Donderdag 25 juni 2015
UFO Community Members Weigh in on Dubious MUFON Speakers - PART I
UFO Community Members Weigh in on Dubious MUFON Speakers - Part I
- "We hope to bridge the gap between science and ufology. They're one in the same."
- MUFON International Director Jan Harzan, 'Las Vegas Sun'
Concerns were expressed in the wake of the Roswell Slides debacle about organizations such as the Mutual UFO Network continuing to promote those who supported and enabled the empty claims surrounding the alleged slides. Don Schmitt was quickly back in the spotlight at a recent MUFON PA event, for instance, and beWITNESS promoter Jaime Maussan was invited to speak at the upcoming 2015 MUFON Symposium. MUFON WI Assistant State Director and Chief Investigator Mark O'Connell subsequently urged the organization to remove Maussan from the list of speakers. He also requested MUFON ban Maussan and Schmitt from future events, along with their slides colleagues Tom Carey, Richard Dolan and Anthony Bragalia. It seems Adam Dew has relatively removed himself from ufology, at least as compared to his beWITNESS associates and for the time being.
Further consideration reveals the challenges to be common and merely among the latest of what is relatively standard operating procedure concerning the low quality of speakers and information typically offered. MUFON and the North American UFO community in particular have systemic problems of credibility and poor quality of information circulated, as observable in not only the invitation extended to Jaime Maussan to speak at the annual MUFON conference, but the additional inclusion of such questionable figures as Paul Hellyer. Many people particularly object to the circumstances in light of the organization's claim to be dedicated to the scientific study of UFOs, an assertion now so widely taken for granted as false that it no longer even generates significant discussion.
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| The late alien abduction guru & MUFON frequent flyer Budd Hopkins, probably not bridging the gap between science and ufology during a meeting with an alleged alien abductee |
Adding insult to injury is an upcoming MUFON PA event in which the keynote speaker is yet another dubious figure, Dr. David Jacobs, who, as of this blog post, quite questionably continues to claim to be a "strong advocate of strict scientific and ethical research methodology." Trouble is that if those claims were to be taken any more seriously than the underachieved MUFON mission statement, Jacobs has been repeatedly shown to fail miserably at actually implementing such purported advocacy into his own work. The retired historian's so-called investigations were conclusively demonstrated to be extremely ethically questionable and completely absent scientific merit. Nonetheless, MUFON is opting to roll out the red carpet and present him with a lifetime achievement award, as if it had no knowledge of either the actual definition of science or Jacobs' confirmed actions, detrimental to both his research subjects and the quality of the genre's collective body of information.
Several members of the UFO community were recently contacted and asked to submit comment on the above circumstances for inclusion in this blog post. Following are their most appreciated contributions.
Nigel Watson
Writer and researcher Nigel Watson is the author of 'UFO Investigations Manual', 'UFOs of the First World War' and many more books and articles. He was recently a speaker at the Inhabited Sky Conference in Spain, where he presented research along with colleagues Theo Paijmans, Jacques Vallee and Chris Aubeck. Mr. Watson wrote in response to request for comment:
My first reaction is 'string them all up from the highest yardarm', let them never cast a shadow over ufology ever again.
We can see that the whole ‘Roswell’ slides saga was a publicity seeking enterprise that highlighted the gullibility of so-called UFO experts, and played on the wish-to-believe in the existence of aliens who are prone to crashing to the surface of our planet and end up being mummified and whisked away to Area 51.
Without years of expert analysis, the ‘alien’ looks like a mummy and is obviously in some type of exhibition case. Plus, you only have to use Google to see the person promoting it has been involved with lots of other UFO claims and ‘evidence’ that had no basis in fact.
The slides are genuine images of a museum exhibit that have been erroneously linked to Roswell and aliens. It is a shame this has tarnished the reputation of all the so-called experts who attended this event.
This must be considered the lowest point UFO research has ever descended to, but it won't stop UFO believers saying:
1. These images are of an alien and need further investigation before we dismiss it.
2. If a fake or hoax, it was deliberately staged and organised to undermine ufology.
It would be harsh to ban everyone involved with this episode or other equally dodgy cases, and they would easily find supporters and a platform elsewhere. Plus, some were passengers on this circus train whilst others were actively steering and driving it towards ufological obliteration.
What annoys me with this saga is that no opposing views or different viewpoints were considered or allowed. Even now some supporters of this sorry episode say we should consider 'all the evidence' before we write it off.
As ufologists we shouldn’t be close minded, we hear lots of very bizarre stories, but we should also have a sense of perspective and be aware when we are being taken for a ride.
William Grabowski
William Grabowski maintains the blog 'The Night Run' and is the author of 'Black Light: Perspectives on Mysterious Phenomena', 'Traces of Oblivion' and other works. He explained:
When I first heard about the so-called Roswell Slides, my curiosity was piqued. Revisiting Kevin D. Randle's website (where I'd gotten the news), I soon learned many others had known about the (in)famous images for quite a while. As a full-time writer/editor, I have very little "spare" time to read for enjoyment, so I spend my lunch-hour perusing various 'sites—Randle's among them. Right away, as most following The UFO Trail know, Randle's 'site became a virtual battleground hosting Roswell Slides Skeptics, Believers, and Agnostics. I lurked around for several months, right up until the "reveal" on May 5th (three days before my birthday), curious as hell to find out exactly how many ufological casualties might result from the certain catastrophic failure...and wasn't disappointed.
"They benefited personally and financially, and ought to suffer the consequences of malpractice."In the six weeks following, I have been mostly shocked by the statements and behavior of Maussan, Carey, Schmitt, Dolan, and Bragalia—even mystified. So have you. Mark O'Connell, MUFON Wisconsin Assistant State Director and Chief Investigator, calls for banning the Slides promoters from future MUFON events—I support this sanction, though with some empathy for the five in question. I take no pleasure seeing anyone in so-called ufology/anomalies investigation being pilloried for questionable activities and distortions (remember Philip Imbrogno?). I feel the same about David Jacobs, whose (literal) exploits can be examined on this very website. Regarding MUFON's apparent failure to respect and adhere to its Mission Statement by inviting Jacobs to events...this is why I'm not a joiner.
Like most everyone else who paid attention to this fustercluck, I sensed disaster in the making. Though genuinely tempted to chime in on Randle's website, I chose to stay out. What good would come of threading another voice into the tangle of comments?
In a nut, all those in question billed themselves as experts backed by integrity and truth. They benefited personally and financially, and ought to suffer the consequences of malpractice.
| Richard Dolan, beWITNESS participant who inexplicably expressed in statements published May 6, "I know Jaime [Maussan] and have seen him at work first-hand. I know he cares about the truth." |
Frank Warren
Long time researcher/investigator and publisher of 'The UFO Chronicles' Frank Warren identified the proverbial elephant in the room as "the systemic failure of Ufology in general and MUFON specifically." He wrote:
The recent Roswell Slides fiasco which actually is still being pushed by and or living on, in the fanciful minds of some, is but a symptom of the disease endemic to TODAY’s Ufology.
Setting aside, for a moment, the apex or culmination of the Slides imbroglio which took place in Mexico City, on May 5th (2015), what we have is a substandard, maladroit exemplar of UFO research/investigation. The notion that this comedy of errors; connection of nonexistent dots and proclaiming speculation as fact—got as far as it did boggles the brain.
This of course leads us to the question of incompetence beyond measure or Machiavellian intent on some or perhaps all the Roswell Slide Promoters. No doubt—that debate will forever be melded in the annals of Ufology. The notion of fraud or ill intent wouldn’t be in play . . . that is, if money weren’t involved.
This brings us to the grand pay-per-view event and climax of the so-called investigation of the (then) Roswell Alien Slides; the really big show and smoking gun of extraterrestrial visitation and as billed by UFO showman, Jaime Maussan. Had this circus show not been part of the equation; if money wasn’t involved, then in my view we’re just left with ineptitude.
In the end, whether there was any malfeasance or no, what we have in the wake of the Roswell Slides Fiasco is the worst, self-inflicted damage done to Ufology in recent memory; it is our Piltdown Man and the irony is—no one seems to care! This in itself is a barometer of the sad-shape and disorder of TODAY’s Ufology.
"In the real world, participants in this hokum would have been run out of town on a rail and never heard from again..."
In the real world, participants in this hokum would have been run out of town on a rail and never heard from again; however, not unlike a defrocked televangelist, one merely has to wait a bit and open another church; the difference in TODAY’s Ufology is—there’s no waiting period!
The elephant in the room is the systemic failure of Ufology in general and MUFON specifically. The idea that the "scientific study of UFOs" is demonstrated seemingly, by self-aggrandizing ideologues, making unfounded, fallacious proclamations at carnival-like conferences where unvetted, fringe elements of all stripes are welcome is simply mind-bending! Not to mention corresponding, bunkum, promoting so-called docu-drama television shows. Mixing sober researchers with soothsayers, psychics, astrologers and other like ilk denigrates any notion of proper research and simply adds fuel to the giggle factor imposed on Ufology by the mainstream media and scientific community.
Ufology is broken and there is no fix in sight!
Dr. Michael S. Heiser
Dr. Michael S. Heiser is a scholar in the fields of biblical studies and the ancient Near East. His diverse talents include authoring several books, conducting podcasts and maintaining multiple blogs on subjects ranging from objective examination of the topic of alleged ancient aliens to facilitating professional analysis of the infamous MJ-12 documents.
Addressing the UFO research community, Dr. Heiser suggested something needs to be done to foster accountability, for the sake of both the subject matter and enthusiasts. He explained further:
In the wake of something as egregiously inept (and apparently, at least with respect to some parties, deliberately false) as the Roswell Slides, a ban merits some consideration. That said, I think the end goal of filtering out contrived, deceptive, and unscientific "contributions" to UFO research and public events could just as well be accomplished through a thoughtful and serious vetting process. That is, no speaker gets in because they have a name, a book, a blog, or a list of guest appearances on popular shows.
"The dirty little secret is that the best research in ufology happens on a handful of lesser-known blogs and podcasts."
For example, MUFON could select a panel of presentation reviewers for blind review of speaking proposals for at least national events, though the same process could be used for local chapters. This is the norm for academic conferences I attend. Review committees (usually created around content domains and manned by content experts) vet speaking proposals in a timely fashion. Given the propensity for lack of substance at UFO events, I personally think presenters ought to submit their entire presentation (outlines, slides, videos, notes, paper, etc.) for review. The purpose would be to detect unsubstantiated claims, shoddy use of evidence, and showmanship over substance—not whether reviewers agree with conclusions. It would also serve to filter out presenters with shady ethics. Reviewers should insist that a speaker's presentation focus on some topic to date—as opposed to providing a platform for teasing an audience. Ideally, preference should be given to those presentations that actually advance a discussion on some case or topic. If speakers swap in an alternative presentation after having a presentation proposal approved by a vetting process, they could be banned for a year from MUFON events as a penalty. If care was taken up front, MUFON could then publish volumes of the proceedings. Presenters should not be remunerated for such publications—conference volumes would be a means of generating some financial support for MUFON or defray event costs.
If MUFON is serious about its reason for being, then quality needs to trump popularity. You're either serious about the subject matter or you're okay with giving stage time to investigative parodies. I can already hear the objection that these suggestions would eliminate familiar, popular speakers. So be it. I'm not worried. The dirty little secret is that the best research in ufology happens on a handful of lesser-known blogs and podcasts. Maybe it's time to cultivate a new crop of presenters.
Dr. Tyler Kokjohn
"Mark O’Connell has called for certain UFO researchers and personalities to be banned from MUFON events," Dr. Tyler Kokjohn observed. "I believe the only mistake Mr. O’Connell made was to place so few persons on his list."
Dr. Kokjohn, a Professor of Microbiology, popular podcast guest and member of Project Core, continued:
Scientists develop hypotheses and subject them to rigorous testing to drive understanding forward where facts are in dispute or nonexistent. Hypotheses which cannot be confirmed through observation or experiment must be modified accordingly or abandoned. These activities constitute the heart of the scientific method. Sponsoring events that appear to be more about entertainment than meaningful scientific exchanges, MUFON groups feature and sometimes bestow honors on investigators producing work that clearly does not meet minimal scientific standards.
Nowhere is MUFON’s collective failure to act as a scientific gatekeeper more glaring than in the area of alien abductions. By consistently failing to challenge blatantly obscurantist methodology and remaining silent as uncorroborated hypotheses bloat to byzantine proportions, MUFON fosters the propagation of alien abduction myths masquerading as scientific investigations. Genetic analysis technologies, now routine in scientific research and medicine, have advanced to a point where some astonishing claims can be subjected to definitive tests. MUFON leaders should be well aware of the potential. Bill Chalker published an article in The MUFON UFO Journal describing an investigation using one of them years ago.
The first investigator to secure genetic proof human-alien hybrids exist will probably claim a Nobel Prize and more. However, none of the abduction investigators have reported any genetic test results. Such disinterest in genetic testing is extraordinary given that one MUFON leader claimed on a Future Theater episode (aired live 18 May 2013) to have been used as a 'breeder' and would therefore seem to be an ideal source of material. Appearing with her on that show was the co-author of the book about her experiences they were promoting, a noted abduction researcher and also a MUFON leader as well. Any mainstream scientists that close to a possible Nobel Prize award would move heaven and Earth to complete the tests necessary to prove their hypotheses – quickly - fearing someone else might beat them to it. Over two years later and where do these leading investigators and the entire abduction field sit? Securely in the same safe refuge from scientific progress they have been permitted to occupy for decades. Apparently no one on the MUFON-Pa lifetime achievement award committee raised the issue.
In my opinion, the MUFON organization has collectively nurtured pathological science. Indulging abduction researchers inside and outside the organization with the latitude to produce entertaining performances unencumbered by the evidentiary standards and practices of mainstream scientists, the organization provides a license to peddle hyped and unsubstantiated modern day fables in the guise of science.
Will these special dispensations and awards be prelude to Nobel Prizes and stand as testament to the bold scientific astuteness of MUFON? Or will they come to represent systemic and self-inflicted disaster? The genetic data will expose all.
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| David Jacobs, who suggested during a 2012 interview that forensic evidence could not be obtained of ET-human hybrids allegedly regularly terrorizing "Elizabeth" due to curtains over the windows of her home |
Jeff Ritzmann
Jeff Ritzmann's long list of contributions to the UFO community include spearheading Project Core, conducting film analysis and publishing salient podcasts. Learn more about his latest undertakings at 'Paranormal Waypoint'. He wrote:
For decades now, UFO studies have been sorely lacking in a few things. Not the least of which is accountability. The recent debacle of the Roswell Slides offers a unique opportunity - the chance to finally make a real difference, not one towards the UFO issue directly, but that on which all work has always been balanced: the accountability of the people disseminating the 'data'.
UFO research has sadly degraded into a popularity contest. It's not what you say, it's about how well you can deliver it to an eager conference or radio audience. It's not about the real facts, it's about how one can weave half-truths and innuendo into a good narrative. It's become about believing, rather than working to know.
It's become about perpetuating the mystery - instead of asking better questions towards potential answers.
As a long time opponent of 'regression hypnotherapy' and trying to show its ill-conceived uses in the abduction field, I was shocked when one woman decided to speak out about blatant mistreatment by a prominent abduction researcher - not by what she related, but in the response from the public. Despite overwhelming evidence of her mistreatment, that same researcher is to present day, invited to speak on the topic in public outlets. He is due to be presented with a 'lifetime achievement award'.
Some members of the interested public resorted to personal attacks on the woman, even going so far as to make absurdly foolish and uneducated psychological 'diagnoses' to protect their UFOlogical hero, and their belief system built upon that hero's narrative.
As far as I know the 'researcher' is not a psychiatric professional, not a counselor, and for that matter not even a formally trained hypnotherapist. And this is who we consider 'researcher' when we look at the contact experience.
I have often said, you either care about this study or you don't. We all determine the value of work presented, and thereby who is considered worthy of our consideration. It's time we all care enough to send a clear message - to turn our collective backs to opportunists, who would sell us their 'truth'. To bring pressure to bear by refusing to attend functions that allow these people to have a platform. It's time to stop giving in to excuses and clever posturing after the fact. Stand strong on the self-evident truth and hold those accountable, or don't. This phenomena moves on with or without us.Curtis Collins
Long time UFO community member Curtis Collins maintains the blog 'Blue Blurry Lines' and participated in the Roswell Slides Research Group, which played a key role in bringing the reality of the fuzzy images into much sharper focus. He responded:
Richard Dolan has said that researchers should be allowed to make mistakes. I agree, and in his case, he’s faced facts and acknowledged the truth in light of better information. Don Schmitt seemed to have also done so, but later made statements that show he’s still standing with Tom Carey and Jaime Maussan in defending the presentation of the Slides as alien, or non-human in BeWitness.
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| The telltale placard |
It’s baffling. The evidence for the slides was no more than circumstantial, and the placard shown within them undermined any claims of anything alien. Since then, there has been overwhelming evidence presented in additional National Park Service documents and additional photographs. Before this, my opinion was that yes, mistakes could be forgiven, and this incident should not reflect on their entire careers. Now this continuing failure of judgment causes me to reconsider that, and I’d suggest that their previous work be examined for similar flawed practices.
Ban them from conferences? Maybe, but the choice is up to the individual in what kind of ufology they want to support. I can’t see a good reason to attend one where any of the promoters are featured.
Robert Sheaffer
Writer and researcher Robert Sheaffer has published numerous books and articles on UFOs and related issues, including his work as a columnist at 'The Skeptical Inquirer' for over 30 years. He maintains the blog 'Bad UFOs' and was a founding member of the UFO Subcommittee of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He invited consideration that perhaps MUFON should simply admit it provides people exciting UFO stories with minimal concern for whether those stories are true:
Beyond any doubt MUFON's credibility suffers when it sponsors lectures by people like Maussan, whose credibility, all serious researchers agree, is essentially zero. But given the success of MUFON's HANGAR 1, a preposterously bad TV show given to fantasy and even fabrication, it seems that when forced to choose between ratings and reputation, MUFON has decided not to worry about its reputation. Actually, HANGAR 1 was not the first time MUFON made such a decision in favor of sensationalism. Back in the 1980s, MUFON's Walt Andrus decided to strongly promote the ridiculous hoax UFO photos of Ed Walters in Gulf Breeze, even though many of his own top investigators proclaimed them bogus. Apparently the publicity and excitement of the Gulf Breeze circus brought more people into MUFON, so Andrus decided it was worth the cost in MUFON's reputation.
Besides, MUFON would be on a true slippery slope if they attempted to exclude people as speakers based on preposterous things they may have said in the past. Even some UFOlogists considered as 'serious' or 'moderate' have made preposterous claims, such as a "secret space program" (Richard Dolan) or an imminent 'alien invasion' (Nick Pope). And if MUFON were to exclude people like this for being too flaky, who would be left? Perhaps MUFON should simply admit that it is in the business of providing people with titillating and exciting UFO stories, without worrying about whether they are true.
| Not the Roswell Slides |
Geschreven door peter om 21:23
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