MUFON Massachusetts PIPEline - 1986 12

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFON P.I.P.E. LINE
Issue: # 25
Date: December 1986
Publisher: MUFON PUBLIC RELATIONS DIR.
Location: Tucson, AZ

This issue of the MUFON P.I.P.E. LINE newsletter addresses internal organizational matters and public relations challenges faced by MUFON, a UFO research organization. It focuses on strategies for improving public perception of the UFO subject and planning for upcoming events.

Symposium Notes and Planning

The newsletter contains several notes regarding the upcoming 1987 symposium. Dan Wright is asked to draft a letter to Congressmen inviting them to attend, which will be published in the newsletter and journal. John Schuessler proposed a commemorative issue of the MUFON Journal for 1987, featuring abstracts of papers published from 1975-1986, as an alternative to a proposed special commemorative volume.

Mildred Biesele was the only member to respond positively to an idea for raising funds to place a large ad in the Washington Post to advertise the 1987 symposium. The editor infers that other committee members may not favor this idea. Mass. MUFON, led by Jim Melesciuc, is requesting an additional $5.00 contribution from each member to help defray symposium costs, a move that is commended.

Fred Whiting is asked to investigate if the Fund for UFO Research will again provide financial awards for outstanding work in UFOlogy. There is a strong recommendation that one of the featured speakers at the 1987 symposium, to be held in the nation's capital, should address the topic of government documents released on the UFO subject. Barry J. Greenwood is suggested as a suitable speaker for this topic, known for his calm and unemotional approach.

1987 P.I.P.E. Committee Meeting

The annual committee meeting is scheduled for Friday evening, June 26, 1987, following the reception at the symposium in Washington, D.C. This meeting is considered crucial for reexamining public information priorities and programs, potentially initiating new approaches. The focus is suggested to shift towards selective public information, targeting individuals with influence, scientific orientation, wealth, or media connections, rather than solely focusing on the general public. Input from all members is requested to determine agreement on this new direction.

Hawaii Checks In

John Dressler, section director for Hawaii, reported on the state's activities during National UFO Info. Week 1986. Both he and State Director Dr. Michael Brein were interviewed on television, and Dressler spent 10 hours answering questions at the Hawaii State Fair Aerospace Exhibit. This effort is seen as a positive example of public information dissemination in the UFO subject.

Media Questioned About UFO Subject

Jim Spicer, State Section Director for Maricopa County, Arizona, posted comments and questions on the Compuserve computer network regarding why the media does not treat the UFO subject seriously. The responses received highlighted misinformation and a lack of information among some media personnel, which Jim Spicer has compiled into an article for the MUFON UFO Journal.

Public Relations Dilemma

This section delves deeply into the challenges of MUFON's public relations. The author emphasizes the need for accuracy and objectivity in statements made to the media and the public, and the shared goal among serious UFOlogists to gain acceptance for the UFO subject as a legitimate area of study. The author expresses confusion as to why some serious UFOlogists maintain contact with tabloids, which are characterized by sensationalism and entertainment rather than information.

Recent tabloid articles featuring Walt Andrus and Stanton Friedman have drawn criticism from MUFON members, prompting demands for action from the PR office. This situation presents a dilemma for the PR office, as it is difficult to dictate policy to volunteers regarding media interviews. The P.I.P.E. Committee had previously drafted a media policy that received mixed responses from the MUFON Board of Directors, ranging from total approval to total disapproval. One suggestion was to use tabloids as they are seen as a source for publishing UFO material, while another viewed the policy as an "ego trip" for the committee.

The author acknowledges the possibility of being out of line in suggesting a media policy to volunteers, but stresses that the current situation is negative for the organization and the UFO subject itself. The lack of agreement among UFOlogists is seen as hindering progress and credibility. There is concern that active members might leave to form new organizations, which would be detrimental to MUFON, especially as it approaches its 20th anniversary in 1989.

The dilemma of correcting the problem of non-credible public information from volunteers is highlighted. The author seeks a new approach, as past efforts like correspondence and articles have not yielded significant changes. Dealing with the issue publicly is discouraged, as it could fuel skeptics. The discussion is intended to be kept within the P.I.P.E. Committee for frank and honest dialogue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the internal management and public perception of UFOlogy. There is a clear emphasis on the need for professionalism, credibility, and a strategic approach to public information. The editorial stance, as expressed by Marge Christensen, is one of deep concern and frustration over the challenges of maintaining a consistent and effective public relations strategy within a volunteer organization. The newsletter advocates for a more focused and influential approach to disseminating information about UFOs, while also acknowledging the difficulties in implementing such strategies with a volunteer base. The importance of internal dialogue and cooperation is stressed as essential for the organization's future.