European Working Team - Issue 01

Magazine Overview

This document is the first issue of a publication titled "NOTICE," produced by the "GROUPE DE TRAVAIL EUROPEEN" (EUROPEAN WORKING TEAM). Dated 1981, Volume 1, Number 1, it was produced by GESAG production in Bruges, Belgium. The issue is distributed with restricted diffusion and requires author acknowledgment for reproduction.

Key Contributors and Support

The publication expresses gratitude for financial support from E.W.T. members, which aids in producing the NOTICE. It also welcomes Michel Coste, a French researcher specializing in the historical aspect of UFO phenomena and a founder of the "Association pour l'Investigation Historique des Phénomènes Insolites." The address and telephone number for Michel Coste are provided.

Introduction to Methodology and Data

The issue introduces the team's initial documents, focusing on establishing a better methodology, definitions, and standard data within the E.W.T. This includes a new catalogue of Type-1 UFO reports, the definition of a 'typical summary' for close encounters, and the development of a codebook and codification form for data entry. Computer processing of an index to the catalogue is underway, with a projected completion of the databook for analysis by 1983/84.

UFO Classification and Definitions

A significant portion of the document is dedicated to discussing and proposing standardized definitions for UFO phenomena and encounters. This includes:

• Type-1 UFO reports: A new catalogue is being built, expanding on previous work. Cases are being reinvestigated, with some identified as 'negative' (explained) events.
• 'Typical summary' definition: A stable structure for reporting close encounters to standardize information exchange.
• Codebook and codification form: Prepared with 53 parameters, including new definitions and quantitative assessments for information quality, strangeness, reliability, and certitude.
• Proposed common set of definitions: Discussions around defining 'Type 1' and 'Close Encounter' (CE) categories, with Peter Warrington and Ted Bloecher's work being referenced. The document explores various CE categories (CE1, CE2, CE3, CE4) and proposes sub-classes based on interaction type and duration.
• HUMCAT classification: Presentation of Ted Bloecher's alphabetic classification system (A-G) for entities and their association with UFOs, with modifications by Jean-Luc Rivera and Alain Gamard. This system categorizes observations based on the entity's relationship to the object and environment.
• Investigation Levels: A five-level scheme (E to A) for assessing the depth of investigation into a case, from third-hand accounts to on-site investigations with full reports.
• Account Stages: Four stages are identified: UFO EVENT (stimulus), SIGHTING (perception), ACCOUNT (witness description), and REPORT (investigator's case study).
• 'PRIME' term: A proposed term for selected reports that are evaluated as none-identifiable and form the essence of the research.
• Standardization of Data: Emphasis on the need for common definitions, norms, and codes to facilitate joint research, particularly for Type 1 phenomena and close encounters (RR1, RR2, RR3, RR4).

Specific Case Lists and Data

• Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos's work: Concentrates on Type-1 cases in Spain and Portugal.
• A Concise List of CE3 Italian Cases: A list of 65 CE3 cases from Italy is provided, with a simple coding system (T, P, EM, An, V, A, Eax, Ebx, Ecx, Edx, D, PH, I) to denote various data points and the province of the location.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical need for standardization in UFO research, particularly in defining phenomena, classifying encounters, and collecting data. The European Working Team aims to establish a rigorous and systematic approach to the study of UFOs, moving beyond generalized definitions to more precise and quantifiable methods. The editorial stance appears to be one of collaborative research, seeking consensus on definitions and methodologies to advance the field.

Title: NOTICE
Issue: vol 1, nº 1
Date: JBT 810916 (September 16, 1981)
Publisher: GTE-EWT
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of NOTICE, a publication by GTE-EWT, is dedicated to establishing a standardized method for classifying and codifying UFO sightings. The primary focus is on a system of "Caractéristiques d'étrangeté et indices d'étrangeté" (Characteristics and indices of strangeness) which aims to categorize various aspects of reported phenomena.

Classification System for UFO Phenomena

The core of this issue is the presentation of a detailed classification system for UFO phenomena. This system, developed or adopted by GTE-EWT, breaks down reports into specific categories, each assigned a code. These categories include:

• Comportement et effets sur un animal (Behavior and effects on an animal) - Code: A/1 à A99
• Comportement d'entité (Entity behavior) - Code: CØ1 à C99
• Effet électromagnétique (Electromagnetic effect) - Code: E1 à E99
• Force exercée, ressentie (Force exerted, felt) - Code: FØ1 à F99
• Interférences sur instruments, appareils (Interference with instruments, apparatus) - Code: I/1 à I99
• Variation de la température ambiante (Variation of ambient temperature) - Code: KØ1 à K99
• Effets lumineux particuliers (Particular luminous effects) - Code: L/1 à L99
• Interférence avec le milieu (Interference with the environment) - Code: MØ1 à M99
• Éléments descriptifs du phénomène observé (Descriptive elements of the observed phenomenon) - Code: O/1 à O99
• Détection de radiations (Radiation detection) - Code: RØ1 à R99
• Traces (Traces) - Code: TØ1 à T99
• Comportement du témoin et effets sur témoin (Witness behavior and effects on witness) - Code: WH1 à W99

The publication expresses confidence that these standardized elements and their codes are sufficiently present in UFO reports and investigation files to be accepted and utilized by GTE. The goal is to bring a systematic approach to the study of UFOs.

References and Citations

The issue cites several key works and authors in the field of UFO research, indicating the theoretical basis for this classification system:

• Jacques Vallee: Referenced for his work "Challenge to Science" (1967) and an article on classifying UFO sightings in "FSR de Londres" (Flying Saucer Review).
• Allen J. Hynek: Cited for "The UFO Experience" (1974).
• Ted Bloecher: Mentioned in an article in "Fate Magazine" (January 1978).
• Alain Gamard and Jean-Luc Rivera: Credited for a work in preparation titled "Manuel de codification DATA OVNI/HUMCAT EUROPE" (Manual of codification DATA UFO/HUMCAT EUROPE).
• Jacques Bonabot: Also credited for his contribution to the "Manuel de codification DATA OVNI/HUMCAT EUROPE" and is listed as an author within this NOTICE publication.
• Jean-Luc Overal: Cited for "Caractéristiques et indices d'étrangeté. L'étrangeté." (Characteristics and indices of strangeness. Strangeness.), a document identified as GTE-EWT JOL 810702.

Publication and Support Information

The publication details how NOTICE is published regularly and relies on its members for financial support. A minimum contribution of 250 Belgian Francs (FB) is requested to ensure its continued publication. The notice explicitly states that it will be regularly published with the help of members and financial support. Payments should be made via international money order or postal transfer, not by check. Contact information is provided for:

• Jacques Bonabot: Leopold I laan, 141. Brugge. Belgique. (Associated with GTE-EWT, reference: NOTICE vol 1, nº 1. JBT 810916).
• Mrs Jenny Deduytsche: Leopold I laan, 141. Brugge. Belgium. (Receives financial support and postal transfers).

Bank account details for C.C.P. BRUGGE are also provided for transfers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the need for standardization and systematic codification in UFO research. The editorial stance, as put forth by Jacques Bonabot, is that a robust classification system, based on observable characteristics and indices of strangeness, is essential for the serious investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena. The publication actively seeks member support to continue its work in this area, positioning itself as a platform for disseminating and refining such research methodologies.