ISC Newsletter - Vol 11 No 2 - 1992

Magazine Overview

The ISC Newsletter, Vol. 11, No. 2, 1992

This issue of The ISC Newsletter, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, focuses on the results of a membership survey and an in-depth article on Lt. Col. Percy H. Fawcett's encounter with a giant anaconda.

Results of the Society Membership Survey

The lead article presents the findings of a survey conducted among ISC members to understand their opinions on the Society and its publications. The survey, inserted in the last 1990 newsletter and included in renewal notices, received a high response rate of almost 51 percent from 385 returned questionnaires. The data was analyzed by James E. King, a professor of psychology.

Publication Perception

Members were asked to rate the journal and newsletter as "too lightweight and superficial," "about right," or "too scholarly and academic." For the journal, 3.2% found it too lightweight, 90.5% considered it about right, and 6.3% thought it too scholarly. For the newsletter, 6.6% found it too lightweight, 91.8% thought it about right, and 1.6% considered it too scholarly. An overwhelming majority of active members felt the publications were appropriate.

However, among former members, the percentage who found the publications "too deep" was higher (18.4% for the newsletter and 12.3% for the journal), suggesting this perception might contribute to membership loss.

Key Services Provided by the Society

Members ranked the three main services provided by the Society: the journal, the newsletter, and the annual membership meeting. Both active and former members ranked the journal as the most important service, followed by the newsletter. The annual meeting ranked third, likely due to the global dispersal of membership.

Publication Attributes

Members were asked to prioritize attributes of the publications: factual reliability, quantity of material, appearance/quality/style, and timeliness. "Factual reliability" received the highest score from both active and former members, with over 80% of active members and over 90% of former members considering it the most important attribute. Timeliness was of much lesser importance, especially for former members, refuting the idea that late publications were a primary reason for non-renewal.

Educational Background

The survey also explored the educational background of members. Over 90% of active members had at least some college education, with over 45% holding graduate degrees. Former members showed a similar educational profile, though with a slight trend towards lower educational levels, suggesting those with less academic training might be more likely to not renew.

Income Levels

Members were categorized by income levels. A significant portion of active members (21.4%) reported incomes above US$60,000, which may explain their responsiveness to financial appeals. However, a large number of former members did not respond to this question, limiting the statistical value of this data for that group.

Geographical Distribution

The geographical breakdown showed the largest concentration of active members in the U.S. Northeast, followed by the Midwest. This pattern was also reflected in former members' responses. The survey noted that these percentages are likely accurate despite the lower overall return rate.

Reasons for Non-Renewal

Former members were asked to identify reasons for non-renewal from a list of 12 possibilities. The most common reason was financial ("couldn't afford/justify the expense"), accounting for 21% of checks. Disappointment with the progress of cryptozoology was the second most cited reason (15%). Other reasons included being too busy, lack of perceived benefit for the cost, and casual interest. Delays in publication were cited by only 6% of respondents.

Comments by ISC Survey Respondents

This section features a selection of comments from members who returned their survey forms. Many comments were positive, praising the journal and newsletter. Some suggested improvements, such as publishing more papers from annual meetings or expanding the Cryptoletters section. Concerns were raised about the newsletter's gray paper, which the editor noted had been changed to a lighter color. Some members expressed a desire for more specialized publications or photographic portfolios.

Several respondents emphasized the importance of scholarly content and expressed concern that the Society's publications might adopt a more popular tone. The editor assured readers that the publications would maintain their scholarly level.

Quotes

The issue includes several quotes from notable figures:

• "Streets full of water. Please advise." - Robert Benchley
• "I think is not improbable that man, like the grub that prepares a chamber for the winged thing it never has seen but is to be that man may have cosmic destinies that he does not understand." - Oliver Wendell Holmes
• "No phenomenon is a phenomenon until it is an observed phenomenon." - John Archibald Wheeler

Colonel Fawcett and the Giant Anaconda

This article by J. Richard Greenwell delves into Lt. Col. Percy H. Fawcett's legendary 1907 encounter with a giant anaconda in the Amazon. Fawcett, an intrepid British explorer, described a snake measuring 62 feet (18.9m) in length. The article contrasts this claim with the maximum lengths currently accepted by herpetologists (around 30 feet or 9.1m), noting that even a $1,000 reward offered by the New York Zoological Society in 1910 for a 30-foot snake remains unclaimed.

The article discusses the skepticism surrounding Fawcett's report, with some critics suggesting his belief in an unknown Amazonian civilization made him an unreliable reporter. However, the article then presents recent archaeological findings that support the existence of complex prehistoric civilizations in the Amazon, overturning long-held beliefs. This discovery lends credence to Fawcett's other beliefs, suggesting his anaconda report might also be more accurate than initially assumed.

The article examines the biomechanical challenges of such a large snake existing on land, citing expert opinions that an anaconda of that size would need to spend almost all its time in water. It questions whether Fawcett exaggerated or fabricated the incident, or if a misinterpretation or misprint occurred. The article concludes that while the 62-foot anaconda claim remains questionable, Fawcett's fundamental correctness about Amazonian civilizations warrants a re-evaluation of his other reports.

Cryptoletters

This section features letters from readers, including:

• A reader suggesting more updates on specific cryptozoological animals and historical accounts of cryptids.
• A reader commenting on the quality and timeliness of publications, and the need for proper references in the journal.
• A reader expressing satisfaction with the Society's work and its role in disseminating cryptozoological information.
• A reader suggesting the newsletter could be more academic, while liking all aspects of the journal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights the Society's commitment to maintaining a scholarly level in its publications, despite some member feedback suggesting a more popular tone. The editor emphasizes the importance of factual reliability over timeliness and acknowledges the financial constraints faced by the Society. The article on Fawcett suggests a re-evaluation of historical claims in light of new evidence, reflecting the Society's ongoing exploration of cryptozoological phenomena. The overall stance is one of dedication to advancing knowledge in the field, even with limited resources and the inherent challenges of investigating the unknown.

The ISC Newsletter, Vol. 11, No. 2, published in 1992, is a quarterly publication of the International Society of Cryptozoology. It serves as a forum for members to share observations, discuss research, and review relevant literature concerning animals of unusual form, size, or occurrence.

Letters to the Editor

On the 'Onza' Joe Emery of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, shares a personal account from 1973 where he encountered what he believes was an 'Onza,' a creature he describes as a magical animal or a wizard transformed into a wolf-like being. He was prompted to write after seeing a photo of an 'Onza' in the newsletter, which he felt confirmed his experience.

Megamouth Shark Fruit Snacks Corby J. Waste of Greenbrae, California, reports on a novel cryptozoological product: 'Shark Bites' fruit snacks that depict the Megamouth shark. He notes that some of the fruit snacks themselves, not just the included toy figure, feature the Megamouth. He considers this a potential milestone for cryptozoology.

Cryptozoological Detective Novel Kathryn Lance of Tucson, Arizona, reviews George C. Chesbro's novel, 'The Fear in Yesterday's Rings.' The book features a dwarf detective investigating bizarre killings connected to a traveling circus. The culprit is revealed to be the 'Lobox,' an intelligent, wolf-like canid believed extinct since the Pleistocene, allegedly developed by international intelligence agencies as a human-killing machine. The review mentions that a character named Nate Button, editor of a cryptozoological journal, explains the Lobox's nature and is later honored by the creation of the Nate Button Cryptozoological Research Center at the Bronx Zoo.

Bigfoot Footprints in the Adirondacks Norman Scutt of Unadilla, New York, a new member of the Society, recounts an encounter with large, human-like footprints discovered by his son on October 21, 1990, while at their cabin in the Adirondack Mountains. The footprints, measuring approximately 16-17 inches (40-43cm), appeared barefoot in an area and at a time of year when such tracks would be unusual. Scutt, an experienced hunter and tracker, believes the tracks were not a hoax, noting details like the ball of the foot indicating running. He states that seven other witnesses also observed the prints.

Society Information and Policies

The International Society of Cryptozoology, founded in 1982 in Washington, D.C., is a tax-exempt, non-profit scientific organization. Its purpose is to investigate, analyze, publish, and discuss matters related to animals of unexpected form, size, or occurrence, and to serve as a forum for public discussion and education. The Society does not take a position on the existence of any supposed animals and opinions expressed by members are personal.

Membership and Subscriptions Membership inquiries should be directed to the ISC Secretariat in Tucson, Arizona. Annual membership is US$32 or £22, which includes The ISC Newsletter and the journal Cryptozoology. Joint memberships for couples are available for US$37 or £25. Institutional subscriptions are US$45 per year. Payments can be made by personal check (drawn on U.S. or U.K. banks), bank draft, or international postal money order. Members outside the U.S. and U.K. can pay in their local currency if the equivalent of US$32 is sent.

Back Issues Back issues of The ISC Newsletter and Cryptozoology are available for purchase. Prices range from US$3.50 or £2.50 for single issues to US$18 or £12 for annual sets. Discounts are offered for larger orders. Free order forms can be requested from the Secretariat.

Field Medical Advisor Dr. Michael J. Manyak, M.D., provides free medical and health care advice for members planning fieldwork, especially in tropical areas.

Honorary Members and Benefactors The newsletter lists numerous Honorary Members and Benefactors, recognizing individuals who have contributed to the field of cryptozoology. Notable figures include Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, Robert H. Rines, and Loren Coleman.

Corporate Sponsors Corporate Sponsors include the Academy of Applied Science, The Conservation Agency, and Tracto-Technik Group of Companies.

Archival Material Policy Members are encouraged to submit copies of cryptozoology-related newspaper reports, magazine articles, and scientific papers to the ISC Secretariat for archival purposes. While acknowledgments may not always be sent due to volume, all submissions are read and considered for use in the newsletter and for preservation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cryptozoological reports and the promotion of the International Society of Cryptozoology. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry and discussion, encouraging members to share their findings and experiences without taking definitive stances on the reality of the phenomena. The Society aims to be a central hub for information and research in the field of cryptozoology, emphasizing scientific rigor where possible while acknowledging the speculative nature of many topics.