer. He contacted the SVL (Group for study of Strange Aerial Phenomena) in Belgium in May 1984, receiving suggestions that led to the final concept of UFODOC.

The Material to be Coded

The intention is to catalogue UFO-like cases from the Netherlands and Belgium. This includes IFO (Identified Flying Object) cases, as studies of IFOs are considered vital to ufology, citing A. Hendry's "The UFO handbook". The system allows for coding 22 evaluations. The material for the catalogue will be sourced from various publications, and the advantage of multiple sources is that material on a case can be found more easily. A future facility will distinguish primary from secondary records, with the best source providing the primary description.

The Record-Format

UFODOC uses a standardized format for computer processing, unlike traditional catalogues. The format includes:

• DATE (8 positions)
• GEOGRAPHICAL CODE (3 positions)
• FREE TEXT (<80 positions)
• CODED DESCRIPTION (<91 positions)
• EVALUATION (3 positions)
• SOURCE REFERENCE (<80 positions)

The mean record length is expected to be 60-70 positions, with a maximum of 174. The coded descriptions use 3-position codes, where the first position signifies the subject (e.g., 'i' for identification), and all identification codes must start with 'i'. The second and third positions provide actual information.

The Limited Storage Capacity of a Commodore 64 and the Block-Concept

UFODOC is implemented on a Commodore 64 with limited free BASIC memory and a 170k floppy disk drive. To manage this, a direct access concept is avoided. Files are sequential and divided into blocks, each covering a specific time period (e.g., 1945, 1946-1955). Only one block can be accessed at a time, requiring sequential processing. The program "ufodoc1" supports the creation and handling of these blocks, based on tested file-handling methods from another application with 7000 records. Blocks are expected to be 10-15 Kilobytes, containing approximately 200 records each, with an average record length of 60-70 characters.

Availability of UFODOC

When available, UFODOC will be a package including a description, a catalogue, and a program. Options for tape, disk (CBM 1541 format), or print-out will be provided. The package will be available by exchange or at cost-price. Multiple releases are planned, with version one potentially containing 300-400 cases, and subsequent versions increasing the number. The estimated number of events in the area is 1800.

Some Possible Applications

Potential applications of UFODOC include:

1. Comparing Descriptions: Bringing together various descriptions of an observation to gain deeper insight and compare sensational accounts with critical ones. This also enhances the ability to find material on a case.
2. Comparable Case Catalogues: Creating catalogues of comparable cases is valuable for studying UFO characteristics, traces, interference, and abductions. It can also aid field research by providing access to recognized meteor cases reported as UFOs for identification comparisons.
3. Coded Casuistry: Making casuistry available in coded form for individuals who cannot read original descriptions due to language barriers.

Conclusion

The UFODOC program is ready, pending minor changes, and the editor is prepared to start compiling the catalogue. Challenges are anticipated in finding proper material, especially for older cases, but an intensive search for old Dutch and Belgian UFO material is planned. The underrepresentation of older cases is a common problem that highlights the need for collecting available material.

SUGGESTIONS FOR A METHODOLOGY IN COMPUTERIZATION OF CASES AND REPORTS (part two)

This section, authored by Piergiovanni D'Orazio and Gianfranco Lollino, continues a discussion on standardizing the computerization of UFO case reports. It outlines a detailed file of reports with specific fields and their corresponding data types (S for string, C for coded).

FILE OF REPORTS:

1. REPORT NUMBER - S
2. CASE NUMBER (related to the case file) - S
3. CLASSIFICATION (same as case file) - C
4. DATE (MM/DD/YY) - S
5. TIME (HH/MM/SS) - S
6. PLACE (Sighting spot) - S
7. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPOT (witness's description, e.g., hilly, swampy, forest, coast) - S
8. ALTITUDE A.S.L. (witness's reference) - S
9. LONGITUDE (witness's reference) - S
10. LATITUDE (witness's reference) - S
11. GEOGRAPHIC ASPECT (as for 7, but referred to the UFO) - S
12. GEOLOGICAL ASPECT - S
13. PLANTS AND INSTALLATIONS - S
14. SIGHTING CONDITIONS (coded: -1. aboard moving vehicle with windows, -2. aboard moving vehicle without windows, -3. in a room or aboard stationary vehicle with windows, -4. in open air or room/aboard stationary vehicle without windows, -5. aboard an aircraft, -6. aboard a spaceship) - C
15. WEATHER CONDITIONS - S
16. TEMPERATURE OF THE PLACE - S
17. CONCURRING EVENTS - S
18. MINIMUM DISTANCE - S
19. DURATION - S
20. NUMBER OF OBJECTS - S
21. SHAPE (description of objects in witness's words + corresponding codes from UFO appearance recognition and identification test procedure) - S+C
22. CONSISTENCY - S
23. MAXIMUM ANGULAR SIZE - S
24. MAXIMUM LINEAR SIZE - S
25. COLOR - S
26. LUMINOSITY - S
27. INTENSITY - S
28. BEAMS, HALOS AND TRAILS - S
29. ELEVATION - S
30. ALTITUDE (in meters) - S
31. PROCEEDING DIRECTION - S
32. DISAPPEARING DIRECTION (coded: -1.north to -15.northwest) - C
33. ANGULAR SPEED (degrees per second) - S
34. LINEAR SPEED (kilometers per second) - S
35. TRAJECTORY - S
36. MANOEUVERS - S
37. START OF SIGHTING (how it appeared) - S
38. END OF SIGHTING (how it disappeared) - S
39. CAUSE OF START OF SIGHTING - S
40. OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS (coded: -1.naked eye, -2.contact lenses, -3.glasses, -4.binoculars, -5.telescope, -6.camera or cine-camera, -7.none or by radar) - C
41. SOUNDS - S
42. ODORS - S
43. THERMAL EFFECTS ON MEN - S
44. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON MEN - S
45. PSYCHIC EFFECTS ON MEN - S
46. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON ANIMALS - S
47. PSYCHIC EFFECTS ON ANIMALS - S
48. EFFECTS ON VEGETATION - S
49. ELECTROMAGNETIC EFFECTS - S
50. LIGHT EFFECTS - S
51. TIME EFFECTS - S
52. MECHANICAL EFFECTS - S
53. TRACES AND RESIDUAL MATERIALS - S
54. INSTRUMENTAL SURVEYS - S
55. NAME (witness's surname and name) - S
56. AGE - S
57. CONJUGAL STATE (coded) - C

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the integration of computer technology into ufological research. This includes the development of databases for case management (UFODOC), the establishment of online networks (COMPUFON), and the proposal of standardized methodologies for computerizing UFO reports. The editorial stance, as expressed by Maurizio Verga, is one of dedication to the serious study of ufology through technological means, emphasizing the need for a committed readership and the practical challenges of publishing such specialized material. The newsletter positions itself as a platform for researchers to share their work and discussions, particularly those involving computer applications in the field.

This issue of 'Proposals' (pages 11-20) focuses on the intersection of ufology and computing, with a strong emphasis on data management, software, and the establishment of a common database for UFO events. The publication appears to be a newsletter or journal aimed at ufologists, likely from around 1985, given the software and computer models mentioned.

Data Collection and Cataloging Systems

The issue extensively details the TASCAT program, developed by Paul Jackson, Director of T.U.F.O.I.C. (Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre). TASCAT is described as a UFO catalogue program initially written in BASIC for the Commodore VIC-20 and later updated for the Commodore 64. It was based on a listing of Tasmanian UFO cases compiled by Keith Roberts. The program allows for the entry, search, display, and modification of UFO sighting data, storing it in sequential files. The technical details of TASCAT's operation, including menu options and data entry procedures, are provided, along with notes on how to handle missing data or errors.

Towards a Common Database

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the concept of a common UFO database. Paul Jackson initiates a debate on the importance of creating a unified database, questioning whether new software is needed or if existing commercial databases (like Superbase for C-64 users) or spreadsheet programs (like Multiplan) could be adapted. The goal is to facilitate easier data exchange among ufologists and to avoid redundant efforts in cataloging similar entries. Readers are encouraged to submit their opinions and suggestions for this initiative.

Software Exchange and Offers

The 'Offer of Software' section continuously updates readers on available UFO-related software. It highlights that contributions are fundamental for the completeness of this section and that any available software for any computer is welcome. The prices listed are intended to cover postage and packing, serving as a small financing mechanism for the newsletter. Specific software titles are listed with their respective computer platforms (primarily Commodore 64), descriptions, and prices. Examples include:

• ITACAT manuscript: A whole manuscript about the Italian catalogue of Type-1 events, loaded via 'Easy Script' w.p., on three floppy discs.
• ITACAT Release 1.1: An improved version with graphics and English utilities.
• ITACAT N Release 1.1
• TRACAT Release 1.1
• E.D.A. (S.D.P. Sighting Data Processing): English version.
• Temporal/geographical analyses: With display of bar graphs about Italian Type-1 events, loaded through the 'Stat 64' package.
• Record of 1985 Italian UFO newsclippings: To be loaded via 'Superbase' program.
• Various files from Swedish group A.F.U.: Including a 1946 'ghost rockets' preliminary catalogue, full mail list, and coded index of UFO matters.

Computer Census of Ufologists

Following up on a previous issue, this section presents an expanded 'Computer Census' of researchers and ufologists working with computers. The list, which has more than doubled in size, was significantly aided by Michael Hart, who supplied names, addresses, and machine types of COMPUFON members (98 at the end of October '85). The entries are sorted by computer type, indicating that Commodore and Apple computers are the most common among ufologists. The census includes names, nationalities, and computer models, spanning a range of systems from Commodore 64 and Apple II series to Atari, IBM, Spectrum, TRS, and VIC 20. The publication notes that not all listed individuals are active researchers but may be interested amateurs. Future issues will feature new names only, not the full list.

News and Wanted Items

Under the 'News' section, there is a 'Wanted' notice for publications on methods to obtain corrections for digitalised photos. Interested parties are directed to write to Yves Chosson in Nancy, France.

Proposals for Data Network

Another section discusses the 'Next necessary step' of realizing a data network. The idea is for researchers to connect their microcomputers to a central data store, accessing the same information. While acknowledging that such networks are feasible in the United States, the text points out that the situation in Italy is different. An 'indirect' network is proposed, where researchers organize their own data files and share them through widespread circulation of data on tapes or floppy diskettes, aiming to achieve similar results to a real data network. International collaboration is emphasized as crucial for obtaining useful and durable benefits in UFO research.

Contributors

Key individuals mentioned include Paul Jackson, Keith Roberts, David Lawrence, Pier Giovanni D'Orazio, Gianfranco Lollino, Maurizio Verga, Yves Chosson, and Michael Hart. The contributions range from software development and data cataloging to organizing research groups and facilitating communication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing role of computers in ufology, the need for standardized data collection and sharing, and the promotion of international collaboration. The editorial stance is forward-looking, advocating for technological solutions to advance UFO research and encouraging active participation from the ufologist community. The publication aims to be a resource for information exchange, software availability, and the development of shared research tools.