UFO Sighter Vol 6 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO SIGHTER
Issue: VOLUME SIX, NUMBER TWO
Date: FALL-WINTER 1967-68
Publisher: ALLEN H. GREENFIELD

This issue of UFO SIGHTER, published by Allen H. Greenfield, offers a comprehensive look at the state of UFOlogy in late 1967 and early 1968. The magazine covers a range of topics, from editorial reflections on the field's history and challenges to satirical commentary and historical trivia.

Editorial Page

Allen H. Greenfield's editorial addresses the fluctuating nature of UFOlogy, acknowledging its "good and bad points" and "ups and downs." He asserts that while the field is not a "hopeless mess" or "utterly worthless," it could benefit from improvement. Greenfield defends the sincerity and dedication of his own publications, the Sighter and Alternate Horizons Newsletter (AHN), over a period exceeding seven years. He highlights a project dear to his heart: the endorsement of the National Committee for the Restoration of the Membership of James W. Moseley in NICAP, which was discussed at the 1967 UFO Congress. Greenfield also expresses support for Steven G. Barnett's initiative to unify UFOlogy through the "Scientific Union of UFO Organizations," recalling past unification efforts like the International UFO Information Exchange Alliance and the United UFOlogical Association. The editorial notes the passing of Frank Edwards, a significant defender of UFOlogy, whose title "FLYING SAUCERS-SERIOUS BUSINESS" is remembered.

The Current Status of the UFO Field

In "The Current Status of the UFO Field," the editor provides a report on the state of UFOlogy as of October 1967. He contrasts the "dismal" mood of the field between 1957 and 1964, a period marked by talk of "Gotterdammerung" and the perceived departure of UFOs, with the current era. The Lonnie Zamora sighting in 1965, followed by the Summer 1965 flap, other cases, and the significant flap of 1966, led to tremendous publicity. This boom, however, may have reached its peak, with the editor suggesting a potential "downward slope" in public and press interest, likening it to a fad like hula-hoops or Davy Crockett. The article identifies an underlying problem of "administrative and philosophical weakness" within UFOlogy, creating an "intellectual vacuum" where the primary unifying force is the "saucer mystery" and the "joiner instinct." Other impulses, such as spreading philosophy or seeking congressional hearings, are deemed less effective in capturing the public's imagination.

The field is described as being "stuck" and "in a rut," lacking a "Great Vision" to inspire progress. While the immaturity of earlier years has passed, so has some of the enthusiasm. The quality of UFO publications has improved physically, but the intellectual level remains wanting. The editor notes a lack of finances and the presence of "crackpots" contributing to a gloomy outlook. Despite these challenges, several "bright spots" are identified as potential aids for the field: the Scientific Union of UFO Organizations, the National Committee for the Restoration of the Membership of James W. Moseley in NICAP, and the Foundation for Philosophic Advancement. The editor concludes by contemplating that UFOlogy might be remembered as a minor cult if UFOs prove to be nothing, but if they are real, the field could hold "great significance" and potentially "failed mankind" if its study is not pursued.

The Men-in-Black University All-America Squad

This satirical piece, attributed to Allen H. Greenfield, presents a fictional meeting of a clandestine organization disguised as a university. The "Agents" discuss their mission to discredit UFOlogy. Agent Barber's paper on "How to Confuse UFOlogists by Operating a Publishing House" and Agent Manur's "Creating Confusion in Michigan" are mentioned. Agent Hillburp reports on a UFO convention organized by Agent Mosby, which he claims "thoroughly squelched" favorable publicity and made the subject a "laughing stock." Agent Greenleaf announces the launch of the "Alternate Worlds Newsletter" as a diversionary tactic. The "Leader" reveals that British colleagues have created fake saucer hoaxes to discredit British UFOlogists. Other segments include Agent George Whirly discussing the front group "NOCRAP-CON" and its efforts to peddle the absurdity that UFOs come from other planets. Agent Timothy Buckley Greengreen admits to inventing the "Caterpillar Man" creature of West Virginia by rigging a suit. Agent Raymond A. Raymond, editor of "FLYING OBJECTS," explains his strategy of publishing letters from "complete nuts" to discredit UFOlogists. The meeting concludes with the "Leader" revealing his identity as "USMC (Ret.)" after being asked by an informant.

Erdmann's Answer to Steinberg on 'NICAP'

Steve Erdmann responds to remarks made by Mr. Steinberg in a previous issue of UFO SIGHTER concerning NICAP and himself. Erdmann refutes Steinberg's claims, particularly regarding the "Glassboro sighting," citing a tree expert, Mr. Zulli, who found no evidence of erosion. Erdmann criticizes Steinberg for calling NICAP "abysmal" while also being guilty of "insufficient investigation" himself. He questions Steinberg's understanding of NICAP's operations, suggesting Steinberg was "thrown out" due to "past motives." Erdmann also addresses Steinberg's comments on Palmer's "occult background" and "occultistic axioms," accusing Steinberg of inconsistency and hypocrisy. Erdmann argues that Steinberg's "paper-tigers" and "cynicism" are not scientific and that his attack on NICAP is driven by ego. Erdmann concludes by stating that while he has reservations about Hall, he believes NICAP should be used as a "tool" and preserved "with humanity," a sentiment he feels Steinberg's actions do not adhere to.

UFOLOGY: THE GOOD OLD DAYS #1

Allen H. Greenfield begins a new series, "UFOLOGY: THE GOOD OLD DAYS," offering an informal look at the period from the early days of the modern saucer era up to 1966. Greenfield notes that the "good old days" were largely shaped by figures like Jim Moseleys and Gray Barker, and that the field has often been characterized by "frustration and impotence." He recounts his own entry into UFOlogy during the "bleakest period" from 1957 to 1963. The first part of the series includes a trivia section with questions about key figures and publications from UFOlogy's past, such as Jim Villard, Gray Barker's column, Ray Palmer's magazines (Other Worlds, Flying Saucers), Tom Comella, Nexus magazine, NICAP's founding, Norb Gariety, Ken Arnold, Leonard Stringfield, Karl Hunrath, JSRO, and TBFS.

Questionnaire on Preternatural Variables

The Foundation for Philosophic Advancement (FPA) distributes a questionnaire designed for witnesses or investigators of unusual phenomena. The form requests detailed personal information, descriptions of unusual phenomena or experiences, and inquiries about related events such as power failures, disappearances of animals or individuals, unusual illnesses, radio or telephone interference, and the presence of government installations. It also asks about prior experiences, acquaintance with individuals who have had unusual experiences, and self-assessment of psychic abilities or knowledge of parapsychology and UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the state and history of UFOlogy, the challenges faced by researchers and organizations, and the critical examination of the field's credibility. Allen H. Greenfield's editorial stance is one of earnest engagement with UFOlogy, acknowledging its flaws while advocating for sincere research and the preservation of its organizations. He demonstrates a critical yet supportive approach, endorsing efforts towards unification and historical documentation, while also employing satire to critique those who would deliberately undermine the field. The issue reflects a concern for the integrity and future of UFOlogy, urging for thoughtful research and a balanced perspective.