SUFOI Intern - 1998 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOI INTERN
Issue Date: January 1998
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of SUFOI Intern, the internal newsletter for Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), dated January 1998, provides updates on the organization's activities, upcoming events, and internal discussions. The newsletter is edited by Per Andersen and distributed to SUFOI's representatives.

SUFOI Headlines

The main headlines highlight the growing importance of the internet for SUFOI, a major SUFOI event planned for Ålborg, and a visit from a Brazilian ufologist to Copenhagen.

Activities

Gang i Internettet (Internet Activity)

Lars H. Andersen and Per Andersen report on the significant growth of SUFOI's website. As of January 8th, the website had surpassed 20,000 visitors, with the latest 10,000 visitors coming in less than a month, following a restructuring. Lars is actively seeking new content, such as event information, observations, and news, to keep the site engaging. The article also mentions that the magazine "Komputer for Alle" plans to feature a segment on "mysterious topics" in its March issue and will include parts of SUFOI's web pages on its accompanying CD-ROM, offering free publicity to a large PC user base. Per Andersen also notes his ongoing efforts to acquire the domain name "www.ufo.dk," which currently has minimal content, but his attempts to contact the owner have been unsuccessful.

Jubilæumsarrangement i Ålborg (Anniversary Event in Ålborg)

Torben Birkeholm and Per Andersen announce that preparations are underway for SUFOI Ålborg's 25th-anniversary celebration. The event will take place on February 28th at Det Lille Teater, Aalborg Kongres- og Kulturcenter. The opening will be performed by the Mayor of Aalborg, followed by speeches from Torben Birkeholm, Per Andersen, and Peter Nørgaard. The event starts at 12:00 PM.

Brasilianer på Besøg i Danmark (Brazilian Visitor in Denmark)

Per Andersen reports that A.J. Gevaerd, a key organizer from a congress in Brazil, will visit Denmark as part of a Scandinavian tour. Gevaerd is expected in Copenhagen around March 3-5, where a dinner and an interview for UFO-Nyt are planned. Ideas for activities during his visit are welcomed.

Københavnsgruppen (Copenhagen Group)

Per Andersen provides an update on the SUFOI group in Copenhagen. Following a December meeting, a January meeting featured a presentation on his trip to Brazil. In February, Kim Møller Hansen will give a lecture on the Bermuda Triangle. A video screening is planned for March, though H.C. Petersen declined to participate unless there was a significant audience. The group is also attempting to arrange a meeting with Holger Bech Nielsen. An observation trip is scheduled for April, with Toke promising to bring an amateur astronomer.

Ny Bog fra Norge (New Book from Norway)

Per Andersen mentions receiving a review copy of the new Norwegian book "UFO i Norge" by Willy Ustad, published by Grøndahl Dreyer. He offers the book to anyone in the representative group who wishes to review it.

Nyt om Personer (News about People)

Email Adresser

A new section is introduced listing the email addresses of SUFOI representatives. The list includes Per Andersen, Lars H. Andersen, Toke Haunstrup, Ole Henningsen, Peter Nørgaard, Henrik Klinge, and Michael Storm, with contact details provided.

De Tørre Tal (The Dry Numbers)

This section presents statistical data. The membership count at the end of 1997 was 713, a decrease of 37 from the previous year, representing a 5% drop. Initial letters for giro payments in 1997 are listed, along with the balances of the Research Fund (kr. 3,686) and the Support Fund (kr. 13,213). A breakdown of the "Pengekassen" (cash box) as of December shows budgets, expenditures, and remaining balances for various individuals identified by initials (HKP, TB, PA, KMH, JH, KF, TH, LT, CKL, OH, MS, JB, IHS, PN, BN, BM, LHA).

Debat (Debate)

Endnu et Brev fra Møller-Familien (Another Letter from the Møller Family)

This section features a letter from Kai E. Møller, a long-time SUFOI member, expressing his regret and decision to withdraw his membership. He criticizes what he perceives as SUFOI's tendency to dismiss individuals who report observations, comparing it to the approach of a certain Mr. Rothstein. Møller believes that labeling phenomena as "unidentified" is becoming a negative term within SUFOI and that treating those with different perspectives as inferior is unfounded and arrogant. He feels that SUFOI is placing too much emphasis on certain individuals, possibly referring to Mr. Rothstein, and that this focus on "gurus" is a reason for his resignation. He apologizes for his decision, especially to Ole Henningsen, who he acknowledges has put in significant effort.

Møller also offers a piece of advice regarding the publication "UFO-Nyt," stating that at 59.24 DKK per issue, it has become too expensive for its 24 pages. He expresses a willingness to resubscribe if the magazine begins to treat cases more seriously. He formally declares himself as having withdrawn his membership until then.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a focus on organizational growth, particularly through the internet, and the planning of significant events. There is also a clear undercurrent of internal debate regarding the handling of UFO reports and the perceived direction of the organization's editorial stance, as evidenced by Kai E. Møller's critical letter. The editorial team, led by Per Andersen, appears to be actively managing these various aspects, from website development and event coordination to addressing member concerns and financial reporting.