Fund for UFO Research Inc.

Magazine Overview

This document is the Quarterly Report from the Fund for UFO Research Inc., covering the period of October-December 1995. It details the organization's activities, projects, and collaborations during this quarter, with a focus on media outreach, research initiatives, and publication improvements.

Overview of the Quarter

The quarter was characterized by a reduced pace following the release of the GAO report and the Air Force's Mogul volume. Key activities included the joint manning of a table at the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, and progress on a UFO briefing book authored by Don Berliner. The heads of CUFOS, MUFON, and the Fund (comprising the C-F-M or 'Coalition') formalized plans for future meetings. The Fund also hosted a Christmas reception and lecture for its supporters.

The St. Paul Convention

In response to an invitation from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) in early 1995, the Fund, along with MUFON and CUFOS, secured a booth at the SPJ's annual convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, in October. Funding for this endeavor was provided by the Coalition. The convention served as an opportunity to disseminate high-quality UFO information to members of the media. Representatives from MUFON (Tom Deuley), CUFOS (Jerome Clark), and the Fund (Don Berliner and Rob Swiatek) attended. Approximately 100 press kits were distributed, and journalists showed significant interest in the UFO phenomenon, displaying a notable lack of the usual skepticism. The report also notes that the 1996 SPJ convention would be held in Arlington, Virginia, and the Fund planned to have a booth there with an expanded array of materials.

The Briefing Book Project

Initiated by the BSW Foundation, a non-governmental organization, the briefing book project aimed to create a "best case" overview of the UFO phenomenon, highlighting the strongest evidence of its anomalous nature. This document was intended for distribution to individuals in government, academia, and the media. Don Berliner undertook the writing, completing approximately 180 pages by year's end, covering an introduction and an extensive casebook of sightings. Supporting documentation was to be stored at Dick Hall's residence. The book was slated for printing and distribution in early 1996.

Coalition Update

Despite the dissolution of the Bigelow Foundation's sponsorship, the cooperative relationship between the Fund, MUFON, and CUFOS continued. The organizations viewed their collaboration as a successful model for funding and overseeing UFO research, capable of making significant advancements in understanding the phenomenon. Several moderately-sized projects were completed efficiently during the Coalition's initial phase. A meeting was scheduled for January 1996 in New York City to begin work on new projects, including the completion of the briefing book, an oral history project, and the establishment of a UFO government documents archive. Organizational and methodological details for the "UFO Research Coalition" were to be addressed.

Office Activity and Announcements

During the last quarter of 1995, the Fund's executive committee approved several new projects. Researcher Jennie Zeidman was authorized to travel to Salida, Colorado, to investigate circumstances surrounding alleged UFO sightings and videotaping in August 1995. Her report, submitted in October, expressed suspicion about the events. Funding was extended for Walt Webb's investigation into the May 1995 America West airline sighting. George Filer continued his year-long investigation into the purported 1978 alien shooting at Fort Dix, NJ, receiving additional funds to explore further leads. The report notes that without this supplementary grant, Filer's research would have concluded earlier.

Publication Improvements

The Fund implemented a new policy to upgrade the quality of its publications. Previously spiralbound items were now perfectbound into books with printed covers, and photocopied materials were being printed as booklets or center-stapled. This change aimed to provide higher quality, more durable publications befitting the importance of the research. While not all publications could be overhauled, forthcoming titles and existing popular items would reflect this new standard. The report acknowledges that prices for some future offerings might be slightly higher due to these improvements, but emphasizes the value of a professional, longer-lasting product. Suggestions for improvement were welcomed.

Media Notes

The popular TV show "Sightings" was set to air on the USA Network, replacing its previous run on Paramount-owned stations. Paramount was also to begin televising "Borderline," a show focusing on the emotional effects of UFO sightings. The producers of "Borderline" had approached Richard Hall for information on potential UFO sightings. Hall had previously appeared on "Sightings" discussing the Washington National Airport radar/visual UFO encounters, contextualizing them within fears of Soviet technological breakthroughs and temperature inversion theories, and referencing the July 29, 1952, Samford press conference.

New Publications

Two new publications were offered for sale: "America West Airline Case--May 25-26, 1995: Interim Report" by Walter N. Webb, analyzing a vintage airline sighting, and "Connections" by Beth Collings and Anna Jamerson, detailing a complex series of abductions experienced by two women. Fund members had played a significant role in the initial investigations of these experiences, as noted by Rob Swiatek.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The report consistently emphasizes the Fund's commitment to disseminating credible UFO information, particularly to the media, as evidenced by their participation in the SPJ convention and the development of the briefing book. There is a clear focus on improving the quality and professionalism of the Fund's publications. The continuation of the Coalition highlights a collaborative approach to UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and objective reporting, aiming to present evidence and findings in a professional manner, while also acknowledging the importance of public awareness and media engagement.