Saucer Smear - Vol 24 No 07 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER GURUS
Issue: Vol. 24, No. 7
Date: June 15th, 1977
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Gurus" is presented as being "a lot more serious than usual," though it retains a characteristic blend of serious UFO discourse and wry, often humorous, commentary. The publication is the official organ of the SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY, based in Fort Lee, N.J.

Semi-Important Notice to All Non-Subscribers

An "X" appearing after a non-subscriber's name on the mailing envelope indicates they will be removed from the list unless they respond within the next week or two. The newsletter is described as a "Free Service, dedicated to spreading delusion and nausea among a handful of hard-core people," and only those who maintain contact are deemed worthy of this service.

Miscellaneous Ravings

Editor James W. Moseley notes an "interesting and rather Favorable write-up" of his career in UFO research in "The UFO Researchers' Newsletter." Conversely, he mentions a critical piece by J. Gordon Melton in "Fate Magazine," which accused Moseley of "dubious achievements," including expulsion from NICAP and publishing the "late-but-not-lamented SAUCER NEWS." Melton also described Moseley's current publication as a "little typed offset sheet" appealing only to those interested in his "personal problems" and "gossip."

Moseley announces his attendance at the "Fate Magazine" convention in Chicago. He also reveals he has applied for re-admittance to NICRAP, having been previously expelled. His bank statement shows NICRAP has cashed his check, and he anticipates receiving his membership card soon.

Furthermore, Moseley is pleased to announce that Allen Greenfield has endorsed the 14th National UFO Conference, scheduled for August in San Francisco. Allen Greenfield and Stanton Friedman are slated to be the main speakers at the public session, which Moseley hopes will end an "Era of Ill-Will" among long-time readers.

A peculiar item is presented, sourced from "Light Times," detailing a philosophical exchange between "Carlos" and "Don Juan" on how to handle the appearance of a Richard Nixon hologram. The advice involves running in a circle, keeping it out of one's mind, and concentrating on being a clock hand to make the presence disappear.

Newsletters in This Series

A comprehensive list of previous "Saucer News" and related newsletters from Vol. 23, No. 16 (February 1976) to Vol. 24, No. 7 (June 15th, 1977) is provided, along with notes clarifying certain issues, such as accidental undating or misnumbering, and the use of titles.

Ye Olde Mail Bag

Bob Sheaffer's Letter:

Bob Sheaffer, described as a "Super-Skeptic," writes regarding an apology from Jerome Clark. Sheaffer states that he wrote to withhold publication of Clark's barbs in "Saucers Confuse" after receiving an apology. He informs readers that Clark has apologized for his "temporary lapse of judgment" and that they will cease polemics. Sheaffer expects to soon present "definitive proof" that the "fairy" photos are a hoax, noting that they stood unchallenged for 57 years until confronted by the "Klass-Oberg-Sheaffer 'Skeptic's Squad.'" He laments that with important cases crumbling, it has been a "bad year for both fairies and UFOs."

Sheaffer also discusses the "American Humanist Association's 'Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal,'" which has voted to create a UFO subcommittee, directed by Phil Klass, with Oberg and Sheaffer as "henchmen." He notes that while many groups exist for UFO believers, skeptics now have one.

Regarding a "big UFO breakthrough" in 1977, Sheaffer advises against holding one's breath, referencing Phil Klass's summary of fizzled predictions. He quotes himself, stating that "A jealous phenomenon will continue to play peek-a-boo with the universe of objective reality for decades on end... As long as there are Ufologists, there will be UFOs. And somehow the UFOs will always manage to slip away before the evidence becomes too convincing."

Jerome Clark's Letter:

Jerome Clark expresses excitement that Bill Spaulding has "laid to rest the Cottingley fairy photograph controversy" and that Bob Sheaffer has "come to his senses and recognized that UFOs are real." Clark corrects Sheaffer's assertion that the Cottingley case was debunked by the "Skeptic's Squad," stating it was Spaulding's computer that did it. Clark recounts how Sheaffer was initially peddling "the same old drivel" for 57 years.

Clark details his investigation into the Cottingley poster, which Sheaffer claimed was the source of the fairy figures. Clark found a copy of the poster, which showed vaguely similar fairies, and Sheaffer had to admit he was wrong. Clark also mentions that he considered sending the pictures to Spaulding for computer analysis but didn't, as his boss, Curt Fuller, had previously found Spaulding unenthusiastic about analyzing Ted Serios' psychic photographs.

Clark finds it "gratifying" that Sheaffer has "come over to 'our' side" by recognizing Spaulding's analysis techniques. He notes that Spaulding, using the same methods that debunked the Cottingley photos, has shown that at least three dozen UFO photographs depict "large, craft-like objects unlike any conventional aircraft," making the case for UFOs with just one such picture.

Clark emphasizes that he has never "believed" in the Cottingley photographs but enjoyed "knocking down the skeptics' arguments." He concludes that it has been a "bad year for the skeptics" as their solutions to cases like Socorro and Snowflake have sunk, leading Sheaffer to "jump ship."

Dave Fideler's Letter:

Dave Fideler (alias Steve Miller) writes about a letter from Bob Sheaffer in "Official UFO," where Sheaffer questioned why "MIB" haven't silenced major Ufological figures. Fideler argues that "MIB" phenomena are not about silencing but have a different purpose, and that if they did silence people, Sheaffer wouldn't have to worry.

John Keel's Letter (as Quentin Farstmuckle):

John Keel, writing under the pseudonym Quentin Farstmuckle, sends a satirical message to "mutton head," referencing a C.I.A. assignment and an appearance on the "Long John Candy Jones Show." He jokes about the recipient presenting himself with a UFO Award. Mentions are made of George Montgomery splitting with his wife, Red Jackman being evicted, and Allen Greenfield potentially heading Fidel's new Institute for Capitalistic Studies. Phil Klass and Dan Cohen are collaborating on a book about Judge Crater, Lindberg's son, and Mae West. The letter also humorously questions Gene Steinberg's activities and mentions Ed Saunders remembering him as a poet.

Dennis Hauck's Letter:

Dennis Hauck, editor of "Official UFO," issues a form letter announcing a hoax in his publication. He states that the publisher, Myron Fass, and his secretary conceived a sensational and false case for the cover of the July 1977 issue. Hauck has submitted his resignation over this issue, aiming to ensure the integrity of his last issue (September 1977) and protect writers who followed his guidelines. He feels his reputation has been used to add credence to falsehoods and criticizes publishers' contempt for their audience.

Lucius Farish's Letter:

Lucius Farish enjoyed "Saucers Confuse" and sees that "everyone appears to be taking my suggestion and treating Captain Oberg with the neglect he deserves!"

Eugene R. Steinberg's Letter:

Eugene R. Steinberg refutes a rumor of his inactivity in UFO research, citing his articles in "Saga's UFO Report" and "Official UFO," and a forthcoming book. He mentions supplying UFO information for Charles Berlitz's Bermuda Triangle book. Steinberg states he plans to attend the UFO Convention in San Francisco with his wife, Barbara. He then proposes a rumor: that Jim Moseley died in 1967 and is being impersonated by John A. Keel.

Editor's Response:

Moseley corrects Steinberg, stating Jim Moseley died in 1968.

Friend Dickhoff's Letter:

Dickhoff praises "Saucers Confuse" as "pure ozone after a thunder storm." He speculates about Carter's UFO sighting and the possibility of Amnesty for "little green Martians." He discusses UFO cover-ups, the Helgoland Spacecraft, and dead little men in a 1954 crash. He also mentions A. C. Roberts' job search in Florida and R. Palmer's comments on the Bilderbergers. Dickhoff references Mexicans saying "El UFO gringo es un loco" and suggests that "visitors" at the Acapulco UFO Congress might have been "Space Aliens disguised as Hippies."

Steve Elliott's Letter:

Steve Elliott enjoyed "Saucers Confuse" and found the subject of "cow chip chucking" fascinating, suggesting a spin-off publication. He found most letters enjoyable, except for Captain Oberg's, which he found boring. He also enjoyed Howard Gontovnick's profile of Moseley's publishing career.

The Cleveland UFO Crowd (International Fartean Society)

Three members of the "Cleveland UFO crowd" – Rick R. Hilberg (President), Robert S. Easley (Chief Fart Smeller), and Carol J. Hilberg (Chief Fart Collector) – present a satirical piece about the "International Fartean Society." They claim to have developed a "FARTOCAT" system for analyzing and preserving "Fartean smells," contrasting it with Dr. David Saunders' "UFOCAT System." They describe their collection of "Fartean specimens," including one obtained near Dr. J. Allen Hynek in 1966, which they analyze as having an odor similar to swamp gas. They conclude that people should "forget investigating UFOs and go back to studying Fartean Phenomena; for we all know that Farts exist."

Confusing Headlines

The issue concludes with two headlines from other publications: "Spaulding no longer in majors" from the Palm Beach Times, and "Gray's future is in Al's hands" by Jerry Gladman.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate between UFO believers and skeptics, with particular focus on the Cottingley fairy photographs and the role of figures like Bob Sheaffer and Jerome Clark. The publication also showcases a satirical and often humorous approach to the subject matter, as seen in the "Miscellaneous Ravings" and the "International Fartean Society" segment. Editor James W. Moseley appears to maintain a stance that is both engaged with serious UFO research and critical of certain aspects of the field, including the actions of some organizations and individuals. There's a clear undercurrent of playful antagonism towards skeptics and a willingness to publish diverse, sometimes outlandish, viewpoints. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism and a penchant for the absurd.