Saucer Smear - Vol 25 No 05 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER DUD
Issue Date: April 15th, 1978
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of 'Saucer Dud' is dedicated to Todd Zechel, described as a candidate for 'Saucer Dud'. The cover features a quote from John Keel and a cartoon depicting figures interacting with a flying saucer. The publication is the official organ of the SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY, based in Fort Lee, N.J.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The editor, James W. Moseley, shares several pieces of news and commentary. James Randi, a professional magician and skeptic, is mentioned for his offer of a $10,000 reward to anyone who can prove extrasensory powers under controlled conditions, in relation to a dispute at Iowa State University involving a professor named David Weltha. Daniel Cohen, another skeptical figure, has released a book titled 'The World of UFOs,' which is dedicated to him and mentions the 'Saucer Dud' editor and the newsletter's past circulation, which peaked at 8,000 paid subscribers in 1967.

The editor also addresses an issue with Ufologist Todd Zechel (alias Ted Zilch), who is reportedly furious because the editor refuses to release him from a five-year contract signed when Zechel was staying at the editor's headquarters. The contract involves the editor acting as Zechel's agent for his ufological writings. The upcoming UFO movie 'Skywatch,' with which Zechel was briefly associated, has not yet been released.

A prominent headline on the page reads: "Jailed Alien Dies Mysteriously".

Ye Olde Mail Bag

This section features correspondence from various individuals in the ufology community:

• Phil Klass satirizes Dr. Leon Davidson's attempt to link the Socorro UFO incident to the CIA by decoding a symbol as Davidson's initials ('L.D.'). Klass humorously suggests Davidson should have painted 'I Am A UFO' on the craft.

• Jerome Clark agrees with Bob Sheaffer's critique of the newsletter's recent scatological humor, urging a return to more 'adult humor' and less 'pee-pee doo-doo jokes'. The editor responds humorously, questioning what will happen to those who never got beyond third-grade humor.

• Uncle Lou comments on Bob Sheaffer's alleged editorial, criticizing its tone and defending the 'Saucer Dud' zine's use of satire to encourage ufologists to 'shape up'. He then presents a strong critique of ufology, stating that it has never been a scientific pursuit, lacks a hypothetical model, and has failed to develop according to the scientific method in over 30 years. He agrees with Gray Barker that J. Allen Hynek is 'the only UFO investigator who was never a UFO investigator!' Uncle Lou praises Moseley's zine and its contributors, calling them 'weird' but loved.

• Brent Raynes expresses pleasure with the 'Semi-Serious Editorial' and hopes for a return to more meaningful satire. He acknowledges his recent silence due to getting married in November.

• Jim Harris of UFOCUS seeks help in promoting his zine by offering a free copy to non-subscribers who send him a card. He agrees with the editor that non-subscribers often write 'zany stuff' and that 'Saucer Dud' is an excellent place for ufologists.

• Bob Schiller criticizes Bob Sheaffer, calling him a 'crybaby' and questioning his desire to involve NASA in UFO investigations. Schiller contrasts Sheaffer's approach with that of figures like Oberg and Klass, suggesting their goal is to elevate 'egg heads' or be 'recycled'. He also notes that 'The Zetetic' magazine, which he subscribes to, incorrectly lists Oberg's name.

• Marcello Truzzi explains his recent resignation from the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), which he helped found and edited its first two issues of 'The Zetetic'. His resignation was due to the Executive Council's decision to change 'The Zetetic' into a more popular, 'debunking' magazine and his lack of consultation. He later resigned entirely when he felt his moderate views were not being considered and the committee was adopting an advocacy position for 'normal' science, becoming indistinguishable from Paul Kurtz's perspective. Truzzi aims to relaunch his newsletter as 'The Zetetic Scholar' with a diverse editorial board of critics and advocates, focusing on responsible analysis and dialogue. He believes that examining paranormal claims requires considering unconventional hypotheses and that scientific inquiry, combined with humor, is essential.

• Jacob A. Davidson thanks Moseley for sending the publication gratis and suggests that the 'collective unconscious has been allowed to run amuk'. He is associated with 'The Phenomena Research Special Report'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a complex landscape within ufology, characterized by internal debates, skepticism, and calls for more rigorous scientific investigation. The editor, James W. Moseley, uses satire and a direct, sometimes confrontational, tone to engage with contributors and readers. There is a clear tension between those who advocate for a more scientific approach to UFO phenomena and those who are critical of the field's current state. The newsletter appears to champion critical thinking and a willingness to question all claims, including those of 'normal' science, while also valuing humor and a less dogmatic approach. The recurring theme is the struggle to define and conduct ufology as a legitimate scientific or investigative pursuit, with strong opinions expressed by various figures regarding methodology, evidence, and the credibility of researchers.