PF-Nytt - 1969 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: PF-NYTT
Issue: 1
Volume: 1
Date: January 1969
Publisher: Populærvitenskapelig Forening (Popular Scientific Association)
Type: Information bulletin

Editorial Introduction and Purpose

PF-NYTT began as the organ for the Populærvitenskapelig Forening, primarily to fulfill the need for information about the association's daily work and operations, especially for passive members who lived too far away to attend meetings regularly. The bulletin was well-received by both passive and active members and quickly evolved from a simple information sheet about the association into a forum for information and articles concerning the association's many and extensive fields of interest. The editorial team hopes to maintain this direction and, with the readers' help, develop it further.

Content and Future Outlook

The editors express a hope to include content of broader interest in the future, appealing to both members and non-members, as well as material from other similar associations across the country. PF-NYTT is open to contributions from anyone with relevant information or ideas, provided they fit within the established framework of the publication. Simultaneously, the bulletin aims to give other associations and interested parties a good overview of the activities within their own association, which could be of significant importance.

Subscription Announcement

To ensure the continuation of the favorable development, the association finds it necessary to introduce a subscription fee. The association's treasury lacks sufficient funds to cover the costs of free printing and distribution for such a large undertaking. The three issues published so far have all been privately financed. The subscription price is set at 15 Norwegian Kroner per year. This price is calculated to cover costs without any profit, and for 15 Kroner, subscribers will receive 6 issues of PF-NYTT, normally published every other month, along with any additional information bulletins. The notice emphasizes that from this point forward, only the number of copies corresponding to the subscriptions will be printed, making it impossible to order back issues later. Readers are urged to arrange their subscriptions promptly.

Content of Upcoming Issues

Issue number 4 is currently in production and is expected to be available around January 25th. This issue will feature a more extensive article on the use of instruments in scientific research, particularly in ufology. It will also include an interview with the chairman and founder of Norway's oldest UFO association, Norsk UFO Studiegruppe, Ing. Gunvald Weie, and a review of UFO activity since the last issue, including a summary of the most important reported observations. Issue number 5, planned for March 1969, is also in the works and promises new content.

Call for Contributions

An appeal is made to as many people as possible to submit contributions. Readers are encouraged to share any objections or additions to the material, or to initiate discussions within or outside the association.

Subscription Deadline and Options

Subscribers wishing to receive the January issue must pay 15 Kroner by January 15th, 1969. A half-year subscription is also available for 8 Kroner.

Integration of PF-lb

It is noted that "PF-lb," the organ of the Photo Group, is included as an attachment to PF-NYTT. This publication was initially intended as a separate newspaper but was later decided to be incorporated into PF-NYTT. The future arrangement for this is still uncertain, but it is possible that the photographic material will be considered specialized enough to be distributed only to interested individuals.

Terminology Project

A section discusses the need for precise definitions of terms within ufology, paraphysics, and parapsychology. The Parafysisk Studiesirkel began compiling such a list, and the work is now being continued by the Parafysisk Gruppe, where there is greater interest in this endeavor. The result will be published in a booklet when completed.

Review of Past Activities (Two Years Ago)

A meeting summary from December 19, 1966, is referenced, where various possibilities for solving the problem of financing the bulletin were discussed. The Oslo group expressed interest in supporting a potential periodical, possibly financially. L. Bjerke was unanimously elected to supplement the press committee, and S.-E. Tosterud was chosen as the interim assistant secretary. Discussions also touched upon a planned lecture evening, potentially featuring Medbøe as a speaker.

Plans for the Winter Semester 1969

While a definitive program for the winter semester (January 1 to March 15, 1969) is not yet finalized by the newly elected board, some plans are outlined. Monthly plenary meetings will continue, totaling three for the semester. These meetings will begin with an extended series of lectures on methodology, epistemology, and philosophy, running through both winter and spring, in addition to other talks. The monthly meetings for the photo group are also not yet finalized. The meeting schedule for the Parafysisk Gruppe is less certain, with discussions about open meetings every other month. These intermediate work meetings are intended for approved ufo-parascientists to focus on urgent tasks like ongoing investigations and analysis of UFO reports, possibly held in Oslo. The Technological Group will also have more regular meetings, possibly monthly, to stay updated on technical developments and acquire necessary equipment. The Real Scientific Group is not expected to hold regular meetings until the spring semester.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the establishment and continuation of the PF-NYTT bulletin as a vital communication channel for the Populærvitenskapelig Forening. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement, seeking to inform members, foster discussion, and expand the scope of the publication to include broader interests and contributions from other organizations. There is a clear emphasis on the need for financial sustainability, leading to the introduction of a subscription model. The content also highlights the association's involvement in ufology and parapsychology, with plans for in-depth articles and interviews in these areas.