Saucer Smear - Vol 25 No 04 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER STUD
Issue: Vol. 25, No. 4
Date: March 20th, 1978
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Stud" is dedicated to Eugene Steinberg, a candidate, and features a quote from John Keel. The publication aims to be a satirical and critical forum for UFO research, particularly focusing on its "darker side" and the foibles of its community. The editorial states a desire to redefine the zine's goals, moving towards "meaningful mudslinging" and providing a space for "brief ravings" that are witty, humorous, truthful, fair, original, sincere, and pertinent to current UFO situations.

Editorial: Another Boring But Nevertheless Semi-Serious Editorial

The editorial, penned by Editor James W. Moseley, addresses a criticism from Robert Sheaffer regarding recent issues. Moseley explains that "Saucer Stud" began as a satirical zine to chronicle the "foibles of the UFO 'hard core'" and to help researchers see themselves as others might perceive them – a disorganized group with differing opinions. Over time, the willingness to print humorous or negative content has led to more extreme displays from letter writers, creating a distorted mirror effect. Sheaffer's criticism prompts a re-evaluation, with the goal of becoming a forum for "brief ravings" that are not typically found in "normal" UFO zines. The editor emphasizes qualities like wit, humor, truth, fairness, originality, sincerity, and pertinence. A key purpose is to reflect an accurate picture of the "Darker Side of UFO research in the late 1970's." The editorial concludes with a slightly ominous "THE END OF AN ERA".

News and Announcements

Death of George Van Tassel: The issue reports the sudden death of UFO contactee George Van Tassel from a heart attack on February 9, 1978. Van Tassel was the proprietor of Giant Rock Airport near Yucca Valley, California, which hosted large outdoor UFO conventions from 1953 to 1970. The editor recalls attending these conventions and mentions Gray Barker's fictionalized book about the last one. A Love Memorial was scheduled for March 12, 1978, at the Institute of Mental Physics in Yucca Valley. The editorial on page 5, signed by Dorris Van Tassel, President, announces the continuation of the Integratron project, which was financed by private contributions and is nearing completion. Donations are requested for the "George W. Van Tassel Integratron Memorial Fund."

Columns and Reader Contributions

Ye Olde Misc. Ravings Column: Allen Greenfield (formerly Allen GERenfield) has relocated to Tucson, Arizona. The column also notes an upheaval within the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal (CSIP), with Marcello Truzzi leaving "The Zetetic" to edit a new zine, "The Zetetic Scholar." Dr. Hynek is listed as a contributor to this new publication. The editor mentions his regular appearances on the Long John Nebel - Candy Jones radio show, discussing topics beyond UFOs, such as eye disorders, psychiatry, and astrology, all of which he finds relevant to ufology.

Letters to the Alleged Editor:

• Dr. Leon Davidson submits an analysis of the "Socorro Symbol," a sighting that Dr. Hynek considered Case No. 1 in his "The UFO Experience" book. Davidson's analysis, based on a photocopy from Emenegger's "UFOs Past, Present, and Future," suggests the symbol is composed of the letters 'CIA' when rotated and manipulated.
• Dr. Thornton Page of NASA contributes two items: a brief note about Latin Americans referring to UFOs as OVNIS, and a critique of a pseudo-scientific UFO treatise received from Frank Hatch. He also humorously questions the relevance of the Bible to UFOs and asks for Donald Menzel's input.
• Hayden Hewes writes about the PSE (Psychological stress evaluator), an instrument that detects stress in human voices. He is compiling a series for "Saga 'UFO Report' Magazine" using the PSE on UFO claims and invites readers to submit taped interviews for evaluation.
• Lou Farish expresses enjoyment of "Saucer Mud" and mentions George Hunt Williamson, who was reportedly alive and had an article in "Probe the Unknown." Williamson was also a speaker at the Giant Rock convention.
• Bob Sheaffer confirms the existence of Dick Henry, whom he met on a TV show. Sheaffer also critiques the recent issues of "Saucer Stud," suggesting they have "slipped a bit" with "too much farting around" and urging a return to "more meaningful mudslinging."
• George Earley (NICRAPian) suggests that "Moseley has P.O. Box 163," leading to the acronym "AFC" (Air Force Controlled), and jokingly suggests Phil Klass buy a tape recorder.
• Gilbert Ziemba thanks the newsletter for its content and expresses surprise at the apparent truth of the Hollow Earth theory presented, stating that "Uncle Lou" has proven its reality.
• Jim Harris comments on the "rhyming titles" and the strangeness of "Saucer Mud." He also refers to "Uncle Lou" (presumably Lou Farish) and David Fideler as potentially unstable. Harris promotes his latest UFO tape, "Hamsters from Beyond."
• Lama Robert Dickhoff critiques "Saucer Mud," taking issue with the name "Ramona Cortez" and referencing historical figures. He also expresses disdain for John Keel.
• Steve Erdmann thanks the editor and requests a dedication for a hypothetical zine called "Saucer Blues." He also seeks publicity for his organization, NCAM, and mentions cattle mutilation reports.
• Curt Sutherly writes to assure readers he is alive and well, actively writing and learning fiction techniques. He explains his redirected efforts away from the UFO/Fortean scene but encourages the newsletter's continued publication.

Comic Strip

"Motley's Crew" features a comic strip titled "THE NIGHT PHIL KLASS WENT TO THE MOVIES..." which satirizes the sci-fi movie craze and the popularity of costumes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly reinforces "Saucer Stud's" stance as a critical and satirical publication within the UFO community. The editorial explicitly calls for "meaningful mudslinging" and a focus on the "darker side" of UFO research, suggesting a deliberate departure from more conventional or uncritical approaches. The inclusion of diverse reader letters, some critical of the zine itself (like Bob Sheaffer's), highlights an open, albeit contentious, dialogue. The passing of George Van Tassel serves as a somber reminder of the history and prominent figures within the UFO movement, while the continued discussion of symbols like the "Socorro Symbol" and methodologies like the PSE indicates an ongoing engagement with the analytical aspects of ufology, even within a satirical framework. The overall tone is one of irreverence, critical examination, and a desire to expose perceived absurdities and pretensions within the field.