The self-described supreme commander of the shockingly close to the truth 'Saucer Smear' died November 16 at a Key West, Fla., hospital. He was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and was 81 years old.
James W. Moseley released his first publication covering the antics surrounding saucers some 60 years ago. The 'Saucer Smear' eventually became the oldest continuously running publication of its genre.
Moseley was a writer known for his critical, humorous and sarcastic takes on UFO-related subject matter. His 'Saucer Smear' “non-scheduled newsletter” subsequently framed the often bizarre stories circulating throughout the UFO community in similarly bizarre contexts. His views and writing style were demonstrated in pieces with such titles as 'A Classic UFO Picture That Can Absolutely Be Assumed to Be Genuine', 'Starchild DNA Tests Show Something or Other' and 'Budd Hopkins Abducted by Jesus'.
Moseley was a popular guest on podcasts and was frequently sought for interviews. His controversial contributions to the UFO genre and their longevity virtually assure he and his work will continue to attract attention for years to come.
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Originally posted on Examiner.
I read Moseley's memoir during the summer. It was educational and entertaining -- and a rare non-partisan look at ufology.
ReplyDeleteUfology could certainly use another ironist to call out the saucer buffs for their inexhaustible sanctimony and self-pity.
In his book, Moseley described himself as a believer-skeptic. Partisan UFO adherents seem unable to process this: to them it's double-think. Right now on UFO Updates, the Moseley tributes have devolved into making sure "skeptic" is always used as a pejorative, as if the term has no time-honoured meaning outside of ufology. Pathetic.
I sent in a comment about Jim to UFO updates but it never appeared.
ReplyDeleteJerry Clark makes up some stuff about Jim not liking skeptics and considering them bores. As usual creating history instead of simply reporting it.
I was friends with Jim for 20 years. And I will shortly be posting an interview I did with him in 2001. He mentions Phil Klass as a personal friend.
On the other hand, I do know someone that Jim DID consider a bore: Jerry Clark.
Jim told me a story about a poor deluded abductee (First initial S) and Clark that maybe I will tell someday.
Lance
R.I.P. to James Moseley, an amusing character in ufology.
ReplyDeleteTerry wrote: "Right now on UFO Updates, the Moseley tributes have devolved into making sure "skeptic" is always used as a pejorative, as if the term has no time-honoured meaning outside of ufology. Pathetic." - - -
Have some posts been deleted on UFO Updates List on the subject of Moseley's passing? I just read a couple of pleasant, respectful exchanges between Steven Kaeser and Jerome Clark regarding Moseley's death. Nothing rising to a standard that could be deemed "devolved" or "pathetic".
Lance wrote: "Jerry Clark makes up some stuff about Jim not liking skeptics and considering them bores."...." I was friends with Jim for 20 years. And I will shortly be posting an interview I did with him in 2001. He mentions Phil Klass as a personal friend."...."On the other hand, I do know someone that Jim DID consider a bore: Jerry Clark." - - -
Interesting. It seems someone was or is two-faced. Clark claims to have been a friend of Moseley; expressing grief on his passing. You claim Moseley made disparaging remarks about Clark, which is a behavior that a true friend would not do. Maybe your interview will shed more light on this.
~ Susan
Hey, guys. No arguments here.
ReplyDeleteLance wrote that his recent comment to Updates never appeared. Some of my final private exchanges with Kasten were about that. I pretty much stopped even participating on the List because approximately three out of every four of my emails were not getting published. I sent EBK messages requesting clarification but received no responses.
I sincerely do not have a problem with people choosing to believe whatever they desire. I feel I have reasonably demonstrated that to be the case via my willingness to publish a wide variety of perspectives, many of which I rather adamantly disagree (but nonetheless publish when I request their opinions), on this blog. I do not have a problem with creative thinkers, believers in aliens, believers in ghosts or believers in virtually any other aspect of the paranormal genre.
My problem is with hypocrisy. It is unreasonable, for instance, to call people cynical who, in reality, are simply not gullible. Related circumstances would include the Keen/CEFAA fiasco. And MUFON claiming to conduct scientific investigation. And cherry picking the statements of CIA employees to fit our preferred beliefs. And selectively omitting evidence while pleading one's work is not given the recognition it deserves (have I mentioned Keen?). And to top it all off, censoring those who dare note it is taking place.
Such is not open-minded staring into the abyss. It is blind belief at all cost and with no concern whatsoever about accuracy or people hurt along the way.
Hi Jack,
ReplyDeleteI posted my Jim Moseley interview over at my blog--notaghost.com.
Lance
That was a good interview, Lance. You didn't talk over the the interviewee, which so many interviewers tend to do. I liked Moseley reminising about Long John Nevel and James 'the amazing' Randi and those all-nighter radio shows.
DeleteI do wish Moseley had stated something about Jerome Clarke - re. your claim - " On the other hand, I do know someone that Jim DID consider a bore: Jerry Clark." I prefer to hear peoples opinions of others straight from their own mouths or their own written words. Still a good interview!
Happy Thanksgiving to all,
Susan
Hi Brownie,
ReplyDeleteYes, my memory of Jim's comments about Jerry Clark came from our many phone conversations not the interview.
Jim liked most folks and I think he liked Clark well enough--he just thought he was humorless and somewhat pompous. Clark's comments about Jim and skeptics are provably wrong: he called Klass a personal friend as you may note in the interview.
Best,
Lance