paradox
ab intra silentio vera
Is anyone aware of an Ex-$cientology Forum? Seriously. I haven't run across one. I ask because I had sort of an epiphany today while reading over the latest thread from Emma, "Congratulations OSA (for now)" (http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthread.php?t=21644), where I realized that, given the stated purpose of ESMB (see excerpt below), what else could be expected of such a board other than exactly the tumultuous teacup tempest recently experienced and apparently still going on? A tempest that is only one of very many since its inception if one were to thoroughly examine the many topics and postings. How could it not be but "no, you!" factional and divisive amongst a handful of cliquish "veterans" and backline insiders-- i.e. "opinion leaders" --and so forth? I mean, really. I had my fill of internal political maneuvering , squabbling , and firefights of that sort as a cof$ staff and s.o. member in the mid-to-late 70's.
So. Just curious. Anyone know of an actual Ex-$cientology Forum for actual Ex-$cientologists in the generally accepted use of those terms when preceded by an "Ex-"? As in ex-addict, ex-alcoholic, ex-christianity/ex-christian, ex-wife .... Where the membership would include anyone completely done with the label, or those struggling to be completely done with the label but desiring a connection with others of like mind to deal with current or past issues in completely overcoming the thought patterns, indoc, etc etc. Anyone who still considered themselves positively identified with a label such as Scientologist, Independent Scientologist, Free Zoner, or any other "denomination" or permutation of the i.d. or label other than those were actively trying to "kick the habit" would not be welcome to post on such a forum ... if there were legal issues about this, that would have to be addressed, but it would be similar to ... at least I would think ... not finding drug pushers or anyone pushing the benefits of alcoholic drinking on a recovering addicts board.
I guess there's more that could be added but I'm tarred (tired) now. And, besides, there may not be much interest in such an idea from others here, not to mention that I don't appear overly popular hereabouts since out of a few hundred posts I've made since 2008 (with a 2 years hiatus from late 2008 to late 2010) there's been, shall we say, scant interest (at least in terms of replies) to what I post.
Oh yeah, lately I found myself contributing to the "snide side" more often, which I rarely did or had any interest in during my first stint visiting here. So all the negativism I'd found myself caught up in recently probably helped realize my widdle epiphany today.
Oh, one other thing. I don't know who started the cockeyed notion of a "thread host" or "hosting a thread" but gimmeabreak. I've been around plenty of forums in my time and ... to be generous ... it's a silly concept. So, no, I won't be "hosting" this topic. It'll just die a natural death, as appropriate, if there's no real interest in the idea. Fuck stats. Fuck thread hosts. And, yeah, fuck osa, too.
So, by the above, ESMB is for Ex-Scientologists ... well, duh. But that apparently only means Ex-Scientologists of the Ex-CHURCH of Scientology variety. Gee whiz, I knew something has long bugged me about it but it wasn't until all the yammering threads of the past week or two plus this latest one (as above) that I finally twigged on it. It isn't ESMB, Ex-Scientology Message Board. A bit of a misnomer actually. ESMB should be by its stated purpose and definition Ex-[CofS]Scientologist Message Board. Funny how it's taken over two years for me to finally get it.What is the purpose of the board?
The board is for Ex Scientologists of all "denominations" to get together
and talk things over.
Some leave the church because they are forced out by some insane ethics order yet remain true believers; some left of their own accord because it stopped making sense; some find the tech truly workable but management corrupt; some find the earlier tech workable but call the Golden Age of Tech the "work of squirrels"; some don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater and some feel that there is no baby at all.
Some practice Scientology alternatives, some practice Freezone Scientology, some use bits and pieces in their daily lives and some want nothing more to do with it.
It is likely that most people are happy where they sit in regards to Scientology. They have their minds made up about it and no amount of discussion will change that. This board is not meant to be a vehicle to plead your case, reconvert the fallen or preach your brand. It is designed to allow people to connect up, gain some understanding of our differences, learn to respect each others opinions and find some peace with it and hopefully within ourselves.
Who is considered an "Ex Scientologist"?
Anyone who has broken free of the restraints of the Official Church of Scientology and is "allowed" to read & post to the internet.
http://www.forum.exscn.net/showpost.php?p=4&postcount=1
So. Just curious. Anyone know of an actual Ex-$cientology Forum for actual Ex-$cientologists in the generally accepted use of those terms when preceded by an "Ex-"? As in ex-addict, ex-alcoholic, ex-christianity/ex-christian, ex-wife .... Where the membership would include anyone completely done with the label, or those struggling to be completely done with the label but desiring a connection with others of like mind to deal with current or past issues in completely overcoming the thought patterns, indoc, etc etc. Anyone who still considered themselves positively identified with a label such as Scientologist, Independent Scientologist, Free Zoner, or any other "denomination" or permutation of the i.d. or label other than those were actively trying to "kick the habit" would not be welcome to post on such a forum ... if there were legal issues about this, that would have to be addressed, but it would be similar to ... at least I would think ... not finding drug pushers or anyone pushing the benefits of alcoholic drinking on a recovering addicts board.
I guess there's more that could be added but I'm tarred (tired) now. And, besides, there may not be much interest in such an idea from others here, not to mention that I don't appear overly popular hereabouts since out of a few hundred posts I've made since 2008 (with a 2 years hiatus from late 2008 to late 2010) there's been, shall we say, scant interest (at least in terms of replies) to what I post.
Oh yeah, lately I found myself contributing to the "snide side" more often, which I rarely did or had any interest in during my first stint visiting here. So all the negativism I'd found myself caught up in recently probably helped realize my widdle epiphany today.
Oh, one other thing. I don't know who started the cockeyed notion of a "thread host" or "hosting a thread" but gimmeabreak. I've been around plenty of forums in my time and ... to be generous ... it's a silly concept. So, no, I won't be "hosting" this topic. It'll just die a natural death, as appropriate, if there's no real interest in the idea. Fuck stats. Fuck thread hosts. And, yeah, fuck osa, too.