UFO Sighter Vol 7 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: U.F.O. Sighter
Issue: Volume 7, Number 1
Date: Spring-Summer 1968
Publisher: Allen H. Greenfield

This issue of U.F.O. Sighter, dated Spring-Summer 1968, marks a shift in editorial focus, moving from direct reporting of UFO sightings to a more philosophical and administrative approach to the UFO mystery. The magazine is published by Allen H. Greenfield, with its office located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Editorial Page by Allen H. Greenfield

The editorial page provides subscription information, stating that the magazine appears semiannually with a subscription cost of $2.00 for four issues. Sample copies are free, one per person, and back issues cost 50¢. The mailing address is 2875 Sequoyah Drive, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30327, with the office located in Broadview Plaza Shopping Center.

Greenfield's editorial directly addresses the question of whether The UFO Sighter is saying something about UFOs. He acknowledges that the magazine has recently focused on philosophical and administrative affairs rather than direct saucer reporting. However, he asserts that the UFO mystery remains at the heart of their work. He recounts a one-night skywatch held in March of that year in Atlanta, organized by 'Project: UFO Skywatch.' This event, despite being held 'cold' (outside of a major flap), generated a considerable number of UFO reports, leading Greenfield to question the nature of 'flaps' versus 'publicity flaps.' He discusses this with UFOlogist James W. Moseley, suggesting that the concept of a flap might be a myth, similar to the 'five year cycle.' Greenfield proposes that experiments on random days in other areas should be conducted to test this hypothesis.

AND, AS I WAS SAYING... by Eugene R. Steinberg

Eugene R. Steinberg, Program Coordinator for Radio Station KDOM, contributes an article reflecting on his past writings in The UFO Sighter. He notes that two years have passed since his previous contributions and that he has traveled extensively. Steinberg states he has no intention of retracting his earlier pronouncements. He mentions his consistent adversary, Steve Erdmann, with whom he has had difficulty reaching an understanding. Steinberg uses Erdmann's stance as a catalyst to break his silence.

Steinberg criticizes NICAP (National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena), stating that the organization has existed for about 12 years and its ups and downs are tied to the comings and goings of saucers. He argues that NICAP only gains momentum during 'flaps,' which generate media attention and membership increases. However, he contends that NICAP cannot sustain public interest on its own, especially when other events like the Vietnam War and race riots dominate the news. Steinberg concludes that NICAP, and indeed every other flying saucer group, is an 'abysmal failure.'

He further elaborates on the public's awareness of flying saucers, suggesting that most people learn about them through mainstream media (television, radio, press) rather than specialized UFO publications. He points out that the combined circulation of UFO magazines is small compared to the millions who believe in saucers. Steinberg argues that while NICAP has shown promise in separating UFO fact from fiction, it has ultimately become just another flying saucer club, surviving primarily on its size and prestige.

Steinberg addresses Mr. Erdmann's criticisms, which he feels are based on guilt by association due to his past involvement with 'Saucer News.' He clarifies that 'Saucer News' does not claim to be the sole authority on flying saucers, unlike NICAP. He defines an 'Egotist' as a conceited, boastful person and implies Erdmann fits this description. Steinberg concludes by stating that ego is what gives UFO enthusiasts the nerve to express their unpopular ideas and that it should be common knowledge among readers of 'The Sighter' that he was a visitor to NICAP and active in their New York Affiliate.

He mentions the current issue of 'Saucer News,' where Mr. Erdmann retracts some of his earlier sentiments about NICAP. Steinberg believes that the political implications of inter-club squabbling have hampered efforts to find 'The Answer.' He expresses a loss of hope that UFO organizations can make progress and advocates for focusing on facts. He warns that maintaining the status quo aids in the preservation of secrecy surrounding UFOs and related mysteries. He poses a question to the reader: "Are you one of the people who make things happen, some who watch things happen and others who have no idea what's happening?"

An editor's note provides contact information for Eugene Steinberg in Windom, Minnesota.

U.F.O. Cynicism Bulletin

This section, presented as the Official Publication of the Aerial Phenomenon Rehash Organization with Robert J. Dribble as President, offers a satirical and cynical take on UFO news. It denies rumors that the publication is put out by Al Greenfield and states that views expressed are not responsible. The bulletin is made with 'American labour.'

NIPLOP AND SAUCER RUSE TO MERGE IN NEAR FUTURE!
According to 'well-informed sources,' Major Donald E. Retired of NIPLOP and Willet James Steamship, editor of Saucer Ruse, are meeting to discuss a merger of their organizations, possibly after NIPLOP's annual fund appeal.

RUMOUR DEPARTMENT: George Hunt Punt is really alive in Argentina.

PHOTOGRAPHS FINALLY PROVE SHAVER WAS RIGHT!
Raymond A. Plumber announced possession of two photos proving the reality of 'DORO' beings, first reported in 'Amazing, Simply Amazing Magazine' in the 1920s by Shaver Yo Faca. One photo shows a white doro in a blizzard, and the second depicts a black doro at midnight on a moonless night.

RUMOUR DEPARTMENT: Alyn Manek is really Roi Thineas.

SWAMP GAS THEORY SWAMPED BY DAN COIN!
Dan Coin, Managing Editor of Science Disgrace, admitted on the Barry Fluber show that the only gas in Michigan was in Dr. Hynik's stomach.

RUMOUR DEPARTMENT: Long Grey Neble is really a carnival barker!

COMING NEXT ISSUE: A full report on the editor's visit to the Moon, Mars, Venus, and East Rutherford.

UFOLOGY: THE GOOD OLD DAYS # 2

This section, by Allen H. Greenfield, continues a trivia quiz from the previous chapter. It presents questions and answers related to the history of UFOlogy, including:

• Gene Duplantier's UFO zine in Canada ('Saucers, Space and Science').
• The Saucerian (Gray Barker's zine).
• The oldest UFO group (APRO, founded 1952).
• Desmond Leslie's title ('The Saucerer Royal').
• The head of BSRA prior to Riley Crabb (Meade Layne).
• Founder of Fate Magazine (Ray Palmer, co-founded with Curtis Fuller).
• T. Lobsang Rampa's first book ('THE THIRD EYE').
• Major Keyhoe's statement on Armstrong Circle Theatre (quoted as '.........').
• Giant Rock (described as 'A giant rock, stupid').
• Richard Shaver and his connection to Ray Palmer.
• Max Miller's saucer publication ('Saucers').
• Richard Hall's old UFO zine ('Satellite').
• Gabriel Green's original magazine name ('Thy Kingdom Come').
• The creator of 'THE ADVENT OF THE COSMIC VIEWPOINT' and the 'FLYING SAUCER PILGRIMAGE.'
• Definition of 'dero.'
• Identity of 'Dr. D' (Dr. Leon Davidson).
• First editor of England's Flying Saucer Review (Brinsley le Poer Trench).
• The station where Long John Nebel started his saucer marathon (WOR, New York).
• A self-referential question about who is being kidded.

Notes

This section announces the fifth annual Congress of Scientific UFOlogists Open Session, scheduled for Saturday, June 22, 1968, in Parma, Ohio. It provides details on the event, including time, location, and ticket prices ($2.00 for adults, $1.50 for students). It also mentions a new book, 'UFO GUIDE: 1947-1968' by Martin H. Sable, priced at $2.95.

Index to UFO Sighter Volume Six

This provides an index for Volume Six of The UFO Sighter, covering issues from Spring-Summer 1967 and Fall-Winter 1967-68. It lists articles, their authors (primarily Allen H. Greenfield), and page numbers.

Contents of This Issue

This lists the articles included in the current issue (Volume 7, Number 1), with page numbers: Editorial Page (p. 2), And, As I Was Saying... by Eugene R. Steinberg (p. 3), U.F.O. Cynicism Bulletin (p. 6), UFOlogy: The Good Old Days # 2 (p. 7), Notes (p. 8), Index to UFO Sighter Volume Six (p. 8), and Contents of this Issue (p. 8).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the state of UFOlogy and the effectiveness of UFO organizations. There's a critical stance towards established groups like NICAP, suggesting they are largely ineffective and reliant on sensationalism ('flaps') for relevance. The editorial also touches on the role of media in shaping public perception of UFOs and questions the nature of UFO phenomena and the possibility of widespread secrecy. The 'U.F.O. Cynicism Bulletin' section injects a strong element of satire and skepticism, poking fun at UFO lore and organizations. The overall editorial stance, particularly from Greenfield and Steinberg, appears to be one of disillusionment with the current state of UFO investigation and a call for a more fact-based, less organizationally-driven approach.