The Swamp Gas Journal

Magazine Overview

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: #1
Date: September 1978
Publisher: Chris Rutkowski
Country: Canada
Type: Fanzine

Editorial Stance and Introduction

The inaugural issue of The Swamp Gas Journal, a self-proclaimed one-shot fanzine by Chris Rutkowski, aims to present his views on UFO phenomena. Rutkowski defines a UFO 'buff' as someone who uncritically accepts all UFO reports. He identifies himself as a UFO skeptic in part, believing that most sightings are misidentifications. However, he asserts that when a sighting remains unexplained after examination, it represents something unique and potentially beyond current scientific knowledge, deserving serious consideration.

Rutkowski, who is the co-director and research coordinator for the Manitoba Centre for UFO Studies at the Manitoba Planetarium, notes that the media sometimes misrepresents his role and that of the center, referring to them as 'Doctors' or the 'head' of the group.

UFO Phenomena and Scientific Explanations

The journal delves into various aspects of UFO research and public perception. Rutkowski recounts a quote from a national UFO magazine about a sighting of a 'nocturnal light,' which he finds forgettable. He contrasts his approach with that of scientists who dismiss UFOs as 'hogwash' or 'poppycock,' citing Carl Sagan as an example of an open-minded scientist who is dismissive of UFOs.

He discusses the tendency for researchers to either reject or blindly accept UFO incidents. Rutkowski recalls a science teachers' conference in October 1977 where Dr. J. Allen Hynek spoke, followed by Dr. Kecilantra from the National Research Center. Kecilantra explained some Canadian UFO landing trace cases as being caused by fairy ring mushrooms, a claim Rutkowski found questionable, especially when presented with photos of fairy rings that bore no resemblance to the alleged UFO rings.

The Concept of 'Thought Forms'

An alternative title considered for the zine was 'egregor,' which means 'thought form.' Rutkowski explains a trend in ufology suggesting that UFO phenomena might be the result of a cosmic consciousness that individuals tap into, manifesting as thought forms or entities based on their mental state. This theory, he notes, could explain the diverse shapes and kinds of UFOs reported, but it risks straying into pseudoscience.

UFOs and Science Fiction

Rutkowski draws connections between UFOs and science fiction. He mentions that the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' accurately depicted shapes and behaviors from actual UFO cases, though he acknowledges it was science fiction and had some problems, humorously referring to a 'mountain of mashed potatoes.' He notes that bizarre UFO qualities in sightings often align with ideas found in science fiction stories, comparing the Hopkinsville Goblins to escaped chimpanzees as explained by Project Blue Book.

Notable Case Study: The Elkhorn Incident

A significant portion of the journal details a case investigated near Elkhorn, Manitoba, in the fall of 1976. Two hunters reported hitting a mudhole and then witnessing two silver, 'hamburger-shaped' objects with red lights rise from a thicket about 50 yards away. They felt paralyzed as the objects hovered before flying away, humming softly. This encounter is classified as a Close Encounter of the First Kind.

Upon returning to the site, the hunters found what was described as a 'monkey's hand' in a sealed plastic bag. The hand was described as slightly darker than a normal human hand, with little brown hair, half the size of a human hand, and appearing 'frozen' and fresh despite the absence of blood. The hunters experienced significant trouble and bad luck, including their truck stalling repeatedly, after taking the bag. One hunter, remembering the story of 'The Monkey's Paw,' threw the bag out of the vehicle, and the bad luck immediately ceased. The hunters returned home without finding the bag again. Rutkowski notes that this case relies solely on eyewitness testimony and lacks hard, physical evidence.

Media Portrayal and Skepticism

Rutkowski criticizes the media's role in shaping public perception of UFOs, pointing out the sarcasm often present in news reports and the use of phrases like 'little green men' and 'flying saucer.' He recounts an instance where a radio host opened a call-in show with 'Okay, let's hear from the crazies!' He acknowledges that the bizarre nature of UFO reports makes it difficult for the average person to accept them, leading skeptics to dismiss them without investigation.

Fanzine Production and Acknowledgements

Rutkowski admits to potential errors in typing and smudging during the creation of the fanzine, describing the process as potentially difficult. He thanks Gerth Denielson for assistance with the zine and its printing. The issue was completed in September 1978 and printed by Boowatt Enterprises of Winnipeg, with the cooperation of the Winnipeg Science Fiction Society (D/F).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the nature of UFO sightings, the distinction between known and unknown phenomena, the role of skepticism versus belief, the influence of media on public perception, and the intersection of UFO lore with science fiction. Rutkowski's editorial stance is one of critical inquiry; he is open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena but remains wary of uncritical acceptance and sensationalism, advocating for a scientific yet open-minded approach to the subject.