Saucer Smear - Vol 27 No 06 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER FEAR
Issue: Volume 27, No. 6
Date: July 15th, 1980
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Fear, a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological paranoia, provides a detailed account of the 1980 National UFO Conference (NUFOC) held in Manhattan. The publication also includes news briefs and a series of letters to the editor from various individuals within the ufology community.

Memories of the 1980 National UFO Conference

The article begins by recapping the 17th annual National UFO Conference, held on June 20th and 21st at the Doral Inn in Manhattan. The event is described as the oldest and most prestigious of the nation-wide 'Middle Ufology' groups, proving the field's continued presence. The conference is deemed an unexpectedly successful and meaningful event.

Press Conference

The conference commenced with a press conference on the morning of Friday, June 20th, attended by most of the out-of-town speakers. Due to the efforts of the publicity team, Harold Salkin and Mike Luckman, at least thirty genuine members of the media were present. This led to publicity from various New York media outlets, including Channels 4, 7, and 11, WOR, WMCA, WBAI, WNEW-FM, WPIX-FM radio, The New York Post, The New York News, and United Press International.

Key topics at the press conference included Bob Sheaffer's anti-UFO views and a display of life-sized alien heads and statues brought by artist George Rackus. The conference also presented a challenge to President Carter and other presidential candidates regarding the release of UFO information to the public, as outlined in two press releases.

Friday Evening Dinner and "Closed Session"

On Friday evening, a dinner was held at the World Trade Center for most of the convention speakers and other 'hard core' attendees. The following morning, a 'closed session' began at 10 a.m. This session included a brief business meeting where it was decided that the next summer's annual meeting would be held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, organized by Ronald Spanbauer of the International UFO-Photo Exchange. It was also decided that Charles Wilhelm, director of OUFOOL of Cincinnati, Ohio, would be replaced on the Permanent Organizing Committee by Tom Benson of New Jersey, who had previously organized the 'closed session' of the 1980 convention.

The 'closed session' featured speakers who were considered to have views or subjects not of wide enough interest for the general public. These speakers, who presented without pay, included Art Goodstone, Gary Levine, Marcel Guesnon (replacing Ward Campbell), Bob Jones of 'Vestigia', Leon Davidson, and Bob Warth of SITU. Dr. Davidson also prepared a press release regarding his presentation.

"Closed Session" Marred by Resignation Issue

The 'closed session' was reportedly marred by Eugene Steinberg, a member of the Permanent Organizing Committee, who arrived late and insisted on reading his resignation to attendees. The announcement was postponed until later, and Steinberg's post on the committee would be filled at the next year's meeting.

Public Sessions

The main speakers presented during the afternoon and evening public sessions, with tickets priced at $10 per session or $15 for both. Despite the 500-seat ballroom being nearly full, the event sustained a modest financial loss due to overhead costs. Speakers at these sessions included Rick Hilberg, Stanton Friedman, Bob Sheaffer, Betty Hill, John Keel, and Charles Berlitz.

Technical issues created by the hotel were noted, but the public sessions generally went smoothly and speakers were well received. Stanton Friedman participated in a timed debate with Bob Sheaffer, the first such pro-and-con debate at a major UFO convention. Friedman also gave a regular lecture and received the National UFO Conference's annual award plaque for his contributions to ufology. Previous recipients included John Keel, Gray Barker, Rick Hilberg, Bob Easley, and James W. Moseley.

Acknowledgements and Brickbats

The article expresses thanks to numerous individuals who helped make the convention successful, including Harold Salkin and Mike Luckman for publicity, Candy Jones for radio cooperation, George Rackus for his alien heads, Shirley Stuart for art and insights, Tom Benson for coordinating the 'closed session', Timothy Greed Beckley for tips, Mike Mann for slide projection, Anna Montgomery for handling cash, Rick Hilberg and Al Greenfield for press conference and business meeting assistance, and Rachael Montgomery, Pam Tigrett, Rick Aguilar, and Betty Becker for handling phones.

Brickbats are directed at Bob Carson, a publicist who reportedly faded out without notice, and a representative from radio station WBAB who became angry when the convention declined to send top speakers on a long trip.

Future Plans and Contact Information

The next convention is announced to be held in Oshkosh. Fans wishing to contact Ronald Spanbauer for more information can reach him at P.O. Box 172, De Pere, WI 54115.

The Wilhelm Conspiracy

This section details issues concerning Charles Wilhelm, director of OUFOOL in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a former member of the National UFO Conference's governing board. The article suggests Wilhelm resigned in anger, not shame, partly due to alleged misstatements in an early press release for the 1980 Conference. Wilhelm reportedly sent an 'absurdly arrogant' registered letter demanding a retraction, which was refused. He is accused of attempting to sabotage the convention by writing to Stanton Friedman to withdraw as a speaker and by contacting the Post Office Department to seek an injunction.

Wilhelm, along with 'Dr.' McIntyre of Maryland and Dennis Pilichis of Ohio, is said to have organized an anti-NUFOC group called the 'Coalition of Concerned Ufologists'. This group is linked to anonymous 'hoax letters' previously received by the publication. A preliminary meeting for this coalition was scheduled for the weekend of August 23rd at Kent State University, Ohio.

The article also mentions an imitation of Saucer Fear called 'Saucer Feces', published by 'Dr.' McIntyre, which is described as containing cartoon work and amusing passages. Readers are encouraged to request it from 'Dr.' McIntyre at Box 218, Kensington, Md. 20795.

The editor concludes this section by stating that while they may have made enemies, the National UFO Conference will continue, and the Saucer Entities are likely amused.

News Briefs

• Steve Levendakes: The untimely death of non-subscriber Steve Levendakes of Parkersburg, West Virginia, a friend for over 30 years, is noted with grief.
• Bill Spaulding: Bill Spaulding of GSW clarifies that his organization has 500 members, not 500 scientists or technicians. The editor humorously asks if Spaulding will now speak to them.
• Mexican Farmer and Space People: A clipping from Miami mentions a Mexican farmer who can grow unbelievably large vegetables but does not share the formula, which he claims to have obtained from 'Space People'.
• Candy Jones Radio Show: The editor mentions being on the Candy Jones radio show on May 29th with ex-Captain Jim Oberg of NASA and a contactee named Allen Michael. He also notes a subsequent appearance before the Convention with Betty Hill and Stan Friedman, praising Friedman's ability to discuss UFOs.

Social Page

• The social page features photographs:
• Tom Benson: Pictured with a piece of 'space hardware' found on a farm near Grovers Mill, N.J.
• Phil Klass and Bride: An exclusive photo of Phil Klass and his new bride.
• Phil Klass Post-Honeymoon: A humorous, anonymously sent photo from Washington, purportedly showing an alien in distress inside a spaceship, presented as a more exclusive photo of Phil Klass after the honeymoon.

Letters to Ye Olde Editor

This section contains several letters from readers:

• Thornton Page: A doctor, Page humorously suggests that doctors misspell and write illegibly for effect, questioning if Albert Einstein could spell legibly and suggesting Bob Easley be awarded an honorary DSc in Ufology.

• Phil Klass: Klass responds to Barry Greenwood's challenge regarding his technical journalism background. Klass cites his extensive publications in aerospace and technical fields prior to his UFO articles, including a 1957 Time Magazine feature on electronic countermeasures and articles in 'The Book of Knowledge' and 'Encyclopedia Year Book' on digital computers and radar. He also mentions his 1956 fame for articles on inertial navigation techniques, supported by over 1,200 letters from foreign countries. Klass questions Barry Greenwood's own claims to fame.

• Editor's Response to Klass: The editor acknowledges Klass' enclosure and states that while much can be said about him, his non-ufological reporting is acclaimed.

• George Earley (Former NICRAPer): Earley questions the premise of Klass' fame, arguing that his public recognition stems solely from his 14 years of public UFO debunking, not from his aerospace work. Earley contrasts this with the public interest in UFOs, which has been polled by Gallup.

• Bob Sheaffer: Sheaffer clarifies a previous statement about seeing a Sasquatch in an interdimensional photograph, admitting he was in error and initially saw only one creature. He also mentions a snag in his anti-UFO book's publication due to his copy editor, Cynthia Dwyer, being arrested in Iran on spying charges.

• Bill Lutters: Lutters thanks Robert Dickhoff for referring to him as a 'twerp' in 'Saucer Sneer', feeling he now fits in with other non-subscribers. He also discusses a prediction about Kennedy's campaign slogan and the 'Chap.' incident, suggesting Teddy and Mary-Jo were on their way to midnight mass.

• Dave Reissig: Reissig offers lighthearted advice to lighten the mood, suggesting readers take something for seriousness and avoid being too serious, using humorous and scatological analogies.

• Larry Bryant: Bryant congratulates the editor on organizing the 1980 National UFO Convention, praising the fellowship and outlook. He suggests a 30-minute 'spoof-and-fun' session for future conventions.

• Bob Warth (SITU): Warth considers the 17th National UFO Conference a success despite facility issues at the Doral Inn. He thanks the editor for the invitation to speak at the 'closed session' and notes the challenge of determining what to say in a limited time.

• Steve Barnett (Non-subscriber): Barnett enjoys the magazine's 'purges of prominent UFO personalities' and states he is not a Ph.D. or M.D.

• Tom Burch: Burch expresses appreciation for being elevated to 'official non-subscriber' status and for receiving back issues. He describes the publication as 'negative, crass, vindictive, and totally unredeeming' but argues it is necessary to 'deflate the egos' of 'sanctimonious, paranoid 'feudal lords'' in ufology. He also mentions being a member of CUFOS, NICAP, and MARCEN and invites contact from members of these groups.

• Donald Hipkiss, Jr. (Institute of Paranormal Science): Hipkiss writes about 'Saucer Drool' and 'Stool' being lucid treatises on the sociological phenomenon of 'Ufologists'. He admits to a prejudice in favor of UFOs as a real phenomenon but does not believe in 'Ufologists', suggesting their existence is a hoax perpetrated by Ufonauts and the CIA. He questions if there is uncontestable proof of intelligent life on Earth.

Full Moon: A Report From The Islands

This section features a letter from Jacob A. Davidson (formerly Wierdman Moseley, and also Kalani Hanohano), the editor of 'Full Moon: A Report From The Islands', a journal of UFOs, Parapsychology, Folklore and Fortean Inquiry within the Pacific Islands Region. Davidson announces his return to Hawaii, his name change, and his intention to issue his journal from Polynesia. He describes his surroundings in Waikiki and expresses enjoyment of 'Saucer Fear', calling it a receptacle for 'bullshit' in the field, which he finds amusing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and often skeptical stance towards certain aspects of the ufology community, particularly those perceived as overly self-important or lacking in rigor. The editor, James W. Moseley, uses a direct and sometimes confrontational style, evident in the 'Wilhelm Conspiracy' section and the responses to letters. There is a clear distinction made between the phenomenon of UFOs and the individuals who investigate them ('Ufologists'), with a notable skepticism towards the latter, as expressed by Donald Hipkiss and echoed by the magazine's tone. The publication also seems to value humor and a less formal approach, as suggested by Dave Reissig's letter and the 'Social Page'. The editor actively engages with critics and rivals, such as Charles Wilhelm and 'Dr.' McIntyre, while also acknowledging contributions from various figures in the field. The overall editorial stance appears to be one of challenging established narratives and egos within ufology, while maintaining a critical yet engaged perspective on the subject matter.