UFOmania - No 69

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: N°69
Date: Hiver 2011 (Winter 2011)
Volume: 18ème année
Publisher: Planète OVNI
Type: Magazine ufologique (Ufological magazine)

Editorial Stance

The editorial, quoting Marc Thirouin from 1954, emphasizes the ambition to serve truth and seek positive explanations for UFO phenomena, rejecting pure skepticism. It highlights the current issue's focus on Quebec ufology, featuring contributions from various researchers and journalists. The editorial notes the magazine's objective is to present research findings and encourage constructive debate on unexplained phenomena.

Dossier Special: L'ufologie québécoise (Quebec Ufology)

This special dossier provides a historical overview of ufology in Quebec, with a particular focus on its pioneers and key organizations.

Le pionnier québécois de la recherche sur les ovnis (1ère partie) - The Quebec Pioneer of UFO Research (Part 1)

This section introduces Henri Bordeleau as the first Quebecer to seriously investigate UFO sightings, starting in July 1949. Bordeleau meticulously collected newspaper clippings and conducted personal investigations. He utilized radio, particularly the popular CJMS radio station, to connect with witnesses and gather information. The article mentions his interactions with journalists like Pierre Schneider and Laurent Lachance, who later became prominent figures in media. It also touches upon his belief that UFO occupants might be interested in Earth's salt.

La petite histoire des « ufologues » et des groupements ufologiques au Québec (2ème partie) - The Little History of 'Ufologists' and Ufological Groups in Quebec (Part 2)

This part details the evolution of ufological groups and key figures in Quebec. After Bordeleau's death, his wife reportedly destroyed his work. The section mentions the establishment of UFO-QUÉBEC in 1979, which later split. François C. Bourbeau founded the Centrale de Compilation Ufologique du Québec (CCUQ) in 1980, aiming to investigate and compile UFO data. The article also discusses Richard Glenn, who produced ufology-related TV shows and books, though his approach was often criticized for being more esoteric than investigative. It highlights the formation of OVNI-ALERTE in 1985 and later OVNI-ALERTE SAGUENAY (OAS) in 1996, which collaborated with the Canadian military. The section also notes the creation of the Association Québécoise d'Ufologie (AQU) in 1997 and the CEIPI (Centre d'Enquêtes et d'investigations sur les Phénomènes Inexpliqués) in 1995.

Interview François C. Bourbeau

This interview with François C. Bourbeau, a prominent Quebec ufologist, likely delves into his work, research methods, and perspectives on the current state of ufology in Quebec and globally. He is described as an animator, radio host, and author.

Quelle(s) direction(s) pour les repas ufologiques ? - What Direction for Ufological Gatherings?

Authored by François Haÿs, this article likely discusses the functioning and future direction of ufological gatherings, possibly in the Grenoble region, and his candidacy for a leadership role.

Chronique du livre de Thomas Eddie Bullard « The myth and mystery of UFOs »

Luis R. Gonzalez Manso reviews Thomas Eddie Bullard's book, offering insights into its content and significance within the field of ufology.

Interview de Jean Giraud, chercheur sur l'insolite

This interview features Jean Giraud, a researcher of the unusual, likely discussing his work and experiences.

Le point sur les alternatives à l'hypothèse E.T - The Point on Alternatives to the E.T. Hypothesis

Michel Granger contributes this piece, which likely explores alternative explanations for UFO phenomena beyond the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Interview Pascal Guillaumes, ovni66

An interview with Pascal Guillaumes, associated with ovni66, likely focusing on his contributions to ufology.

Livre Lu: Histoire de l'ufologie française - Book Review: History of French Ufology

This section reviews a book on the history of French ufology.

Courrier des lecteurs - Letters to the Editor

This section features correspondence from readers, offering their thoughts and opinions.

Other Articles and Features

Actualités (News)

• La Lettre de L'anti-monde: A review of Fabrice Kircher's new fanzine, 'La lettre de l'Anti-monde,' noting its unusual approach and reliance on unverified information.
• Communiqué de Presse: "Science-Fiction & Soucoupes Volantes, trente ans après": A press release about a conference-debate featuring Bertrand Méheust, discussing the parallels between science fiction and UFO phenomena.
• Documents interdits: La fin d'un secret: A review of Jean Gabriel Greslé's book, which reportedly unveils the involvement of air defense, military research, and intelligence in studying mysterious aerial craft.

Livres ufologiques à vendre (Ufological Books for Sale)

• Jacques Vallée - Science Interdite: A description of Jacques Vallée's journal from 1957-1969, presented as a significant contribution to understanding the paranormal and UFOs.
• Charles Fort - Talents Insolites: A review of a book compiling Charles Fort's writings on mysterious phenomena, highlighting his role as a pioneer in investigating the unusual.

Inexploré

This section features the magazine 'Inexploré,' which focuses on intuitive abilities and extraordinary experiences, suggesting it can offer insights into unexplained phenomena.

>>> en bref (In Brief)

• UFOmania.fr 2012: l'année du changement: An announcement about the redesign and update of the UFOmania website, including new search features and a magazine preview.
• Richard Bessière: An obituary for Richard Bessière, a prolific science fiction author and ufology enthusiast.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, with a strong emphasis on historical research and investigation. There's a clear dedication to presenting information from various sources, including witness testimonies, research papers, and books. The editorial stance favors a rigorous, open-minded approach to studying these phenomena, encouraging debate and the pursuit of truth. The recurring theme of Quebec ufology highlights the magazine's commitment to exploring regional contributions to the field. The publication also seems to value the work of dedicated researchers and journalists who contribute to the understanding of the unexplained.

This issue of UFOmania, dated Winter 2011 (Issue 69), is dedicated to the "History of Ufology in Quebec." It features a dossier with interviews and analyses of key figures, organizations, and literature within the Quebec ufological community.

Dossier: History of Ufology in Quebec

Organizations and Key Figures

The dossier begins by examining the "OVNI-Alerte" network, highlighting its stated objective of being a "civic and friendly organization" that aims to "regroup members of other existing organizations in Quebec." However, the article notes a perceived lack of outreach from its founder, Gilles Milot, to other investigators. It also points out the unusual status of the AQU (Association Québécoise d'Ufologie), which was officially struck off the register on May 7, 2004, despite its leaders maintaining prominent titles.

Another organization discussed is "OVNI-ENQUÊTES," officially incorporated on August 10, 1998. This group, formed by former members of CEIPI (Centre d'Études et de Preuves sur les Phénomènes Inter-spatiaux), aimed to investigate UFO sightings and disseminate information. Its administrators are identified as Gilles Latour and Marc Charrette. The article notes that OVNI-ENQUÊTES also operated under the English name "UFO INVESTIGATION," likely due to its location in Gatineau, near the predominantly English-speaking capital of Ottawa.

The text also introduces Thomas Jean, author of "Synthèse OVNI," published in May 1999. Jean's pseudonym is noted as a reflection of a persistent discomfort in Quebec for individuals in large companies to publicly associate with such topics. It is revealed that "Thomas Jean" is actually Jacques Dumont, an employee of Hydro-Québec, who had infiltrated the OTS (Organisation de Travail Social) ten years prior. Dumont's second book, "OVNIS: 1½ siècle de recherches," is described as more illustrated than his first. Dumont's emergence in the ufological scene is noted as sudden, with no prior public association with Quebec ufological groups.

In January 2011, Jean CASault founded the "Centre d'Études sur les OVNIS (CEO)," an acronym that had previously been used by OURANOS Québec in 1979. The article mentions that Casault's partner, Hélène DUPONT, served as the financial manager for CEIPI and also for CEO.

Jean LAVERGNE is mentioned as the Technical Director of the CEO, and his radio show "OVNIS-HOW" is based in Shawinigan, Quebec. The CEO is noted as being registered not as a non-profit organization but personally under Jean CASault-Artist.

François C. Bourbeau is presented as a prolific ufologist and author. His interest in UFOs began after a personal sighting in Drummondville in 1974. He discusses his activities, including his network "OVNI-Alerte," which aims to train UFO investigators. Bourbeau expresses a critical view of the information available on the internet, emphasizing the need for discernment and experience.

UFO Phenomena and Research

François C. Bourbeau elaborates on his hypothesis that UFOs are manifestations of a technology manipulated by a non-human intelligence, possibly existing within our space-time for millennia. He suggests that UFO sightings create spatio-temporal disruptions, making the objects visible to witnesses. He also touches upon the phenomenon of alleged alien abductions, noting that descriptions of beings and their technology are consistent across many cases.

Bourbeau criticizes the media's treatment of ufology in Quebec, stating that it often misses the essential aspects of the subject due to a lack of understanding and prejudice. He believes that a more informed approach from the media is necessary for the field to gain credibility.

He discusses his own publications, including "Les medias cachent la réalité OVNI au public," and his ongoing work on a graphic novel about close encounters in Quebec. Bourbeau asserts that while significant progress has been made in understanding UFO phenomena, the core issue remains one of will and a desire to definitively resolve the question.

The Role of Media and Public Perception

François C. Bourbeau shares his personal experience of being typecast as an "ufologist," which he states has closed doors in traditional media careers. He recounts being told that his association with ufology would prevent him from being perceived as serious or credible in news reporting.

He also touches upon the challenges of conducting UFO investigations, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodology and the importance of eyewitness testimony. Bourbeau suggests that the public's perception of UFOs is often shaped by media narratives and a lack of scientific understanding.

UFO Organizations and Their Challenges

The magazine details the history and challenges faced by various ufological organizations in Quebec. OVNI-Alerte, despite its stated goals, is portrayed as having internal issues and a lack of engagement with other researchers. The article highlights the administrative difficulties and eventual dissolution of some organizations, such as AQU and OVNI-ENQUÊTES.

Book Reviews

Thomas E. Bullard's book, "The Myth and Mystery of UFOs," is reviewed by Luis R. González Manso. Bullard, an American folklorist, is known for his research on UFOs and abduction phenomena. The review notes Bullard's academic background and his extensive study of UFO cases, including the "airship wave" of 1896-1897 and alleged alien abductions. The review points out Bullard's evolving perspective, from initially accepting abduction phenomena to a more nuanced view, suggesting that UFO events may be more akin to cultural myths or social constructs than literal extraterrestrial encounters. The review also highlights Bullard's critique of the socio-psychological hypothesis and his emphasis on the need for rigorous analysis of evidence.

Luis R. González Manso, the reviewer, is introduced as a Spanish ufologist who has contributed to various ufological publications. He is described as having evolved from a proponent of the extraterrestrial hypothesis to a skeptic.

Opinions: The Question of Ufological Gatherings

François Hays, responsible for ufological gatherings in Grenoble, expresses his intention to run for the presidency of the "repas ufologiques" (ufological gatherings) association in October 2012. He outlines his vision for the organization, emphasizing the need for a more cohesive and forward-looking approach. Hays stresses the importance of personal commitment from members and suggests that the credibility of the association, and ufology in general, depends on the seriousness and rigor of these gatherings.

He advocates for a more professional approach, including a selection process for organizers and a commitment to objective reporting. Hays believes that ufology needs to move beyond sensationalism and focus on credible research. He proposes fostering collaboration between different ufological groups and encouraging a more open exchange of ideas and information.

Christian Comtesse, in his opinion piece, also discusses the role of ufological gatherings and the need for a more prudent and quality-driven approach to ufology. He criticizes the infighting and superficiality he observes in some parts of the ufological community, particularly online. Comtesse calls for a focus on rigorous investigation and a move away from unsubstantiated claims. He suggests that the "repas ufologiques" should serve as a platform for serious discussion and collaboration, aiming to improve the image and credibility of ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges of establishing credibility for ufology, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the internal dynamics of ufological organizations in Quebec. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation, objective analysis, and a more professional approach to the study of UFO phenomena. The magazine appears to advocate for a critical yet open-minded stance towards ufology, encouraging collaboration and a move away from sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance seems to favor a more scientific and grounded approach to understanding UFOs, while acknowledging the complexities and mysteries that still surround the subject.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, dated Winter 2011, features a comprehensive review of the book "The Myth and mystery of UFOs" by Bullard. The magazine delves into the historical development of UFOlogy, the nature of witness testimony, and the various explanations proposed for UFO phenomena, critically examining the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET).

Review of Bullard's "The Myth and mystery of UFOs"

The review highlights Bullard's critique of how UFOlogy often relies on selective data to construct a desired reality, with extraterrestrials frequently presented as the universal answer to all mysteries. The article points out Bullard's observation that the 'HET' (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) is applied indiscriminately, from ancient mysteries to modern accounts.

Key points from the review include:

• Cosmology and HET: Bullard finds cosmological theories lacking imagination and that HET is more accommodating than innovative.
• The Roswell Incident: The article discusses how the Roswell incident, amplified in the 1970s and 80s, became a symbol of creative paranoia and a secret that believers clung to.
• Success of Extraterrestrials: The concept of extraterrestrials is popular, serving as a blank slate to explain strangeness and justify deviations from natural laws.
• Religious Conception: The classification of UFO experiences, particularly abductions, is seen as opposing a secular view of an impersonal universe, instead offering a religious-like message that Earth is not isolated or insignificant.
• Ufologist Selectivity: Initiated ufologists are criticized for selective data gathering, leading to a desired image of reality rather than objective truth. The 'HET' is presented as a one-size-fits-all solution.
• Myth Maintenance: The daily activity of the UFO myth is described as a permanent chore, with proponents preserving and defending their understanding against non-believers, often prioritizing illusion over experience.
• Bullard's Stance: Bullard aims to defend the reality of UFO experiences without necessarily accepting the logical conclusions about their apparent intelligence. He acknowledges the role of imagination in witness reports but also notes that expectations can sometimes fall short of reality.
• Central Problem: The article touches upon the difficulty in distinguishing between identified and unidentified cases, suggesting that human imagination plays a significant role. Bullard's criteria for high-strangeness UFO cases are listed, but the review notes that no single example fully meets all criteria.
• Psychological Explanations: Bullard is noted for critiquing socio-psychological hypotheses, suggesting that current studies contradict armchair theories about UFO observers and abductees having psychological disturbances.

Interview with Jean Giraud

The magazine features an extensive interview with Jean Giraud, a former head of the "INFO OVNI" bulletin and a researcher in the field of the unusual. Giraud shares his personal journey into ufology, starting from childhood observations and his early fascination with science fiction.

Key aspects of the interview include:

• Early Interest: Giraud's interest began at age 9 with an "unusual observation" and was fueled by science fiction magazines like "Aventures de Demain."
• UFOlogy Career: He became involved in collecting testimonies and organizing ufological conferences in the 1970s, bringing together diverse viewpoints.
• Pseudonyms: Giraud explains his use of pseudonyms (like GABRIEL, Jan d'Aigure) to separate his ufology work from his science fiction writing and to allow for presenting multiple interpretations of cases.
• Book "Le Grand Refus": He discusses his book, originally written years prior and updated, which he now views as a youthful error due to its inclusion of cases that later proved to be hoaxes or embellished.
• Challenges in Ufology: Giraud expresses concern about the current state of ufology, noting a lack of new, solid cases and the difficulty in verifying old ones. He suggests that the field may be suffering from a lack of 'raw material' and that many classic cases are now being debunked or reinterpreted.
• Witness Testimony: He emphasizes the unreliability of witness testimony, which can be filtered and distorted by emotions, cultural background, and personal biases. He proposes focusing on 'absurd' behaviors in witness accounts to gain insights.
• INFO OVNI Bulletin: Giraud details the creation and purpose of his bulletin, which initially served as a platform for local investigations and archives, later publishing more controversial works.
• Hypotheses: He is skeptical of current hypotheses, including the 'Artificial Intelligence' explanation for UFOs, arguing that they lack empirical evidence and experimental rigor. He believes that no single hypothesis can account for the totality of UFO phenomena.

Case Studies and Analysis

The issue also includes discussions on specific cases and analytical approaches within ufology:

• Episode Classification: An analysis of UFO encounter sequences (Capture, Examination, Return) suggests that certain orders of events are more probable than others, challenging statistical claims made by researchers like Bullard.
• Skepticism and Debunking: The article touches on the methods of skeptics and debunkers, noting how easily some cases can be explained away or dismissed.
• Regional Cases: Several specific cases from the Auvergne region of France are presented, including sightings in Montluçon and Lalizolle, with details on observations and witness accounts.
• Alternative Hypotheses: The article explores various alternative hypotheses for UFO phenomena, moving beyond the extraterrestrial explanation. These include atmospheric phenomena, secret human technology (e.g., Nazi or Soviet), and even subterranean or underwater civilizations.
• The 'Artificial Intelligence' Hypothesis: The potential for UFOs to be probes or autonomous systems from an advanced civilization is discussed, along with the challenges posed by vast interstellar distances and the time required for such missions.
• The 'Intelligent' UFO: The article questions the idea of UFOs as 'intelligent' entities, noting the immense diversity of reported 'creatures' and suggesting that this variety makes a single extraterrestrial origin unlikely.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFOlogy as a field, the challenges of interpreting witness testimony, and the search for credible explanations for unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, encouraging rigorous analysis and questioning established narratives. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between myth and reality, and on the scientific and psychological aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The interview with Jean Giraud underscores a sentiment of frustration with the current direction of ufology, highlighting the need for more grounded research and a critical approach to hypotheses.

UFOmania magazine, issue number 69, published in Winter 2011, is a French publication dedicated to the study of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs. This issue, titled "Tour de Contrôle: Mythes et réalités" (Control Tower: Myths and Realities), explores various theories and aspects of ufology, featuring articles on historical research, scientific hypotheses, and eyewitness accounts.

Explaining the Unexplained: Diverse Ufological Theories

The magazine presents a comprehensive overview of different hypotheses attempting to explain the UFO phenomenon. It begins by discussing the limitations of simple explanations, such as the classification of atmospheric electrical phenomena called "sprites" as UFOs by some pilots. The article "Les ovnis sont-ils des phénomènes lumineux transitoires?" (Are UFOs transient luminous phenomena?) debunks this, noting that sprites are weather-dependent and not correlated with general UFO sightings.

Another theory explored is the "aeroform" hypothesis, which suggests UFOs might be "spatial amoebas" populating the upper atmosphere. However, the magazine notes that extensive exploration of the Earth's atmosphere has not detected any such entities.

The "ethric hypothesis" is presented, linking UFOs to sensitive life forms of tenuous composition, drawing from occult and science fiction concepts. This is contrasted with more scientific explanations.

The "tectonic tension" hypothesis, proposed by François Lagarde and later explored by Paul Devereux, suggests that powerful electromagnetic fields released above seismic zones could generate luminous phenomena, potentially with intelligence. This idea is connected to the Hessdalen lights and the piezoelectric effect.

The "socio-psychological" hypothesis, championed by figures like Bertrand Méheust and Jacques Vallée, argues that UFOs are not physical objects and that witnesses project their fantasies onto unusual sightings. The article notes that this theory has become less popular.

The possibility of UFOs being "visitors from the future" is also discussed, suggesting they might be time-traveling machines or beings. This concept, explored by authors like Gerhard R. Steinhäuser and Marc Davenport, is linked to the idea of "chrononauts" and the physics of tachyons.

Finally, the "psychoïd" hypothesis, associated with ufologist Pierre Viéroudy, suggests a connection between UFOs and psychological phenomena, possibly influenced by the work of Carl Jung.

The Role of Air Traffic Control and OVNI66

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the role of air traffic controllers and the OVNI66 website. The article "Tour de Contrôle: Mythes et réalités" examines the capabilities and limitations of air traffic control systems in detecting and identifying aerial phenomena. It clarifies that civilian radar primarily tracks transponders, meaning objects without them, including potential UFOs or military aircraft, may not be detected. The article also debunks myths about restricted airspace around the Canigou massif, attributing past accidents to weather conditions rather than magnetic anomalies.

The website OVNI66, managed by Pascal Guillaumes, is highlighted as a regional initiative dedicated to collecting, verifying, and analyzing UFO sightings in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of France. The site aims to provide a factual, non-speculative database of cases, encouraging local collaboration and citizen observation. Guillaumes emphasizes the importance of local research and the need for a transparent, collaborative approach to understanding UFO phenomena.

Book Reviews and Reader Contributions

The issue includes reviews of recent books in the ufology field. "Le temps des soucoupistes" by Thibaut Canuti is praised for its historical and objective approach to the origins and development of French ufology. "Enlevèments extraterrestres et rencontres rapprochées" by Ludovic Chappier is presented as a recent case study on alien abductions.

A "Courrier des lecteurs" (Letters to the Editor) section features correspondence from readers, including a discussion about the Mayan calendar's end date (December 21, 2012) and its potential connection to electromagnetic shifts, as well as a debate between Gérard Deforge and Didier Gomez regarding the objectivity of a book review.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, there is a recurring theme of seeking rational, evidence-based explanations for UFO phenomena while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding. The magazine critiques overly speculative or biased approaches, advocating for rigorous research, transparency, and collaboration among researchers and organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging detailed investigation rather than outright dismissal or uncritical acceptance of extraordinary claims. The importance of citizen involvement, like that of the OVNI66 network, is highlighted as a valuable contribution to the field.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: 69
Date: Winter 2011

This issue of UFOmania magazine delves into various aspects of ufology, with a strong emphasis on French ufology and book reviews. It critiques the current state of ufological research, advocating for a more specialized and rigorous approach.

Featured Articles and Reviews

Histoire de l'ufologie française par Thibaut Canuti

The main cover story, "Histoire de l'ufologie française" by Thibaut Canuti, is presented as a comprehensive historical account of ufology in France. The book is described as tracing the history from the "Ouranos commission" to the "invisible college," and from the GEPA to modern skeptics. It examines figures like Jimmy Guieu and Jacques Vallée, and explores theories such as "Ancient Astronauts" and ufological sects. Canuti, a librarian and historian, is noted for his agnostic stance on UFO debates. The book's table of contents is detailed, covering various phases and aspects of French ufology, including private research, the GEPA, the "realism fantastique" period, the "Invisible College," contactees, and the question of whether UFOs still exist.

Book Reviews

• OVNI 50 ans d'enquêtes dans le Tarn by Didier Gomez: This book is a catalog of 103 UFO cases in the Tarn region of France, spanning from 1952 to 2005. It includes cases that are explainable, misidentifications, and those that remain mysterious or unexplained. The reviewer, Didier Gomez, suggests that this work is a valuable reference for local ufologists and those interested in UFO phenomena.

• Le Guide pratique de l'enquêteur de terrain: An updated guide for UFO investigators, providing methodology for creating investigation reports. It is presented as an essential tool for aspiring UFO detectives.

• FLYING SAUCER TECHNOLOGY by Bill Rose: This book explores projects by humans that could be mistaken for genuine UFOs, drawing from post-WWII American projects like the "Flying Flapjack" and controversial German flying disc research. It also covers other flying saucer projects from the Cold War era.

• UFO CASE FILES OF SCOTLAND (Volume 2) by Malcolm Robinson: This book details hundreds of UFO sightings in Scotland, covering various regions. It presents fascinating testimonies of objects that do not conform to conventional aircraft. Malcolm Robinson is a renowned UK-based UFO researcher.

• OVNI Contacts (DVD) and OVNI Contacts << first encounters >> (double DVD): These DVDs feature interviews conducted at the European UFO encounters in Châlons-en-Champagne in October 2005.

• 2èmes Rencontres Rapprochées, Gaillac 2008 and 3èmes Rencontres Rapprochées, Gaillac 8 mars 2008: These entries refer to DVDs or recordings of conferences and discussions related to UFO events.

Letters to the Editor

• Didier Gomez's response to Gérard Deforge: Gomez expresses his view that ufology needs a different approach after 60 years of stagnation, criticizing the lack of rigor in many investigations and suppositions. He defends his editorial policy of providing objective reviews, even if critical, and states his intention to promote works that are not from "illuminated" ufologists. He also suggests that ufology could benefit from specialization, as a good investigator is not necessarily a good author or speaker. He believes a book solely on contactees would have been beneficial.

• Gérard Deforge's response to Didier Gomez: Deforge thanks Gomez for his rapid and reasoned response. He clarifies that his criticism of Gomez's review was based on a selective reading of his book, particularly regarding "implants," leading to unfair conclusions. He respects Gomez's freedom of tone and intervention. Deforge emphasizes that his book was conceived as an honest testimony of "strong" cases in France, investigated with limited resources. He notes the scarcity of French field investigators who publish their findings. He also mentions that the SEPRA/GEIPAN ignore their work and do not provide research support. Deforge welcomes constructive criticism and propositions, and states that his contribution can be published, but it's not a demand. He asks Gomez to reflect on the primary meaning of his writing.

• Sébastien Delcroix's letter: Delcroix praises the latest issue of UFOmania (n°68) for its coverage of the Belgian UFO wave and the Petit-Rechain photo case. He shares his personal connection to the story, having lived near the Belgian border. He expresses disappointment that the media focused on the photo hoax, ignoring the over 1000 other reported cases. He thanks the magazine for returning to the essential question of the unexplained nature of the wave. He also thanks Didier Gomez for information regarding old LDLN issues and for publishing his advertisement.

• Christophe Canioni's letter: Canioni wishes Gomez a happy new year and thanks him for his article and critique in the magazine. He mentions he is preparing his next book, due in Spring 2013, and recounts a successful conference he gave in Nice. He also comments on the Belgian wave dossier, stating that the debunked photo does not invalidate the testimonies and that COBEPS should take legal action against the individual responsible.

SOS ARCHIVES: EN PÉRIL

This section calls for information about archives related to ufology or related subjects that are threatened with disappearance. It provides contact details for SCEAU (Service d'archives OVNI) for people to report such threats.

Back Issues

A list of available back issues of UFOmania magazine is provided, along with prices and ordering information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently promotes a more critical and analytical approach to ufology. The editorial stance appears to favor in-depth research, objective reviews, and a move away from sensationalism. There's a clear emphasis on the importance of rigorous investigation and the need for ufologists to specialize in their areas of expertise. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by independent researchers and the lack of official support for their work. The recurring theme is the need for ufology to mature into a more credible field of study, acknowledging both its historical roots and its ongoing mysteries.