MUFON Massachusetts PIPEline - 1987 11

Magazine Overview

Title: P.I.P.E. Line
Issue: #23
Date: November, 1987
Publisher: MUFON (Mutual UFO Network)
Document Type: Newsletter/Magazine Issue

This document is the FINAL ISSUE of the P.I.P.E. Line, a publication associated with MUFON. The issue details the history, accomplishments, and eventual disbandment of the P.I.P.E. (Public Information and Education) Committee.

History and Formation of the P.I.P.E. Committee

The P.I.P.E. Committee was born five years prior to this issue, in response to a PBS NOVA series program that the author, Marge Christensen, considered to be the "epitome of disinformation" regarding the UFO phenomenon. Christensen suggested to Walt Andrus that if the public could be better informed, the media would find it harder to present biased versions of the subject. She offered to assist in this effort, and Andrus placed her in charge of a public information committee. Initially composed of four people in Massachusetts and three in Texas, the committee grew.

Committee Growth and Activities

Over the first year, Christensen invited other individuals from across the country to join. The committee held its first annual national meeting in San Antonio, Texas, in 1984 and has met annually at MUFON UFO Symposia since then. By the time of this final issue, the P.I.P.E. Committee numbered 17 individuals located across various states, including Massachusetts, California, Michigan, and Texas.

The committee's activities were extensive:

• Educational Materials: They produced a slide set with a narrative for lectures and a syllabus for an adult course on the UFO subject, as well as one for youngsters.
• Media Policy: A media policy for MUFON was developed.
• National UFO Information Week: The committee initiated this event three years prior to this issue and provided state organizations with media packets for its observance.
• Newsletter: For the past 4 1/2 years, they published a monthly newsletter for all state directors and the monthly P.I.P.E. Line for the committee itself.
• Public Outreach: Committee members lectured widely in their respective geographic areas and made numerous media appearances.
• Media Response: They actively responded to negative or inaccurate media coverage of the UFO subject.
• Display Materials: Furnished materials for free-standing display panels for state organizations.
• Symposia Support: Assisted with advance publicity for the past four MUFON symposia.

The author states that "Indeed we have accomplished a great deal."

Disbandment of the Committee

Despite the significant accomplishments, Christensen notes that "the support and enthusiasm from committee members and state directors alike is just not there any longer." She emphasizes that this is "not a one person job" and that "Different circumstances dictate different courses of action." In response to these changing circumstances and a lack of clear responses from committee members regarding the continuation of the committee, the P.I.P.E. Committee is hereby disbanded. This issue marks the final publication of the P.I.P.E. Line.

Acknowledgement and Farewell

Marge Christensen expresses her gratitude to everyone involved, stating, "I would like to thank every one of you for your dedication and assistance with public information work over the past four years. You have been a wonderful group to work with, and you are all valued friends and colleagues. It has been a privilege to work with all of you."

The issue is signed by Marge Christensen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this publication is the importance of public education and accurate media representation concerning the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement, aiming to counter disinformation and provide factual information to the public. The newsletter reflects a commitment to organized efforts within the UFO community (represented by MUFON) to achieve these goals. The final issue highlights the challenges of maintaining volunteer-driven initiatives and the acknowledgment that projects must evolve or conclude based on available support and changing circumstances.