Skywatch - No 41

Magazine Overview

Title: MAPIT SKYWATCH
Issue: No. 41
Date: January-February 1982
Editor: David Rees
Publisher: Not specified
Country: England
Language: English

Skywatch is described as an informal publication on ufology and related subjects. The views of contributors are not necessarily those of the editorial team, and items may be reproduced in full or part. The cover features the main title "MAPIT SKYWATCH" prominently, with "SKYWATCH" repeated on the top corners. The issue number and date are clearly displayed, along with the editor's name and contact telephone number and editorial address in Stockport, England.

Letters to the Editor

The issue includes correspondence from readers, offering diverse perspectives.

Letter from John Prytz (Canberra City, Australia)

John Prytz expresses gratitude for the MAPIT handout and shares his background as a professional librarian and armchair ufologist. He has been concentrating on catering to the information needs of ufologists and found the MAPIT handout interesting. Prytz notes his previous involvement with the ACUFOS Bibliography Service and an article he wrote for that journal on the information needs of ufologists. He also mentions his recently published monograph, "Information Storage and Retrieval for Ufologists," a 50+ page introduction for those with large private collections. Prytz outlines future projects, including a "Who's Who in Australian Ufology" (1981/1982) and a master bibliography of approximately 2000 entries on UFO and related topics (1982/1983), which will focus on monographs and articles in general and popular periodicals. He highlights the success of encouraging national and state UFO groups to send copies of their publications to the National Library of Australia and state libraries. Prytz discusses the challenge of dealing with limited "one-off" special documents that are unpublished and unavailable to the public. He proposes the formal formation of an information network between ufologists, similar to library networks, to address this issue. He sees a central resource centre as a good idea but identifies problems for Australia, including the difficulty of "in person" access due to population and geography, high postage costs, and a new, tough Copyright Act. He concludes by suggesting an information service that advises parties to use traditional resource centre networks and promotes ufologist-ufologist interactions for unique materials.

Letter from Chris Allan (Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent)

Chris Allan thanks David Rees for the back issues of "Skywatch," finding them enjoyable and full of titbits of information. He expresses a desire for a "real breakthrough" in ufology with physical evidence but holds little hope for it in the near future. Allan criticizes the Betty Hill abduction case, stating it has been "thoroughly demolished" and that the original hypnotist, Dr. Simon, considered it a fantasy. He also dismisses the star map mentioned by Carl Sagan as not worth the paper it's written on, citing Robert Sheaffer's "The Ufo Verdict" as a full refutation. Allan looks forward to reading the magazine and wishes to subscribe for the next six issues.

MAPIT NEWSDECK

This section provides updates and news relevant to the ufology community.

• Festival of Mind, Body and Spirit: To be held in London at Olympia from June 19th to 27th, 1982.
• Institute of Geonantic Research: Nigel Pennick announced in October that the magazine "Ancient Mysteries" has ceased publication. However, the IGR will continue with its Occasional Papers and "Walrus" (official organ of the non-material world).

Articles and Features

UFO Car Advertisement

An advertisement spotted in the "Manchester Evening News" dated September 30th is quoted, offering a "Ufo Car" used in a TV series for sale at £2,600 ono. The car is described as having huge gull wing doors, LHD, 1600 cc, needing some attention, and with 12 months MOT and 6 months tax.

"Riverworld" TV Project

An interesting-looking TV project is mentioned, based on Phillip Jose Farmer's "Riverworld" science fantasy series of four novels. The storyline involves resurrected humans on a 20 million mile river, seeking to journey to the headwaters and confront the creators of their world. Production is slated to begin in 1982.

Books to Look Out For

• Several books are recommended:
• "Michelle Remembers" by Michelle Smith and Dr. Lawrence Pazder (Sphere Books, £1.75).
• "Other Worlds" by Paul Davies (Abacus, £1.95).
• "The Mask of Time" by Joan Forman (Corgi Books, £1.50).
• "Lost Worlds" by Alastair Service (Colling, £9.95), covering Easter Island, Pompeii, and Stonehenge.

Northern Festival of Answers, Insights and Revelations

This event is scheduled to take place at the Leeds Exhibition Centre from April 8th to 13th, 1982. Details are available from The Future Studies Centre.

Other Recommended Books

• "The Case for Life after Death" by Raymond Bayless and Elizabeth McAdams (Nelson-Hall).
• "Directory of Discarded Ideas" by John Grant, described as a collection of "dotty cosmologys."

"The Supernaturalist" Magazine

A new magazine titled "The Supernaturalist," published by Andy Collins, is announced. The first issue, out in early November, is over 60 pages with a price of £1.50. It is described as having a "very much an acquired taste but nevertheless of much interest."

"Freaks" by Leslie Fiedler

This book is recommended for "Forteans" and deals with congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa (excessive hair growth) and individuals like Jo-Jo the dog-faced boy and Julia Pastrana.

Devon UFO News

A new magazine produced by the Plymouth UFO Investigation Centre.

"A Kalox Marvellous Yawn"

A book with this unusual title by Zaid Iba is due out in February 1982 (£5.50).

Books by Paul Devereux and Janet & Colin Bord

Paul Devereux has a new book, "Earth Lights," and Janet and Colin Bord have a new title, "Earth Rites."

MAPIT Resource Centre Update

David Rees provides an update on the MAPIT resource centre, established in May 1981. He thanks supporters and appeals for old and new material (books, magazines, newsletters, clippings) to be sent to the centre.

Databanks for UFO Research

This section, authored by Peter A Hill (BUFORA Council Member; PICUR Chairman), discusses the concept of comprehensive databanks for UFO research.

Introduction

Hill congratulates those initiating databank facilities at Nottingham and Stockport for identifying a need and putting in practical effort.

Development of the Concept

• Key developments proposed include:
• Active support for existing centres from all British ufologists.
• Establishment of more centres, initially one each in London, Scotland, and Wales, creating a network of five.
• Associating each centre with a University to facilitate access and potential incorporation into university libraries. Specific locations suggested are Nottingham, Stockport (linking with Manchester University), London, Aberystwyth (Wales), and Edinburgh or Glasgow (Scotland).
• Leveraging electronic technology for data storage and indices, enabling centres to send and receive data. This could lead to the formation of a British UFO Societies Federation.
• Storing expensive equipment, such as infra-red photographic equipment and radiation monitors, at resource centres, along with facilities for telex, word processing, and Prestel.

Funding the Concept

The main problem is financial. Co-operation can reduce duplication, but additional funds are needed. Potential sources include applying for grants, recruiting more members (as many are unaware of UFO research bodies), and advertising. Publicity can be gained through correspondence in newspapers, posters, and notice-boards in colleges and universities.

Summary

Resource centres are established at Nottingham and Stockport for UFO research. Developing this into a national system would significantly aid British ufology and test the spirit of co-operation. Support from all is urged.

References

A list of 8 references is provided, including books like "The UFO Handbook" by A. Hendry and "The Encyclopedia of UFOs" by R. Story, as well as directories and publications from MAPIT, FUFOR, and PICUR.

Advertisements

A section of advertisements for various publications and services related to ufology and the paranormal is included:

• FORESIGHT: A bi-monthly magazine on spiritual evolution.
• OCCULT WORLD: A magazine on Pagan co-operation.
• GNOME NEWS: The Gnome Club of GB's magazine.
• THE LEY HUNTER: Edited by Paul Devereux.
• FORTEAN TIMES: Edited by Bob Rickard.
• MAGIC SAUCER: A magazine for young UFO enthusiasts.
• PROBE REPORT: A quarterly publication.
• UFO INSIGHT: A magazine from the Federation of Ufo Research.
• REVELATION: A journal for occult students and spiritual seekers.
• COMMON GROUND: Studies at the fringe of human experience.
• LANTERN: A magazine of East Anglian mysteries.
• NORTHERN EARTH MYSTERIES: A publication from a local group.
• UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE: Provides daily reports from the US, England, Canada, and Australia, with English translations of foreign reports.
• UFO CASSETTES: Recordings available on various UFO-related topics.
• PROVISIONAL INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE ON UFO RESEARCH: Offers an International UFO directory.
• WALRUS: Official organ of the non-material world.

The End Bits

This section contains a collection of quotes and brief humorous or observational notes:

• Quotes on doors closing, judging men, folding maps, gossip, marriage, and importance.
• A notice from a public library stating "Only low conversation is allowed here."
• A "not-the-Novel Prize" for scientific research awarded to Ankara University for finding that disco music makes mice homosexual, credited to the Daily Mirror.

Subscription Information

Membership/Subscription for SKYWATCH is £3.00. Single issues are 35p. Overseas rates are available on request. UK payments are accepted only by postal order, uncrossed and open.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skywatch revolve around the organization and dissemination of ufological information. There is a strong emphasis on the need for better cataloging, indexing, and resource sharing within the ufology community, particularly in Australia and the UK. The editor, David Rees, and contributors like John Prytz advocate for the establishment of resource centres and information networks to make data more accessible. The issue also reflects a critical stance on certain well-known UFO cases, as seen in Chris Allan's letter, suggesting a move towards more rigorous evidence-based analysis. The advertisements highlight a diverse range of publications and services catering to enthusiasts of ufology, Forteana, and the paranormal, indicating a broad interest in these subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting organized research and critical evaluation within the field of ufology.