P.I.P.E. LINE

Magazine Overview

Title: P.I.P.E. LINE
Issue: #28
Date: April, 1987
Publisher: MUFON PUBLIC RELATIONS DIR.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the P.I.P.E. LINE newsletter from MUFON focuses on the strategic direction for UFO research and public information efforts in the upcoming year. It announces changes within the P.I.P.E. Committee and highlights the importance of professionalism and credibility in the field.

Announcing New Committee Members and Advisors

The newsletter begins with an announcement of new individuals invited to join the P.I.P.E. Committee. Dr. Michael Swords has accepted and is already providing suggestions for public information strategies. Dr. David M. Jacobs and Budd Hopkins have accepted invitations to serve as advisors, leveraging their extensive experience in UFO research. Richard Hall and Dr. Ron Westrum are also mentioned as having received invitations but have not yet responded. Mike Swords, Dave Jacobs, and Budd Hopkins are scheduled to attend the 1987 MUFON UFO Symposium in Washington and a P.I.P.E. meeting.

The committee now comprises 16 individuals from across the country, representing diverse expertise in the UFO subject.

Pride in Excellence Award

For the second consecutive year, MUFON will present an award for the "Most Outstanding Work in the Field of UFOlogy." The recipient will be chosen by MUFON members through a ballot included in the April issue of the Journal. Last year's award was given to Budd Hopkins for his extensive research into abduction cases. The editorial emphasizes that for UFOlogy to be recognized as a legitimate science, there must be a demand for excellence and professionalism from researchers, and this award aims to recognize such contributions.

Focusing This Year: Strategic Direction for UFO Research and Public Information

The editorial section, "Focusing This Year," outlines the need for concrete action and strategic planning for the P.I.P.E. Committee. It suggests moving beyond theoretical discussions to implementing practical goals and projects.

• A key proposal is to concentrate public education and information efforts on selected groups rather than the general public. These target groups include:
• The national media (networks, major newspapers, national radio stations)
• Influential government officials
• Scientists and academia
• Individuals and organizations with significant resources willing to support research

The committee aims to map out specific programs to inform these groups about the seriousness of the UFO subject and the need for in-depth research by experts from various disciplines.

Furthermore, the editorial stresses the critical need for the UFO research community to be demonstrably competent, professional, objective, and well-qualified. It acknowledges the difficulty in criticizing colleagues but asserts that establishing credibility as researchers is essential for UFOlogy to be recognized as a respectable science.

Addressing Internal Issues: Policy, Credibility, and Membership

An earlier proposal for a media policy, forwarded to the MUFON Board of Directors, was not implemented due to a lack of unanimous approval and concerns about its dictatorial tone. The newsletter acknowledges the challenge of avoiding such a tone within a volunteer organization but insists that this does not excuse a lack of professional or competent work.

The need for a concrete program to ensure the credibility, objectivity, and accuracy of researchers and public information providers is highlighted. The committee seeks input on how to structure such a program, with discussions planned for the June 26 meeting.

Another significant area of focus for the upcoming year is the public education of MUFON's own membership. The newsletter notes a paradoxical decrease in enthusiasm from State Directors and their organizations for active work in the subject, despite a current surge in public interest in UFOs. The need to re-energize these individuals is emphasized.

A related issue is the perception that a MUFON membership card equates to being a "UFO expert." The newsletter points out that many individuals assume this role without adequate training or knowledge. It proposes that individuals issued a "field investigator-trainee" card should receive investigative training. Additionally, it suggests that contributing subscribers should not receive membership cards, but rather just the Journal, to help mitigate this issue.

Essentially, the newsletter argues that public information efforts must begin internally, with MUFON members, before attempting to reach external audiences.

Recommended Publication

The Society for Scientific Exploration is recommended for its scientific approach. Its publication, "The Explorer," is available for $2.50 per copy. Contact Professor W. Frederick at the University of Virginia for more information.

Public Information Proposals

Two proposals for public information projects have been received:

1. Thomas Burch's Proposal: This proposal suggests asking the MUFON Advisory Board of Consultants to write papers stating their official positions on the UFO subject. These papers would then be published periodically in the Journal. The author of the newsletter expresses doubt that the consultants will agree, citing their general reluctance to state theories and their preference for maintaining an objective view.
2. Jim Speiser's Proposal: Jim Speiser suggests sponsoring a "trial to test the UFO evidence" in a mock court of law, potentially held on a university campus and televised. UFO proponents would defend the subject, while skeptics would serve as prosecutors. After the trial, the public would vote via telephone. Jim Speiser is confident the vote would favor the UFO subject. A copy of this proposal will be available at the P.I.P.E. Committee meeting in June.

New Address

Dan Wright's new address is provided: 228 S. Fairview, Lansing, MI 48912. His phone number is 517-374-6705.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for a more structured, professional, and action-oriented approach to UFO research and public dissemination of information. The editorial stance is one of critical self-assessment within the UFOlogy community, emphasizing the need for credibility, objectivity, and rigorous standards. There is a clear call to move beyond mere discussion and towards tangible projects and targeted public outreach. The importance of internal training and clear communication within MUFON itself is also a recurring theme, suggesting that strengthening the organization from within is a prerequisite for effective external engagement.