El Ojo Critico - No 07

Magazine Overview

'EL OJO CRITICO' is a Spanish circular informative magazine, independent and focused on anomalous phenomena. This issue, number 7, dated February 1995, is based in La Coruña, Spain. The magazine addresses a range of topics related to ufology, paranormal investigation, and scientific integrity.

Plagiarism: A Convenient Way to Investigate

The lead article, 'PLAGIO, COMODA FORMA DE INVESTIGAR' (Plagiarism: A Convenient Way to Investigate), highlights the pervasive issue of plagiarism within the uncontrolled and desultory world of ufological and paranormal investigation. The author laments the prevalence of fraud, manipulation, sensationalism, and 'trash news' that plague the field, with plagiarism being a significant problem. The article criticizes researchers who, after extensive investigation, have their work appropriated by others who present it as their own without proper citation. It mentions a specific accusation against the Mexican magazine 'REPORTE OVNI' for plagiarizing articles and photographs from Spanish ufologists like Sierra, Darnaude, Carballal, and Guijarro. The author also notes an example involving a Mexican ufologist who shared articles from the bulletin 'Estigia', published by CIFE, with a colleague interested in 'bedroom visitors'. The article emphasizes the importance of citing sources, even if it's through a bibliography, and expresses frustration with those who believe they can get away with plagiarism.

'The Beyond': A Lucrative Business

Another article, 'El "más allá": un sustancioso negocio para algunos "vivos"' ('The Beyond': A Lucrative Business for Some 'Clever Ones'), discusses how four psychics from La Coruña have been accused of defrauding people out of millions. The Association of Magic and Occultism in Galicia is taking steps to combat 'false intrusion' in the field by offering legal and psychological advice to those who have been scammed. Manuel Carballal, an occultism scholar associated with the group, explains that they have created an advisory service to guide victims on legal actions and to address the psychological distress caused by fraudulent psychics. The article details how these 'experts of paranormal scams' operate, often exploiting people's ignorance and desperation. It advises caution when consulting psychics, recommending payment via checks rather than cash and being wary of rituals involving valuable items. The Association also warns against the 'evil eye' scam, where practitioners charge increasing amounts for supposed remedies. The article mentions specific psychics like Papá Mustapha, Josefina, Greli, and Paula, who allegedly defrauded people of significant sums. Paula Filomena dos Anjos Lopes is facing trial for defrauding neighbors of over three million pesetas.

UFOs: Field vs. Cabinet Investigators

An article titled 'UFOLOGOS DE CAMPO Y DE GABINETE' (Field and Cabinet Ufologists) presents a psycho-graphological study of ten well-known Spanish ufologists. The study divides them into two groups: five 'cabinet' ufologists and five 'field' ufologists. The objective is not to favor either group but to analyze their psychological characteristics that might influence their investigative approach. The study evaluates eleven basic personality concepts, including the predominance of reason versus emotion, logic versus intuition, imagination, personality strength, sincerity, egoism versus altruism, appropriation of ideas (plagiarism), materialism versus idealism, spontaneity versus hypocrisy, vengefulness, and ambition. The results, presented statistically for each group, suggest differences in their psychological profiles. The article notes that the full report is confidential due to potential personal enmities among the subjects, and only global statistical results are published.

False UFO Photos

The section 'FOTOS FALSAS DE OVNIS' (False UFO Photos) examines a case involving alleged UFO sightings and photographs near Vigo, Spain, on April 17, 1994. The report describes a triangular object with lights, similar to other reported sightings in the region. However, an investigation, including field research and map localization, concluded that the photos were not of a UFO but of situation lights from repeaters and cranes in Moaña and Vigo. The study indicates that the lights identified as the supposed UFO were actually part of the electrical infrastructure.

Scientific Fraud in the US

'Fraudes, el rostro duro de la ciencia' (Fraud, the Hard Face of Science) reports on the issue of scientific fraud in the United States. It highlights a significant case from 1989 involving falsified data in a study on mastectomies, which influenced medical criteria. The article mentions that in 1993, the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) sanctioned fifteen researchers for plagiarism, fabricating evidence, or falsifying data. It discusses the debate about whether these are isolated incidents or indicative of a larger problem. The article cites a study suggesting that a significant percentage of doctoral students and professors are aware of researchers who plagiarize or falsify data. The ORI's role in investigating and sanctioning such misconduct is detailed, with specific examples of cases closed in 1993, including one involving Robert Gallo's collaborator, Mikulas Popovic. The article also touches upon the challenges in detecting fraud and the potential political implications of these discoveries.

Obituaries and Commentary

The issue includes an obituary for Joan Crexell, a Catalan ufologist and historian who passed away on Christmas Day. He was an active member of the CEI and a prolific writer on ufology and Catalan history. The magazine acknowledges his contribution to the field from the shadows. Another piece, 'LAS CARAS DE BELMEZ' (The Faces of Belmez), offers commentary on the controversy surrounding the Belmez faces, suggesting that the lack of a clear methodological approach to investigation in Spain has led to a situation where neither proponents nor detractors have achieved absolute certainty. The author criticizes the lack of verifiable evidence for both fraud and authenticity, citing the Belmez case as a missed opportunity to investigate a potential 'Permanent Paranormal Object'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'EL OJO CRITICO' are plagiarism, scientific fraud, the commercialization of the paranormal, and the critical analysis of UFO phenomena. The magazine takes a stance that emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, proper citation of sources, and the exposure of fraudulent practices within both ufology and mainstream science. The editorial tone appears to be critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, advocating for a more methodical and honest approach to understanding anomalous phenomena. The magazine also seems to support the efforts of dedicated researchers who work diligently without seeking widespread recognition.