P.I.P.E. LINE

Magazine Overview

Title: P.I.P.E. Line
Issue: #22
Date: October, 1987
Publisher: MUFON PUBLIC RELATIONS DIR.
Country: USA
Language: English

Main Articles and Editorials

Costly Lesson

The lead article, titled "Costly Lesson," addresses the significant animosity that has arisen within the UFO community following the release of the MJ-12 document. The author notes that the mail and phone calls received indicate a strong reaction, with much talk of "over-zealous egos" and a reluctance among some individuals to share information or compare notes on their research. Vague promises of "much more spectacular information" being held for later are mentioned, contrasting with what has already been made public about the MJ-12 document.

The editorial reflects on a past statement from two years prior, asserting that "WE are the ones who are responsible for keeping the UFO subject in the domain of those topics which are not considered to be legitimate areas for scientific research." The author argues that human nature itself, through a lack of credibility, does more to hinder the UFO subject than any government cover-up or external skepticism. The piece suggests that the government does not need to actively conceal information because the internal dynamics of the UFO community often make it appear less credible.

Focusing This Year

This section of the magazine addresses the lack of engagement from readers regarding the goals for the upcoming year. The previous issue of the P.I.P.E. Line had requested responses and comments, but not a single response had been received by the time of publication. The author expresses concern that without defined goals and plans, the committee may not be serving a constructive role for MUFON or UFOlogy. The possibility of the P.I.P.E. Committee having outlived its usefulness and the idea of self-destruction are raised.

Furthermore, the difficulty in publishing the Newsletter and the P.I.P.E. Line on a monthly basis due to a lack of sufficient news is highlighted. The author suggests considering a bi-monthly publication schedule and urgently requests feedback on these matters.

The author, Marge Christensen, also mentions taking on a new teaching position in a sophisticated computerized lab, coaching the Academic Decathlon team, and pursuing graduate classes. These commitments have significantly reduced her available time for MUFON work. She states that if there is no interest in public information projects, endeavors, or news for the Newsletter, then continuing these efforts would not make sense.

Christensen concludes by stating that if no responses are received to this article, she will discuss discontinuing the P.I.P.E. Line and moving to a bi-monthly publication of the Newsletter with Walt Andrus.

MUFON State Director Survey

Dan Wright, the new Deputy Director of Investigations for MUFON, has initiated a survey to be sent to MUFON State Directors. The purpose of this survey is to ascertain the organization's preparedness to conduct investigations. A summary of the results from all completed surveys will be published in the P.I.P.E. Line. The article notes that the addition of several new State Directors makes it interesting to see if they will bring new life to formerly inactive state organizations.

The survey form itself is presented, asking State Directors to indicate the possession of various resources, including:

• MUFON Field Investigator's Manual
• UFO-related books (e.g., "Observing UFOs" by Richard Haines, "Ufology" by James McCampbell, "The UFO Handbook" by Allan Hendry, "Casebook of a UFO Investigator" by Ray Fowler, "The Encyclopedia of UFOs" by Ronald Story, "The UFO Encyclopedia" by Margaret Sachs)
• MUFON application supply and resumé (statement of purpose) supply
• MUFON letterhead supply
• Contact information for state police posts, county/parish sheriff departments, major airports, and MUFON state membership.
• Office equipment such as a telephone answering machine, typewriter/word processor, video cassette recorder, and audio cassette recorder with tape duplication capacity.

Additionally, the survey asks State Directors to indicate the types of facilities to whom they have sent a letter of introduction within the past year (state police posts, county/parish sheriff departments, major airports) and how often they send newsletters to the state membership (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or none within the past year).

MUFON UFO Journal

A brief mention is made of the "MUFON UFO JOURNAL," described as the monthly magazine of the Mutual UFO Network, dedicated to the scientific study of unidentified flying objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the internal dynamics and challenges within the UFO community and MUFON specifically. There is a strong emphasis on the need for better information sharing and a critique of internal ego-driven conflicts that undermine the credibility of UFO research. The editorial stance is critical of inaction and lack of engagement, questioning the value of committees that exist only on paper and advocating for clear goals and constructive contributions. The publication of the P.I.P.E. Line newsletter itself is under scrutiny due to a perceived lack of content and reader interest, prompting a discussion about its future format and existence. The survey by Dan Wright indicates a focus on improving MUFON's investigative capabilities and organizational structure.