Saucer Smear - Vol 31 No 01 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Vol. 31, No. 1
Date: January 20, 1984
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor and Supreme Commander: James W. Moseley

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. The editor, James W. Moseley, announces a change in publication frequency, with issues now appearing approximately every two months rather than monthly, due to his increased involvement in the antique business in Key West, Florida, and a perceived "Tedium" in the UFO field.

Miscellaneous Ravings

The "Miscellaneous Ravings" section begins with an explanation for the slower publication schedule. Moseley mentions spending more time in Key West and notes that the UFO field currently lacks significant developments that capture his imagination. He then introduces a potentially exciting, though unsubstantiated, claim from William Steinman of California. Steinman reportedly received a letter from a "very prominent and currently active scientist" who confirmed the "Government recovery of crashed and/or disabled flying saucers during the 1947-1950 time period." Steinman, however, has refused to reveal the scientist's name or provide a copy of the letter, citing its highly classified nature. The letter has been passed to researcher Bill Moore and Stan Friedman for further investigation. Moseley expresses skepticism about why such a scientist would confess this information to a stranger after years of secrecy, suggesting that if true, a Congressional investigation might be warranted.

The editor also recounts attending a "weird conclave" in New York City on November 30th, celebrating the 100th issue of "High Times Magazine" and the publication of "The Book of the SubGenius." This event was associated with the SubGenius Foundation, which Moseley describes as "somewhat controlled by a non-subscriber in Dallas named Douglas Smith," and characterized as a satirical put-down of organized religion. Attendees included John Keel, Harold Salkin, Tim Beckley, and Herb Bailey. Moseley notes that while this event had no direct connection to UFOs, a good time was had by all.

Scientific and Academic Events

Jim Oberg is mentioned as informing the editor about a meeting sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in New York City on May 29th. The program, titled "The Edges of Science," was set to feature figures like Isaac Asimov, James Randi, J. Allen Hynek, and Jim Oberg himself. Oberg's lecture topic was "The Null Hypothesis for the UFO Phenomenon," suggesting that "no extraordinary stimuli are required in order to produce the wealth of UFO perceptions and reports of the past several decades." The address for the meeting was not provided, but Moseley expressed his intention to "Crash" it regardless.

Book Reviews and Mentions

Gray Barker's latest book, "The Year of the Saucer - Gray Barker's UFO Annual, 1983," is reviewed. Despite being published using primitive home printing, Barker's effort is considered commendable. The book reportedly covers 1982 sightings and claims it was a good year for UFO reports despite media disinterest. Barker is noted for continuing the tradition of annual UFO publications started by Morris K. Jessup. The review mentions that the book balances between supposed truth and outright fiction and that the "Saucer Smear" editor is mentioned multiple times. The reviewer advises reading the book with an "open mind and an empty stomach" and notes the absence of an index. A cartoon facing page 40 is described as being in "very bad taste."

Upcoming Events

An important notice announces plans for the 21st annual National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Cleveland, Ohio. The two-day convention was scheduled to include a banquet on Friday, September 21st, and sessions on Saturday, September 22nd, at the Country Inn West. Details were to be provided later, with contact information for Robert Easley.

Letters to the Editor

Dr. Richard F. Haines (Director, North American UFO Federation): Haines expresses gratitude for Moseley's letter of November 15, 1983, and welcomes cooperation. He outlines the goals of the North American UFO Federation, Inc.: to standardize field investigations, bridge gaps between organizations, enhance credibility, and serve as an information source. Haines requests a positive piece on the federation to help it gain footing, noting that ufology's public image is poor and that Moseley's writings contribute to public perception. Moseley's reply indicates he may not have been "positive" enough, as he had not heard back from Haines.

Ivan Stang (SubGenius Foundation): Stang writes humorously about using Kris Bjork's "methods" and experiencing negative consequences, including encounters with "Mothmen & invisible Santa Clauses" and "MIBs." He thanks Moseley for the "GREAT ADVICE" but urges caution before publishing such methods, noting Bjork is a SubGenius minister.

Barry Hoffman (Cartoonist): Hoffman contributes a humorous piece related to Kris Bjork's theme, questioning the "magick words" used by Wendelle Stevens to contact "Space People." He also thanks Moseley for his cartooning contributions and comments on Moseley's move to Key West.

Candy Jones (Radio Personality, widow of Long John Nebel): Jones provides an update on her radio schedule, including early morning and evening shows on WMCA, a bi-weekly live segment in Auckland, New Zealand, and appearances on other programs, including narrating new American Cancer TV spots and voice work for DuPont.

Christopher Allan (England): Allan comments on Moseley's write-up of the CSICOP conference. He discusses the lack of cattle mutilations in Britain and speculates on why aliens might not be interested in British cattle. He also questions Kal K. Korff's claim to identify writers by laser technology and suggests that Adamski might have written the Straith letter. Allan muses that George Orwell might have known the UFO secret but died before revealing it.

Ken Behrendt: Behrendt agrees with a previous letter suggesting that twinkling stars and planets might be misinterpreted as distant rotating light sources. He argues that telescopic observation reveals distortions that would not occur with simple atmospheric illusions. He references cameraman David Crockett's observation of spinning UFOs in New Zealand and suggests these lights were attached to real objects in physical rotation. Behrendt clarifies his interest in atmospheric optical illusions that could make a distant light source appear to rotate.

Philip J. Klass (Skeptic): Klass replies to Behrendt's points regarding the New Zealand UFO incident. Klass states that none of the filmed images show "rotation of the light sources" unless referring to a brief segment where an orange-red image changed shape rapidly. Klass believes these filmed images were reflections of the aircraft's rotating anti-collision beacon bouncing off a propeller.

George Earley (Ufologist): Earley criticizes the editorial policy of Britain's "Flying Saucer Review," suggesting that contributions do not necessarily reflect its policy and that articles critical of Len Stringfield's crashed disc retrieval theory will not be published until Stringfield is proven wrong. Earley also criticizes Phil Klass, chairman of the CSICOP UFO Subcommittee, for refusing to discuss UFOs and threatening to discard further letters. Earley contrasts this with Klass's earlier stance in 1975, where he expressed willingness to have hypotheses challenged. Earley argues that Klass, despite evidence of government cover-ups, refuses to believe in a UFO cover-up policy.

John A. Keel: Keel delivers a scathing critique of Moseley's coverage of the "Buffalo bash," calling it a "three barf bagger" and questioning Moseley's living situation. He directs readers to specific pages in "Our Haunted Planet" for clarification on a "mystery." Keel clarifies that his book "The Fickle Finger of Fate" was a satire on the Batman craze of 1966, not pornography, and explains the use of asterisks due to censorship at the time. He notes that "Fickle Finger" financed much of his UFO research and is now a collector's item, illustrated by Al Jaffee of MAD Magazine. Keel then distinguishes between the "real" Morris K. Jessup (explorer-philanthropist) and the ufological Jessup, whom he describes as having a mail-order business, being a manic depressive, and committing suicide. Keel asserts that the Jessup story and the Allende phenomenon are "tiresome myths" perpetuated by the Barker-Moseley team. He concludes by stating he will send out "The Unicorn Review" newsletter and offers a free copy upon request, but will not send one to Moseley due to anticipated negative remarks.

Colman VonKeviczky: A photograph shows Colman VonKeviczky holding a newspaper with a headline about his ufological exploits or possibly the "L.A. AREA RAIDED!" story. The print is too small to read clearly.

Erik Beckjord: Beckjord comments on a previous "Smear" photo of a "semi-nude New Guinea woman," clarifying it was parody and satire. He discusses the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC) and Roy Wagner's potential mistake in interpreting the term "RI" in relation to dugongs and mermaids. Beckjord mentions his own antics at Loch Ness and his efforts to make peace with Richard Greenwell.

Allen Greenfield: Greenfield expresses interest in Moseley's report on the CSICOP conference. He describes himself as a former UFO skeptic who was "slowly forced, kicking and protesting loudly, into a skeptical stance by the sheer weight of the evidence." He is seeking someone to publish his booklet-length summary of his conclusions after twenty years in ufology. Greenfield criticizes "professional skeptics" like James Randi, viewing Randi's approach as unscientific and his "solutions" as too simplistic. He recounts a demonstration by Randi in 1967 regarding Ted Serios's psychic photography, which Greenfield claims to have spotted easily. Greenfield argues that the dichotomy between skeptic and believer is a false one, driven by personality rather than objective scientific needs, and advocates for open-ended investigation with strict controls.

The Bjorkian Method and Beyond

A comic strip by Barry Hoffman illustrates a humorous take on contacting "Space People." The characters suggest screaming "WE'RE READY FOR SPECIAL EFFECTS!" instead of "WE'RE READY FOR SEX!" The strip also humorously questions if the moon is made of "FROZEN ONION DIP?" and if Santa Claus is a spaceman. Another panel depicts a "GIANT CHRISTMAS BALL FROM OUTER SPACE!" and questions whether "SPACE PEOPLE RIDICULE EACH OTHER LIKE WE DO?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" reflects a strong editorial stance that is critical of mainstream skepticism (particularly CSICOP and figures like Philip Klass) while also being critical of certain aspects of ufology, such as unsubstantiated claims and sensationalism. The editor, James Moseley, engages with various researchers, skeptics, and enthusiasts, presenting their viewpoints, often with his own skeptical or critical commentary. Themes include the nature of evidence in ufology, the methodology of research, the role of skepticism versus belief, and the challenges of maintaining credibility in the field. There is a recurring tension between those who seek to debunk and those who seek to validate UFO phenomena, with Moseley often positioning himself as an independent commentator who questions both extremes. The issue also highlights the personal and sometimes contentious nature of the UFO community through the inclusion of strongly worded letters and critiques.