UFO Newsletter no 11

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: #11
Date: May 25, 1958
Editor: Lee R. Munsick
Publisher: Lee R. Munsick
Country: USA
Price: $1.00

This special "SES EDITION" of UFO NEWSLETTER #11, dated May 25, 1958, delves into the burgeoning relationship between science fiction and the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The issue features a collection of articles, a fiction piece, and an editorial, reflecting on the growing interest in UFOs within the science fiction community and vice versa.

Editorial

The editorial section, titled "EDITORIAL," discusses the recent trend of American science fiction magazines suddenly noticing and publishing content about UFOs. The editor, Lee R. Munsick, notes that while the "saucer-reading market" might seem ripe, it's not necessarily a profitable one. He recounts his own and Allan Howard's (Director of the Eastern Science Fiction Association) efforts to bridge the gap between science fiction and ufology, acknowledging the potential risks of being "blackballed" in either field. The editorial highlights the historical struggle of science fiction for recognition and the sensitivity of ufologists to being associated with fiction. It points out that even non-fiction works, like a novel about the Vatican, have incorporated UFO references. The editor contrasts the cautious approach of some publications with the more sensationalist entries, citing examples like SPACE SCIENCE FICTION and FANTASTIC SCIENCE FICTION, which published fiction presented as fact. The editorial also critiques AMAZING STORIES for its "exhaustive factual inquiry" into UFOs, which it suggests was more of a sales tactic. It praises UFO NEWSLETTER's own contribution and that of FANTASTIC UNIVERSE for their more balanced approach.

Articles

WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED SCIENCE FICTION?

By Allan Howard, this article explores the definition and evolution of science fiction. Howard argues that science fiction, at its core, must contain science and should not be watered down to appeal to a general audience seeking mere romance or realism. He notes the historical struggle of science fiction fans to gain acceptance and how the genre has evolved from "Buck Rogers"-style adventure to more complex narratives. Howard emphasizes that a good science fiction story requires competent writing, plausible extrapolation of scientific concepts, and engaging themes. He references Bob Olsen's definition of science fiction as a narrative about an imaginary invention or discovery, possible within authentic scientific knowledge. The article also touches upon the prophetic nature of some science fiction, citing examples like H. G. Wells' "A World Set Free" and Hugo Gernsback's "Ralph 124C41 Plus," but stresses that extrapolation is speculative, not prophetic. It concludes by noting the diversity of science fiction periodicals available, catering to different tastes.

FLYING SOMETHINGS

By John W. Campbell, Jr., this article discusses the implications of UFO sightings, suggesting they might be visitors from outside our solar system, given the unlikelihood of them being foreign terrestrial or US government projects. Campbell outlines a hypothetical plan for investigating an alien, inhabited planet, emphasizing stealth, reconnaissance using atmospheric planes, and avoiding detection. He suggests making craft from plastic to match air properties and approaching from high altitudes. The article also touches on the importance of non-contact observation and the potential for stealthy raids to gather inhabitants for questioning, stressing the need to avoid damaging them. It also mentions the value of studying local fauna for biological understanding.

MEET THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL

This article is by Isabel Davis and likely explores the nature or characteristics of extraterrestrial beings, though the full content is not detailed in the provided OCR.

OUR INTEREST IN UFOLOGY

By Hans Stefan Santesson, this article likely delves into the reasons and motivations behind the interest in ufology, potentially from a historical or sociological perspective.

Fiction

OUT OF THIS WORLD

This is a fiction piece by Charles and Carolyn Planck, presented in the "FICTION" section of the magazine.

Other Sections

EDITORIAL: Page 1 (This refers to the main editorial discussed above).
REFERENCE INDEX: Page 8. This section lists and provides details for various publications and organizations mentioned throughout the issue, such as AMAZING STORIES, ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION, APRO BULLETIN, and ESFA, to avoid repetitive footnotes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of science fiction and UFO phenomena, the definition and evolution of science fiction, and the publishing industry's response to the UFO craze. The editorial stance is critical of sensationalism and the blurring of fact and fiction, advocating for a more balanced and thoughtful approach to both science fiction and ufology. The publication itself, UFO NEWSLETTER, is presented as a source of reasoned discussion on the subject, with a particular nod to FANTASTIC UNIVERSE for its balanced content. There's an underlying message that both science fiction and ufology require critical thinking, common sense, and a sense of humor.

This issue of UFO NEWSLETTER, dated October 1947 (reprint), focuses on the burgeoning topic of ufology and science fiction. The main content includes a reprinted editorial from John W. Campbell Jr. and an extensive critical analysis by Isabel Davis. The magazine's publisher is UFO NEWSLETTER, based in the USA, and the original language is English.

Editorial by John W. Campbell Jr. (October 1947)

Originally published in ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION, Campbell's editorial addresses the topic of flying saucers. He discusses the potential meanings and implications of these phenomena, suggesting a long-range interest for science fiction enthusiasts. Campbell frames the discussion within the context of 'intellectual curiosity about Tomorrow' and a 'sense of wonder,' contrasting it with a more conformist or 'blase' attitude that has emerged in some parts of society. He argues that science fiction, like the 'mystery novel,' now faces new responsibilities to explore complex questions, including the nature of UFOs. He rejects calls for a return to simplistic 'ray-gun' romanticism and disapproves of a morbid, inbred excursion into abnormal psychology. Instead, he advocates for a broader approach that acknowledges the potential reality of UFOs and their implications, urging readers and writers to explore this question without simply shutting their eyes to it.

Meet the Extraterrestrial by Isabel Davis

Isabel Davis, an officer of Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York, presents a detailed and critical examination of numerous contactee books and their claims. She begins by noting that contact-communication books are filled with references to 'science' and 'technology,' but often contain scientific mistakes and confused information, attributing this to the limited competence of the authors and, more importantly, the 'spacemen' themselves.

Davis points out several instances where 'spacemen' display a lack of understanding of basic Earthly science, such as confusing elements and minerals, or making erroneous statements about the Moon's atmosphere and orbit. She argues that these 'omniscient critics' should first ensure their understanding of Earthly science before attempting to revise it. The process of 're-educating' humanity is problematic because the spacemen only assert the wrongness of human knowledge without providing clear explanations or verifiable data.

She contrasts the supposed advanced knowledge of these spacemen with the ability of ordinary humans to learn complex skills, like truck driving, with adequate education. However, she finds that among all these 'supermen,' there is a lack of any usable textbook, pedagogical method, or coherent science that could be applied on Earth. The fragments of 'space science' presented are often muddled and difficult to interpret.

Davis critically analyzes specific contactee accounts, including those of Truman Bethurum and George H. Williamson. She highlights the 'nutronic jeeps' and 'retroscopes' described by Clarionites, which allow for reviewing any event that ever happened anywhere, as examples of implausible technology. She notes that the spacemen's claims of great powers are often contradicted by their inability to perform simple tasks, such as needing Adamski's Polaroid camera and film because their own equipment is 'entirely magnetic' and incompatible with Earth technology.

The Problem of Proof

A central theme of Davis's analysis is the consistent failure of contactees and their alleged spacemen to provide unequivocal proof of their existence or claims. She observes that while spacemen demand that their stories be told, they simultaneously insist on non-interference and maintain a fog of uncertainty. Davis argues that providing proof would be simple: they could offer an object of extraterrestrial origin that clearly shows the influence of alien forces, or an artifact that could not have originated on Earth. However, they consistently avoid this, citing various 'reasons' for not allowing their pictures to be taken or for not providing physical evidence.

She highlights the absence of extraterrestrial books in these narratives. While spaceships are described as having amenities like TV, music, and games, there are no bookshelves or mentions of literature. This indifference to books is seen as a significant gap, especially for civilizations claimed to be ancient and highly developed. Davis suggests that this lack of interest in books reflects the minds of their inventors, who are also indifferent to them.

Contradictions and Inconsistencies

Davis meticulously details numerous contradictions and inconsistencies in the accounts provided by different spacemen and even within the same narrative. For example, extraterrestrial records about Earth's past vary wildly, with one spaceman claiming 78 million years and another stating 75,000 years. Similarly, accounts of the Moon's formation differ, with some attributing craters to meteorites and others to 'vortical action.' The existence and characteristics of planets and solar systems are also subject to conflicting information.

She points out that the spacemen claim to be experts who have traveled throughout space and that their words are accurately reported. Given this, their obliviousness to each other's existence, opinions, and facts is inexplicable. Davis concludes that these stories are fatally consistent with the theory that they are inventions rather than factual accounts. She describes the alleged spacemen not as noble intelligences but as 'boastful braggarts, gifted chiefly at making excuses.'

The Role of Believers and Publishers

Davis questions why such books find publishers and a market. She suspects that many believers have not critically examined the books but have been swayed by the 'impressive or sincere' platform manner of contactee lecturers. Alternatively, some may have read the books and considered the objections but allowed the emotional value of the stories to override logic, especially when high-sounding generalities like 'Tolerance' and 'the search for the Truth' are invoked.

She notes that the contactees themselves often fail to support each other's stories unequivocally, with hints of caution and uncertainty. The issue also includes a section titled "WHAT D'YA READ-OR WANT TO?" which lists prices for various science fiction and practical science magazines, suggesting that UFO NEWSLETTER offers subscription services for these publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards UFO contactee claims, the importance of verifiable evidence, and the critical analysis of science fiction narratives that blur the lines between fiction and alleged reality. The editorial stance is one of intellectual curiosity and a demand for logical consistency and proof, rather than blind acceptance of extraordinary claims. The magazine positions itself as exploring ufology as a serious subject that warrants investigation, aligning with the tradition of speculative science fiction that challenges readers to consider 'all-too-possible tomorrows.' The issue emphasizes that while UFOs are unidentified, the claims made by contactees and their alleged spacemen are subject to scrutiny and critical evaluation.

This issue of FANTASTIC UNIVERSE, dated February 1958, features a prominent cover headline "FICTION: OUT OF THIS WORLD" and delves into themes of Ufology and science fiction. The magazine is published by King-Size Publications, Inc., with Hans Stefan Santesson serving as Editorial Director. The issue explores different perspectives on UFO sightings, contrasting the 'contactee' phenomenon with more analytical research approaches.

Editorial Stance and Content

The editorial content, particularly from Hans Stefan Santesson, highlights the magazine's commitment to covering Ufology due to reader interest. Santesson, also the Editorial Director of THE SAINT mystery magazine, is described as a knowledgeable and alert individual with a passion for science fiction. The magazine aims to present sober recitals of UFO events investigated by groups like Civilian Saucer Intelligence (CSI), avoiding the emotional approach often found in contactee circles.

The issue includes a fictional story, "FICTION: OUT OF THIS WORLD," by Charles and Carolyn Planck. This narrative centers on a family vacationing at Dead Horse Point, Utah, where they encounter an extraterrestrial named Xenian. The story details the initial sighting of a flying saucer, the subsequent landing, and the communication between Xenian and the humans. Xenian, an ambassador from Venus, presents himself as a friend and offers advanced knowledge, including cures for cancer and a formula for peace, to humanity. He explains that Venus has eliminated war and disease, and their civilization is far more advanced.

The fictional account details the process of convincing the world of Xenian's peaceful intentions. This involves gathering photographic evidence, making a public announcement, and ultimately arranging for Xenian's saucer to land in Washington D.C. The President, after consulting the public, agrees to a peaceful reception, overriding military caution. The story culminates in the arrival of Xenian's saucer, accompanied by others, at the National Airport, where he is formally welcomed by the President.

The issue also mentions other publications and figures in the Ufology field, including Ivan T. Sanderson and UFO NEWSLETTER, and references a fictional piece by Dean McLaughlin titled "How to Be a Saucer Author." A reference list at the end of the magazine provides details on other related publications.

Key Figures and Organizations

Key individuals mentioned include Hans Stefan Santesson (Editorial Director), Ivan T. Sanderson (researcher), Dean McLaughlin (author), Kelly Freas (artist), Charles and Carolyn Planck (authors of the fictional story), Martin and Herbie Hooper (children involved in the fictional encounter), Frank Hooper (aeronautical engineer), Grace and Margaret Hooper (family members), John Mader (father figure in the fictional story), Xenian (extraterrestrial ambassador), and Major Donald E. Keyhoe (Director of NICAP).

Organizations mentioned include Civilian Saucer Intelligence (CSI), UFO NEWSLETTER, King-Size Publications, THE SAINT mystery magazine, Rocket City Astronomical Association, National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), and the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA).

Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Ufology, science fiction, extraterrestrial contact, and the potential for peaceful coexistence between humanity and alien civilizations. The magazine, through its editorial content and the featured fictional story, seems to advocate for a rational, investigative approach to UFO phenomena while also exploring the imaginative possibilities of alien encounters. The fictional narrative, in particular, emphasizes the importance of peace, knowledge sharing, and overcoming fear and suspicion in the face of the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities presented by UFO sightings and the implications of potential extraterrestrial contact.

This document is an "ERRATA" page, serving as a list of corrections for a specific issue of a magazine. The issue number is implied to be #12, and the year of publication is suggested to be 1956, based on the correction of a footnote referencing a book from that year.

Corrections Detailed

The errata provides a series of specific corrections, referencing page numbers and line numbers within the magazine. Key corrections include:

• Cover: Mr. Howard's first name should be Allan.
• Cover: The second line from the bottom should read "Featuring in this..."
• Page 3, Par 4, Line 6: The text should read "OTHER WORLDS, a bimonthly."
• Page 3, Par 5, Line 2: The last word should be "had."
• Page 4: The condensation of an article will appear in issue #12.
• Page 8, Line 2: The quote should be "so constructed as to be seriously interested..."
• Page 10, Par 6, Line 8: The quote should be "...its 'elder statesman,' the..."
• Page 18: A missing footnote should be added: "1. Aime Michel, 'The Truth About Flying Saucers,' Criterion Books, New York, 1956."
• Page 19, Line 4 from bottom: The text should read "...of the Space Age—faces new..."
• Page 24, Par 7, Line 2: The quote should be "landed on Dead Horse Point..."
• Page 24, Par 8, Line 2: The quote should be "...and the tense watchers was a..."
• Page 25, Par 4, Line 3: The quote should be "their visitor, and the Venusian..."
• Page 26, Par 11, Line 2: The quote should be "...a crew of two to operate my..."
• Page 28, Last Par, Line 2: The quote should be "the farthest reaches of the crowd..."

Key Entities and References

The errata mentions several key entities:

• People: Allan Howard (corrected name), Aime Michel (author of cited book).
• Organizations: Criterion Books (publisher of the cited book).
• Locations: New York (location of publisher), Dead Horse Point (mentioned in a corrected quote).
• Publications: "OTHER WORLDS" (mentioned as a bimonthly publication), and the magazine issue itself, identified as #12.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this document is accuracy and correction in published material, specifically within the context of a magazine that appears to cover topics related to UFOs and the "Space Age," given the mention of "Flying Saucers" and "Venusian" in the corrected quotes. The editorial stance is one of diligence in ensuring the accuracy of published content, providing detailed corrections to maintain the integrity of the information presented to readers.