Sussex Circular - 1998 no 75

Magazine Overview

This issue of SC, titled 'SC 75', is the 75th anniversary edition of the monthly journal dedicated to crop circles and beyond. Published in April 1998, it commemorates over six years of continuous publication since its inception in January 1992. The magazine is produced by Southern Circular Research (SCR) and edited by Andy Thomas.

Editorial Stance and Content

The editorial, penned by Andy Thomas, emphasizes the celebratory nature of this milestone issue. Instead of inviting external researchers, the team decided to focus internally, allowing the core members of the SC team to share their personal perspectives on the crop circle phenomenon and its impact on their lives and the journal's development. Thomas highlights that the team remains largely the same as it was from the beginning, a rarity in publishing. He expresses gratitude to past contributors and acknowledges the support of family members.

The issue aims to provide insight into the individuals behind SC, revealing their unique approaches to discussing crop circles, from personal feelings to direct assessments of SC's impact. A recurring theme is the admission that no one truly understands what is happening with the crop circles, a sentiment shared by many involved in the research.

Key Contributors and Their Perspectives

Andy Thomas reflects on the journey of SC from a local newsletter for crop circle enthusiasts to an internationally recognized publication. He traces his own urge to publish back to childhood, mentioning early attempts like 'Bug' and 'Chiswell', and his involvement with Dr. Who fanzines and an opera company newsletter. Thomas emphasizes that SC was never intended to be more than a regional publication but grew organically due to its frank, opinionated style and the dedication of its contributors. He notes that while the magazine has retained its core identity, it has also adapted to a broader readership, toning down some of its more extreme elements.

Barry Reynolds, effectively the head of SCR and deputy editor, discusses the concept of 'good old times' in crop circle research. He argues that the most exciting period is happening now, with incredible formations appearing that far outshine those from earlier years. Reynolds acknowledges the vast amount of research conducted but questions its tangible results, particularly regarding scientific proof. He highlights the work of Dr. W.C. Levengood and the BLT team, which has provided evidence that crop formations are not made by humans, though the exact mechanism and trigger remain elusive. Reynolds concludes that despite all the research, humanity is further from understanding the phenomenon than ever before.

Martin Noakes, the resident SCR treasurer, shares his personal journey with crop circles. Initially a 'nuts-and-bolts' UFO believer, his views have become less definite. He finds himself drawn to the geometric shapes, relating them to his musical background and the concept of vibrations. Noakes believes that crop circles interact with planetary and human vibrations, explaining why some people are deeply affected while others are not. He suggests that the act of searching for answers, rather than finding them, has irreversibly changed his outlook.

Michael Glickman, a major contributor and author of the 'Comography' column, reflects on his involvement with SC since its early days. He recounts how his initial curiosity about crop circles led him to write for 'The Cerealogist' and later for SC. Glickman praises SC for its accuracy, comprehensive coverage, and its role as a 'Journal of Record' for crop circle research. He acknowledges his disagreements with editor Andy Thomas on certain aspects, such as the 'Comography' masthead, but expresses deep respect for Thomas's achievement in transforming a local newsletter into an international magazine single-handedly.

Diana Brown, who handles SC's mailing and subscriber database, describes how crop circles have profoundly changed her life over the past three years. She moved from anger and unhappiness to a sense of calm and love, inspired by the beauty and energy of the formations. Brown emphasizes the importance of personal experience in crop circles, finding that lectures and theories are less impactful than entering a formation and feeling its energy.

Jason Porthouse, the other half of the SC mailing partnership and occasional computer doctor, discusses how the phenomenon has shifted his perception of reality, making the 'paranormal' feel normal. He describes crop circles as 'cosmic tricksters' that constantly challenge expectations and lead to a high attrition rate among researchers. Porthouse notes the stagnation in the field and the need for change, referencing Stanley Messenger's idea that humanity has completed a 'probationary' period with the crop circles and is now ready for the real work.

Karen Douglas, a roving correspondent, shares her experience of crop circles as something familiar, like an echo of a forgotten childhood memory. She highlights the importance of geometry and vibration in understanding the phenomenon and suggests that ancient technologies might be involved. Douglas believes that crop circles change people's lives and that the magazine's role is to spread awareness without adding unnecessary 'mumbo-jumbo'. She feels an increased momentum in the field and a sense of excitement for the approaching season.

Features and Recurring Sections

Beyond the personal reflections, the issue includes a detailed list of all past SC issues from Issue 1 (January 1992) to Issue 75 (April 1998), outlining the key articles and topics covered in each. This historical overview provides a comprehensive timeline of crop circle research and the controversies that have emerged over the years.

The magazine also explains the meaning behind the cryptic 'margin messages' that have appeared in SC since Issue 18, offering humorous and often obscure explanations for these running gags.

Cover Gallery

A 'Pick of the Crop' section showcases significant crop formations from each year SC has been in business, providing photographic evidence of the phenomenon's evolution and complexity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the personal impact of crop circles, the evolution of crop circle research, the role of SC magazine as a chronicler and forum, and the ongoing mystery of the phenomenon's origin and purpose. The editorial stance remains one of open inquiry, acknowledging the lack of definitive answers while celebrating the journey of discovery and the community that has formed around the subject. There is a consistent emphasis on personal experience and a rejection of simplistic explanations, particularly regarding hoax theories.