Saucer Smear - Vol 30 No 01 - 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Vol. 30, No. 1
Date: January 15th, 1983
Publisher: SAUCER SMEAR / SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It is characterized by its editor's distinctive blend of serious reporting, sharp wit, and satirical commentary, as noted by quotes from Robert Sheaffer and John Keel on the cover.

Editor's Introduction and Hot Flashes

Editor James W. Moseley opens the issue by noting three important facts: it marks his Thirtieth Year in saucer research, the publication is now using a new Adler electric typewriter, and the UFO scene appears quieter than usual, with fewer abduction or interplanetary rape reports. He humorously states that if the scene remains slow, the issue might be shortened or padded with odd headlines. He assures non-subscribers that they will still receive their money's worth.

Upcoming Events and Research

The 20th National UFO Conference (NUFOC) is announced for May 14th in Tucson, Arizona. Speakers listed include Rick Hilberg, Hal Starr (topic: "CIA, KBG, and UFOs - The Cosmic Watergate"), Kal K. Korff, and editor James W. Moseley as master of ceremonies. Details for contacting the local chairman, Ed Biebel, are provided.

Book and Publication News

The newsletter shares news about various UFO-related books and publications. Timothy Good's book "George Adamski - The Untold Story" is mentioned as being available for $15. Wendelle Stevens' "UFO Contact at Pascagoula," detailing the Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker case, is available for $14.95. Bob Girard of Arcturus Book Service is noted for receiving a compliment from Phil Klass. Steve Erdmann is selling a collection of his former zine "Dissenter/Disinter" and is looking to form a local St. Louis group for studying animal mutilations.

Allen Benz of Tucson has founded the "Foundation for UFO Research," described as a dissident group, possibly non-APRO or anti-APRO, separate from the Lorenzens. Their motto is "Deeds not Words."

The publication also notes the existence of a sports figure with the same last name as the editor, humorously contrasting this with the notoriety of Winston Moseley, who murdered people. A parody magazine called "The Irrational Inquirer" is highlighted for its humorous take on UFO topics, such as "Top Government UFO Official is a Space Alien!"

Letters to the Editor

Several letters offer feedback and commentary:

• Bill Nash, a retired pilot, praises "Saucer Smear" for being fun, informative, and irreverent.
• Dr. Thornton Page of NASA expresses his impression of a lecture and mentions Jim Oberg's views. He also notes that Allen Hynek has been criticized and that he himself has been criticized for encouraging investigation of the "Blue Room" at Wright-Patterson AFB, where UFO remains are allegedly stored.
• Bob Schmidt, a cartoonist, enjoyed the latest "Smear," particularly a piece on Thornton Page. He advocates for less "fence sitting" and more objective scientific work in ufology.
• Bill Retoff found the newsletter's coverage of the Reno convention revealing and informative.
• Mike Dennett, a non-subscriber, found the Reno convention report interesting but noted the public's disenchantment with UFO hype. He questions the credentials of some speakers and criticizes the photo in the report for being out of focus.
• Riley Crabb of the Borderland Sciences Research Foundation praised the report on the Reno convention, suggesting that government debunking propaganda has been effective. He implies that those with evidence have had it forcefully taken away by MIB agents.
• Prof. Hans J. Petermann criticizes Wendelle Stevens' books as hoaxes and questions the authenticity of UFO photos, suggesting they are montages. He also criticizes other speakers at the Reno convention and mentions Carl Sagan's past affiliation with CSICOP, a group of skeptics.
• Piet Hoebens, a newsman and cartoonist from Amsterdam, finds "Saucer Smear" to be the funniest publication he has read since Phil Klass' letters. He notes a shortage of UFO sightings in Holland and mentions a weeping statue of the Holy Virgin as a recent phenomenon.
• Richard Taylor found the National UFO Conference in Cleveland disappointing, feeling out of place and surrounded by "boozers." He criticizes a specific speaker (later identified as Bob Easley) for being overly critical of other researchers and advocates for objective reporting.
• Dr. Steve Kurzweil suggests that the UFO issue needs to be approached scientifically and that evidence for UFOs is greater than for God. He encourages readers to write to local scientists.
• Robert H. Hair enjoyed meeting the editor at a MUFON symposium and praises the newsletter for its balance of seriousness and humor, conferring the title "Con-scientist" upon the editor.
• Dave Schroth engages in a debate with Jerry Clark of FATE Magazine, refuting Clark's use of the term "para-ufologist" and questioning Clark's shifting stance on UFO abduction stories, citing older articles where Clark asserted their reality.

Project Bigfoot

This section, formerly "Project Grendel," reports on findings from the Walla Walla, Washington Bigfoot case. Tests conducted by the U.S. Forest Service, involving a firetruck's weight pressing on a steel plate shaped like a Bigfoot foot, indicated that the creature weighed in excess of 3,100 pounds. This weight, combined with the creature's height (8-9 ft.), suggests a flesh density comparable to metal, leading to the conclusion that "Bigfoot = E.T." The findings are presented as uncomfortable for the International Society of Cryptozoology but welcomed by Project Bigfoot and the new National Cryptozoological Society.

Other Content

The issue includes a back page letter from Bigfootologist Jon Beckjord, printed as received, and several small, sensational headlines on the bottom of pages 6 and 7, such as "Bra-less Worker Busted," "Dog Eater Jailed," and "Husband lived - and now he'll pay."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication consistently blends serious UFO research and reporting with a strong dose of skepticism, humor, and satire. Editor James W. Moseley is portrayed as a central figure, often critical of mainstream ufology and its prominent personalities, while also championing rigorous scientific inquiry. The issue highlights the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics, the challenges of UFO research, and the sometimes-absurd nature of the phenomena and its investigation. The "Project Bigfoot" section exemplifies the publication's willingness to explore unconventional theories, even those suggesting extraterrestrial origins for cryptids, while maintaining a critical eye on established organizations and individuals within the field.