Nessletter - No 132 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: NESSLETTER
Issue: 132
Date: November 1995 (with a note indicating a Jan 1998 update or re-release)
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0204-7001

This issue of NESSLETTER delves into various aspects of the Loch Ness Monster phenomenon, media coverage, and related investigations. It features correspondence, reports on proposed capture methods, and discussions on journalistic practices.

Andreas's Report and Spielberg Connection

The issue begins with a letter from Andreas, dated mid-July '97, describing an impressive video footage he saw on 'Sky News' of a large swimming object from Lake Van, Turkey. He notes that the footage was not broadcast again and he couldn't find articles about it, but later heard it was available on the internet. He found the footage to have an amateurish touch, with unstable camera movements and peculiar sounds. Andreas questioned if the visible objects resembled parts of a dinosaur from an adventure movie and wondered if there was a connection to Steven Spielberg's project and the movie 'The Lost World'. He also mentioned the 'Vladivar Vodka project of 1984' and the idea of using meat or fish baits to attract a creature into a cage with an electronic tracking device.

Malcolm Robinson's 'Nessie' Trap Proposal

The newsletter then shifts to a story from September '96, involving Malcolm Robinson from Alloa, who sent a note with a change of address. He also inquired about an old Inverness by-law that supposedly prohibits harming Nessie. Robinson, founder of Strange Phenomena Investigations, had an ambitious program to 'prove Nessie exists' and sought suggestions for sponsorship. The editor rang Malcolm, and while unable to offer direct sponsorship help, received copies of his original drawings. Robinson's idea involved building a structure, like a boxing ring, approximately 50-60 feet, with tensioned upright cables and side ropes. The tricky part was a series of spheres mounted on horizontal lines with 'radio biopsy darts' to attract Nessie to a bait container. The goal was for Nessie to collect one or more radio beacons, enabling future movements to be monitored. The editor notes that Malcolm had many details to finalize and posed questions about the device's thickness, cable count, sphere compound, and anchoring.

The editor expresses skepticism about the attractant aspect, noting the lack of knowledge about what Nessie feeds on and the difficulties in attracting animals with dead fish or prey. He points out that some animals require live food, making the plan less straightforward. Experiments with various baits and attractants have reportedly produced no noticeable or successful results.

The 'Sun' Article and Spielberg's Involvement

The narrative continues with a 'Sun' article from Saturday, July 19th, '97, headlined 'Spielberg Wants To Help Capture Nessie'. The article suggested that Spielberg was teaming up with Malcolm Robinson to capture a 'real dinosaur'. Robinson, described as a Scot's Nessie hunter, reportedly sent blueprints for an elaborate Nessie booby trap to Spielberg, promising to deliver Nessie on a platter. The article also mentioned Spielberg's fascination with dinosaurs since childhood and his belief in the Loch Ness Monster. It suggested that the plesiosaur was the most popular candidate for the creature and that trapping it would be a method that would not injure it. The article quoted Malcolm as saying that 'The most successful attempt to prove something was there was Operation DeepScan three years ago', which involved boats sweeping the loch with ultrasound scans and tracking a 30-foot moving object that dived to the bottom. The editor notes discrepancies, such as the DeepScan date (stated as '87, not three years prior) and the tracking of a 30-foot target. He also points out the timing of the article, coinciding with the release of Spielberg's film 'Jurassic Park. The Lost World', suggesting it was a publicity stunt.

Malcolm Robinson later confirmed that the 'Sun' had contacted him, not the other way around, and that he had discussed his idea for a cage, not directly with Spielberg, but with the 'Sun' journalist. He clarified that he never said 'Give me 10% of the takings of the Lost World and I'll give you Nessie on a platter' or that Spielberg could 'drain the loch'. He felt the article added 'journalism' and 'arms & legs' to the story.

Karl Shuker's Contribution

Karl Shuker, a zoologist and prolific writer on cryptozoology, shares his perspective. He recounts a call from the editor in January, where he mentioned an interview with a freelance journalist about 'Big Cats' and Loch Ness. The journalist had asked about the possibility of capturing Nessie with unlimited finance and technology. Shuker's response, described as idle thoughts, suggested a comprehensive program of dredging the loch bed, hoping to come up with remains. He also mentioned the Operation DeepScan, noting its date as '87. Shuker expresses concern about journalistic practices, citing a previous instance where he was wrongly reported as working with Bob Rines. He advises caution regarding what one says, comparing it to the old wartime poster, 'Careless Talk Costs Lives!!'.

Books and Other Information

In late October '97, the editor received a letter from Steuart Campbell of Edinburgh, who had been involved with Nova TV's investigation at Drumnadrochit in June '97. Campbell expressed his usual skeptical view and mentioned having lunch with Adrian and seeing him. He understood that a Nova TV program would be broadcast in the US and possibly the UK. Campbell also informed the editor about a revised edition of his book, 'The Loch Ness Monster - The Evidence', published by Birlinn Ltd and Prometheus.

The editor then discusses Steuart Campbell's book, noting that it is a US edition and that Nessletters in '86/'87 extensively covered various points from the original edition. He recommends the book for those interested in Loch Ness and the mystery, while acknowledging its skeptical viewpoint. He mentions that about 10,000 copies of various editions have been sold. The editor also refers to Nick Mitchell's 'Loch Ness Story' and Tim Dinsdale's 'Loch Ness Monster' and 'Project Water Horse' as available resources.

He introduces a new item, a flyer for a book titled 'One Man in His Time', which he has not seen but notes it is not a 'monster' book. He suggests it might be an interesting addition for those who collect Nessie memorabilia, dealing with the life and work of David James, who was instrumental in investigating sighting reports and bringing science to bear on the Loch Ness investigation.

The latest issue of Fortean Times is mentioned, announcing 'UnConvention '98', a weekend event featuring lectures on cults, conspiracies, and cryptozoology.

Sighting(?) Report

A 'Sighting(?) Report' from August '97 describes a camper at the Invermoriston site who was disturbed at 3 am by agitated ducks splashing and quacking. The camper heard a strange humming noise coming from the loch, unlike any boat or machinery noise heard before. Deciding it was safer not to investigate, the camper noted that while ducks can be easily disturbed, the humming noise was unusual. The report speculates on possibilities like an electric outboard motor or other unusual sounds, but concludes that the report might be a combination of fairly ordinary events being misinterpreted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of NESSLETTER reflects a consistent editorial stance of cautious skepticism mixed with a genuine interest in the phenomena discussed. The editor meticulously separates factual reporting from speculation and media hype, particularly evident in the discussion of the Steven Spielberg and 'The Sun' article. There's a clear emphasis on journalistic integrity, with instances of misreporting being highlighted and corrected. The newsletter encourages reader contributions and aims to provide a platform for diverse viewpoints within the field of paranormal investigation, while maintaining a critical eye on claims and evidence. The recurring theme is the ongoing quest to understand mysteries like the Loch Ness Monster, often intertwined with media sensationalism and the challenges of scientific investigation.