Saucer Smear - Vol 23 No 31 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER VIEWS
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 31
Date: December 25th, 1976
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Views" is a non-scheduled newsletter that reflects on the end of the year and the publication's "Re-Entry" into the UFO field. The editor, James W. Moseley, notes a significant increase in mail volume and expresses a desire to keep the publication to four pages. He humorously mentions "honors" received, including an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Universal Life Church and an appointment as New Jersey Director for Ground Saucer Watch (GSW). Moseley thanks the "vast multitude of non-subscribers" for making the zine what it is, describing the readership as a "hard core" of "frustrated satirists, complainers, chronic contactees, and just plain Heads."

The World's First UFO Chain Letter

Authored by "A. Nonymous," this section presents a chain letter designed to help UFO enthusiasts acquire rare books. Participants are instructed to mail two of their rarest UFO books to the person listed in position #1 and then make 10 copies of the letter to distribute to others. The letter warns that failure to mail the books and copies within 48 hours will break the chain. A footnote provides an address for obtaining a copy of the first issue for $1,000.

Consequences of Breaking the Chain

The newsletter details cautionary tales of individuals who broke the chain letter. Walter X experienced high-pitched buzzing noises, vague threats, the disappearance of neighbor's pets, and black Cadillacs before his house burned down. Robert C. was found dead with his face contorted in horror, believed to have seen "the Evil One." Another anonymous researcher who rewrote the letter was struck by lightning, severely burned, and then taken away in a vehicle with "AMBULANCE" scrawled on its side.

Science-Fiction Dept.

This section features a hypothetical telephone interview between Editor James Moseley and "Mr. Joseph Fann," described as a typical non-subscriber. The interview touches on Moseley's past prominence in ufology and Fann's surprise that he is still active. The conversation is continued to the next episode, promising further exploration of their interaction.

Ye Olde Mail Bag Again

Patricia Barringer of the Universal Life Church writes to express her enjoyment of the magazine and mentions that Rev. Hensley also found it humorous. She notes that Moseley was ordained on September 28th, 1968, and encloses his Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.

Lou Wiedemann, Vice President of Vestigia, offers a critique of "Saucer Phews," calling it "scatterbrained scatology" but then speculates on the physiological functions of yawning and sneezing as potentially related to alien physiology. He questions the purpose of these acts if aliens cannot perform them and if they don't serve their traditional functions.

Larry Stephens, a UFO researcher and publisher, praises "Saucer Views" for its refreshing departure from dry content, valuing its humanity and humanness, though he finds some language offensive.

Fake Advertisement

This section presents a "fake advertisement" for a detailed, realistic-looking model of the Travis Walton UFO, sold by Todd Zechel (alias Ted Zilch) of GSW. The model is advertised for $10.95 and is described as emitting pine-smelling odors and a "crepe-paper blue beam." It bears the stamps "Made in Japan by APRO" and a seal of approval from "The National Enquirer Toy Foundation."

GSW Appointment Letter

A letter dated December 6, 1976, from W. Todd Zechel, Director of Research for Ground Saucer Watch (GSW), to James W. Moseley, officially appoints Moseley as the New Jersey Director for GSW. The letter outlines his duties, including coordinating investigations, promoting GSW, encouraging support, and maintaining a sense of humor. Zechel defends Moseley against "purists" and acknowledges the satirical nature of "Saucer Views," stating that GSW expects to be parodied and enjoys jokes about themselves.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue is characterized by a strong satirical and humorous tone, evident in the "Ego Trips" section, the "Fake Advertisement," and the overall editorial commentary. The publication engages with the UFO community through a chain letter, cautionary tales, and interviews, while also critiquing perceived seriousness within the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of irreverent commentary and a desire to inject humor and a more human element into ufology, as evidenced by the praise from Larry Stephens and the appointment of Moseley to a GSW position, which suggests a level of acceptance for his unique approach by at least some within the UFO research community.