MUFON Massachusetts PIPEline - 1987 01

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFON P.I.P.E. LINE
Issue: # 26
Date: January, 1987
Publisher: MUFON PUBLIC RELATIONS DIR.
Country: USA
Language: English

News Notes

Barry Greenwood reports that CAUS has received a substantial collection of over 143 pages of documents detailing UFO sightings from around the world. Many of these sightings are previously unknown, including a notable one over Barbados in 1984. The documents also contain over 90 pages concerning the United States' efforts to prevent the United Nations from endorsing an international UFO study group, following a resolution introduced by the Prime Minister of Grenada. The publication 'JUST CANS' is expected to feature more information on these pages in a future issue, and readers are encouraged to subscribe.

A spectacular sighting of a Japan Airliner over Alaska on November 17, 1985, was reported in the national media in late December. The sighting involved the FAA, commercial airline pilots, and passengers. CAUS has filed FOIA requests for information, and it is reported that Elmendorf AFB in Alaska was closed to the public shortly after the event. The object sighted was described as being as large as two aircraft carriers. This incident is considered a potential story for generating national media publicity for the 1987 UFO Symposium in Washington, D.C.

There is discussion about Simon & Schuster, the new owners of Prentice-Hall, Inc., potentially reissuing the book 'CLEAR INTENT' and launching a new publicity campaign. The hope is that this important work in UFO literature will receive renewed public attention.

Dan Wright has a new address as of February 1: 228 Fairview, Lansing, MI 48912.

States' News Notes

Massachusetts MUFON is implementing a new policy: membership meetings will be held every other month, with UFO displays in libraries or shopping malls during the interim months. This approach is seen as potentially more beneficial than solely holding monthly meetings, and the public displays are expected to increase public awareness and membership.

Arizona State Director Hal Starr and Maricopa State Section Director Jim Spiser will host a meeting for Arizona MUFON members and interested individuals in Phoenix on Saturday, January 31. The purpose is to encourage attendance at the upcoming UFO Symposium, with a videotape presentation planned. This initiative is noted as a positive development for the Arizona organization, which has not had an active group for some time.

Vermont State Director Bill Chapleau sent out triangular MUFON arm patches with state names as part of his holiday greetings. Several State Directors have received these, including two marked Arizona.

Regarding the January newsletter, two additional questionnaires were received from Oklahoma and Nevada. Oklahoma reports that Norma Jean Waller and three other members will attend the '87 Symposium, with four active members in total. Norma Jean favors coinciding National UFO Info. Week with the symposium. Jeffrey Neel from Nevada reports that no one from his state will attend the symposium, and he has 3-5 active members, with no preference for the dates of NUFOIW.

Enclosure

This section introduces a separate article by Jim Melesciuc, which is a commentary on contact with the tabloids.

Additional Notes on Tabloid Contact

The author stresses that whether interviewed by tabloids or the New York Times, it is unscientific and poor judgment to present extraterrestrial visitation as fact, as this remains speculation. Such statements detract from credibility and confuse the public. The articles in question refer to these beings as if the interviewees were personally acquainted with them, which is considered dangerous and unwise, especially when offering reasons for their intentions.

In contrast, an interview with Budd Hopkins in a Cape Cod newspaper is highlighted. Hopkins stated that if abduction accounts depict real experiences, it has enormous implications. If they do not, it implies a widespread psychological problem within the human population. Hopkins maintained an objective perspective, using conditional language and not presenting extraterrestrial visitors as fact. His conservative approach and thorough investigative techniques have earned him respect. The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining objectivity when interviewed by any publication, noting that dealing with tabloids can lead to numerous problems and jeopardize credibility.

Update on Library Program to Increase Journal Subscriptions

Walt Andrus has been sent a package with listings of over 1000 public, university, and college libraries in the U.S. The goal is to send these libraries information about MUFON, the UFO subject, and the MUFON UFO Journal, in hopes of securing subscriptions. Florida will be the first state to receive these packets due to its large population. The MUFON UFO Journal will also be exhibited at a library conference in Chicago. Walt plans to track Florida's results.

Pipe Committee Members

The author acknowledges the talent and dedication of the committee members. A poll is being conducted to see if any members wish to no longer serve, as it is not a lifetime assignment. Members are asked to notify the author if they wish to step down or recommend new members. The committee currently has thirteen members and could expand to fifteen or sixteen.

1987 P.I.P.E. Agenda

Ideas for the 1987 P.I.P.E. Committee agenda for the meeting in D.C. are requested from members, including suggestions for projects or priority items for 1987.

National UFO Information Week, 1987

Based on responses received, the best course of action for scheduling National UFO Information Week (NUFOIW) in 1987 is proposed to be held prior to the 1987 Symposium. This timing would allow for publicity of the upcoming symposium through exhibits, programs, and presentations across the country.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous research, objective reporting, and maintaining credibility when discussing UFO phenomena. There is a clear stance against sensationalism, particularly concerning tabloid journalism, and a preference for a scientific and cautious approach. MUFON's efforts to engage the public through displays and library programs, as well as its internal organizational activities like committee meetings and agenda planning, are highlighted. The publication also focuses on promoting its own journal and upcoming events like the UFO Symposium and National UFO Information Week.