MUFON Massachusetts PIPEline - 1985 10

Magazine Overview

Title: P.I.P.E. LINE
Issue: # 13
Date: October 1985
Publisher: MUFON

This issue of MUFON's P.I.P.E. LINE focuses on internal organizational matters and future initiatives within the UFO research community.

Solving Our Problems: A Proposal for Awards

The lead article, authored by Marge Christensen, addresses a perceived problem of "lack of commitment and lack of enthusiasm" among MUFON members, particularly regarding investigators and researchers. To combat this and to "boost morale and heighten enthusiasm," a proposal is made for an annual awards program. These awards would be presented at the MUFON UFO Symposium, starting in 1986.

The proposal outlines two main award categories:

I. The most esteemed award: Given to the single individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the field of UFOlogy during the calendar period from June 30, 1985, to March 1, 1986. This contribution could be in research (including government documents), outstanding investigative performance for a particular case, or public education/relations.

II. Three additional awards: Presented to individuals who have made the most outstanding contribution in each of the three areas listed above (Research, Investigative Performance, Public Education/Relations). These awards would also cover the same calendar period.

Nominees for these awards would be determined by the P.I.P.E. Committee and then put to a vote by all MUFON members via ballots published in the MUFON Journal. The winners would be kept secret until the MUFON UFO Symposium, where they would receive engraved plaques. The recipient of the most esteemed award would also have the MUFON UFO Proceedings dedicated to them.

Crucially, the proposal emphasizes that nominees should be selected based solely on their actual contributions and achievements, not on organizational affiliation, meaning recipients need not be MUFON members. It is also proposed that Dr. Bruce Maccabee (Director of the Fund for UFO Research) and Mr. John Timmerman (Director of the Center for UFO Studies) be invited to join the P.I.P.E. Committee for the nomination process.

The goal of these awards is stated as encouraging UFO researchers and investigators to strive for "extremely high standards and high objectives."

An "IMPORTANT" section stresses that this is a proposal and requires input from every P.I.P.E. Committee member. Marge Christensen requests feedback via mail or phone to be reported in the next P.I.P.E. Line. If the majority favors the awards, specifics will be agreed upon, and the nomination process will begin, allowing time for ballot distribution, tallying, plaque engraving, and preparation for the 1986 Symposium at Michigan State University.

MUFON Symposium and National UFO Information Week

Another section discusses the upcoming 1986 MUFON UFO SYMPOSIUM at Michigan State University, described as potentially "one of the finest we have ever had." Dan Wright and his committee are credited with working tirelessly to ensure every detail is perfect. Attendees are urged to make a strong effort to attend, as the annual P.I.P.E. Committee meeting will also be held during the Symposium.

The 1986 meeting is highlighted as being of "even greater importance" because the program for 1986-87 must be "impeccable" in preparation for the 1987 UFO Symposium, which is being considered for Washington, D.C. A successful program is deemed necessary for public information efforts in the nation's capital.

The dates for the second National UFO Information Week are set for August 10-17, 1986.

Noteworthy Items

American Library Association Collaboration: George Eberhart, MUFON's Librarian, has informed the editor that the American Library Association would like to help publicize the 1986 National UFO Information Week in its publication. The editor expresses gratitude for this attention.

Field Investigators' Exams: Dan Wright is distributing Field Investigators' Exams state by state. These exams are to be administered and returned to Shirley Coyne for correction. The purpose of these exams is to ensure that field investigators are "properly versed in the UFO subject and in related areas" necessary for thorough case investigations.

TELUFONET Reorganization: The TELUFONET system is being reorganized by regions rather than as a single national network. Eastern and Central States networks are compiled, and the Western States network is nearing completion. A test of the entire network will be run once the Western States net is ready. Walt Andrus and Marge Christensen will activate the net by calling regional directors, who will then activate their respective nets. The final person on each net will call the regional director, who will then notify Walt or Marge, ensuring the message reaches the end of the chain. This system is expected to be more efficient.

Clear Intent Publicity: Author Barry Greenwood reports that the new owners of Prentice-Hall (Simon & Schuster) have begun an "enthusiastic radio campaign" to publicize his book, "Clear Intent." Greenwood and co-author Larry Fawcett have made numerous radio talk show guest appearances and have been booked for upcoming programs. They have also appeared on Lee Spiegel's WNBC radio program, which resulted in significant listener response and invitations to return.

Upcoming Article: Readers are advised to watch upcoming MUFON Journals for an article providing an assessment of the First National UFO Information Week. This article will cover activities, public and press reactions, and feature photographs from events in three states.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the professionalization and organization of UFO research within MUFON. There is a strong emphasis on improving investigator standards, enhancing member commitment, and developing more efficient communication and organizational structures (like the TELUFONET and the Field Investigators' Exams). The proposed awards program signifies a desire to formally recognize and encourage excellence in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of proactive improvement and a commitment to advancing the credibility and effectiveness of UFOlogy as a discipline.