SVL Newsletter - No 1 - 1989 03

Magazine Overview

Title: SVL NEWSLETTER
Issue: 1
Volume: 1
Date: March 1989
Publisher: SVL (Studiegroep voor Vreemde Luchtverschijnselen)
Country: Belgium
Language: English

This inaugural issue of the SVL Newsletter marks the launch of a new publication project by the Belgian-based Studiegroep voor Vreemde Luchtverschijnselen (SVL). The project aims to bring a more scientific rigor to the study of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) reports.

Presentation of Two New Publications Dedicated to the Scientific Study of UFO Reports

The editorial board of SVL has evaluated the current state of UFO research, noting its struggle to achieve scientific status. They observe that while the phenomenon is significant, it is often confused by unsubstantiated claims from sectarian movements. The vast body of "UFO patrimonium"—witness accounts collected by various groups—contains original and relevant information, but the UFO community has historically failed to establish standardized methodologies or a clear definition for "UFO." Researchers often work with data of varying credibility and diverse origins.

Aims and Scope of the Publication Project

Why investigate UFO reports?

The SVL team's conclusions led them to initiate a new publication project with two main goals:

1. For UFO Researchers: To provide necessary information from the human and physical sciences to better understand the phenomenon.
2. For Scientists: To offer well-documented and verifiable information about the physical and psycho-sociological implications of UFO reports.

SVL Reports will focus on specific aspects of the phenomenon, while the SVL Newsletter will serve as a companion publication, featuring a letter section, ordering information for reports, and updates on published materials. Both publications will be released irregularly based on available material.

Why submit a manuscript to SVL?

The Editorial Board believes SVL Report and SVL Newsletter offer a valuable platform for researchers who wish to have their investigative results published in an independent, academic style, free from speculation. The advantages for authors include:

• Publication of Lengthy Papers: SVL Reports can accommodate papers too long for typical journals or books.
• Free Publicity: The SVL Newsletter will announce and provide order information for each report, reaching a global audience of researchers and organizations.
• Author Participation: Authors can participate in the edition, distribution, and discussion of their work.
• Distribution: Authors can receive lists of report purchasers and suggest names for the newsletter mailing list.
• Discussion Forum: The SVL Newsletter will facilitate discussion and provide authors with feedback on their published manuscripts.
• Free Copies: Authors receive two free copies of the SVL Report containing their manuscript, and contributing authors receive one.

Authors are instructed to consult SVL's "Instructions to Authors."

Instructions to Authors

Introduction

The term "Unidentified Flying Object" (UFO) was coined by Captain Edward J. Ruppelt of the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s, during his command of investigative programs like Project Grudge and Project Blue Book. These projects aimed to evaluate numerous sightings of mysterious aircraft. For decades, UFOs have been a subject of debate among scientists and "experts," generating countless books and media coverage. However, the field suffers from a lack of uniform terminology, standardized methodology, and competent evaluation, leading to a mixture of cases with varying credibility and origins.

The Problem with the "UFO" Label

The current understanding and application of the "UFO" label are problematic. Researchers often disagree on its meaning, and the terms "unidentified," "flying," and "object" may not accurately describe the phenomena reported (e.g., ground-level sightings, luminous bodies, plasma-like phenomena).

To avoid confusion, SVL requests that contributors refer to reported phenomena by their specific descriptions (e.g., "pulsating light," "metallic-looking object") and use phrases like "according to the witness" to indicate the source of information. The label "UFO" should be avoided, and "UFO reports" should be used instead when applicable. An "UFO report" is defined as any statement describing a confrontation with unusual objects, luminous phenomena, entities, or physical/physiological disturbances attributed to the "UFO phenomenon" during any stage of its reporting or investigation.

SVL REPORTS - Submission of Manuscripts

Manuscripts should be sent to the Editor-in-Chief, Wim Van Utrecht, at the address provided. SVL welcomes contributions globally. As a non-profit organization, SVL does not pay authors but provides free copies of published reports.

Content Requirements

Manuscripts submitted to SVL should present significant original research, new ideas, or data not previously published elsewhere. They should not be under consideration for publication elsewhere and will not be published elsewhere in English until after SVL publication.

SVL will consider the following types of contributions:

• Case Studies: The primary purpose is to identify the stimulus behind a report and the processes that may have deformed it. SVL will publish detailed case histories, including those without satisfactory explanations, with priority given to cases with physical evidence.
• Contributions Concerned with Possible Stimuli: Information about natural phenomena or man-made objects that could explain problematic cases.
• Contributions Concerned with Psycho-sociological Aspects: Information contributing to the understanding of perception, reporting processes, the sociology of the phenomenon, and its psychological implications.
• Catalogues: Authors of catalogues may deviate from the standard page order.

Manuscript Preparation Guidelines

• Abstract: A summary of about 2% of the main text length.
• Text: Should include an introduction, conclusion, and a central body divided into chapters presenting data and methodology. Authors should use uniform terminology and refer to SVL's position statement on page 4.
• Illustrations: Clear drawings in black ink and photographs (preferably in the desired final size) are required. Authors are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions for published material.
• Figures and Graphs: Should be mentioned in the text, numbered sequentially, and include descriptive captions.
• References: Published literature should be cited using Arabic numerals or author-name/year format. Numbered references should be arranged as shown in the examples.

Page Order

The standard page order for manuscripts is: title page, abstract, text, acknowledgements, references, appendices, illustrations.

Title Page Details

• Concise and informative title.
• More detailed subtitle.
• Author's name.
• Correspondence address.
• Date the draft was finished.

Special Instructions for Case Studies

These instructions apply to case studies involving a single witness and sighting location. For multiple witnesses or locations, additional information is required. Authors are free to deviate when presenting new information or follow-up investigations, but manuscripts should be self-contained.

The "Special Instructions for Case Studies" outline a detailed structure for presenting case studies, including:

• I. TITLEPAGE: Location and date of sighting, title, dates of investigation, date of draft, author's name and address.
• II. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: How the report came to light, why investigation was deemed worthwhile, circumstances of the investigation (visits, interviews).
• III. THE SITE: Encyclopedic data of the town/village, description of the sighting location, maps, photographs, and indications of observer/phenomenon positions.
• IV. THE WITNESS: Name, contact details, personal background, and impressions of witness integrity and credibility. A psychological profile is preferred. Full name and address of the witness must be known to SVL, though anonymity can be granted with written permission.
• V. DATE AND TIME: Determination of the event's date and time, using astronomical conventions for dates and the 24-hour clock for times.
• VI. SCENARIO OF THE EVENTS ACCORDING TO THE WITNESS: Details of the sighting's beginning, course (divided into phases), and end, including how attention was drawn and what the witness did afterward. Durations and coordinates should be explained, and witness sketches are encouraged.
• VII. VERIFIABLE EVIDENCE: Analysis of photographs, physical disturbances, and physiological effects.
• VIII. UNVERIFIABLE EVIDENCE: Description of secondary effects or evidence not traceable by the author, using the witness's words.
• IX. OBSERVATIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Astronomical and meteorological situations, with contact information provided for obtaining relevant data.
• X. EVALUATION: Author's opinion on witness credibility, story coherence, and the weight of evidence.
• XI. POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS: Scientific explanations for the stimulus, refraining from speculation if none are found.
• XII. CONCLUSION: Highlighting the most striking aspects of the case.
• XIII. APPENDICES: Photographs, maps, sketches, sky maps, weather reports, press coverage, and personal correspondence.

Instructions for Letters

Letters to the editor should be concise and directly related to SVL's actions or published material. Letters over 3 pages (A4) should be arranged as short papers. The "50% rule" may be applied to limit the length of replies and subsequent comments. All correspondence should be sent to the Editor-in-Chief.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the call for a more scientific and rigorous approach to UFO research. The editorial stance is clearly against speculation and unsubstantiated claims, advocating instead for careful data collection, standardized terminology, and thorough analysis. SVL positions itself as a platform for serious researchers seeking to contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenon through academic and evidence-based investigation. The emphasis is on presenting verifiable evidence and exploring potential explanations within scientific frameworks, while acknowledging the existence of cases that remain unexplained by current knowledge.