Intern Avis For NUFOC - 1978 no 06

Magazine Overview

This document is the internal newsletter 'INTERN avis for NUFOC' (Internal Newsletter for NUFOC), issue number 6, dated July 1, 1978. It is published by NORSK UFO CENTER and edited by Terje Hansen. The newsletter is distributed to members who have paid their annual fee of kr.45.

Content Overview

UFO Forum and Rapportnytt

The newsletter details the history and current situation of NUFOC's two publications: UFO Forum and Rapportnytt. Initially, NUFOC attempted to publish a magazine in 1970 with an Oslo group, but it never materialized. When NUFOC was founded in late 1972, the idea of a magazine was revived, leading to UFO Forum in 1973. Due to printing costs, it was initially stenciled in A4 format.

Later, to separate report material from other UFO-related content, UFO Forum was split into two volumes. The report material was handled by NUFOC VEST, edited by Finn W. Kalvik. This led to the creation of a separate publication called 'RAPPORTNYTT'. The central administration initially opposed this separation, fearing it would create an unnatural situation and future problems. However, they eventually conceded due to strong pressure from VEST.

The current situation is described as an 'absurd' and 'competition situation' between the two magazines, partly due to differing layouts and subscription numbers. Rapportnytt has surprisingly gained more subscribers than UFO Forum, possibly due to its focus on report material and perhaps its cover quality. The article notes that the cost of printing is a significant factor, and UFO Forum relies on its subscribers for funding.

There is a suggestion that if this competitive trend continues, the two magazines may need to be merged again, a sentiment echoed by several voices within NUFOC. However, practical difficulties currently make this challenging.

Collaboration with Semic

NUFOC has been in contact with Semic, a division of Nordisk Forlag AS in Oslo, regarding a potential collaboration. Semic expressed interest and provided extensive proposals for developing and marketing a new UFO product. The proposed project involves a magazine with a minimum format of 7 x 26 cm, at least 36 pages, a 4-color cover, and a minimum print run of 10,000 copies. Distribution would be through Semic's network of approximately 12,000 sales outlets.

NUFOC would be responsible for gathering content and editing, while Semic would handle layout, typesetting, color selection, paper, printing, marketing, and distribution. NUFOC would manage subscriptions, and Semic would propose the revenue distribution key and bear the financial responsibility. The project is envisioned to launch in summer 1979.

NUFOC leadership sees this as a unique opportunity to reach a large audience and potentially achieve significant financial gains. They believe the project could revolutionize UFO work in Norway. The proposal includes specific roles for different NUFOC departments: VEST for Norwegian report material, NORD for translations from key American sources, SA for Nordic material, and others for different sources. Semic's illustrators would provide artwork, and NUFOC would seek photos from international sources. The newsletter also mentions that Semic publishes an album on 'NÆRKONTAKT' (Close Encounter), featuring NUFOC with a full page of free publicity.

Members with English language skills are urged to volunteer for translation work, both from English to Norwegian and vice versa, to assist with the project and relieve the workload on existing translators.

New Membership Procedure for NUFOC

NUFOC is implementing a new procedure for issuing identification cards to field researchers. Previously, ID cards could be issued too easily, leading to concerns about individuals misrepresenting themselves as authorized field researchers. The new system involves a probationary period, typically one year, after which an ID card may be issued. The card will be sent to the relevant department or section leader, who will then issue it to the member when appropriate. An 'aspirant certificate' will be issued during the probationary period. This proposal will be presented at the national meeting.

Reporting Routines and Field Researcher Guidance

The new reporting routines are to be included in the next edition of 'VEILEDNING FOR FELTFORSKERE I' (Guidance for Field Researchers I). This is considered the primary guide, with 'Veiledning II' serving as a supplement. Field researchers are reminded to ensure they have the correct materials, including basic statutes, purpose clauses, job descriptions, the guidance manual, and their identity card.

Landsmøtet 1978 (National Meeting 1978)

The national meeting is scheduled for late August. Arendal was initially proposed as the meeting location. However, the Trondheim group finds the distance too great. Alternative locations such as Hamar, Lillehammer, or Os i Østerdalen are being considered. Members are asked to provide feedback on these suggestions or propose other suitable locations. Fru Fjeldberg is asked to confirm if Mossesvingen Fritidssenter can be used again this year. The importance of arranging a successful meeting is emphasized.

Jorden Rundt på 60 Minutter (Around the World in 60 Minutes)

This section briefly mentions John Searl's lifelong dream of building and flying the world's first flying saucer. He claims to be months away from realizing this ambition, having invested over £2000 in flight hours. Searl expects to complete the maiden flight of his 'levity disc' by the end of 1978 or early 1979. The article notes that residents of New Zealand are supportive, with Mr. Searl's National Space Research Consortium having received £8000 for the project. Searl plans to start his journey from South England and make Auckland, New Zealand, his first stop.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects an active and evolving UFO organization in Norway. There is a strong emphasis on professionalizing its operations, evident in the detailed discussions about magazine production, potential large-scale publishing ventures with commercial partners like Semic, and the implementation of stricter procedures for field researcher identification. The editorial stance appears to be forward-looking and ambitious, seeking to expand NUFOC's reach and impact through improved publications and structured research activities. There is also a clear focus on member engagement and volunteerism, particularly for translation work and participation in the national meeting.

Title: DAILY EXPRESS
Issue Date: Tuesday, April 25, 1978
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Article: 24,000 Miles/Hour

This article from the DAILY EXPRESS, dated April 25, 1978, focuses on the claims of inventor John Searl regarding his "levity disc" prototypes. Searl asserts that his flying objects are capable of achieving extraordinary speeds, estimated at 24,000 miles per hour, which he claims is necessary to complete a round-the-world trip in just 60 minutes.

Searl's Explanation of the Technology

Mr. Searl explains that his work with electricity led him to discover magnetic effects and realize that a significant portion of energy was being wasted. He developed an electric magnet and a "gyro wheel" designed to store energy. According to Searl, when this energy storage unit was integrated into the drive system of his device, peculiar events began to occur. The device would lift off the ground and hover for approximately five to eight minutes before suddenly accelerating away at an incredible speed, disappearing from sight.

Prototypes and Disappearances

Searl states that he built a total of six prototypes. The first "disc" was about 3 feet in diameter. In 1952, he constructed a second, larger prototype, 10 feet in diameter. He believed this larger version's weight would keep it grounded, but it too took off with immense speed and vanished. All six prototypes reportedly disappeared, indicating that the technology was not yet fully perfected. Searl mentions that he had to modify the design and incorporate controls.

Future Plans and Funding

The article notes that the plan for the "levity disc" prototype is clear, and the project's realization is now a matter of securing funding. Searl expresses his ambition to eventually build a 2000-seater "Noah's Ark" in space. This colossal spacecraft, designed to be over 300 meters in diameter, would accommodate 1000 scientists, doctors, and nurses, essentially functioning as a mobile city.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The article presents John Searl's claims about his high-speed flying objects and future space ambitions without explicit skepticism, framing it as a report on his work and plans. The themes revolve around advanced propulsion technology, UFOs/UAPs, and ambitious space exploration concepts. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the inventor's statements and aspirations.