MUFON Massachusetts PIPEline - 1986 04

Magazine Overview

Title: P.I.P.E. LINE
Issue: # 19
Date: April, 1986
Publisher: MUFON (Mutual UFO Network, Inc.)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the P.I.P.E. Line, a publication of MUFON, focuses on progress reports and future plans within the UFO research community.

National UFO Information Week Progress Report

The lead article details the preparations for National UFO Information Week. As of the publication date, state organizations in New Jersey, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Northern California have submitted tentative lists of their planned events. The editor urges State Directors to forward these lists and mentions the use of TELUFONET to remind them. John Schuessler has contacted Donald Schmidt to design this year's poster, while Barry Greenwood is compiling a bibliography of suggested reading for interested individuals. Walt Andrus has drafted a new information page for MUFON and is handling awards for the 1986 recipient and Dr. Hynek, to be presented at the Michigan State University symposium. Other committee members are working on similar assignments, with a deadline of May 1st for submissions.

What's Ahead for UFology?

This section discusses the positive progression of ufology despite difficult times. It highlights the excitement of holding the 1986 UFO Symposium at a prestigious university with notable scientists and researchers. Even more encouraging is the announcement that the 1987 MUFON UFO Symposium will be hosted in Washington, D.C., coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's famous sightings. The potential for public information and improved public relations for the subject and UFOlogists is emphasized. The article calls for early planning for credible and prestigious public information activities, in conjunction with the Fund for UFO Research, the hosts for the 1987 symposium. Fred Whiting, the 1987 Symposium Coordinator and MUFON's new Virginia State Director, is asked to serve as an advisor to the P.I.P.E. Committee for the upcoming year. The author invites constructive suggestions for the P.I.P.E. Line.

P.I.P.E. Committee Meeting at MSU

A brief but important P.I.P.E. Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday evening, June 27, at Michigan State University (MSU). The meeting will take place after the reception with speakers and a tour of the MSU cyclotron, likely around 9:00 p.m. Dan Wright will arrange for the room and meeting time. The agenda includes discussing plans for the 1987 symposium's public information efforts and other important matters.

Call for Contributions to MUFON Journal

This section, introduced by Editor Dennis Stacy, includes a plea for articles for the MUFON Journal. Stacy notes that ufology is facing perilous times, with many UFO organizations experiencing financial and publishing difficulties, leading MUFON to raise subscription rates. Despite these challenges, the MUFON Journal remains the only monthly UFO magazine, reaching over a thousand subscribers. However, it suffers from a lack of hard-hitting, investigative articles. Stacy laments that a prominent skeptic contributes more to the journal than many UFO researchers. He urges contributors to share their thoughts, findings, and theories on UFO phenomena, citing recent significant cases like the Cash-Landrum lawsuit, the Puget Sound case, and a recent satellite UFO picture. The journal offers a quick turnaround time for submissions, often less than 30 days. The goal is to achieve a renaissance in contemporary UFO writing, and contributors are asked to support this effort. Manuscripts should be neatly typed, double-spaced, and accompanied by photographs or graphic art.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around organizational efforts to promote UFO awareness and research, particularly through National UFO Information Week and the annual MUFON Symposiums. There is a strong emphasis on improving the quality and reach of UFO information dissemination, as evidenced by the call for contributions to the MUFON Journal and the strategic planning for the 1987 Symposium in Washington D.C. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement and a desire to elevate the field of ufology through credible research and public outreach, despite facing financial and logistical challenges.