Computer UFO Newsletter - Vol 2 no 2 - 1989 09

Magazine Overview

Title: THE COMPUTER UFO NEWSLETTER
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Date: September 1989

This issue of "The Computer UFO Newsletter" marks the return of the publication after a two-year silence. The editor explains that the delay was due to a lack of publishable material and a perceived decrease in ufologist interest, particularly in Europe. The newsletter aims to re-engage enthusiasts by showcasing the potential of computer technology in UFO research and encouraging the use of personal computers for data processing and analysis.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "("The Computer UFO Newsletter is still alive !")", addresses the long gap since the last issue. The editor attributes the delay to personal job changes that reduced spare time and a scarcity of compelling material. He notes a decline in ufology interest, especially in Europe, and suggests that more exciting topics like MJ-12 or crashed saucers are preferred over cold reasoning about data processing. The editor also observes significant changes in the computer industry, with the home computer boom fading and higher-level computers becoming more prevalent. This shift has led to a loss of interest among some enthusiasts who previously used older systems like the Commodore 64. However, the rise of personal computer clones, desktop publishing, and sophisticated equipment like laser printers and scanners presents new opportunities for UFO research. The editor expresses a desire to discover more people willing to use their machines for UFO data processing and hopes this new issue will help achieve that. The editorial also highlights the enhanced press quality of the newsletter due to the use of desktop publishing resources and advanced computer hardware.

Computer Technology in UFO Research

This section, authored by Maurizio Verga, explores the crucial role of computer technology in modern UFO research. Verga emphasizes that serious UFO research has always been challenged by the sheer volume of raw data, making manual analysis impractical. He contrasts the laborious efforts of creating UFO catalogues in the sixties and seventies with the capabilities of today's personal computers, which offer immense processing power at a relatively low cost. The widespread adoption of personal computers by both the general public and ufologists has ushered in a new era of research. Verga stresses that while owning a computer is not enough, knowledge of software, hardware, organization, and methodology are essential for serious work. He warns against using sophisticated computers solely for trivial purposes. The article traces the evolution of computer use in ufology from early attempts in the sixties to the widespread adoption of personal computers in the eighties. It notes that many ufologists initially used computers for simple tasks like filing and correspondence but have since learned to leverage them for more sophisticated applications.

Verga points out that a common issue is the lack of knowledge about how to effectively utilize computer applications for UFO research, leading to simple and often useless programs. He highlights the problem of ufologists being geographically dispersed, leading to duplicated efforts. The article then focuses on the "Italian Example," detailing how Italy, despite having fewer installed PCs than some other countries, has seen significant computer adoption among its population and ufologists. Verga founded "Rete Ufologica Computerizzata" (R.U.C.) in 1986, a Computer UFO Network, which has led to unique enterprises in the country. The primary aims of R.U.C. were to store the entire Italian UFO file (approximately 10,000 entries) and produce texts for C.I.S.U. publications. Parallel projects included developing new software, evaluating commercial software, creating demonstrations for conferences, and conducting statistical studies on Italian UFO sightings. A special bulletin, "Bollettino R.U.C.", was published to share information about ongoing work. R.U.C. membership grew to about eighty people, contributing a significant amount of data and information, making it a notable example of organized UFO enthusiasts working together globally.

The article lists several specific works and enterprises utilizing computers in Italy:

1. National Italian UFO Sightings Catalogue: An extensive database with over 6,000 entries, available in dBASE III MS-DOS files, with records including Date, Hour, Location, Classification, and Sources. A significant file of about 1,000 cases from Tuscaia has been established on an Apple Ilgs, with plans for a complete print-out and statistical analyses.
2. ITACAT and TRACAT Databases: Two specialized databases created by the author. ITACAT focuses on close encounters (around 500 entries), and TRACAT deals with trace cases. Both are available in dBASE III MS-DOS format and offer detailed statistical surveys.
3. Demo Programs: Programs designed for public conferences and similar meetings, featuring detailed information about CISU and other UFO groups, available for Commodore 64 and PC-IBM.
4. Foreign UFO Books and Publications Database: Maintained by Marco Bottani, this project catalogues foreign literature. Paolo Toselli has also created a database of articles from scientific literature relevant to UFO research, offering abstracts and full references.
5. Astronomical Body Position Testing: Computers (PC IBM and Macintosh) are used to check the position of astronomical bodies to test explanations for nocturnal light sightings. Computer graphic packages are employed to draw sketches of phenomena and illustrate case sequences.
6. UFO B.B.S. (Bulletin Board System): CISU established Europe's first Bulletin Board System devoted to ufology, initially hosted on an IBM AT. It offered information on UFOs, ufology, sightings, and C.I.S.U. publications, accessible via modem. Although currently out of work due to hardware changes, another system, "U-Link," operates in Rome. These services are compared to the American "Computer UFO Network" and PARANET.

FORTCAT: A Catalogue of Italian Fortean Events

This article, by Umberto Cordier, introduces a proposal for the creation of "FORTCAT," an Italian database of fortean events. Cordier explains that the term "fortean" originates from Charles Hoy Fort, who collected and documented unusual phenomena. He notes that ufology can be considered a "daughter" of fortean research, sharing similar aims and methods. The article highlights the growing interest in fortean studies and the potential of computer technology to aid in the examination, filing, and processing of vast amounts of information from diverse sources. Cordier mentions Bob Rickard's proposal for a fortean database and the work done by Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.) in Italy using personal computers.

The FORTCAT project will focus exclusively on Italian casuistry, initially cataloguing events from the current century, with plans to include older facts later. The preliminary phase involves examining proposals from other researchers and collecting sources. The subsequent steps include defining codes, selecting software and hardware, and addressing the challenges of the large quantity of subjects and the dispersion of sources. General criteria for the project include no limit on the date (continuous updating), no limit on the type of source (books, newspapers, magazines, reports, rumors, etc.), and no limit on the kind of quality (including hoaxes and unreliable cases). Each case will be assigned a "quality coefficient," a "reliability coefficient," and a "strangeness coefficient," ranging from 0 to 1, to provide a "weight" for statistical analyses. The catalogue's heart will be a database with fields for Code, Time, Place, Typology, Coefficient of evaluation, Sources, and Abstract.

Cordier proposes two recommendations for the future: the establishment of other national fortean catalogues through collaboration and direct cooperation among catalogues from different countries via data exchange. He invites interested researchers to write to him at casella postale 269, 17100 Savona, ITALY.

Survey About UFO Databases

This section announces a survey aimed at gathering information about computer-based UFO databases from readers of "The Computer UFO Newsletter." The newsletter requests readers to fill out an enclosed questionnaire (which can be duplicated) and return it promptly. The goal is to create a comprehensive picture of existing UFO databases and to share the alleged results in the next issue. The survey is intended to facilitate an exchange of data among researchers using inexpensive floppy discs. Readers are encouraged to provide any information about computer applications in ufology, including software and databases, to make the newsletter an actual forum for UFO-computer amateurs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of computer technology and ufology. The newsletter champions the use of computers for research, data management, and analysis, presenting various projects and initiatives from Italy as examples. There is a strong emphasis on the potential for structured, scientific investigation of UFO phenomena through computational methods. The editorial stance is one of advocacy for rigorous research, encouraging contributions from experienced researchers, and fostering a community around the use of technology in ufology. The newsletter positions itself as a platform for sharing information, promoting collaboration, and exploring the vast datasets related to UFO sightings and fortean events.

This issue of "The Computer UFO Newsletter" (Volume 2, Issue 2) delves into the application of computer technologies and statistical analysis in ufology. It features articles on the Becassine Report, bibliographic catalogues, and computer networks related to fringe sciences. The content is primarily in English, with some references to Italian publications and research groups.

Computer Applications in Ufology

The newsletter highlights how computer systems are being used to manage and analyze UFO-related data. An article discusses the use of Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) in Northern Italy, such as "U-LINK," which receive calls and information about UFO sightings. CISU, an Italian organization, is noted for its use of electronic mail services for communication and its acquisition of a high-cost CAD system for scanning and manipulating UFO photos and slides. This system allows for detailed analysis of images to detect potential fakes. CISU also maintains contacts with researchers worldwide through "THE COMPUTER UFO NEWSLETTER" and aims to foster an international computer project for analyzing UFO sightings.

Bibliographic Projects

Two significant bibliographic projects are detailed: SCIENCE.CAT and ITACAT.

SCIENCE.CAT

Authored by Paolo Toselli and released by CISU in November 1988, SCIENCE.CAT is a 30-page annotated bibliography of articles from scientific journals and books that may be relevant to UFO study, even if UFOs are not the primary subject. The goal is to create a central, computer-updated "who has what" catalogue to reduce duplication of resources among UFO researchers. The catalogue includes details such as subject matter, author, title, journal name, publication date, and a short abstract. Toselli is seeking collaboration from other researchers.

ITACAT

The ITACAT manuscript, published by CISU, is a 270-page monograph detailing abstracts, critical comments, and sources for approximately 430 Italian close encounter cases. It includes an introduction on methodology and three bibliographies. An updated dBase III/IV file covering Italian CE cases from 1912 to 1988 is also available on floppy disk. The monograph can be requested from the editor or CISU liaison office in Torino, Italy.

The Becassine Report

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to the Becassine Report, authored by Denys Breysse. This report, n. 10, analyzes 2003 international cases of Close Encounters of the third and fourth kind. It is described as the most extensive statistical study ever made on the phenomenon.

Descriptive Statistics

The report details the initial use of raw data for frequency analysis of coded parameters. The Becassine software allows for automatic processing, enabling the creation of a "portrait" of a typical case. Examples of features include the month (October, 20.6%), time of day (10:00-12:00 p.m., 16.1%), duration (two to ten minutes, 27.4%), location (along a road or path, 32.9%), witness gender (male, 70.3%), witness solitude (alone, 61.1%), witness age (less than 30, 63.9%), UFO shape (disc-shaped, 30.3%), UFO size (five to eight meters, 24.5%), UFO appearance (metallic, 19.8%), and ground proximity (66%). These results provide objective features of reported phenomena, though their real interest is limited.

Comparisons with Other Statistical Surveys

The Becassine project aims to compare its results with other statistical studies on UFO cases. This qualitative comparison helps test the subordination of results to selected samples and coding parameters, and to evaluate ufologist bias. A table lists various statistical studies used for comparison, dating from 1955 (Blue Book) to 1987 (FALSECAT/Smith). Researchers are invited to contribute knowledge of other relevant studies.

Comments About Coding

The raw data from statistical calculations highlight interesting parameters and those without apparent meaning, emphasizing the importance of the coding operation. Preliminary results on 978 cases indicate that UFO speed is "high" in 68.8% of events where this information is available. Other speed values ("motionless," "low," "medium") are significantly lower. The study suggests that reliable analysis of sub-samples with only a few tens of cases is difficult. The initial step of descriptive statistics is crucial for defining methods for the overall work.

Study of Relations Among Variables

The project aims to better comprehend the entire set of cases in the Becassine database by identifying relations between coding parameters. This involves establishing "frames" or "patterns" related to specific aspects of the phenomenon. Factorial analysis and statistical tests like the "chi-square" are proposed tools for this study.

#### Examples of Pattern Analysis

Several works are cited as examples of this approach:

• Mark Rodeghier (CUFOS) used chi-square analysis on variable pairs (e.g., UFO color/physiological effects, color/size) to identify three typical "frames":
• A: beamlight + physiological effect + vehicle + blue color
• B: disc + metal-made + rumour + landing
• C: light + straight path + size 0-5m.
• Willy Smyth analyzed UNICAT cases and found two meaningful "patterns": HEPDRIL (electromagnetic effects in a lonely place) and CLINROP (UFO landed near an isolated road).
• Eric Maillot studied preliminary Becassine data, looking at variables like hour/vehicle presence and physiological effects. His preliminary conclusion suggests that close encounters of the third kind involving vehicles are more numerous at night, while physiological effects like amnesia or paralysis seem linked to specific countries.

A factorial study on Becassine cases combined country, hour, date, vehicle presence, and witness attitude, clearly showing that vehicle-related cases predominantly occurred at night. This result is consistent with findings by Rodeghier, Smyth, and Maillot.

Cautions of Use

The newsletter stresses the difference between statistical findings and their interpretation. It cautions against drawing conclusions that go too far beyond the statistical evidence. For instance, Rodeghier's interpretation of his patterns and Smyth's conclusion about intelligence behind phenomena are considered potentially overreaching. The importance of proposing prosaic hypotheses first and then testing them is emphasized. Eric Maillot's approach of analyzing possible causes, including social and cultural factors, is praised as scientific. The newsletter suggests that a HYPOTHESIS-TEST-HYPOTHESIS-TEST sequence is necessary for true knowledge, rather than using tests to confirm preconceived ideas.

Other News and Projects

Using Amiga 2000

Massimo Cantoni, an ufologist from Northern Italy, uses an AMIGA 2000 computer to store and analyze UFO sightings. He has collected about 200 events, with the computer reportedly used to draw sketches of phenomena. A simple example was shown.

Projects About Fortean Databases

Bob Rickard wrote about a forthcoming Fortean database (TOAD) in "The Computer UFO Newsletter." This project is under continuous development. The newsletter also mentions exchanges of views on coding Fortean cases published in "Archives for Fortean Research Newsletter" (edited by Scott Parker).

PARANET: A Real Computer Network for "Fringe Sciences"

Since 1986, "PARA NET" has operated as a BBS network in the United States for "fringe sciences." Ufologist and freelance journalist James Speiser is its director.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing use of computer technology and statistical methods in ufology, the importance of rigorous data analysis and interpretation, and the collaborative nature of research. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific, evidence-based approach, cautioning against premature conclusions and emphasizing the need for hypothesis testing and consideration of all possible explanations, including prosaic and cultural factors. There is a strong call for collaboration among researchers to advance the field.

This issue of "The Computer UFO Newsletter", Volume 2, Issue 2, published in 1989, delves into the growing intersection of computers and ufology. It highlights various projects, services, and publications that leverage technology for UFO research and information dissemination.

PARA NET and CompuServe

The newsletter details PARA NET, a volunteer-operated organization with nodes in twelve US cities, offering a free service accessible via phone at 602-837-0062. This service functions as a permanent storage facility for ufology-related research papers, news clippings, press releases, articles, and anecdotes. PARA NET members also contribute to a large news database on the COMPUSERVE online service, accessible by typing "GO UFO". This platform hosts weekly discussions on paranormal issues and UFOs, featuring contributions from MUFON members and US ufologists.

James Speiser released the first issue of "ODDYSEY", the official newsletter of PARA NET Alpha, in December 1988. It can be requested via mail at P.O. Box 80313, Phoenix, AZ 85060, USA.

The newsletter also includes a call for software submissions related to UFO research, requesting reviews and suggestions for use, to be submitted as MS-DOS ASCII files on floppy disk.

A New B.B.S. About UFOs in Spain

In early 1988, a new Bulletin Board System (BBS) called "CONTACTO" was established in Madrid, Spain, by Director Manuel Lopez Cuesta. This BBS features sections on ufology, astronomy, and astronautics, allowing users to read and download texts and news. It can be accessed by dialing (91) 3319670 using a modem and suitable communication software. The mail address for "CONTACTO" is Manule Lopez Cuesta, Apartado 38032, 28031 Madrid, SPAIN.

A Few Short News From CUFON

The Computer UFO Network (CUFON), based in Seattle, Washington, USA, is presented as a pioneering electronic service directed by Dale Goudie. Despite facing funding problems that led to reduced information services, CUFON has historically been a valuable resource. The newsletter notes that CUFON's system provides access to documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act and contains a 50,000-entry file on UFO cases from 1947-1988. The system is supported by approximately 200 volunteers.

Scanned Images of UFO Drawings for Publishing

This section describes an experimental project undertaken by the Editor to preserve drawings and sketches of anomalous phenomena made by witnesses and artists. Using a DFI Handy Scanner 3000, about 150 different sketches and drawings were scanned in black and white. These images, which include "objects", "entities", and ground traces, are intended for use in newsletters, magazines, and a planned image database.

These scanned images are also available on two high-density 1.2 Mb 5" 1/4 floppy discs, produced in the *.IMG (GEM) format for MS-DOS computers, but convertible to other formats like *.PCX, *.CUT, TIFF, and MSP. The objective is to create a collection of UFO "pictures" for various publications and a dBase III/IV-based image database.

A Quick Look at the Literature

This section reviews two significant books on UFOs that incorporate discussions on computer applications:

"UFOs 1947-1987 The 40-year search for an explanation"

Published by Fortean Tomes, this anthology includes a paper titled "Computers in ufology" (pages 238-245) by Maurizio Verga and Jacques Vallèe, edited by John Spencer. Verga's contribution, "Computers and ufology: the present scene," reviews known computer applications in ufology. The paper also addresses Willy Smith's UNICAT Project, asserting its validity despite initial issues.

Jacques Vallèe's paper, "Towards the use of artificial intelligence techniques in the screening of reports of anomalous phenomena," explores the use of AI for discriminating explainable UFO reports. Vallèe developed the "OVNIBASE" project on a Macintosh computer using NEXPERT SYSTEM software. OVNIBASE aims to be a knowledge base for recognizing natural causes of UFO sightings, acting as an inexpensive screen for researchers to use while interviewing witnesses.

"PHENOMENON - From Flying saucers to UFOs: forty years of facts and research"

This book, published by Macdonald, includes a chapter titled "Harnessing the computer" (pages 224-237). This chapter is an edited abstract of articles by Stephen Gamble, Michael Wootten, James Danby, Willy Smith, and Bertil Kuhlemann. It covers past and present BUFORA projects involving microcomputers, such as bibliographic and membership databases. A significant portion is dedicated to Willy Smith's UNICAT presentation and analysis. The work also includes an overview of Project URD by Swedish researcher Berthil Kuhlemann, which was carried out on an IBM mainframe /370. The project's objective of answering "Is there really anything?" is described as an "old pharaonic dream" lacking realism regarding resource scarcity in the UFO community. The project had 1000 stored cases in March 1985, but details on statistical studies are scarce.

Papers Presented at the Lyon UFO Meeting

Two papers presented at the first Lyon UFO meeting in April 1987 are discussed. The first, by Denys Breysse, offers reflections on computer facilities applied to ufology, starting with a historical survey of projects like UFOCAT and FIDUFO. Breysse outlines fundamental conditions for computer-related work in ufology, emphasizing case quality, careful coding, clear objectives, avoiding preconceived ideas, using appropriate hardware/software, and close cooperation. He stresses that while computers process data quickly, analysts must provide interpretation.

The second paper, by Belgian researcher Jacques Scornaux, focuses on UNICAT and a discussion of French/Belgian cases from Smith's catalogue, with an emphasis on selection criteria for reports. Data processing was not covered in this paper.

Letters from Readers

James Danby from Preston, ENGLAND, responds to an editorial about computers in UFO investigation. He agrees that the multiplicity of computers and operating systems creates difficulties but argues against the situation being anarchic, attributing it to commercial competition. He suggests that data interchange is still relatively easy via ASCII files and proposes the promulgation of a standard format for UFO databases to facilitate data exchange, rather than insisting on the use of IBM PCs.

Coming Soon in the Newsletter

The next issue will feature a project on establishing a new database file (using dBase III/IV) for a new ITACAT catalogue based on motifs, intended to open a common discussion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the increasing reliance on and integration of computer technology within the field of ufology. The newsletter champions the use of databases, networks, and advanced software for research, information management, and analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of embracing technological advancements to enhance the study of UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the challenges and practical considerations involved. There is a clear emphasis on sharing information and fostering discussion within the ufology community through various electronic and print mediums.