FUFOR - 1998 Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 - Quarterly Report 1st-4th Quarters

Magazine Overview

This document is a combined issue of the "QUARTERLY REPORT" from the FUND FOR UFO RESEARCH, covering the "Ist-4th Quarters 1998". It is published by the Fund for UFO Research, located in Mt. Rainier, MD, USA. The organization is a non-profit, tax-exempt entity.

Editorial and Administrative Updates

The report begins by acknowledging a delay in publishing the Quarterly Report and explains that the issues for 1998 are being combined. They express a commitment to returning to a regular schedule in 1999. The organization gratefully acknowledges a "MAJOR DONOR" who contributed $20,000 from a trust fund in Illinois, which will support important projects and enhance reserve funds. The report also announces that Don Berliner has assumed the chairmanship of the Fund early in 1998, succeeding Richard Hall, who remains on the Executive Committee. Berliner's background is noted as journalism, newspaper reporter-photographer, and aviation, with numerous articles and books to his credit.

Web Site Updates

Updates on the organization's web site (www.fufor.org) are provided, noting that it is being updated on a more regular basis after experiencing mechanical problems. Future developments will include regular newsnotes, funding project announcements, new publications, and a collection of classic UFO cases.

Featured Articles and Reports

HISTORICAL ABDUCTION REPORT

A grant of $2,400 has been approved for Walter N. Webb to investigate an apparent 1925 abduction account from a family diary. The account mentions an object hovering near a barn and horses being "beamed up." Preliminary investigation by Webb has not yet confirmed the story.

MJ-12 DOCUMENTS CLAIMED

Robert and Ryan Wood have released a volume of documents they claim support the reality of the MJ-12 project, related to the 1947 Roswell crash. The Fund expresses skepticism regarding the authenticity of these documents, citing issues such as the alleged misspelling of "celestial" as "celestrial" by individuals of high intellectual caliber like Robert Oppenheimer and Albert Einstein, suggesting that "documents of this nature simply cannot be taken at face value."

HOAX ALERT

The report warns about the proliferation of sensational stories on the internet, particularly those involving Naval personnel. Two specific cases are examined:

1. A story about a high-ranking Navy officer allegedly "blowing the whistle" on the Air Force for hiding UFO truths. Reuters News Agency denied any knowledge of this story, confirming it as a hoax.
2. A claim by a former submarine sailor about a spectacular UFO sighting off the coast of Florida. Board Member Tom Deuley, with submarine experience, investigated and found the sailor's story not credible, with shipboard activities described as inappropriate and not conforming to procedures.

The report emphasizes that dubious stories are often not worth the effort to check unless claimants are willing to testify face-to-face. This skepticism also extends to the MJ-12 "mailbox bandit."

New Initiatives and Events

NEW AUDIOVISUAL FORMAT

The Fund has introduced a line of audiotapes, videotapes, and compact discs featuring current and historical events, with the help of Steve Kaeser, Bill Weitzel, Max Gratzl, and others. Continued interest from supporters may lead to the production of additional records and tapes.

ANNUAL SEMINAR

The organization has held an annual seminar at Prince Georges Community College in Largo, Maryland. The 1998 session was videotaped by Max Gratzl. The Maryland seminar will not be held in 1999 due to the MUFON International UFO Symposium being held in the Washington, D.C. area, where many Fund members will be involved. The MUFON conference is scheduled for July 2-4 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Crystal City, Virginia.

UFO EVIDENCE POSTPONED

Volume II of "The UFO Evidence," covering events since 1964, has been dropped by Barnes & Noble due to "production problems." Originally scheduled for publication in fall 1998, it was postponed and then cancelled. The UFO Research Coalition plans to publish a limited edition and then seek a new publisher.

ANNUAL AWARDS

No Donald E. Keyhoe Journalism Award was given in 1998. Balloting is underway for the Isabel Davis Award, with nominees Jan Aldrich, Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, and Jennie Zeidman. Readers are encouraged to cast their votes.

Questionnaire

A questionnaire is enclosed with the mailing to solicit feedback on the organization's 1998 performance, interest in various topics (historical reports, UFO sightings, newsnotes, public meetings, etc.), and to gather information for planning 1999 activities. It also includes a section for pledges of financial contribution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the operational status and financial health of the Fund for UFO Research, updates on its public outreach efforts (website, publications, seminars), and a critical stance on unsubstantiated UFO claims and alleged hoaxes. The editorial stance is one of cautious investigation, emphasizing the need for credible evidence and debunking sensationalized or dubious accounts, particularly those found online. The organization actively seeks financial support from its members and the public to continue its research and projects.