Swamp Gas Journal - 1994 Volume 7 Number 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The SWAMP GAS JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 7, Number 2
Date: Fall, 1994
Publisher: Chris Rutkowski
Country: Canada
ISSN: 0707-7106

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal, dated Fall 1994, reflects on a year of significant activity and shifts within the ufology community. The editorial highlights the debunking of the Guardian UFO crash/landing/contact case, increased public attention from media figures like Larry King and Montel Williams discussing Area 51, and a surge in reported alien abductions. The author expresses a sense of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of claims, even contemplating giving up ufology.

Key Figures and Departures in Ufology

The issue notes several prominent figures and their activities. Bob Oechsler announced his retirement from ufology, coinciding with a MUFON Ontario report detailing the Guardian UFO hoax and mentioning Oechsler. Bonnie Wheeler is taking a sabbatical from publishing the Cambridge UFO Research Newsletter, a prominent ufozine in North America since 1976, which is noted as one of the oldest continuously active UFO groups. Tommy Roy Blann, a researcher from the 1970s, has resurfaced with a co-authored book theorizing UFO contacts are related to a satanic force, but has since gone incommunicado again after negative reactions. David Gotlib, an expert on the abduction phenomenon, is concerned about the publishing of his 'Bulletin of Anomalous Experience' due to time and energy demands. Grant Cameron, a crash/retrieval expert, has found his hobby taking up too much time. Gord Kijek, from the Alberta UFO Study Group, is prioritizing family and work. Jenny Randles has expressed frustration with ufology's politics and organizational issues, contemplating withdrawal, and receives the author's support.

Summer in the Cities: Personal Accounts and Lectures

The author recounts personal experiences during the summer, including a speaking engagement in Toronto for a lecture series organized by MUFON Ontario. He was hosted by Tom Theofanous and his wife, Lise, and engaged in discussions about investigations and research. He also met associates like Errol Bruce-Knapp, described as eccentric and a video toaster wizard with extensive media connections. The author's talk was at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, near the Judith Merrill Collection of Speculative Fiction (the 'Spaced-Out Library'), managed by Lorna Toolis. During his time in Toronto, he met John Robert Colombo and David Gotlib, with whom he shared a meal. Previous speakers at the series included Stanton Friedman, Gotlib, and Colombo. The author's talk, attended by about 50 people in a 300+ capacity hall, focused on historical Canadian UFO cases and the Canadian connection to ufology.

He also mentions meeting other MUFON Ontario members and attending informal conversations and dinners, including a memorable pizza restaurant experience with unusual toppings.

The lecture series was initiated by Tom Theofanous' disappointment with travelling ufologists who he felt lacked content and accuracy, aiming to provide a platform for reputable researchers.

The Guardian UFO Hoax Debunked

A lecture featured Tom himself discussing the infamous Guardian hoax. The author was given a personal tour of evidence against the Carp affair. Tom had the Guardian video analyzed, revealing it to be a fake. Initial theories about a helicopter or balloon were rejected. The author's own early 1994 post suggesting the 'landed UFO' might be a fire truck with illuminated undercarriage was met with criticism but proved surprisingly close. Tom's enhancement of the video clearly showed the outline of a pickup truck with flares, confirming it was not a UFO. Further evidence came from the 'key witness' being a friend of a perpetrator who owned a field used for wargames, with truck wrecks and signs about military operations nearby. MUFON investigators, including Bob Oechsler, initially found nothing at the landing site, only for Oechsler to later claim he found it in the dark. The MUFON report suggested Oechsler admitted knowing it was a hoax but proceeded anyway. The author credits Tom and his group for their extensive investigation and commends Christian Page for his contributions. A question is raised about why CSICOP has not publicly credited MUFON for debunking this case.

Chicago, Notre Dame, and Travel

The author's next trip was to Chicago in July, where a planned meeting with CUFOS executives was missed due to conflicting schedules. He spent a week at Notre Dame, enjoying the campus. On the flight home, he engaged in conversations with the crew, who reported seeing UFOs and bolides, but were unwilling to make official reports.

Festival of the Written Arts and WorldCon

A few weeks later, the author attended the Festival of the Written Arts in Sechelt, British Columbia, a literary conference where his ufology writings barely qualified. He traveled by seaplane and met fellow attendees like authors Joy Fielding and Scott Young. The lodge offered a spartan but pleasant environment, with good food and atmosphere. He also met literary figures such as W.P. Kinsella, Mel Hurtig, Bill Richardson, Marg Meikle, and Di Brandt.

He also attended the 1994 World Science Fiction Convention (WorldCon) in Winnipeg, which had won the bid over Los Angeles and Scotland. The author, a charter member of the Winnipeg Science Fiction Society since 1975, was asked to speak about UFOs. The convention attracted about 4000 SF fans and featured numerous presentations, including discussions on the Jupiter comet crash and the Internet. The author notes the prevalence of 'trekkies' and Klingons, with few aliens present, except for a couple dressed as Sigourney Weaver. The dealers' room offered SF memorabilia, including Soviet space mission artifacts and an 'X-Files' ID badge. The author posits that ufology and SF are inextricably linked, with UFO literature originating in pulp SF magazines of the late 1940s.

Alien Abduction Syndrome

The author addresses the growing number of people seeking help with abduction experiences, identifying a common narrative pattern. He discusses John Mack's book 'Abductions' and expresses skepticism about some of Mack's interpretations, suggesting that some individuals in his group may have issues dealing with reality. The author proposes the concept of 'alien abduction syndrome' (AAS), suggesting that the belief in alien contact might stem from various contributing factors such as dissatisfaction with life, stress, domestic problems, peer pressure, trauma, or child abuse. He emphasizes that thorough studies are needed to understand AAS and that not all reported experiences necessarily indicate AAS, nor is it always a problem.

He notes that most ufologists are not adequately trained as abduction therapists or counselors, distinguishing this role from investigation. The quality of 'professionals' offering help varies greatly, with one memorable session involving a hypnotherapist using Huna chanting and spiritual energy, which proved ineffective.

Two Cases of Abduction Experiences

Two cases are presented: one woman requested help with abduction experiences, having kept detailed computer records and diaries, and believed abductees would be saved during the Rapture. Despite having a psychology degree and knowing her experiences might be imaginary, she felt they were too real. The second caller presented a similar story, but her family physician referred her to a psychiatrist who diagnosed her as schizophrenic, leading to her spending months in a psychiatric institution due to her inability to distinguish fantasy from reality. A third case involved a man who claimed entities contacted him to help make decisions, sometimes appearing in his room and conversing telepathically.

The Hamlet Defense in Ufology

The author questions whether individuals experiencing nighttime abductions, or those unsure of their reality, should be considered schizophrenic or schizoid. He notes that abductees, by some definitions, can exhibit symptoms similar to schizophrenia due to their surreal experiences being perceived as real. This places ufologists in a difficult position, as questioning the reality of an abductee's experience can be seen as heresy. The author acknowledges that some individuals may have underlying psychological problems, but also considers the possibility of genuine alien encounters.

David Gotlib offers his opinion, stating that while some schizophrenics may incorporate abduction experiences into their hallucinations, it's incorrect to diagnose schizophrenia solely based on abduction accounts. He suggests that supportive counseling and psychotherapy might be sufficient for individuals whose abduction experiences are the sole symptom and who can manage them. Gotlib questions whether psychiatrists are adequately equipped to handle paranormal experiences, noting the lack of training and the unknown nature of these phenomena. He also expresses doubt about the effectiveness and safety of most 'abduction therapists' due to a lack of outcome studies.

The author concludes that abduction experiencers often fall through the cracks of the healthcare system and society. He questions the ethical implications for ufologists counseling abductees without referral to mental health professionals, citing the potential for underlying psychological issues and the societal reluctance to question abduction claims. He clarifies his position, stating he does not believe all abductees are schizophrenic but that their experiences can be compared to dissociative or delusional experiences reported by some schizophrenics. He has found many abductees to be rational and functional, but they struggle to reconcile their experiences with reality.

Another anecdote describes a man who claimed aliens contacted him to arrange an abduction, and who later filmed a UFO in Europe. The author questions whether this individual is an abductee or contactee, and if the distinction matters.

The Electronic Information Supercliche

The author admits to being an Internet addict but notes the possibility of quitting. He agrees with Stanton Friedman's assertion that much of the net is 'garbage,' despite counterarguments. The primary issue is the overwhelming quantity of information, making it difficult to find useful content. He notes that many people are frustrated with UFO newsgroups, which are often filled with noise and pointless discussions, citing 'alt.alien.visitors' as an example. The author recounts a negative experience of replying to a poster and being flamed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the evolving landscape of ufology, marked by debunked cases, increased media attention, and a growing focus on abduction phenomena. The author's stance is one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the psychological complexities involved in abduction claims while remaining open to the possibility of genuine encounters. He emphasizes the need for proper counseling and research, distinguishing between investigation and therapy. The issue also touches upon the challenges of discerning credible information in the digital age and the intersection of ufology with science fiction. The editorial tone is personal and reflective, sharing experiences and opinions on the state of the field.

Title: Swamp Gas Journal
Issue Date: November 1994
Publisher: Chris A. Rutkowski
Country of Publication: Canada
Original Language: English

This issue of the Swamp Gas Journal, edited by Chris Rutkowski, focuses on the challenges and discussions surrounding UFO research, particularly in the context of the burgeoning internet and online forums. It highlights the difficulties in obtaining reliable data amidst noise and skepticism, and explores specific theories and research related to UFO experiences.

Internet and UFO Discussion Forums

The editor, Chris Rutkowski, begins by reflecting on the state of UFO discussions online, noting the prevalence of "flame wars" and "disinformation" on sites like alt.alien.advocates concerning topics such as Colin Andrews' findings on crop circles and neutron rays. He laments that valuable information is often overlooked, and that finding accurate data requires effort. Rutkowski contrasts the "noise" on alt.paranet.ufo with the relative rationality of Mike Corbin's newsgroup, but notes that even there, discussions have become so unfocused that moderating the group has been proposed, shocking many users.

Rutkowski's own group, alt.ufo.reports, was created with the intention of allowing people to post personal UFO experiences and sightings without bias or subjective interpretations. He clarifies that while most UFOs are likely misidentifications (aircraft, balloons, etc.), a small percentage remain unexplained, and this data is crucial for interpretation. The goal is to collect this data in an objective, organized manner, which seemed logical for an internet newsgroup.

However, he observes that alt.ufo.reports has become sidetracked by discussions about John Lear, MJ12, and the Mars Face, rather than actual UFO reports. He urges users to take these off-topic discussions to other newsgroups like alt.alien.visitors, alt.paranet.ufo, or alt.alien.research, and to "PLEASE DO POST YOUR UFO SIGHTINGS HERE!"

Rutkowski also mentions the Canadian Internet Handbook 1995, which lists UFO sites, recommending ftp.rutgers.edu/pub/ufo as a valuable resource, including a subdirectory with his own articles. He also notes Dean Kanipe's webpage, "The Road Less Travelled," which includes a Skeptic's page and other "weirdness."

He recounts a frustrating experience as a guest on a freenet in Ottawa with a UFO SIG, where simple questions received abysmal answers. He was "flamed" for politely pointing out that some "experts" cited in discussions were less informed than presented. This led to him being told to mind his own business, highlighting the challenges of establishing expertise and directing discourse online.

Susan Blackmore and Michael Persinger: The "Magic Hat"

The journal then delves into the work of Susan Blackmore, a former psychic researcher who became a skeptic and a CSICOP executive, and Michael Persinger, a researcher. Their collaboration is discussed in relation to abduction experiences and the "tectonic strain theory" of UFOs.

Rutkowski expresses skepticism about Persinger's tectonic strain theory, noting that he has found no reason to accept its published findings. He recounts his own study comparing UFO sightings in Manitoba with seismic activity, where Persinger found correlations with weak tremors. Rutkowski dismisses many MANUFOCAT sightings as misinterpretations of airplanes and stars.

Blackmore visited Persinger's lab in Sudbury, where she experienced his "magic hat," a device that directs electromagnetic radiation into a subject's brain. The sensations reported by subjects were compared to those of UFO abductees. Blackmore wrote about this for NEW SCIENTIST, sparking controversy.

A discussion thread from alt.paranet.abduct, initiated by Bill Chalker, is presented. Chalker references the New Scientist article by Blackmore, which focuses on Persinger's helmet device and suggests that people with high electrical activity in their temporal lobes are more prone to abduction-like experiences, which can be explained by excessive bursts of electrical activity. Persinger's device aims to simulate these bursts.

Rutkowski responds, acknowledging Persinger's effort to create a repeatable experiment but questions the methodology and the leap in interpretation. He notes that while the "magic hat" failed to induce a full sensation of alien abduction, some debunkers are suggesting it explains abduction experiences, which Rutkowski disputes. He argues that the diversity and detail of abduction experiences do not point solely to Persinger's theory and calls for independent verification.

Rutkowski also questions why Blackmore, a skeptic, was seemingly convinced by Persinger's work. He concedes that EM radiation "*might* play an important role in altering our view of our immediate environment and *may* help to understand certain dissociative disorders." However, he raises a critical point: if EM radiation affects the temporal lobe to create abduction experiences, what about manmade EM radiation from sources like cellular phones, computer terminals, and electric blankets, which are more intense and should theoretically cause more effects?

His primary objection to the correlation between abduction accounts and temporal lobe effects is that abduction narratives are detailed and coherent, while the reported effects are vague sensations. He suggests that while a skewed belief system, dissociation, and fantasy-prone personalities might lead to an "abduction fantasy" induced by EM effects, this is a far cry from a complete explanation for abductions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Swamp Gas Journal, as represented by this issue, adopts a stance of critical inquiry and data-driven ufology. The editor, Chris Rutkowski, emphasizes the importance of collecting objective data on UFO sightings, distinguishing between misidentifications and genuinely unexplained phenomena. He advocates for a rational and non-partisan approach to UFO research, particularly within the context of online discussions where misinformation can easily spread. While open to exploring scientific theories, Rutkowski maintains a skeptical outlook, demanding rigorous evidence and independent verification, as seen in his critique of Michael Persinger's work. The journal also highlights the evolving landscape of information dissemination through the internet and the challenges it presents for serious researchers.

Copyright (c) 1994 by Chris A. Rutkowski. Correspondence can be sent via mail to Box 1918, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 3R2, or via email to [email protected]. The journal, UFOROM, and NAICCR are not affiliated with the University of Manitoba.