THE SWAMP GAS JOURNAL

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SWAMP GAS JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 1, Number 10
Date: November 1980
Publisher: Chris Rutkowski
ISSN: 0707-7106

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal, dated November 1980, focuses on a review of Gene Duplantier's "UFO Research Directory of Organizations and Publications for the 1980's." The journal also delves into scientific discussions on extraterrestrial life, ball lightning, and the psychology of UFO contactees.

Review: UFO Research Directory of Organizations and Publications for the 1980's

The lead article reviews Gene Duplantier's comprehensive directory, which lists over 600 organizations and publishers related to ufology. The reviewer acknowledges the immense difficulty in keeping such a list current and accurate, noting that it is valid only from information received to date. The directory includes not only UFO-specific groups but also non-UFO organizations with broader scopes, such as the Energy Hotline Unlimited, the Planetary Association for Clean Energy, Bigfoot groups, and psychic organizations. The reviewer suggests "Fortean Research Directory" as a potentially more fitting name due to the inclusion of these peripheral topics.

Despite the broad scope, the effort is deemed worthwhile. An analysis reveals that Canada has 46 listed groups, with seven duplicates, leaving 39 unique entries, of which 21 (55%) are located in Ontario. Other Canadian provinces with listed groups include Quebec (9), Alberta (4), Manitoba (2), Nova Scotia (2), and British Columbia (1).

The catalog represents 40 countries. The USA leads with 229 groups, followed by England with 82. Other countries mentioned include Japan (6), Brazil (13), Sweden (16), Ghana, Uruguay, Iran, Iceland, and France (30). The reviewer notes that the number of groups does not correlate simply with population or country size, using England and France as an example.

The breakdown of US states with more than 7 groups is provided: California (46), Ohio (24), New York (24), Illinois (11), Maryland (10), New Jersey (10), Washington (7), Arizona (7), and Florida (7). Thirteen states were listed as having no groups. Gene Duplantier is commended for his significant publishing effort.

More Saucer Science Fiction

This section lists additional UFO-related fiction titles brought to the editor's attention since the previous issue, including "Childhood's End" by Clarke, "Nancy Drew #58: The Flying Saucer Mystery" by Carolyn Keene, and "Hangar 18" by Weverka & Sellier. It also includes a list of titles being searched for by readers, such as "The Moon Raiders" by Sydney J. Bounds and "UFO 517" by Bron Fane.

Recently Added to the Literature

Extraterrestrial Intelligent Beings Do Not Exist by Frank J. Tipler

This section reviews an article by Frank J. Tipler published in the Q. J. Roy. Astr. Soc. (1980) 21, pp. 267-281. The reviewer finds Tipler's reasoning to have strong points but ultimately criticizes his narrow view. Tipler argues that the number of evolutionary pathways to intelligent life is minuscule, suggesting that if intelligent life arose on a distant planet, it might not necessarily develop interstellar travel capabilities. However, Tipler's central argument is that if extraterrestrial intelligent beings exist, their spaceships should already be present in the solar system. He then concludes that since there is no evidence of their presence (referencing works by Klass and Menzel and Taves), they do not exist.

The reviewer points out that Tipler's argument is based on the premise that Klass, Menzel, and Taves are correct in dismissing UFO evidence. Tipler is criticized for not consulting UFO literature beyond his selected references and for not considering reasons for non-contact. The reviewer calls Tipler's article "a truly remarkable article" in its narrowness.

Possible Photographic Observations of Ball Lightning by D.R. Tompkins Jr. & P.F. Rodney

This review discusses an article published in Il Nuovo Cimento (May-June 1980) that examined twelve thousand photographs from the Prairie Network of all-sky cameras. Only one photograph appeared to show ball lightning descending from a cloud and drifting windward. The article is considered a valuable contribution to ball lightning knowledge, though further study is needed. The use of photographic networks like the Prairie Network is highlighted as indicative of the value of sky-watching.

Photographic Networks for Fireballs by R.E. McCrosky & Z. Ceplecha

This review of a 1968 report from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory discusses the observation of luminous bodies in Earth's atmosphere. Despite extensive photographic networks like the Prairie Network in the USA and the All-Sky Network in Europe, very few meteorites are located after photographic detection. This is often due to breakup, but it suggests that only large bodies can be accurately pinpointed. The review concludes that photographic detection remains a valuable tool for UFO research.

UFO Contactees: Captive Collaborators or Cosmic Citizens? by Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle

Dr. Sprinkle's paper, presented at the MUFON UFO Symposium in Houston, Texas, on June 7, 1980, explores the changing character of UFO contactees. He views them as evolving into "Cosmic Citizens" who exhibit concern and compassion, advocating against issues like nuclear bombs and injustice. Sprinkle lists 47 hypnotized contactees and summarizes their experiences, also noting 12 additional contactees he has interviewed. Examples and personal letters are provided.

The reviewer finds it refreshing to see research into the psychology of contactees, noting that the awareness of ET, whether real or not, is a significant part of the belief state for many individuals today.

Visitor From the East

This section features a personal account from the editor, Chris Rutkowski, detailing a meeting with Michael Sinclair, an Ontario ufologist and member of Project UFOCAN. Project UFOCAN, initiated by David Haisell, aims to coordinate UFO research across Canada. The primary challenge identified is the difficulty for Canadian ufologists to meet due to travel costs. A general meeting was considered, with Winnipeg initially selected as a central location, though this would require more individuals to travel from Ontario, where most Canadian ufologists reside.

Rutkowski expresses willingness to host a conference, noting his own financial constraints. He discusses the origins of his group, The Swamp Gas Journal, and Sinclair's group, UFO Research Centre: Ontario, both initiated by Dr. Hynek in early 1976. The invitation is extended to any ufologist to visit Rutkowski in his "land of ice and snow."

The issue concludes with thanks to Guy Westcott for printing assistance and a sign-off until the new year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the cataloging and analysis of UFO-related organizations and phenomena, the scientific debate surrounding extraterrestrial intelligence, and the psychological aspects of UFO contactees. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical engagement, as evidenced by the detailed critique of Tipler's article and the appreciation for research into contactee experiences. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of ongoing research and the sharing of information within the ufology community, particularly highlighted by the discussion on coordinating Canadian ufologists.