UFO Mail - No 269 - 2018

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Mail, number 269, published on August 20, 2018, by Danmarks UFO Forening (SUFOI), focuses on themes of fear, skepticism, journalism, and paranormal research, with a particular emphasis on book reviews and the study of ufology.

Farligt: A Deep Dive into Fear and Journalism

The issue begins with an article by Kim Møller Hansen reviewing the book "Farligt - Hvordan de fodrer din frygt, og hvorfor du æder det" (Dangerous - How they feed your fear, and why you eat it) by Hans Jørgen Nielsen and Steffen Andersen. The book is described as a "scientific thriller" that delves into the pervasive nature of fear and anxiety in modern society. It builds upon a previous article in UFO-Mail nr. 186, which discussed a survey on what Americans fear. The review highlights that while a similar Danish survey is lacking, this book addresses the topic comprehensively. The book's chapters cover fear as a weapon, the brain's manipulation of intuition, the past, media influence, scientific research, organizations, and the age of terror. The reviewer praises the book's well-written chapters, good examples, and source references.

A "crash course in dangerous journalism" is also presented, quoting an expert who suggests using the ultimate question: "Can you completely rule out that...?" This technique, the expert notes, is often effective in creating a sense of unease or potential danger in writing.

The review further elaborates that "Farligt" takes the reader on an entertaining and educational journey into a world where fear is fed and how it operates. It addresses why people readily accept fear and offers "seven and a half skeptical grips" to train one's skepticism, akin to "reason's spam filters." The reviewer recommends reading "Farligt" alongside Hans Rosling's "Factfulness" to inoculate oneself against fear and doomsday prophecies.

UFOs in Danish Libraries

Another section highlights the availability of UFO-related literature in Danish libraries. A search on bibliotek.dk reveals over 2,000 hits, encompassing various types of books on UFOs for all age groups, including many publications from SUFOI. The article notes that libraries are a good source for titles that are sold out in SUFOI's webshop.

A photograph shows a bookshelf at Aarup Library in Fyn, featuring titles like "UFOer - Myter og viden" (UFOs - Myths and Knowledge), "Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Selvets Ubevidste Intelligens" (The Self's Unconscious Intelligence), and "UFOer: Myter og viden."

Books and Magazines Available from SUFOI

The issue also promotes available publications. "UFO'er - Myter og viden" (UFOs - Myths and Knowledge), a 204-page A4-format book with 120 illustrations, is available for DKK 349.00. Additionally, affordable UFO books from Gyldendal for children and young people are mentioned.

Journals on Mystical Past Mysteries and the Occult

SUFOI is selling old and rare journals and quarterly magazines related to mystical past mysteries and the occult at bargain prices. These include "Det Ukendte" (The Unknown) from various years between 1979 and 1984. Interested buyers are instructed to contact Kim Møller Hansen, and sales are on a first-come, first-served basis, with the entire lot priced at DKK 1,200 plus postage.

Other available journals include "Det Ukendte. Et magasin om det fantastiske" (The Unknown. A magazine about the fantastic) from 1984-85, "Vision" from 1985-1986, and "Vor Eventyrlige Verden" (Our Adventurous World) from 1987-1990.

Scientifical Americans: Experts or Enthusiasts?

Kim Møller Hansen reviews Sharon A. Hill's book "Scientifical Americans - The Culture of Amateur Paranormal Researchers." The article discusses how reality TV and the internet have increased public interest in phenomena like ghosts, UFOs, and cryptozoology. In 2010, there were approximately 2,000 amateur groups in the USA investigating the paranormal. Hill's book examines these "Amateur Research and Investigation Groups" (ARIGs), with ghost hunters forming the majority. The book notes that interest in ghosts in the USA was significantly higher than for UFOs in 2010, reflecting the book's focus. Hill documents the strong belief in paranormal phenomena in the American population, citing Gallup polls. The article suggests that American TV shows on paranormal topics are designed more for entertainment than for uncovering truth. MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) is mentioned as the largest UFO organization in the USA.

Hill's analysis confirms that while MUFON claims a scientific approach to UFO experiences, there's a significant difference between what MUFON says and what the organization actually does. The book's chapters cover the introduction to popular paranormal research, the paranormal in popular culture, ghost hunters, cryptids, UFO spotters, twenty-first-century ARIGs, science and the public, science and the paranormal, ARIG portrayal of science, methods and evidence, inquiry and investigation, pseudoscience, and a conclusion titled "Beyond the Veil."

The article also references journalist John A. Keel, who described the UFO movement in 1975 as consisting of non-professional, non-social individuals with identity problems, a view that aligns closely with Hill's assessment of ARIG members.

Projekt Prometheus

A section details "Projekt Prometheus," a planned initiative from April 1981 involving SUFOI, FUFOS, and Valby UFO Center to designate 1982 as a "UFOlogical year" in Denmark. The project aimed to focus resources on a specific topic: ufologists themselves. The goal was to supplement existing research on UFO reports with an investigation into ufologists, exploring their influence on the phenomenon. A survey was planned to analyze Danish ufologists, including their personality profiles, to see if they differed from the general population. The project was to be conducted by Per Andersen (SUFOI) and Kim Lykkegaard (FUFOS) independently. However, "Projekt Prometheus" was not completed. The article notes that it could have provided valuable insights into volunteers who spend their free time investigating UFO experiences, years before Sharon A. Hill's American study in 2010. This information is sourced from "SUFOIs Historie 1975-2000."

How Belief is Created

Another review by Kim Møller Hansen covers James E. Alcock's book "Belief - What It Means to Believe and Why Our Convictions Are So Compelling." Published in April 2018 by Prometheus Books, the book is a substantial work exploring the psychology of belief from various angles. It examines how beliefs are formed by internal factors such as perception, memory, personal motivations, emotions, and prior beliefs, as well as external factors like experiences, group affiliation, social pressure, and manipulation. Although the book is 638 pages long and includes many notes, only a few pages are dedicated to the topic of UFOs being visited by extraterrestrials, and this content is likely familiar to UFO-Mail readers. The reviewer suggests that the book is valuable for understanding the general psychology of belief, written by a knowledgeable author.

Read UFO Reports at www.ufo.dk

The issue directs readers to www.ufo.dk to read the latest UFO reports submitted to SUFOI under the "Observationer" section.

Become a Member of SUFOI's Support Circle in 2019

Skandinavisk UFO Information is run by volunteers, with the primary goal of providing serious information about ufomythology through ufo.dk and registering unusual aerial phenomena observations. Readers are encouraged to support the organization with a contribution of DKK 250 or more to help maintain ufo.dk and conduct investigations. Members can choose one of four free titles as a thank you: "Ildkugler over Danmark" (Fireballs over Denmark), "UFO'er - Myter og viden" (UFOs - Myths and Knowledge), "Mysteriet om UFO'er" (The Mystery of UFOs), and "Firestorm."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Mail consistently promotes a critical and skeptical approach to paranormal claims, while also acknowledging the public's interest in such phenomena. The editorial stance favors well-researched, evidence-based information, as seen in the reviews of books that dissect fear psychology and the methodology of paranormal researchers. The organization, SUFOI, positions itself as a provider of serious information and a registrar of observations, encouraging support from its readership to continue its work. The inclusion of book sales and membership drives reinforces SUFOI's role as a hub for UFO enthusiasts and researchers in Scandinavia.