Computer UFO Newsletter - Vol 1 no 4 - 1986 04

Magazine Overview

Title: THE COMPUTER UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: Volume 01, Number 04
Date: April 1986
Publisher: Italian Center for UFO Studies (I.C.U.F.O.S.)
Country: Italy
Language: English

This issue of The Computer UFO Newsletter is dedicated to exploring the integration of computer technology within the field of ufology. It aims to present research, discussions, and works that utilize computers for the study of UFO phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial section addresses several key points relevant to the newsletter and its readership.

"Becassine" File Development

The editor discusses the progress on the "Becassine" file, a database program for C-64 and C-128 computers, built using "SUPERBASE 128". This file structure has been expanded with twelve new fields, including one for the hour of the event and ten for case sources. The implementation on the Commodore 128 is complete, with the C-64 version expected soon. The editor highlights the program's powerful options for processing casuistry and mentions that the software will be presented in the "Offer of software" section of the next CUFON issue. Information can be requested directly from the editor.

Call for Contributions

There is an urgent appeal for new contributions to the newsletter, as existing material will be exhausted by the next issue. Despite the availability of some documents and the potential for readers to write new ones, contributions have been scarce in the preceding months. The editor emphasizes the importance of presenting researchers' works and suggestions, acknowledging that ufology is often a hobby. The newsletter's continuation beyond the current volume is at risk without increased reader involvement.

Computer Exchange Project (R.U.C.)

The editorial mentions an ongoing project in Italy by R.U.C. (part of C.I.S.U.) to facilitate data exchange between C-64 and Apple computers. The goal is to leverage the capabilities of both popular microcomputers. Although the importance of this may seem reduced with the advent of the Commodore 128, R.U.C. considers it a valuable endeavor. Two interfaces and software have been developed, and tests are underway. Readers interested in C-64 to Apple II file conversions are invited to contact the editor.

COMPUFON Restart and COMPUFOMNET

The COMPUFON service is restarting with a new name and structure: COMPUFOMNET (COMPuter UFO Management NETwork). This network will allow members to connect for a few evenings per week. Michael Hart, the director of COMPUFOMNET, has approached the restart with caution due to past issues. The editor invites Mr. Hart to contribute an article about the network's aims and available material. A question is posed about whether CUFON can establish a similar service in Europe.

R.U.C. Case Storage

The R.U.C. (Italian Computer UFO Network) is storing cases from local casuistries on C-64 computers using a common database. It is estimated that they will have approximately 2,500-3,000 stored cases within three to four months.

Census of Computer Ufologists

Following up on a previous issue (CUFON 2), the newsletter presents an updated list of individuals who own personal/microcomputers and are involved in ufology. The list, as of March 1986, includes names, countries, and the computer systems they use, such as Apple IIe, C-64, QL Sinclair, Spectrum, and Tandy 1000.

The "Becassine" File: A Detailed Look

This section delves deeper into the "Becassine" file, a project aimed at systematically coding and analyzing UFO reports.

What Has Been Made

• The coding booklet for the "Becassine" file has been completed. All necessary programs for exploiting the file, except those for statistical analysis, have been developed. The system allows users to:
• Code a case (the coding booklet can be attached to the screen or stored as a disk file).
• Draw a coded list of cases.
• Modify fields within a record.
• Select groups of cases based on specific criteria (e.g., number of witnesses, time of occurrence, location, presence of footprints).

Manual coding has reached over 1,200 cases, and contributions are welcomed to increase this number. Computer coding is expected to begin soon.

Coding Rules

• The coding booklet is available upon request. Each case is coded within 128 characters, with the first eight used for storage and characteristics. The coding system is not compatible with existing codings, which are deemed insufficient or overly detailed for the project's aims. The primary criteria for coding are:
• Minimizing the loss of useful information.
• Allowing for easy and automatic exploitation of the data.

These criteria lead to compromises, but the aim is to achieve a balanced approach. The coding includes 47 headings, covering UFOs (11), entities (9), and other details like witness behavior and circumstances (14).

Bias and Contradictions

The issue of coding bias is fundamental. The use of a single coder and carefully designed sub-headings aim to mitigate this. However, subjective elements like UFO shape, perceived sounds, and the "deepness of interaction" may still present challenges. Stability tests will be necessary during the coding process. The newsletter also addresses contradictions in case reports. Each entry in the "Becassine" file relates to a CASE, potentially from multiple sources. While contradictions in details like date or location may exist, the case will be coded based on the most reliable source. Different versions will be kept on hand.

Indexes

Three indexes are built for each coded case:
1. An index indicating if the case remains UNEXPLAINED, SURELY EXPLAINED, or LIKELY EXPLAINED.
2. For explained cases, a second index provides the most reliable explanation.
3. The first index is also a function of the quantity and quality of coded information (ranging from 0 to 9), allowing for the selection of cases based on their level of detail.

Ideas for Exploitation

Maurizio Verga's skepticism about statistical works on coded UFO tales is acknowledged. However, the newsletter proposes several avenues for research using the "Becassine" file:

• Association Search: Identifying associations between variables to build morphological schemes. This involves checking if certain value pairs occur with a significant proportion of mean values, a method akin to factorial analysis.
• Variation Study: If associations exist, their variation can be studied based on selected samples (e.g., by country, witness group, time period, or explained cases).
• Complex Schemes: Building more complex morphological schemes by synthesizing elementary associations. The existence of such schemes is hypothesized to depend on UFO-ET stereotypes in society.
• Case Study Analysis: Studying peculiar cases and their internal coherence to determine if they exhibit different characteristics, schemes, or patterns. Examples of peculiar cases include those involving "little beings," "bigfoot"-like beings, explained cases, and abductions.

Readers are encouraged to share any remarks, suggestions, or ideas, and to provide different sources for cases.

A UFO/Computer Bibliography

This section provides a preliminary bibliography of works related to computer applications in ufology. The editors note that such references are scattered and difficult to find. They invite readers to submit corrections or new items for inclusion in future issues.

Magazines

• A list of UFO magazines that exchange with "The Computer UFO Newsletter" is provided:
• IL GOLLUM (Italy)
• S.V.L.T. (Belgium)
• AERIAL/SPACE PHENOMENA REVIEW (USA)
• UFO (Norway)
• NORDIC UFO NEWSLETTER (Norway)
• INFORESPACE (Belgium)
• JOURNAL fur UFO-FORSCHUNG (Germany)

Preliminary Bibliography Entries

• The bibliography lists various articles and reports, primarily from the late 1970s and 1980s, covering topics such as:
• Computerized planetariums (COSIPLAN II)
• Project URD (Background, development, characteristics, and applications)
• UFODATA project
• Application of low-cost computing and data processing to UFO reports
• Ufology and the digital computer
• Photographic analysis using computer image processing
• Observational data on anomalous aerial phenomena
• Usage of computer photographic evaluation techniques
• Computerized analysis of photos (OVNI)
• Statistics related to U.R.D.

Authors include AA.VV. (various authors), Per Andersen, R. Digby, B.H.L. Kuhlemann, S. Leuba, A. Liljegren, M. & P. Mavrakis & Olivier, G. Mosbleck, M. Pittella, W.H. Spaulding (with F. Adrian), and E. Strand.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the practical application of computers in ufology, particularly in data management, analysis, and research. The editorial stance is one of active engagement and encouragement for reader participation, highlighting the challenges of maintaining such a specialized publication and the critical need for contributions to ensure its survival. There is a clear emphasis on systematic data collection and analysis as a means to advance the study of UFO phenomena.

This issue of CUFON, titled 'A bibliographic project,' dated January 25, 1986, focuses on the organization, cataloging, and analysis of UFO-related data, with contributions from Paolo Toselli, Renzo Cabassi, Maurizio Verga, and Per Andersen. The publication is presented as a project of the "Computer UFO Newsletter."

Project of Annotated Bibliography by Paolo Toselli

Paolo Toselli, an Italian researcher, proposes an annotated bibliography project dedicated to the UFO/IFO question. This project aims to compile articles from technical-scientific books, magazines, and popular science literature that are of interest for studying the UFO phenomenon. The project is managed using an Apple II/c personal computer with the 'Data Base' program for storing and processing data, and 'Word Processor' for formatting. Each record is structured with specific fields: COD (abbreviated subject), AUTHOR, TITLE (a double field for long titles), JOURNAL NAME (or publisher for books), YEAR/VOL/PAGE (or place of publication for books), and COD. LTS. This last field contains information on language, source, and kind, with specific codes for "UFO" being directly mentioned (#1) or not mentioned at all (#2). The abstract (ABS) field has a maximum length of 450 characters. Currently, about 200 entries are stored, all owned by Toselli, with plans to expand the 'COD. LTS.' field in the future.

The Structure of a Database for UFO Events by Renzo Cabassi

Renzo Cabassi discusses the principles of creating a database for UFO events. He outlines three fundamental criteria: completeness, not-redundance, and structure. Completeness means having all relevant information, not-redundance means avoiding repetition, and structure refers to organizing data for efficient processing. Cabassi notes that UFO data collections can be complex, often requiring 10 to 150 fields per record, making management difficult on microcomputers. He suggests using multiple files and pre-elaborated fields, such as converting geographical coordinates and dates/times into simpler formats for quicker processing. The use of pre-established codes is discussed, with an emphasis on developing a "complete" coding system that allows for natural extension. Cabassi proposes a structure for UFO reports, particularly for CE III cases, which are often verbal reports with varying degrees of evidence. He suggests categorizing reports and sub-categorizing them based on time (morning, afternoon, etc.) and location (town, country, mountain, etc.). Actions during the experience are also coded, providing examples like 'object in the sky' (02.001) or 'entity speaks' (05.001).

Cabassi further elaborates on the coding system, providing examples for entity actions (e.g., going out of an object, speaking, showing objects) and their corresponding codes. He acknowledges the challenge of defining codes and definitions, suggesting a standardization group. He contrasts the current vastness of UFO bibliographies with a booklet-sized one from thirty years ago, highlighting the need for dynamic bibliographies that can adapt to new categories like "perceptive processes." His proposed bibliography is divided into ten classes: Characteristics of the phenomenon, Hypotheses, Research methodology, Reports, Books, Bibliographies, Catalogues, Miscellanea, Other literature, and Informatics. Each category can have up to 99 sub-categories. For instance, 'Characteristics of the phenomenon' includes physical, natural, psychological, technological, and sociological characteristics. 'Hypotheses' covers natural, extraterrestrial, terrestrial, psychological, and sociological hypotheses. 'Reports' are further classified into NL, DD, CE I, CE II, CE III, CE IV, and RV. The classification system allows for quick research by combining key fields and special lists. An example is given for classifying an article about the 'Rossi case,' which would fall under category 04.05 (Reports, CE III) and be assigned a code like 04.05.00095, followed by author, title, source, year, and page number.

Software Review: SKY TRAVEL by Maurizio Verga

Maurizio Verga reviews 'SKY Travel,' a disk-based software program for the Commodore 64 by Deltron Software. He describes it as a powerful tool for finding astronomical explanations for UFO sightings (IFOs). The software can display over 1,200 stars, 88 constellations, 300 nebulae/galaxies, sun, moon, planets, and comets. Verga highlights its utility for ufologists by allowing them to validate astronomical explanations for sightings by checking celestial positions, angular elevation, and time of the event. He notes that the software has limitations, such as a 20,000-year time range, but these do not significantly affect its use for ufology. Verga shares his personal experience using the software to explain cases from his ITACAT catalogue, including two landings involving Venus and the sun. He mentions other astronomical programs like COSIPLAN and a potential ephemerides program for Apple II/e by Ronny Blomme. He also refers to E. Burgess's book 'Celestial BASIC' for Apple II users.

Project UFODATA: A Status Report by Per Andersen

Per Andersen provides an update on the Danish project UFODATA, which began in the early eighties. The project has encoded approximately 2,100 Danish UFO and IFO cases, primarily from the peak years of 1975-1979. The project's pace has slowed because S.U.F.O.I. (the organization behind it) has shifted resources to establish courses for field investigators to ensure higher data quality. About seventy field investigators have been trained. Lars K. Lassen analyzed 1,338 Danish UFO and IFO cases from 1976-1979 using UFODATA to compare parameters like duration, shape, number of witnesses, and color, finding no significant differences. A revised edition of the codebook, with 150 pages describing 34 parameters, has been prepared. UFODATA continues to use the SPSS statistical system, with plans to potentially move to micro-computers and commercial software in the future.

Notices and Updates

A 'NOTICE' section calls for reader contributions for the 'Software Review' section, requesting detailed reviews of programs relevant to ufology. It also accepts reviews of books and articles from computer magazines. A 'NEWS' section recommends 'The Newsroom' software by Springboard for producing newsletters on Commodore 64. An 'Uptodating' section lists new bibliographic references related to ufology and computers. Finally, a 'Notice' clarifies that the Newsletter is now a publication of I.C.U.F.O.S., not C.U.N.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the systematic approach to UFO research through data management, cataloging, and the use of technology. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of accurate data, structured databases, and the potential of computer software and bibliographies to advance the study of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous, data-driven research and encouraging reader participation in sharing knowledge and resources within the ufology community. The issue highlights the transition from manual methods to computerized systems for handling UFO information.