The Swamp Gas Journal

Magazine Overview

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: Volume 7, Number 3
Date: Summer, 1995
ISSN: 0707-7103

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal, titled "High Weirdness in Ufology," explores various controversial topics within the ufology community, questioning the validity of sensational claims and examining psychological explanations for UFO-related phenomena. The publication also provides practical information for researchers interested in government archives and discusses ongoing debates about crop circles.

High Weirdness in Ufology

The lead article questions whether ufology is becoming increasingly strange and silly, noting how interesting stories quickly become dubious. The author uses the Santilli's Roswell film as a prime example, detailing initial excitement followed by skepticism due to numerous "holes" and rumors of it being a shelved Brazilian SF film. Stan Friedman is quoted as being unimpressed and noting the lack of access to the film. The article dismisses unsupported rumors about Kodak's confirmation and BUFORA's endorsement. It also questions the inclusion of Colin Andrews in a private screening, deeming him an illogical choice for an expert group. The author posits three possibilities for the film: a scam, a disinformation ploy, or that it is real, leaving the reader to choose.

More About Persinger's Magic Helmet

This section addresses comments on Susan Blackmore's endorsement of Michael Persinger's "Magic Helmet" theory, which suggests a temporal lobe stimulator could induce abduction-like symptoms. The author notes a lack of response from Blackmore to concerns raised. A quoted post from Tim Shell on alt.paranet.abduct criticizes the "neuropsychological 'work'" of Michael Persinger, likening it to "mind-numbing jargon and smoke blowing" and comparing the explanation of UFO abductions to using astrology to explain Bigfoot sightings. Shell argues that terms like "temporal lobe lability" are vague and used to manipulate people. He further dismisses the idea that magnetism could specifically affect the temporal lobe, calling it "mumbo-jumbo claptrap." The author of the main article acknowledges that Tim Shell may not be aware of EM precursor studies but agrees that scientific-sounding claims are not necessarily true.

The Canadian Government UFO Archives

This article provides a guide for accessing government UFO investigations and research from the National Archives of Canada. The author recounts a personal experience of obtaining microfilm reels of UFO reports twenty years prior. A reposted note from Jim Easton details the procedure for UFO enthusiasts to access these documents through inter-library loan or directly from the National Archives. A comprehensive list of UFO-related records is provided, including "Intelligence Sightings of Unknown Objects" from various periods, "Air Services - Sightings of Unidentified Aerial Objects - Project Second Story," and "Space Research and Satellites, UFO's." The article also notes that some files have been reviewed under ATIP provisions, with some documents removed.

Letters and Comments

This section includes correspondence from readers. One letter from FLReynolds on alt.alien.visitors argues against abduction being solely a psychological phenomenon, presenting three points: the phenomenon is repeatable and clinically testable under hypnosis, it occurs in children under three, and it is tightly associated with the UFO phenomenon. The author of the main article counters these points, expressing doubt about the accuracy of young children's testimony and noting instances of abductees without prior UFO sightings. The author also reviews "THE ANOMALIST," a zine edited by Patrick Huyghes and Dennis Stacy, praising its quality and content, and mentions an article by Robert Baker, who argues that abduction cases can be explained by sleep disorders and hallucinations.

Books and More Zines

This section provides a list of recently acquired books and zines for the UFOROM library. Books mentioned include William Tenn's "OF ALL POSSIBLE WORLDS," Barbara O'Brien's "OPERATORS AND THINGS," Ruth Norman's "FACTS ABOUT UFOS," Paul Field's "50 THOUSAND BIRTHDAYS," Peggy Mason's "TALES OF TWO WORLDS," and Robert Dickhoff's "HOMECOMING OF THE MARTIANS." The Urantia Book is also noted. A variety of zines are briefly described, including "ON SPEC," "PRAIRIE FIRE," "THE CROP WATCHER," "MUFON UFO JOURNAL," "MIMOSA," "BADLANDS," "SPACERUNNERS REDUX," "GEO-MONITOR," and "SAUCER SMEAR." The editor also mentions contributing to "IUR."

Why-I-Don't-Answer-My-Mail Dep't

This section features a letter from "SK," president of German Ufology Research (GUFORES), inquiring about ufology research in Canada and asking about Area 51 and recent UFO landings in Canada. The author notes that such letters are typical.

I've Been Warned

A quoted letter from "Cassandra" expresses a belief that UFOs are not a secret and that governments are hiding the truth. The author claims aliens are breeding a "super race" for peace and that governments are becoming desperate to hide this truth, referencing events in Siberia in October 1994.

Rebecca Made a Crop Circle

This section includes a discussion from alt.alien.visitors about the desire to fake crop circles. Rebecca Long, President of Georgia Skeptics, shares an experience of creating a crop circle to demonstrate it could be done without invoking supernatural explanations. She argues that the pathology is similar to any practical joke and criticizes the idea that believers cling to beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.

What IRCs Me

The author reflects on ufology on the Internet, noting that while the Net offers information, it is often filled with "drivel" and "nitpicking." The author criticizes the quality of chat groups and mentions that many BBSs contain old diatribes and pointless arguments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, particularly the Santilli Roswell film, and an examination of psychological explanations for alleged phenomena like abductions. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and questioning evidence, even when presented with scientific-sounding jargon. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, evidence-based approach to ufology, often challenging conventional beliefs within the community. The issue also highlights the importance of accessing and scrutinizing government records and encourages critical engagement with online ufology discussions.

Title: Swamp Gas Journal
Issue Date: 1995
Publisher: Chris A. Rutkowski
Country: Canada
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Swamp Gas Journal, dated 1995, offers a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of ufology, particularly in the context of the burgeoning internet. It features a commissioned article by A. Wyndham, a newcomer to the field, reflecting on his initial steps into ufology and the overwhelming amount of information and conflicting viewpoints encountered. The journal also includes reviews of books and videos, providing a balanced perspective that acknowledges both skeptical and pro-UFO arguments.

Ufology Today: A Beginner's Viewpoint by A. Wyndham

A. Wyndham shares his personal journey into ufology, beginning with a sighting in 1979 that he initially struggled to find anyone else who had witnessed. His interest was reawakened years later through cyberspace, leading him to explore the phenomenon. He describes ufology as 'emotional quicksand,' noting the difficulty in finding valid information amidst conflicting interpretations, potential conspiracies, and the tendency for some to alter perceptions to fit theories. Wyndham highlights the challenges of discerning truth from hoaxes and the subjective nature of evidence, emphasizing the importance of forming one's own conclusions.

He discusses the vastness of the field, encompassing subfields like flying saucers, abductions, crop circles, conspiracies, and cattle mutilations. Wyndham expresses frustration with the infighting, name-calling, and ego-driven behavior within some ufology circles. He relies on UFO researchers and field investigators but also tries to gather information independently. The article touches upon the idea of UFOs as plasma, secret government aircraft, or even psychic projections of the collective unconscious. Despite the confusion, Wyndham finds the study of UFOs to be an opening to new ideas about reality and acknowledges that ufology has become a significant part of his life.

As a newcomer, Wyndham notes that while hard evidence is scarce, the phenomenon itself seems meaningful. He likens the search for truth to entering a room with a thousand doors. He warns that the more one delves into ufology, the murkier it becomes, but deems the journey worthwhile as it reveals much about ourselves.

Internet and Online Communities

The journal discusses the state of UFO information available on the internet, noting that while there are many 'UFO Pages,' the majority are superficial, linking to standard sites. However, it highlights the existence of more substantial resources like the Internet UFO Research Group (IUFOG), which provides subpages and links to numerous other UFO sites. The article mentions various online personalities, discussion groups on IRC (such as #ufo, #ascension, and #abduction), and the creation of a newsgroup called `alt.ufo.reports` specifically for reporting sightings. Despite the logical intent behind `alt.ufo.reports`, the author notes that the internet's nature leads to a mix of relevant posts, arguments, trolling, and spamming. Online UFO 'conferences' are also mentioned as a positive aspect, allowing serious researchers to exchange information.

Book and Video Reviews

FLYING SAUCERS ARE EVERYWHERE by Tom McHugh

This book is described as a 'zany, satirical look at the UFO phenomenon,' filled with lampoons of popular UFO cases. It includes humorous retellings of events like the Betty and Barney Bumpkin abduction, the involvement of a Nazi researcher, and the idea of astronauts' UFO sightings being attributable to frozen urine. The review notes that the cartoons by John Kloss are in a similar vein, showing no mercy towards 'UFoolishness.' The book is presented as a work that will appeal to UFO buffs with its in-jokes and amuse skeptics.

UFO - THE UNTOLD STORIES (Video)

Produced by ITV and sold through Acorn Media Publishing, this 50-minute video is praised for its collection of vintage UFO footage, including many rarely seen classics. Highlights include Dr. J. Allen Hynek discussing the Tremonton film and the Robertson Panel, clips of Gulf Breeze activity, an interview with Ed Walters, and a section on Russian UFO videos. The video also presents a version of the 'jellyfish' UFO that omits James Oberg's input and includes a segment on the Guardian Carp UFO that overlooks MUFON Ontario's expose of the hoax. For Roswell fans, there are interviews with 'good old Jesse' and others, and content for crop circle enthusiasts. Despite its pro-UFO stance, the video is commended for its balanced and rational approach, including explanations and discussion of the GAO investigation and document classification. It is recommended as a good basic introduction to the pro-UFO side of the debate.

Manitoba UFO Flap

The issue concludes by noting that as it goes into publication, Manitoba, Canada, is experiencing a UFO flap. Between late June and the end of July 1995, 15 reports were made to UFOROM, including one sighting of a daylight disc. These reports are slated for discussion in the next issue of Swamp Gas Journal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges and evolution of ufology in the digital age, the tension between belief and skepticism, and the search for objective truth amidst a sea of information and speculation. The journal appears to adopt a stance of encouraging open-minded inquiry while maintaining a critical perspective, as evidenced by the inclusion of both pro-UFO and skeptical viewpoints in its reviews and discussions. The editorial stance seems to be one of facilitating informed discussion and research within the UFO community, acknowledging the complexities and subjective nature of the phenomenon.