As a relative newcomer
to the Internet, my mind has been blown with the never ending amount of
information available, the ceaseless debate and the speed it's accomplished in.
It has also amazed me how quickly ufology has already harnessed and benefited
from this IT revolution; when in the past, UFO researchers have been relatively
slow in using new technology.
The benefits are indeed obvious. The speed and breadth of information
dissemination along with the introduction of new faces into the subject - with
new ideas and perspectives.
However, with all good things, there is always a down side.
Within the realms of ufology, we constantly deal with subjective material,
that's tinged with bias, dependent on the reporter's point of view. In the past,
when the spread of information was slower, there was an opportunity for
deliberation and time to absorb the information. This allowed for critical
challenges of viewpoints and the content of presented material.
Today, with ufology fixed firmly in Cyber-space, there's a danger.
Inaccurate or indeed bogus information can reach the four corners of the globe
at a touch of a button. Rumours can become 'facts' in no time at all. If the
subject was not lead by belief enough rather than objective scrutiny, the
Internet has the potential to tarnish any credibility the subject has built up.
In balance though, the potential the Internet has for ufology certainly
outweighs the dangers. Caveat Eptor - buyer beware is always is the name
of the game. Always question and never take anything at face value.
BUFORA On-line is an important step for UK ufology. As the first
comprehensive WWW site, BUFORA On-line will specifically feature the British
viewpoint of ufology. Over time we will augment this site to not only house the
building blocks for research, i.e. our case archive, but also viewpoints and
analysis. We aim to also include the work of other British based organisations.
Like the pages of our in-house magazine UFO Times, BUFORA On-line
will be open for all to contribute.
Your input and comments regarding BUFORA On-Line will be most welcome. I
look forward to hearing what you have to say.
Mike Wootten Director of Publications BUFORA
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