The Paraufologist Vol 1 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: The PARAUFOLOGIST
Volume: ONE
Issue: NUMBER THREE
Editor: Allen H. Greenfield
Publisher: Allen H. Greenfield
Mailing Address: 2875 Sequoyah Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327 USA
Date: Current issue (likely January 1971 based on incident date)

This issue of The Paraufologist presents a collection of articles and reviews focusing on paranormal phenomena, with a particular emphasis on UFOs and ghost stories. The publication is distributed via a free mailing list, with contributions invited from readers. Illustrations for this issue are by Glen Brock.

Articles and Features

AS SERIOUS AS LIFE ITSELF

This lead article, written by the editor Allen H. Greenfield, discusses the implications of unusual phenomena research. Greenfield argues that even easily solved UFO cases hold value and that a degree of suspicion and doubt is a valuable trait for investigators. He posits that there is enough evidence to justify serious attention to paranormal areas, even if the ultimate findings point to conventional causes. The article explores how UFO events, like the Fatima incident, can also be viewed through a religious lens, potentially impacting our understanding of reality and humanity's place in the universe. Greenfield references recent material by Dr. James McDonald published in 'Flying Saucer Review' which highlights well-documented UFO cases, while also acknowledging cases with conventional explanations.

An incident on the night of January 20, 1971, in the Southeastern United States, is detailed. Numerous telephone calls were received by the office regarding an unknown phenomenon. Similar events occurred on January 26th and February 1st, all of which are tentatively identified as explainable by rocket tests from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The editor personally witnessed the phenomenon on one of these dates, and a photograph taken by him is published in this issue. He refers to this as a potential "dry run" for a future, more significant event.

THE SAUCER LECTURER

This article, also by Allen H. Greenfield, humorously recounts the experience of attending and presenting at a UFO lecture. The narrative describes the setup of the lecture, including intentionally faulty audio equipment and inverted slides. The lecturer, 'Raong', and his assistant 'Reen', along with a staged disruption by 'Welooh' yelling "Fake!", are part of a satirical portrayal of UFO lecture culture. The piece touches on the audience's reactions and the perceived need for belief, even in a staged event, referencing Orwell's broadcast. The lecture itself covered incidents like the Arnold sighting, Washington sightings, the Gill case, Socorro, and Michigan, as well as contactees, presented with an objective and impersonal tone.

SPECIALTY PUBLISHING

This section, seemingly an editorial or commentary, discusses the editor's own publishing endeavors, particularly a planned newsletter about "eggplants" and their alleged "subversive plot" and "invasion from Jupiter." The tone is whimsical and satirical, contrasting with the more serious UFO articles. It also mentions a section on "carrots" being subversive, suggesting a playful exploration of unconventional topics.

Book Review of TRUE EXPERIENCES WITH GHOSTS

This review, edited by Martin Ebon, covers a collection of ghost stories. The reviewer notes that while Ebon does not claim to have definitive answers, a thoughtful reading might reveal interesting aspects. A specific account by Maurice Quinton about a boyhood experience in Derrymore, Ireland, in 1920, is detailed. The experience involved Quinton, his cousin Michael, and a dog named Rory, encountering two ghosts. The ghosts were identified as Henry Quinton and a woman. The review analyzes the event, considering multiple-witness accounts, animal reactions, and potential explanations such as a "reality meshing" effect or a parapsychological factor like telekinesis, particularly in relation to an open window found after the event.

THE UFO FIELD IN THE UNITED STATES: AN EVALUATION OF THE CURRENT SITUATION

This article assesses the state of ufology in the United States following the closure of Project Bluebook and the Condon Committee's findings. The author questions whether private ufology will continue or cease to exist. The piece identifies several "hopeful signs" for the field, including activities from organizations like the Midwest UFO Network, the Midwest UFO Conference, and publications such as Skylook, UFO Potpourri, The Kansas Newsletter, and Sauceritis Review. It mentions lectures by John Schuessler and notes the continued interest expressed by nuclear physicist Stanton T. Friedman, who reports enthusiastic audiences at his college lectures. The article proposes several points for the future of ufology:

1. Professionalization: Efforts should be made to elevate ufology from a part-time hobby to a full-time profession, establishing a professional class.
2. Avoidance of Prejudice: Theoretical prejudice in any direction should be avoided, as even seemingly absurd explanations might prove valid upon investigation.
3. Data Gathering: Efforts should continue to gather and make available raw UFO data.
4. Youth Engagement: A meaningful effort should be made to attract and retain a youth element in ufology, providing newcomers with knowledge of the field's past to avoid repeating mistakes.
5. Public Interest: UFOlogists should actively seek and maintain public interest, developing new approaches beyond those used in the recent past.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

A brief mention of "a great, big photo of a strange looking light" is made, with a caution to read the caption before showing it to friends.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Paraufologist revolve around the serious investigation of paranormal phenomena, particularly UFOs, and the critical evaluation of the field itself. The editor, Allen H. Greenfield, adopts a tone that is both analytical and somewhat satirical, especially when discussing the culture surrounding UFO lectures and publishing. There's a clear stance advocating for a more rigorous and professional approach to ufology, moving beyond hobbyist levels and avoiding narrow-mindedness. The inclusion of a book review on ghosts suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena beyond just UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging serious inquiry while acknowledging the often-unconventional nature of the subject matter and its presentation.