KPUFO Informacni bulletin - 2005 No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of the KPUFO Newsletter, dated 3/2005, focuses on a critical analysis of the current state of ufology and related anomalous phenomena research. The main article, titled "Co se to s nami deje ?" (What is happening to us?), expresses deep concern over several trends within the community.

Knowledge Gap and Reinvention of Research

The author laments a significant "knowledge gap" among younger individuals entering the field, contrasting it with the early 1990s. Newcomers often start from scratch, failing to build upon existing research and findings. This necessitates constant repetition of explanations by experienced researchers, slowing down progress. The author suggests a need for better selection and training of new members.

Disconnect Between Public and Researchers

A significant disconnect is noted between public perception and the actual work of researchers. This gap is exacerbated by the media, and the research community does little to bridge it. Newcomers are often influenced by sensationalism and may drop out due to life changes, only to be replaced by others with similar superficial interests.

Lack of Criticality and Polemics

A central theme is the absence of critical discussion and polemics within the community. The author observes a tendency to accept all claims, even the most absurd, without challenge. This is exemplified by the author's experience at a meeting in Morkovice, which was presented as a gathering of researchers and enthusiasts of anomalous phenomena. The author describes the event as a "shock" and notes that even subsequent discussions about the meeting failed to address the underlying issues, with some participants appearing to be in denial.

Commercialization and Unsubstantiated Claims

The newsletter criticizes the spread of unsubstantiated claims and "fantasmagoria," often promoted by individuals who benefit financially from selling "guaranteed products" or books. Examples include claims about "psychotronics," "energy," "magic codes," and "diamond water." The author argues that researchers should actively counter these claims with evidence and rational arguments, rather than remaining silent.

The Morkovice Meeting Example

The author recounts attending a workshop by doc. Chudacek, initially with reservations, but went out of curiosity and resignation. The event, described as a social gathering rather than a scientific one, lacked open discussion. Participants formed small groups, reinforcing their own beliefs and avoiding any disagreement. Specific examples include discussions about "crop circles," "pro-Siberian women" (Anastasia), and Pleiadians. A photograph of the Strahov Monastery with a "blue spiral" attributed to past lives was identified by the author as a toboggan, yet the photographer refused to accept this explanation.

The Nature of Tolerance

The author questions the interpretation of "tolerance" within the community, arguing that it should not mean passively accepting misinformation. While freedom of expression is important, it does not apply to the scientific pursuit of knowledge, where established facts and logical reasoning are paramount. The author criticizes the relativization of scientific knowledge and the embrace of "bold hypotheses" like a flat Earth, attributing this to a decline in general education.

Commercial Aspects and Publication Challenges

The article touches upon the commercial side of paranormal studies, noting that sensationalist content sells better than factual research. The lack of scientific journals that publish such research, and the difficulty in obtaining compensation for one's work, are also mentioned. The author points out that established authors and publishers may have an interest in maintaining the status quo rather than encouraging critical investigation.

Future Events and KPUFO Activities

The newsletter also includes information about upcoming events and KPUFO's activities:

• An autumn meeting of enthusiasts from Libice nad Doubravou will be held in Chotebor from September 16-18, 2005.
• The Association of Researchers in Psychotronics will host a seminar on "Psychotronics and Science" in Pilsen on September 24, 2005.
• The UFO Section will hold a seminar on the psychological consequences of contact with anomalous phenomena in Pilsen on October 15, 2005.
• The Megalith Section is involved in preserving the Kounov stone circles.
• Efforts to revive the Central European Council of Researchers are hindered by language barriers.
• There are efforts to establish a Psychotronics and UFO Club in Slovakia.
• KPUFO is seeking volunteers to assist with correspondence with international researchers.
• The newsletter requests information about local legends, sacrificial stones, Templar activity, and agro symbols.

Membership Information

KPUFO membership fees have remained unchanged. Various membership options are available, including different levels of access to KPUFO's magazines, ZAZ and Cesty psychotroniky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of the ufology and paranormal research community, the importance of scientific rigor, critical thinking, and evidence-based investigation. The editorial stance is one of concern over the lack of intellectual honesty and the prevalence of pseudoscience and commercial exploitation within the field. The author advocates for a more rational, critical, and evidence-based approach to the study of anomalous phenomena.