UFO Sighter Vol 6 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO SIGHTER
Issue: Volume Six, Number One
Date: Spring-Summer 1967
Editor & Publisher: Allen H. Greenfield

This issue of UFO SIGHTER, dated Spring-Summer 1967, announces significant administrative changes and a shift in publication frequency to a semi-annual basis. The cover features a photograph of the Commodore Hotel in New York City, identified as the location of the 1967 congress of scientific UFOlogists.

Editor's Say

Allen H. Greenfield, in his "Editor's Say" column, outlines administrative changes, including the termination of current staff appointments and the discontinuation of regular columns. He states that The Sighter will now be published roughly semi-annually, assuring subscribers that this will not affect the number of issues owed or costs, and offering refunds to dissatisfied individuals. He also mentions that "The Alternate Horizons Newsletter," an official publication of the Foundation for Philosophic Advancement, is now available for those interested in "alternate reality" theory or the UFO enigma. Greenfield reflects on his recent visit to New York City, noting that UFOlogy seems to have become "big business." He discusses the significant changes in the field during 1966 and expresses a desire for UFOlogy to become a coherent, independent force. He outlines three possibilities for the future of UFOlogy: continued existence in its current state, a return to oblivion, or a rally to become a coherent force. He advocates for the latter, emphasizing the need for dedication to avoid "the twilight of the saucer era."

He thanks Perrinjaquet for a UFO detector and notes that Lucius Farish's column will be published in Alternate Horizons Newsletter. The issue's publication delay is regretted, and comments are directed to an Atlanta, Georgia address.

UFOlogy Terms: A 1960's View

In this section, Allen H. Greenfield explores the terminology used within the field of UFOlogy. He argues that specialized terminology is necessary for specialized study and offers psychological advantages for a movement. He discusses several terms:

• UFO, UFOlogy: Ruppelt is credited with coining "UFO" as an alternative to "flying saucer." "UFOlogy," coined by M.K. Jessup, is primarily an insider's term for the study of UFOs. Greenfield notes that "UFO" in popular usage can have a distinct meaning from "flying saucer."
• UAP, UAO: "UAP" (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) is an Air Force term, though its usage by the Air Force is noted as contradictory. "UAO" (Unknown Aerial Object) is described as the 'exclusive property' of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization.
• MENZELFORM: This term is presented as a pat explanation for a UFO report, derived from the name of Dr. Donald Menzel.
• UFOloger, UFOlogist: Both terms refer to individuals involved in UFO study, with "UFOlogist" being the more widely used and perceived as more scientific.
• FLAP: A military term meaning a wave of reports or a rush of activity.
• UFOnaut: Coined by Reverend Guy J. Cyr, it means the pilot of a UFO.
• BRASS CURTAIN: An alleged cloak of secrecy surrounding official UFO study, which did not gain widespread usage.
• MONGER: An inside term, possibly related to Gray Barker's column, meaning to bother or something that bothers.
• AR: Stands for "Alternate Reality."
• DERO, TERO: Terms associated with Richard Shaver and Ray Palmer, often referring to beings beneath the earth or from the lower astral.
• ANGEL HAIR: Refers to matter dropped from UFOs or found falling from the sky.
• FA, AFB, PIO: Air Force, Air Force Base, Public Information Officer, common military terms used in UFOlogy.
• LITTLE GREEN MEN: A popular term for UFO occupants, paradoxically not substantiated in any case.
• FORTEAN: Refers to any type of strange, unexplainable physical phenomena, derived from Charles Fort.

Greenfield concludes that while UFOlogy is rich in terminology, it lacks a more precise technical vocabulary for the phenomena being studied.

The UFOlogy Movement and Civilization: An Essay

Allen H. Greenfield argues that UFOlogy is a serious cause, potentially a battleground for the direction of science and civilization. He posits that UFOlogists are defending the traditional scientific method against a "bigoted establishment" that ignores evidence of sightings. Greenfield references his previous editorial, "In Defense of Orthodoxy," where he asserted that UFOlogists are the true defenders of scientific orthodoxy. He believes that increased institutionalization and reliance on scientific grants discourage free inquiry. Greenfield suggests that many scientists privately agree with UFOlogists but fear speaking out due to potential loss of standing, respect, and livelihood, citing cases like Ivy, Leary, and Velekovski as justification for these fears.

He emphasizes that UFO research is a "bread-and-butter" issue, not a hobby, and requires serious, full-time professional interest. Greenfield points to the potential for open science to have eradicated diseases like cancer and to have developed adequate defense systems against nuclear attack. He also raises concerns about UFO involvement in recent blackouts and cites an article from Flying Saucers magazine detailing alleged mistreatment of military personnel who sighted UFOs, as well as a possible UFO-initiated death in the United States.

Greenfield urges readers to take UFOlogy seriously and to "stand up and be counted."

Li'l Dickie Donut Goes to a Seance

This is a fictional narrative piece by Allen H. Greenfield, featuring characters from various UFO groups. The story describes an investigation into a series of sighting reports near WANNACLIJE, New Jersey, on January 7th. Two groups, SAUCER BOOZE (represented by James Willis Jeep and Marie Robertson) and NOCRAP (represented by Dr. Penbamo and Li'l Dickie Donut), arrive simultaneously. The NOCRAP team includes Colonel Keyhole Cassius's autographed picture. The narrative humorously depicts the rivalry between the groups and their investigative equipment, including a Ouija Board. During a seance with the Ouija Board, an entity claims to be from the planet Ahmherste and identifies two other entities, 163 and 1536, warning Al Bender. The board then breaks down, with Li'l Dickie suspecting interference from unharmonic influences, while Jeep suspects someone kicked the board.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO SIGHTER revolve around the serious nature of UFOlogy as a field of study and its implications for science and civilization. Editor Allen H. Greenfield consistently advocates for a rigorous, scientific approach to UFO investigation, contrasting it with what he perceives as a closed-minded scientific establishment. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of accurate terminology and professional dedication within UFOlogy. The issue also touches upon the potential societal impact of UFO phenomena, including links to major global concerns like nuclear war and disease. The editorial stance is one of urgency and a call to action, urging individuals to engage seriously with the subject matter and to support the pursuit of truth in UFO research.