Ovni Presence - No 27

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni Présence
Issue: N°27
Date: Trimestriel, Septembre 1983
Publisher: Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes (AESV)
Country: France
Price: 15 FF ~ 5 FS

This issue of Ovni Présence, the bulletin of the Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes (AESV), is dedicated to a critical examination of the state of ufology, particularly within France. The cover features a striking illustration with the Latin phrase 'DE NATURA RERUM UFO LOGICARUM' (On the Nature of UFO Things), hinting at a deep dive into the subject matter. The editorial and several articles express a strong dissatisfaction with the current level of professionalism and rigor in the field, often referring to the typical ufologist as 'homo ufologicus'.

Editorial: EDITO

The editorial laments the scarcity of genuine UFO sightings, noting that even cases once considered significant are quickly debunked or reclassified (e.g., as 'OVI'). It suggests that the current landscape is more populated by 'U-FO-LO-GUES' – a diverse group including amateur ufologists, 'scientific ufologists', 'neo-ufologists', and others – rather than actual UFO phenomena. The editorial sets a critical tone for the issue, promising a detailed look at this 'species' of ufologist.

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

The issue's table of contents reveals a strong focus on critiquing the practices and attitudes within ufology:

• PROLOGUE: De natura rerum ufologicarum
• DE L' AMATEURISME ET DU PROFESSIONNALISME OU LE REGARD DU ZOOLOGUE SUR L'HOMO UFOLOGICUS by Thierry Pinvidic: This appears to be a central piece analyzing the behavior and shortcomings of ufologists.
• Bédé : LA BONNE PETITE AMBIANCE SYMPA QUI REGNE DANS L'UFOLOGIE EN FRANCE by GroX: A comic strip likely offering a satirical view of the French ufology scene.
• ZONE FRANCHE: après le 15 août 1983 à Cergy by Sulfure: A report or commentary on events in Cergy.
• UN CONTE "UFOLOGIQUE" : De ceux qui crient à la perfection et de ceux qui disent que le roi est nu by Hans Christian Andersen: A narrative piece likely exploring differing perspectives on UFO phenomena.
• QUELQUES IDEES POUR LES BONNES VOLONTES QUI NE SAURAIENT PAS FAR OU COMMENCER by Thierry Pinvidic: Practical advice or suggestions for aspiring ufologists.
• LE GEPAN NOUVEAU EST ARRIVE by Michel Coste: Likely a report on the French agency GEPAN.
• LE PETIT MARTIEN DECHAINE by La COMEDU Française: Possibly a humorous or critical piece.
• REGARDS CRITIQUES SUR UN FICHIER AU-DESSUS DE TOUT SOUPCON... by Claude Maugé: A critical review of a UFO database or file.
• FORUM OVNI-PRESENCE: A section for reader contributions.
• L'ORDINATEUR SACRILEGE by Dominique Caudron: An article on the use of computers in ufology.
• LA NOUVELLE VAGUE DES UFOLOGUES: la "new-wave" ufologique by...: Discussing emerging trends in ufology.
• LA VUE SUR LA MANCHE by...: A regional report or analysis.
• LE FOND ET LA FORME : Boulogne côté jardin... and UFOLOGICAL... : et Boulogne côté cour. by Yves Bosson and Michel Piccin: Likely complementary articles discussing aspects of ufology, possibly related to specific locations or approaches.

Article Analysis

PROLOGUE: De natura rerum ufologicarum OU DE LA NATURE DES CHOSES UFOLOGIQUES

This introductory section, dedicated to Serge Leuba, sets a critical tone. It suggests that ufology has become 'bourgeois' and protective of itself, creating a 'castle of cards' against external scrutiny. The author implies that the current state of ufology is characterized by internal currents and a lack of genuine progress.

DE L' AMATEURISME ET DU PROFESSIONNALISME OU LE REGARD DU ZOOLOGUE SUR L'HOMO UFOLOGICUS by Thierry Pinvidic

This lengthy article is a scathing critique of the typical ufologist ('homo ufologicus'). Pinvidic uses metaphors like building a port in the desert to describe the perceived futility of much ufological work. He argues that:

• Lack of Real Investigation: Ufologists complain about the lack of cases but fail to conduct thorough investigations, even of older cases. They often do not engage in 'counter-enquiries' to verify existing data.
• Permanent Cheating: Ufologists tend to avoid discussing explained cases, which they consider 'poisonous'. This selective approach distorts the reality of UFO phenomena. The article cites an example of Belgian cases where only a few out of many were genuinely unexplained.
• Hoarding Archives: Archives are often jealously guarded, not to preserve evidence, but to prevent them from being used by 'malicious' individuals or those who might offer critical interpretations. This hinders the progress of research.
• Lack of Competence and Professionalism: The article criticizes the ease with which individuals can become 'ufologists' without genuine expertise. It points to a lack of standardized methods, data analysis, and even basic vocabulary in investigations.
• Self-Deception and Lack of Realism: Ufologists often lack a sense of reality, failing to identify clear objectives or methods. They are prone to 'show-business' tactics, prioritizing conferences and public appearances over substantive research.
• Criticism of Other Ufologists: There's a tendency to condemn external critics, particularly figures like Jimmy Guieu, while simultaneously engaging in internal rivalries and pseudonymous criticism.
• Lack of Support for Active Researchers: While many ufologists are passive, those who actively work on research often lack support and resources.
• Archival Neglect: Important archives are at risk of being lost due to a lack of foresight and proper succession planning, a problem highlighted by the fate of the Thirouin archives.
• Self-Congratulation: A pervasive culture of self-satisfaction and an unwillingness to accept criticism are identified as major hindrances.
• Inertia and Lack of Progress: Despite decades of 'research', there has been little progress, characterized by a 'leveling down' of effort due to collective inertia.

Pinvidic also criticizes the FFU's attempts to establish a 'code of deontology' and a charter, deeming them idealistic but lacking practical application and failing to address the fundamental issues of honesty and competence.

ZONE FRANCHE VI: APRES LE 15 AOUT 1983 A CERGY

This section, accompanied by a satirical comic strip by GroX, appears to be a commentary on the internal dynamics and rivalries within the French ufology community. The comic depicts characters engaged in clandestine activities, plotting, and spreading misinformation, highlighting a perceived atmosphere of suspicion, intrigue, and 'bad ambiance' within the field. It satirizes the infighting and power struggles among different groups and individuals.

Un conte "ufologique": "de ceux qui crient à la perfection..."

This is a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Emperor's New Clothes," adapted to an ufological context. The story illustrates how a community can be deceived by charlatans who exploit their desire to appear knowledgeable and competent. In this version, two swindlers pretend to weave a magical fabric invisible to those unfit for their job or foolish. The 'Emperor' (representing the ufological community) and his ministers, fearing to appear incompetent, pretend to see the non-existent fabric. This allegory critiques the tendency within ufology to accept claims without evidence and to fear admitting ignorance or error, thereby perpetuating self-deception and enabling fraudulent claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is a profound disillusionment with the current state of ufology, particularly in France. The editorial and analytical articles consistently criticize the lack of scientific rigor, the prevalence of amateurism over professionalism, and the internal conflicts and self-serving behaviors within ufological organizations and communities. There is a strong call for greater honesty, competence, and a more critical approach to case analysis and data. The publication positions itself as a voice for serious, critical ufology, distinct from what it perceives as the more superficial or self-serving aspects of the field. The tone is often polemical and confrontational, aiming to provoke a necessary reckoning within the community.

This issue of 'L'HOMO UFOLOGICUS' (Issue 24, Volume 1, dated May 25, 1983) is a French publication from the FFU, focusing on critical analysis within the field of ufology. The cover prominently features the title and a headline that reads 'regards critiques sur un fichier au-dessus de tout soupçon...' (critical views on a file above suspicion...). The issue contains several articles that dissect the methodologies and practices within ufology, with a particular emphasis on data analysis, case selection, and the psychological aspects of ufologists themselves.

Article 1: 'L'HOMO UFOLOGICUS...' by Thierry Pinvidic

This lengthy article by Thierry Pinvidic is a deep dive into the perceived flaws and necessary improvements within the ufological community. Pinvidic critiques the 'homo ufologicus' for several behavioral patterns that hinder scientific progress. He argues for greater openness to scientific inquiry, suggesting that data should be more accessible to qualified scientists rather than hoarded by ufologists. He criticizes the tendency to reject external criticism and emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor, suggesting that new ideas must withstand scrutiny. Pinvidic also touches upon the issue of censorship within ufological publications, where dissenting opinions might be suppressed to maintain readership.

He further elaborates on the 'homo ufologicus' tendency to believe they can do everything themselves, leading to a distrust of experts and a reluctance to collaborate. This self-reliance, he argues, often results in flawed research due to a lack of statistical and analytical experience. Pinvidic calls for a more professional approach, including better record-keeping, adherence to ethical guidelines, and a willingness to engage with constructive criticism.

He also discusses the importance of community and mutual support, suggesting that helping fellow researchers is crucial for the advancement of ufology. He laments the lack of support for serious research efforts, contrasting it with the more public-facing activities of some ufological groups. Pinvidic concludes this section by advocating for a more mature and responsible approach to ufology, urging practitioners to move beyond outdated practices and embrace a more scientific outlook.

Article 2: '...et de ceux qui disent que le roi est nu' (And of those who say the king is naked)

This section presents a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale 'The Emperor's New Clothes.' The story is used as an allegory for situations where people are afraid to speak the truth for fear of appearing foolish or incompetent. In the context of ufology, it implies that some individuals may pretend to see or understand phenomena they do not, or may not question established narratives, for fear of social or professional repercussions within the community.

Article 3: 'regards critiques sur un fichier au-dessus de tout soupçon...' by Thierry Pinvidic

This is a detailed critical analysis of Claude Poher's '825 Cases' file, a significant statistical compilation used in ufological research. Pinvidic meticulously examines the file's structure, sources, and coding, uncovering numerous discrepancies and errors. He points out that the file, advertised as containing 825 cases, actually contains fewer actual unique cases due to duplications and errors in source attribution. He identifies issues with the reliability and 'length' (level of detail) of many cases, arguing that a significant portion should have been excluded or flagged as questionable.

Pinvidic's analysis reveals that many cases were poorly coded, with errors in dates, locations, and descriptions. He also highlights instances where 'non-UFO' phenomena or misidentified objects were included. The article presents statistical breakdowns of case reliability and 'length,' suggesting that a substantial percentage of the cases are either too brief to be useful or are 'doubtful' and potentially explainable. He questions the methodology used to derive conclusions from this flawed dataset, particularly concerning the 'portrait-robot' of the UFO phenomenon derived from Poher's statistics.

Furthermore, Pinvidic scrutinizes Poher's subsequent publications that relied on this file, pointing out instances where data from the '825 Cases' file was misrepresented or combined in ways that skewed the results. He concludes that the foundational data used in significant ufological studies is unreliable, casting doubt on the validity of the conclusions drawn from them. He suggests that such errors might stem from a lack of rigor or potentially deliberate manipulation, though he refrains from making definitive accusations of fraud.

Article 4: 'LE GEPAN NOUVEAU EST ARRIVE' (The New GEPAN Has Arrived)

This short news item reports on the restructuring of GEPAN (Group for the Study of Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena) in France. It details changes in leadership and personnel, noting a significant reduction in staff. The article expresses concern about the future effectiveness of GEPAN, particularly its ability to conduct field investigations and process information, given the reduced resources. It questions whether the new GEPAN will maintain collaborations with private ufological organizations and independent researchers.

Article 5: 'LE PETIT MARTIEN DECHAINE' (The Little Martian Unleashed)

This section appears to be a satirical or critical commentary on a ufological organization called COMEDUF (Commission for the Study and Documentation of UFOs). The author highlights what they perceive as contradictions in COMEDUF's stated goals and practices, particularly regarding its role as a documentation center and its membership fees. The tone suggests skepticism towards the organization's claims and operations.

Article 6: 'quelques idées pour les bonnes volontés qui ne sauraient pas par où commencer' (Some ideas for willing volunteers who don't know where to start)

This article provides a list of research ideas and projects for individuals interested in contributing to ufology. It covers a wide range of topics, including terminology standardization, bibliographic research, analysis of UFO case criteria, study of UFO cults, and the sociological aspects of UFO phenomena. The author encourages volunteers to take on these tasks, emphasizing that many research areas are incomplete and require further investigation. The list includes specific suggestions for research methodologies and areas of focus, such as studying the evolution of UFO themes over time, analyzing the psychological profiles of contactees, and verifying existing UFO case data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of ufological research practices. There is a strong emphasis on the need for scientific rigor, accurate data collection, and transparent methodologies. The articles collectively advocate for a more critical and self-aware approach within the ufological community, urging researchers to move beyond anecdotal evidence and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a more scientific and responsible form of ufology, one that is open to scrutiny and willing to address its own shortcomings. The issue also touches upon the psychological and sociological aspects of ufologists themselves, suggesting that understanding these factors is crucial for advancing the field.

Title: ZONE FRANCHE VII
Issue: 7/8
Volume: VII
Date: First semester 1981
Publisher: INFO-OVNI
Country: France

This issue of ZONE FRANCHE VII delves into the evolving landscape of ufology, marked by the emergence of 'neo-ufology.' It critically examines the methods, motivations, and consensus within this new wave of researchers.

The Sacrilegious Computer

The lead article, "l'ordinateur sacrilège" (The Sacrilegious Computer), questions the absolute reliance on computer analysis for UFO identification. It suggests that machines, while advanced, might be susceptible to external influence or programming biases. The author, Dominique Caudron, posits that the process of creating identification programs requires modeling the identification process itself, leading to potentially dangerous questions about the reliability of data and the exhaustiveness of hypotheses. The article humorously warns against blindly trusting computer-generated conclusions, especially in the context of ufology, and presents a BASIC program designed to simulate a biased UFO identification process.

The New Wave of Ufologists

An article titled "la nouvelle vague des ufologues" (The New Wave of Ufologists) describes a shift in ufological thinking, particularly since 1977. This 'neo-ufology' is characterized by a move towards greater intellectual honesty, openness, rigor, specialization, seriousness, and self-criticism. The authors note a departure from earlier, more polemical approaches. This new generation of ufologists is less concerned with proving the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs and more focused on understanding the phenomenon through a sociopsychological lens. They aim to determine whether UFOs are truly unknown physical phenomena or if they can be explained by misinterpretations of conventional objects (OVI) influenced by societal myths and psychological factors.

The article highlights that this approach is not opposed to physical science research but rather complements it, aiming to rigorously identify any remaining 'inexplicable residue.' The motivations for this shift are twofold: to avoid missing any potentially original phenomenon and to study the significant sociopsychological impact of the UFO myth. The article also touches upon the practical means adopted by neo-ufologists, such as specialization and organized meetings.

Forum: 'Ovni-Présence'

The 'forum' section invites readers to submit articles addressing critical questions about 'contactees'—individuals who claim encounters with UFO occupants. The questions posed are probing: Why did these contactees fabricate their stories? What were their motivations? Why did the public believe them? Were they sincere or aware of fabricating? If sincere, could their state be pathological? The magazine seeks explanations from psychiatric, psychological, or sociological perspectives, promising publication of the best texts in a special issue.

Encounters: The View Across the Channel

"La vue sur la manche" (The View Across the Channel) reports on a meeting held in Boulogne-sur-Mer in February 1983, attended by British and French ufologists. The event aimed to assess the current state of ufological thought and exchange ideas. Speakers like Hilary Evans, Michel Piccin, and Jacques Scornaux discussed various aspects of ufology. Evans emphasized the need for a collective effort to untangle complex UFO cases. Scornaux noted that a significant residue of unexplained observations persists, suggesting that the non-specific nature of these cases might be real. The article also touches upon the influence of social context on UFO reports, citing the relative scarcity of UFO sightings in Switzerland. The discussion extended to the 'airship' wave of 1909-1912 and the interpretation of UFOs through a sociopsychological framework, with the acknowledgment that even the hypothesis of an unknown phenomenon (HPS) can be seen as a belief system.

The Form and the Substance of Ufology

Another article, "le fond et la forme ufologique..." (The Substance and Form of Ufological...), continues the discussion on the differences between British and French ufology. It notes that British ufology is more open to diverse hypotheses, including ball lightning and 'earth mysteries,' which are less common in France. The article also critiques the organizational structure and communication within French ufology, contrasting it with the more collaborative approach observed in the UK. The author expresses frustration with the logistical challenges and perceived lack of professionalism encountered during the Boulogne-sur-Mer meeting, particularly regarding participant commitment and communication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for a more scientific, rigorous, and critical approach to ufology. The concept of 'neo-ufology' represents a move away from sensationalism and towards analytical methods, incorporating sociopsychological perspectives alongside physical investigations. The magazine appears to be critical of simplistic explanations and the uncritical acceptance of 'contactee' narratives, while also questioning the absolute authority of computer-based analysis. The editorial stance encourages a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging its complexity and the potential for multiple contributing factors, including psychological and societal influences.