EVP Newsletter - No 18 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: EVP NEWSLETTER
Issue: No 18
Date: November 1979

This is an emergency issue of the EVP Newsletter, dedicated to the study of the Electronic Voice Phenomenon. The editor, Alan, apologizes for the delay in publication, attributing it to difficulties with a duplicator, but assures readers that work has continued. He announces a new experiment devised with David Ellis, designed to test the 'ingenuity of the voices,' and encourages readers and the voices themselves to participate.

Recording EVP: Methods and Instructions

The newsletter provides detailed instructions for two primary methods of recording Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP):

1. The Microphone Method

• This is presented as the simplest method. It requires a tape recorder, a microphone, and factory-fresh tape. The process involves:
• Finding a silent location, ideally late at night.
• Switching the tape recorder to record.
• Making an introductory statement, such as: "Good evening my friends, my name is (your name) and I would be very grateful if you could come along and talk to me. The date is, the time is, and I am recording at [location]. If any of my friends can hear me please try and tell me what picture Alan is thinking of today."
• Repeating the request to name the picture occasionally.
• Finishing the experiment after about fifteen minutes with a thank you and an indication of future attempts.

• Playback and Analysis:
• The voices are expected to be weak and often undecipherable.
• Listeners should avoid consciously expecting specific replies, as this can lead to hearing what is expected.
• Careful listening is advised, potentially using headphones or the full volume on speakers.
• Anything that might be paranormal should be noted on an answer form, regardless of how absurd it sounds.
• The experiment should be repeated nightly or as often as possible.

2. The Radio Method

• This method is also described as simple but has led to confusion. It requires the same equipment as the microphone method, plus a radio set.
• Set up the microphone and tape recorder as for method 1.
• Place a radio next to the microphone and tune it to a point between two stations, aiming for white noise. This is easier on Long wave or FM than medium wave at night.
• The microphone will record both the user's voice and any sounds from the radio.
• Questions about a picture Alan is thinking of are asked, similar to method 1 (e.g., "is it of an everyday object, is it a picture of a foreign land, is it in colour etc.").
• Replies may be heard immediately over the radio, in which case the user should respond and continue the conversation.
• The radio can be retuned or its volume altered during the experiment.

• Playback and Analysis:
• On playback, listeners should distinguish between radio broadcasts and potential paranormal voices based on content.
• Any perceived paranormal voices should be written down on the form, using extra paper if needed.
• Tapes should not be erased, as they may be needed for listening.

The Drawings Experiment 1979

A specific experiment, the 'Drawings Experiment 1979', is detailed on an accompanying form. This experiment is designed by Alan Cleaver and the forms are to be sent to D.J. Ellis in West Sussex.

Objective: To determine if voices can be recorded giving information related to simple pictures.

• Procedure:
• Alan Cleaver will select a simple picture and hang it in his room each week.
• Participants are to make their recordings during the week corresponding to the picture.
• They should note down any voice-phrases they think might be relevant to the pictures.
• For clarity, responses should be written in BLOCK CAPITALS or typed.

• Schedule:
• Picture 1: Monday 19th November - Sunday 25th November incl.
• Picture 2: Monday 26th November - Sunday 2nd December incl.
• Picture 3: Monday 3rd December - Sunday 9th December incl.
• Picture 4: Monday 10th December - Sunday 16th December incl.
• Picture 5: Monday 17th December - Sunday 23rd December incl.

Participants are asked to indicate the 'Method Used' on the form.

Closing Remarks

Alan concludes by stating that the newsletter is short due to the duplication issue but expresses hope that everyone will try the experiment, suggesting that "who knows you may get some very good voices !"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter strongly promotes active participation in EVP research through practical experimentation. The editorial stance is encouraging and collaborative, emphasizing the collective effort of readers and researchers in exploring the phenomenon. There is a clear focus on methodology, providing step-by-step guides for recording, and a structured approach to data collection via the experiment forms. The tone is informal yet earnest, reflecting a dedicated community effort to understand and document Electronic Voice Phenomena.