MUFON Massachusetts PIPEline - 1985 11

Magazine Overview

Title: P.I.P.E. Line
Issue: # 14
Date: November, 1985
Publisher: Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), Office of Public Relations
Location: Beverly, MA

This issue of the P.I.P.E. Line, a publication of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), focuses on two main areas: the establishment of a new award for contributions to UFOlogy and concerns about misinformation being spread by an independent researcher.

Award Established

The lead article announces the establishment of a new award to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of UFOlogy. Following suggestions from members, it was decided to present only one award for the first year. Nominations are to be sent to Marge Christensen by December 6th. The award will be presented by Walt at the 1986 MUFON Symposium at Michigan State University. The award will cover contributions made in the calendar year from June 30, 1985, to the date the ballot appears in the MUFON Journal (around March 1986). The award can be for contributions in research (including government documents), investigation (outstanding performance on a particular case or series of cases), or public education/public relations. Importantly, recipients do not need to be MUFON members. A list of nominees will be included in the December issue of the P.I.P.E. Line.

A significant suggestion is to name the award "THE J. ALLEN HYNEK AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING WORK IN THE FIELD OF UFOLOGY." The committee is seeking input from all P.I.P.E. Committee members on this suggestion, with their input to be sent along with nominations to Marge Christensen.

Problems with Misinformation

The magazine addresses a "potentially serious threat to serious UFO researchers" posed by Robert Hastings, an "independent researcher" from Myrtle Beach, SC. Hastings has reportedly been lecturing for five months a year and incorporating "a great deal of misinformation" into his presentations. Newspaper articles from the Colorado Springs newspaper detail Hastings' claims, including that the U.S. has two crashed UFOs and nine dead alien bodies, and that J. Edgar Hoover signed a document regarding the recovery of crashed discs. These claims are described as "undocumented" and "unfounded speculation at best."

Hastings is also accused of discussing a government facility responsible for receiving UFO sighting information, which is stated to be untrue. Furthermore, he has presented questionable information regarding an FBI document about a crashed UFO and bodies of three silver-suited beings. The concern is that Hastings, while using FOIA-released documents, is also fabricating information, potentially misleading his audiences into believing he is quoting from official sources when he is misquoting.

The editorial stance is that while Hastings cannot be prevented from speaking, it is wise to notify him that his presentation is disapproved of and is doing more harm than good to the UFO subject. The committee also feels compelled to submit letters to the editor in locations where he has spoken, pointing out the misinformation. This is considered a "must" if he is on the university lecture circuit.

New Member Welcome

Mrs. Mildred Biesele is welcomed as a new member of the P.I.P.E. Committee. She is also Utah's State Director and a contributing editor to the MUFON Journal, replacing Doug Labat. She is credited with doing an outstanding job of promoting public information in Utah despite having a small number of members.

Response to Omni Magazine

Walt Webb of the P.I.P.E. Committee will submit an article to Omni Magazine in response to an interview with Betty Hill. The purpose is to clarify the position of serious UFO researchers and distance them from Betty Hill's recent comments on the UFO subject. It is uncertain whether Omni will publish this as a letter to the editor or a feature article.

Lights in the Sky - Tucson Sighting

A newspaper article from The Arizona Daily Star, dated October 13, 1985, discusses an unexplained sighting over Tucson. Approximately 60 flying machines were observed in waves in the early morning hours. Official sources, including the Air Force, FAA, and NORAD, provided no explanation and reported no military activity or detected foreign aircraft. The article speculates on various possibilities, including advanced technology like "Star Wars" transmitters, or even connections to recent disasters. The lack of a "swamp gas" or "freakish reflection" explanation is noted, with the article concluding that "Somebody knows."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the professionalization and recognition within the UFOlogy community (through the proposed award), the importance of accuracy and combating misinformation, and the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance is one of promoting credible research, holding individuals accountable for the accuracy of their claims, and encouraging public awareness while maintaining a critical perspective on unsubstantiated information. The publication aims to be a source of accurate information and a platform for serious discussion within the UFO field.