MUFON Massachusetts PIPEline - 1985 12

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFON P.I.P.E. LINE
Issue: #15
Date: December, 1985
Publisher: MUFON
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the MUFON P.I.P.E. LINE newsletter addresses several key topics within the UFOlogy community, including the establishment of a prestigious award, concerns over public information and misinformation, and community events.

Distinguished Award of the Year

The lead story discusses the support for naming an award for the person who has done the most for the UFO field each year, proposing it be called the J. Allen Hynek Award for Outstanding Work in UFOlogy. Nominations received to date include Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Budd Hopkins, Marge Christensen, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Dan Wright, and Barry Greenwood. Barry Greenwood also suggested that instead of naming the award after Dr. Hynek, a separate award for his Lifetime Contributions to the UFO subject should be presented. The editor urges members to convey their feelings on this matter promptly to help the committee reach a consensus, noting the difficulty in obtaining responses.

Editor's Memo: Concerns Over Misinformation

Editor Marge Christensen expresses serious concerns that have led her to consider resigning as MUFON's Director of Public Relations. She highlights a pattern of disregard for MUFON's policies regarding the issuance of credible public information and factual accounts of UFO incidents. This includes a perceived alignment with tabloids, citing an article in the National Enquirer. Christensen describes this as a "contagious and destructive disease -- 'foot in mouth' fever" affecting UFOlogists.

She argues that such unfounded and incorrect information released to the public or media renders the work of UFOlogists who strive for factual and objective reporting virtually worthless, eroding any progress made in establishing UFOlogy as a serious subject. Examples of misinformation cited include an individual's statement about not shooting at aliens, claims of government documents proving an alien was slain on a military base, and assertions about the government possessing specific numbers of alien bodies and crashed discs. Christensen emphasizes that none of these claims are currently documented and that stating UFOs represent alien visitation is irresponsible without proof.

She contrasts this with National UFO Information Week, during which UFOlogists from major organizations worked to provide credible information, resulting in positive media coverage and increased interest. However, she notes that after this event, many individuals have become careless and sloppy in their public information endeavors. Christensen stresses the need for continuous public information and education throughout the year, not just during special weeks.

The editor questions how to address this issue, acknowledging the challenges of dealing with volunteers and the right to freedom of speech. She warns that if the situation does not change soon, efforts in public information could become meaningless. She solicits suggestions from the P.I.P.E. Committee for effective methods to rectify the situation, proposing potential group efforts like submitting a letter to the MUFON Journal or having members privately contact individuals responsible for sloppy information. She also suggests submitting letters to newspapers to correct misinformation, though she acknowledges this might not reflect positively on UFOlogists.

Christensen concludes by stating the UFO subject is too important to be treated lightly and that the stakes are too high to ignore the problem of misinformation, urging for prompt input.

Thank You

Marge Christensen expresses gratitude for a testimonial dinner held at the November Mass. MUFON meeting, where she was honored as the retiring State Director. She highlights the series of taped speeches by Walt Andrus, John Schuessler, Dan Wright, Paul Cerny, Stan Gordon, Budd Hopkins, and John Timmerman, calling the event special and memorable.

Halley Hotline

Information is provided for those interested in Halley's Comet: the University of Massachusetts has established a hotline at 800-446-3422 for information on the comet.

IUR Editor Slams National UFO Info Week

This section reports on a "disturbing comment" made by Jerome Clark, IUR Editor for CUFOS, in an article for Fate Magazine. Clark referred to National UFO Info. Week as "a naive exercise in UFO boosterism by Marge Christensen." The author of this piece has notified John Timmerman, CUFOS Director, about the remarks and suggests other P.I.P.E. Committee members also write to Mr. Timmerman. The author believes such discrepancies between an organization's official stance and its spokespersons' views hinder cooperation among major UFO organizations, especially at a time when proposals for greater mutual cooperation are being considered among MUFON, CUFOS, and the Fund for UFO Research.

Radio & TV Log Suggested

Barry Greenwood suggested including a log of radio and TV programs related to the UFO subject in the newsletter. This log would list stations, dates, and personalities involved, creating a written record of programs and their focus for future reference. Readers are asked to forward any relevant information to the editor.

Holiday Greetings

The newsletter concludes with holiday greetings from Marge Christensen, wishing readers a "Very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Holiday Season, and a Wonderful New Year."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the importance of credibility and factual reporting in UFOlogy, the detrimental effects of misinformation and sensationalism, and the need for consistent public education. The editorial stance, primarily articulated by Marge Christensen, is strongly in favor of maintaining high standards of evidence-based reporting and professionalism within the UFO community, advocating for a unified approach to presenting information to the public and media. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing serious research from tabloid sensationalism and on fostering cooperation between different UFO organizations.