tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post7640526793837697122..comments2024-03-24T20:16:30.097-07:00Comments on The Big Study: SLOW SWAN SONG, Part FourThe Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811807639219365621noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-55970353860382900112018-06-10T06:10:41.104-07:002018-06-10T06:10:41.104-07:00Hello, "Jim". I do revisit the blog seve...Hello, "Jim". I do revisit the blog several times a week for just this reason.<br /><br />The rare Soviet documents are, indeed, in the Sanderson files, as is a translation (mostly to english but some to french.) <br /><br />There is no way that I am going to scan/copy these things both due to fragility and an onerous amount of time, BUT anyone wishing to may arrange to bring themselves to Kalamazoo Michigan to study these things (or whatever) "in the flesh." I would need some early warning, not the least to ensure that I was home.<br /><br />If you have such a desire (but want internet anonymity //I however will need to know precisely who you are) then contact me about it at mswords@att.net.The Professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07811807639219365621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-47669088035518640252018-06-08T12:01:28.991-07:002018-06-08T12:01:28.991-07:00Hi Professor, I don't know if you check this b...Hi Professor, I don't know if you check this blog very often. I am a graduate student at the University of Southern Maine conducting research on the relict hominid in its very forms. I've read all the major works on the subject, including Ivan Sanderson's seminal piece. I am trying to track down a copy of Dr. Porshnev's Soviet Snow Man Commission volumes in Russian, and in one of your blogs you mentioned you were in possession of a copy. Would it be possible to get a copy of these documents? I am happy to travel to view in person or receive by email.<br /><br />Thank you!<br /><br />JimAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-14958676057698418462016-12-01T10:10:25.403-08:002016-12-01T10:10:25.403-08:00Oh, I have a copy of your 60 Gb of scans. I've...Oh, I have a copy of your 60 Gb of scans. I've kept them separate from my own set of approximately 2.5Tb (2,500 Gb) of digitised UFO/fortean material until permission/etiquette issues are clarified. I've seen a few other researchers referring to some material in those scans but have refrained from doing so myself as I'm not sure about the etiquette of doing that. I've found your scans very interesting and helpful, particularly once I made the collection searchable and searched it in conjunction with other material. <br /><br />I agree that such digitised material reduces the priority of finding a repository for hard copy files. That's one of the reasons for my pushing for more digitisation before hard copy files are lost. The other (and probably main) reason for such digitisation to me is dissemination of the material - in the fond (if possibly optimistic...) hope that it _may_ improve standards of modern ufological discussions.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm glad that it sounds like all the important information/material will be preserved. <br />Isaac Koi - New Uploadshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11834535736869998857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-42555596143720561982016-11-30T13:40:20.087-08:002016-11-30T13:40:20.087-08:00Well, Isaac, your inquiry is many-sided. I'll ...Well, Isaac, your inquiry is many-sided. I'll respond with a list:<br /><br />A). My UFO files are almost entirely digitized and have been dispersed as "seeds" to the UFO History Group members. Perhaps later they'll be dispersed more widely. The scanning netted 60 gigs of materials. <br />B). In my opinion, this fact markedly lessens the seriousness of not having a depository for the hardcopies. The data will be preserved.<br />C). Other elements of my archives are more diverse as to how the hardcopies should be handled (i.e. not all things have the same ownership standing). <br />D). I archive several CUFOS-owned things (I am a longtime board member of CUFOS and am in a high-trust position.) Certain boxes of materials such as old NICAP files, Bloecher files, Hynek books, Timmerman files, will all go to Mark Rodeghier. <br />E). Other materials such as Paul McCarthy files, Ruppelt files, and maybe GHWilliamson files will also go there --- The GHW files might better go to Kripal, as they actually are in line with that Department's research interests.<br />F). Masses of books and monographs, and journals and newsletters are not needed at CUFOS, but may well be welcomed by personal UFO friends, most prominently Bill and Linda Murphy and Will Matthews. I doubt anything in the rare area will go to a dumpster. <br />G). That leaves three categories of paper materials: my personally-created files (most of which are in the seeds), the Ivan Sanderson files, and non-UFO materials focussed upon other anomalies and mysteries. <br />H). My personally-created files may find their way to CUFOS, but more likely will be wanted by the Murphys. Even in the worst case scenario, they are the things (90+% anyway) already digitized, so if they disappear into recycle bins, nothing information-wise is lost.<br />I). The anomalies stuff isn't UFOs so it doesn't come under your or Clas' primary concern. Even there, the cryptozoological part would be desired by Will Matthews, as well as the related Faerie materials (Simon Young might want those as well--- I haven't asked about that yet, as they are the part of my library that I still am intensely using). Western Michigan University might take the paranormal stuff, or even the Fetzer Institute. AND, many of these things can be rationalized as having enough general public interest to stay in the 818 South Park library after I pass on. <br />J). That leaves Sanderson. This is my current conundrum. The SITU books etc are utterly common, but the Sanderson notebooks need to be preserved --- and their state/condition makes them a scanning nightmare. I'll figure something out. <br /><br />Thank you for your concern. I am not idle on this. I also know John Reed extremely well, and as he is the Vacuum Cleaner of anomalistic materials I doubt that he'd let me get away with tossing anything away. <br /><br />Mike Swords, 818 South Park, Kalamazoo, MI --- a repository for many strange and wonderful things. The Professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07811807639219365621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-88510545302338232702016-11-30T03:40:46.167-08:002016-11-30T03:40:46.167-08:00(Post continued...)
(3) While you refer to "...(Post continued...)<br /><br />(3) While you refer to "zeroing library budgets", it seems that the libraries of some universities in the USA are currently actively seeking UFO material. For example, as you may know, Jeff Kripal (a historian of religions teaching at Rice University in Houston, Texas) is currently seeking to build up an archive on UFOs and "related subjects" at Rice University. I'm not sure whether Ohio State University is still seeking contributions to the substantial UFO collection there started by William E Jones. <br /><br /><br />(4) My impression is that most UFO groups in the USA place a lower priority on archiving UFO material than the groups in Europe that I mentioned above. The obvious exception is CUFOS - although I infer from your comments above that either CUFOS could not take all your material or you have some concerns about the longevity of the holding of material by CUFOS. I'm not sure what other UFO groups in the USA would look after, and allow access to, your material. I doubt the various "Disclosure" groups that currently seem so popular in the USA would know what to do with your files... Contributing your collection to MUFON's "Hangar 1" collection might mean that your material gets featured on that TV show - although sadly it seems that your material would become largely inaccessible to UFO researchers.<br /><br /><br />(5) There are also some private libraries in the USA that hold collections of UFO material. One relatively new (and still growing) private UFO archive in the USA which offers access to material is the "Anomaly Archives" (the lending library of the Scientific Anomaly Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) founded by Stephen Miles Lewis. I've been in contact with Stephen Miles Lewis and this new(ish) archive is not presently in a position to take care of your collection. Another new(ish) archive was recently mentioned to me by Alejandro Rojas when discussing your post above. Alejandro commented to me that another place to keep in mind in these situations is http://www.rvml.org/. He said that the owner there is committed to making materials available and he has a bit of a budget if needed. I don't know much about that library - which seems to be geared towards lending material rather than wider dissemination. Isaac Koi - New Uploadshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11834535736869998857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-62675020450640862572016-11-30T03:40:32.430-08:002016-11-30T03:40:32.430-08:00Given the tone of your last response a couple of y...Given the tone of your last response a couple of years ago (in relation to your digitization project), I'm rather hesitant about posting here again but - for what it's worth - I thought I'd give some thoughts on possibilities in relation your comment that no "proper depository" has indicated a willingness to store your files:<br /><br />(1) The AFU in Sweden. <br /><br />I've taken the liberty of asking Clas Svahn and, as I expected, the AFU "would be proud" to take care of your files. <br /><br />I think the AFU is probably currently both the most stable (and hence the best bet for a long-term home) and the largest UFO/fortean archive in the world.<br /><br />As I'm sure you know (but some of your readers may not), the "AFU" ("the Archives For the Unexplained") is a non-profit foundation in Sweden which has become an international repository for UFO / fortean / conspiracy material. <br />http://www.afu.info/afu2/<br /><br />The AFU has over 50,000 magazine issues and some half-a-million clippings in its archives (plus a huge collection of UFO/fortean books in various languages). The AFU has a few advantages over UFO/fortean groups here in the UK and most other places, not the least of which is that it has some personnel funded by the Swedish government as part of some sort of training scheme for the unemployed. The AFU has recently worked with me in recent months (and some others, including Barry Greenwood and CUFOS) to get about 40 or so collections of defunct UFO/fortean newsletters from various countries scanned and made freely available online - after getting relevant permissions. <br /><br />The AFU is also in the fortunate position of being to pay for (or at least make contributions towards) international shipping of some material.<br /><br /><br />(2) Several other countries in Europe also have significant archives and place considerable emphasis on preserving ufological material. Although not quite on the scale of the AFU, I have in mind in particular CISU (led by Edoardo Russo) in Italy and SCEAU (led by Jacques Scornaux) in France.Isaac Koi - New Uploadshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11834535736869998857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-50408925215847430672016-10-21T16:23:03.833-07:002016-10-21T16:23:03.833-07:00I have only very casually dipped into this blog of...I have only very casually dipped into this blog of yours but long ago- several years ago- was quite convinced of its worth and profundity. At least you are still leaving this out there. It is unlike just about everything else out there that tries to chase this subject down. Your personal touch in these observations and ruminations are invaluable. So is your library... cant believe you haven't found a place for it... but isn't that the way things seem to be going now... an indescribable loss... several years ago put a link to your site on Tormance and haven't even visited my own stuff in awhile... anyway I really only want to say two things ... GOOD JOB! An incredible legacy... and just thanks!!!Jameshttp://tormance.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-83761146317784135412016-10-12T16:55:25.069-07:002016-10-12T16:55:25.069-07:00I'm sorry to hear that, though I suppose I sho...I'm sorry to hear that, though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. I'm a one-time library paraprofessional, so I'm all too aware of the issues both with storing older materials (and some of these must surely date back to the 50's) let along get them into digital form. I wish you best of luck in finding a good home, and if anything ever come to my attention, I'll try to bring it to yours.Thomas5251212https://www.blogger.com/profile/03782253877619118041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-85813319973820260422016-10-12T15:21:10.444-07:002016-10-12T15:21:10.444-07:00Of course I have. I think about this continually. ...Of course I have. I think about this continually. No proper depository has indicated a willingness to store such files in an era of zeroing library budgets and "dreams" (nightmares) of a book-less future. ALL the big file holders face this --- CUFOS, Aldrich, Greenwood, you name it. I have 60 gigs of personal files scanned, zero of which are Sanderson's (for good reason: his are in old-tape-flyaway condition requiring attention to each page --- a scanning nightmare.) My best shot at "success" is to scan all my own more orderly stuff, and not sweat that anymore, but try to give someone the SITU files. The Professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07811807639219365621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-41991648269537950902016-10-12T14:42:40.196-07:002016-10-12T14:42:40.196-07:00While realizing the somewhat bleak nature of the q...While realizing the somewhat bleak nature of the question (I'm not exactly a young one myself), I wondered if you've made any preparations to pass on your research material when you're gone? I'd particularly hate for all the SITU material to vanish (I'm an old fan of Sanderson's) after all the trouble you and others have done to keep it intact.Thomas5251212https://www.blogger.com/profile/03782253877619118041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-87434886599830039522016-09-13T17:09:43.398-07:002016-09-13T17:09:43.398-07:00Ain't gonna happen. I'm retired.Ain't gonna happen. I'm retired. The Professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07811807639219365621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-25859834584123887422016-09-04T19:40:03.039-07:002016-09-04T19:40:03.039-07:00I just discovered your blog and was dismayed to se...I just discovered your blog and was dismayed to see that the most recent entry is almost a year old. I hope that you are well and will add new entries at some point.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-12765483155404803232015-12-23T06:38:41.280-08:002015-12-23T06:38:41.280-08:00Hello my friend, and very blessed holidays to you....Hello my friend, and very blessed holidays to you. <br /><br />Life here at Kalamazoo goes on well, I believe, and health seems to be OK. <br /><br />I still have a bit of trouble revving up for "new" research/writing, but I've made an "inspirational"{?} picture showing an old druid-like person walking with a lamp on a dim forest path. It's titled "STUDY". ... still a happy worthy activity at age 75. The Professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07811807639219365621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-89254139203101889812015-12-23T03:42:07.083-08:002015-12-23T03:42:07.083-08:00Hello Prof. :)
I wanted to pass by and say Merry ...Hello Prof. :)<br /><br />I wanted to pass by and say Merry Christmas to you in particular and to your readers too. Your ruminations have altered my own perceptions of the numerous phenomena that attract our attention. By extension, it's reasonable to say that many other readers (and commenters) feel the same way. Congeniality and sharp wits needn't be at odds with each other and you've proven this in every post. <br /><br />May the small gods of knees and backs smile kindly on you this Christmas and into the New Year.Kandinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11598864214791609926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-48992928194693866512015-11-15T13:31:56.074-08:002015-11-15T13:31:56.074-08:00It WAS a labor of Love --- unfortunately the worke...It WAS a labor of Love --- unfortunately the workers of the fields get old and need to pass the spades onto younger hands.<br /><br />Hmmm... Jungian synchronicity... just noticed that "Spades" are the modern card equivalent for the Olde Tarot "Swords", my family name.<br /><br />Well, the Blog was meant to keep Magick alive --- maybe a little still leaks out now and then. <br /><br />The WONDERS are still there in this great Creation in which we're privileged to live --- don't let yourself drown in the noise and artificiality and they will still touch you. That's not gabble; that's something that I experience in small ways all the time. The Professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07811807639219365621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-31293467897781846382015-11-15T09:47:23.939-08:002015-11-15T09:47:23.939-08:00Professor, I have long found your blog to be a sou...Professor, I have long found your blog to be a source of solidly grounded and yet open minded research. It should be mandatory reading for all students of Out Proctor studies. <br /><br /><br />Thank you for this wonderful labor of love. May the sun shine on your face, and the wind always be your friend.A Rose...yada yadahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08634030361566598608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-67250309596750889392015-11-11T11:39:54.903-08:002015-11-11T11:39:54.903-08:00Thank you, dear Prof. We genuinely hope you will P...Thank you, dear Prof. We genuinely hope you will Please update us in the future.Doc_Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16207012614208645067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-29279898037044993762015-10-30T09:40:22.579-07:002015-10-30T09:40:22.579-07:00Blessings to you as well, Professor Swords. Thank ...Blessings to you as well, Professor Swords. Thank you very much, again. /BobBob Kofordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01739226809252915992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-6197581307914278592015-10-16T22:42:09.611-07:002015-10-16T22:42:09.611-07:00i hope you will check in occasionally if you got t...i hope you will check in occasionally if you got time , prof.. <br /><br />this website and it's content should be preserved for it's value in UFOLOgy research material..buntalanlucuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02058846205282464955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-29312436096342059222015-10-14T08:04:39.479-07:002015-10-14T08:04:39.479-07:00Many thanks, Professor, for this most excellent bo...Many thanks, Professor, for this most excellent body of work. It stands, for me at least, as a shining example of what research in these fields could and should be like, but sadly, almost never is. I believe this treasure-trove of reliable data, intelligent insight, rare documents and sensible conjecture will be of great value for a long time to come. Thanks for making it so easy to access.<br /><br />Peace be with you, too.Some Guy on the Innernetshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13374415771586647422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-25769193555322097012015-10-13T22:11:12.404-07:002015-10-13T22:11:12.404-07:00Somehow your "Swan song" put in mind of ...Somehow your "Swan song" put in mind of a poem I once read<br /><br />"I asked the boy beneath the pines.<br />He said: the Master’s gone alone<br />herb picking somewhere on the mount,<br />cloud-hidden, whereabouts unknown." Chia Tao<br /><br />And peace be also with you. MnDochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436488742605068922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-3283587423409807582015-10-13T18:14:46.393-07:002015-10-13T18:14:46.393-07:00Thank you. Happy adventures in your wandering wond...Thank you. Happy adventures in your wandering wondering. It's a Big Beautiful World out there. The Professorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07811807639219365621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019724693487670016.post-65930012081045885292015-10-13T16:19:40.034-07:002015-10-13T16:19:40.034-07:00Hi Professor! Thank you for sharing with everyone ...Hi Professor! Thank you for sharing with everyone such a wealth of information. Your combined knowledge, personal experience and humor is uplifting. You have provided me with many fantastic reads and pointed to innumerable avenues for exploration. I am very grateful. <br />All the best. Elissa.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00735969717418696411noreply@blogger.com