UFOLOGIE-CONTACT

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIE-CONTACT
Issue Date: July 7, 1977
Publisher: C.I.J.U. and L.D.L.N./Paris
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of UFOLOGIE-CONTACT is a liaison bulletin for Ufologists in the Ile-de-France region. It aims to break the isolation experienced by individuals interested in ufology and to provide a platform for sharing information, announcements, and news.

Editorial: "UFOLOGIE-CONTACT"

The editorial, written by Michel Monnerie, reflects on the experience of democratizing ufology through the bulletin. Monnerie expresses a concern that while many benefit from the shared information, few contribute actively, leading to a potential failure of the cooperative system. He notes that the ideal of an equitable exchange, where giving matches receiving, is a secret to successful societies, even utopian ones. Monnerie also expresses hope that UFOLOGIE-CONTACT would reveal capable individuals to lead Parisian ufology, acknowledging some success in this regard. He introduces an appeal from R. Bonnaventure, hoping that Bonnaventure's dynamic approach, proven in Valence, will galvanize energies and organize research in the Paris region. The editorial emphasizes that the future of ufology in the region depends on the active participation and choices of each individual.

Thematic Discussion: The Nature of Research and Habits

The second part of the document delves into the nature of ufological research, critiquing the tendency for ufologists to fall into comfortable habits that prevent evolution and critical questioning. The author observes the emergence of groups focused on demonstrating the reality of UFOs without necessarily advancing the research effectively. He criticizes the creation of redundant information packets and bulletins that offer little long-term utility. The text also points out the phenomenon of 'mystagogues' who build reputations on limited knowledge and present unsubstantiated expertise. The author laments the tendency to get bogged down in administrative paperwork, polemics, and repetitive content, leading to a passive, spectator-like role in ufology. The piece questions whether this pattern is predetermined and suggests that without a fundamental 're-questioning' of assumptions, ufological research will remain primitive, akin to striking two flints for a spark.

Call for Participation: The Bonnaventure Survey

Raymond Bonnaventure issues a call to independent ufologists and those affiliated with any group in Paris and its suburbs to respond to an accompanying survey. The primary goals of this survey are to quantify the potential of ufologists in the region and to establish cohesion and coherence in research by leveraging individual skills and possibilities. The ultimate aim is to form a unified entity, potentially named the "Société Parisienne d'Etudes des Phénomènes Spat". Bonnaventure promises to provide a synthesis of the responses to facilitate connections between individuals with similar interests and activities. He envisions an extraordinary assembly to formalize the call for a Parisian Ufological Union.

S.O.S.I. - Information Request

This section lists specific publications and articles that individuals are seeking. These include various issues of magazines like "LE MUSEE VIVANT," "LE FIGARO," "FRANCE SOIR," "PARIS MATCH," "LE NOUVEL OBSERVATEUR," "ARGOSI," "SCIENCE & VIE," and "SPOUTNIK," as well as specific articles related to Fatima, Soviet space missions, and unusual lunar constructions.

Questionnaire

The final section is a detailed questionnaire designed to gather comprehensive information about individuals' backgrounds, skills, interests, and willingness to participate in ufological research and organizational efforts. It covers personal details, professional and scientific knowledge, languages, duration of interest in UFOs, reasons for interest, group affiliations, publication activities, preferred research methods (e.g., sky surveillance, investigation, photography, astronomy, physics, chemistry, electronics, parapsychology, sociology), technical means available, willingness to share resources, other areas of activity, desired future activities, specific ufological studies, the state of their research, perceived need for assistance, willingness to collaborate, and interest in organizing private information sessions. It also inquires about the possibility of providing a location for archival or meeting purposes, means of transportation, weekly availability, and openness to meetings with colleagues from other groups and independent researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges and potential of ufological research, particularly within the context of the Ile-de-France region. There is a strong emphasis on the need for active participation, collaboration, and organization among ufologists to move beyond passive observation and fragmented efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking, direct communication, and a more structured approach to research, while acknowledging the difficulties in achieving these goals within a community that may be prone to inertia and self-justification. The issue advocates for a unified effort to advance the field of ufology through shared knowledge and collective action.