Magazine Summary
POTPOURRI NEWS
Ever wanted to host your own late-night paranormal radio show?
Across the Airwaves
You’re on the air. Callers bring Mothman, Fresno Nightcrawlers, UFO sightings, reptilian autopsies, and whispers about AATIP and Project Blue Book. Every reply shapes how the night goes.
Summary
James Oberg, a NASA engineer, won a $2,200 prize for an essay in 'New Scientist' criticizing the unscientific approach to UFO reports, which he calls 'ulology.' He argues that while a scientific approach might reveal alien visitors, current UFO claims rely on hoaxes and advertising tricks. A poll in the 'Detroit Free Press' indicates that 72.7% of readers believe in alien visitors, while 27.3% do not. The 'Sound Off' section presents reader comments on the topic.
Magazine Overview
Title: POTPOURRI NEWS
Issue Date: October 29, 1979
Volume/Issue: Vol. 15A, No. 203
Publisher: DETROIT FREE PRESS
This issue of Potpourri News, dated October 29, 1979, features a prominent cover story questioning the validity of UFO claims, alongside a reader poll on belief in alien visitors and a section for reader commentary.
UFO Claims Spaced-Out?
The main article, originating from London and reported by the Associated Press, discusses an essay by James Oberg, an American space specialist and engineer at NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston. Oberg won a $2,200 prize in an essay contest held by the British journal 'New Scientist' for his critique of the methods used by UFO enthusiasts. He argues that the study of UFOs, which he terms "ulology," suffers from an "extremely cavalier attitude toward verification of data" and resorts to "all the traditional tricks of the Madison Avenue advertising executive's trade." Oberg believes these "illogical persuasion" techniques are regrettable, as a more scientific approach might actually reveal the existence of alien visitors to Earth. Despite numerous unexplained sightings, Oberg asserts that no single UFO report provides conclusive evidence of space visitors.
Oberg's background includes work with NASA and membership in the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. His article appears in the current edition of 'New Scientist'.
Sound Off: Does Earth get alien visitors?
This section presents a poll and reader comments on the question of alien visitation. While Oberg criticizes the unscientific methods of UFO buffs, the poll reveals a significant public interest and belief in the subject.
- How you voted:
- YES: 72.7 percent. Comments included beliefs dating back to 1917, the vastness of the universe suggesting other life, and explanations for UFO sightings.
- NO: 27.3 percent. Comments questioned why aliens haven't landed, referenced fictional characters like Mr. Spock, and expressed skepticism.
"Sound off" is described as a non-scientific poll intended to gauge reader opinions, with the reported percentages based on approximately 250 calls.
Information, Data, Commentary and Speculation
This section is attributed to John F. Schuessler, with a mailing address provided in Houston, Texas. The page also includes a credit to B. Rivard of Mupon, Warren, Michigan.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The issue appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance towards the UFO phenomenon. While highlighting a prominent voice (James Oberg) who criticizes the lack of scientific rigor in UFO research, it simultaneously acknowledges the widespread public interest and belief in alien visitation through the reader poll. The editorial stance seems to favor a scientific investigation of claims while not entirely dismissing the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The inclusion of reader comments and a dedicated section for "Information, Data, Commentary and Speculation" suggests an aim to engage readers on complex and often speculative topics.
The techniques of "illogical persuasion" are regrettable because a more scientific approach might reveal that there really are alien visitors to Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'ulology' according to James Oberg?
According to James Oberg, 'ulology' is the study of unidentified flying objects that suffers from an extremely cavalier attitude toward verification of data, often resorting to hoaxes, fraud, and advertising tricks.
What was the outcome of the 'New Scientist' essay contest?
James Oberg won a $2,200 prize in an essay contest held by the weekly British journal 'New Scientist' for his article criticizing the unscientific approach to UFO reports.
What percentage of 'Free Press' readers believe in alien visitors?
In a non-scientific poll, 72.7 percent of 'Free Press' readers indicated they believe in alien visitors, while 27.3 percent do not.
Who is James Oberg?
James Oberg is a 34-year-old engineer at NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston, a writer on space science, and a member of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- James ObergAmerican space specialist
- John F. Schuessler
- B. Rivard
- Mupon Warren
Organisations
- NASA
- Mission Control Center
- Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal
- New Scientist
Locations
- London, UK
- Houston, USA
- Warren, USA