Saucer Smear - Vol 23 No 18 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER MUSE
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 18
Date: April 1st, 1976
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This non-scheduled newsletter, SAUCER MUSE, presents a special issue focused on John A. Keel and the broader landscape of Ufology publications and research. The publication reflects on its history and current standing within the UFO community.

Exchange Periodicals and Publications

The editor, James W. Moseley, begins by reminiscing about the past when SAUCER NEWS (the predecessor to SAUCER MUSE) received numerous exchange UFO periodicals from around the world. He notes that this list has significantly shrunk in recent years to a handful of zines from old friends and acquaintances. However, with the resumption of publishing, SAUCER MUSE is now receiving new periodicals from the current crop of Ufologists.

• Several publications are listed:
• "Crossroads Quarterly" (Denton/Thor, New York)
• "Unknown worlds" (Steve Elliott, Vina, AL)
• "National UFO Newsletter" (Gilbert Ziemba, Rockford, IL)
• "UFO Sightings Newsletter" (Janice Croy, Denver, CO)
• "APRG Journal" (New Zealand)
• "The Journal of Borderland Research" (Riley Crabb, Vista, CA)

Spotlight on Riley Crabb and Borderland Sciences

Riley Crabb's "The Journal of Borderland Research" is singled out for its remarkable longevity, having apparently reached Volume XXXII, No. 1, indicating 32 years of publication. This is contrasted with the typical short lifespan of off-beat zines. Furthermore, the publisher, Borderland Sciences Research Foundation, is noted for claiming to have developed a "4-D" explanation of UFOs as early as 1946, a concept that was not widely accepted or even respectable in Ufological circles at the time, though the editor admits to having previously been dismissive of such ideas.

Riley Crabb is quoted, expressing pleasure at hearing from Keel and reading his "uncensored comments." However, Moseley recalls past antagonism, including an accusation of being a CIA agent and a peculiar encounter at a Giant Rock Convention where Crabb allegedly responded evasively when asked if he was Riley Crabb. Moseley expresses hope that these past issues have subsided, noting that "We all grow older inevitably, and wiser hopefully."

Review of "Saucers and Saucerers"

The newsletter reviews "Saucers and Saucerers," a book by Allen Greenfield of Atlanta, described as a "quaint and nostalgic look at Ufology 1960-1975" with "alternate reality" elements. SAUCER NEWS is mentioned on several pages (38, 39, 44, 49, 52, 58), and James Moseley is mentioned even more frequently (Pages 39, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 62). The book is available for $1.00 from Allen Greenfield at P.O. Box 98214, Briarcliff Branch, Atlanta, Ga. 30329.

Contributions from Other Writers

Paris Flammonde

Paris Flammonde, a freelance writer known from the Long John radio program, contributes about his upcoming book, "UFO Exist!" This is presented as a companion volume to "The Age of Flying Saucers" and is scheduled for release by G.P. Putnam in mid to late April. Flammonde's assessment of his own work, while acknowledging potential grammatical and literacy issues, suggests it has "no major flaws" if one overlooks these aspects. The editor offers "Good luck, Paris," wryly commenting that "Literacy can be a major handicap in the UFO field."

Daniel Cohen

Daniel Cohen, a freelance science writer and described as a "terrible UFO skeptic," expresses delight at SAUCER MUSE's return. He shares a humorous anecdote about receiving letters from John Keel in the past, which made him feel as though Keel might suspect him of being part of a "Silence Group." Cohen is relieved to find he is not a unique target and is willing to be quoted in "YE OLDE MAIL BAG," provided his address is not revealed to avoid further "spooky letters from John Keel."

Gilbert Ziemba

Gilbert Ziemba expresses great enthusiasm for the relaunch of SAUCER MUSE, noting the return of prominent Ufologists from the 1950s. He congratulates Moseley on editing SAUCER NEWS (referring to it as "Nexus" in his subscription history), which he subscribed to in 1954-1955. Ziemba recalls the publication's contents and features vividly, despite being very young at the time. Moseley echoes the sentiment that "we all grow older inevitably and wiser hopefully."

Other Mentions and Events

Gray Barker's Newsletter

Readers are urged to read the March 1976 issue of "Gray Barker's Newsletter" for a "spirited defense" of the editor against "the Dark Forces of NICAP and MUFON." To obtain a copy, send self-addressed envelopes and a financial contribution to Saucerian Press, P.O. Box 2228, Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Thirteenth Annual National UFO Conference

Attention is drawn to the "vast wave of public apathy" and the upcoming THIRTEENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL UFO CONFERENCE. It is scheduled for the weekend of August 28th in the Cleveland, Ohio area, with accommodations at the Holiday Inn, Route I-71 & 82 (Turnpike Exit 10), Strongsville, Ohio 44136. This event is presented as an opportunity for "uncommitted" members of "Middle Ufology" to gather for business and conversation. The motel's swimming pool is highlighted as a notable amenity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER MUSE strongly emphasizes the historical aspects of Ufology, celebrating the longevity of publications like Riley Crabb's journal and recalling the early days of UFO research. There's a sense of camaraderie among veteran Ufologists, tempered with wry humor about the challenges and eccentricities of the field, particularly concerning literacy and the sometimes-unconventional explanations proposed. The editor, James W. Moseley, maintains a personal and somewhat self-deprecating tone, acknowledging past criticisms while celebrating the continued engagement of individuals and publications in Ufology. The issue also highlights the importance of community and discussion through upcoming conferences and the exchange of newsletters, while subtly critiquing public apathy towards the subject.