I'm done

[Terril park]

I'm reminded of this:-


" Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. "

Winston Churchill

 

[larfalot]

Thanks Emma. This Board helped me too.

 

[HappyGoLucky :)]

Thank you Emma for creating an excellent forum for us! I think it's great that you have decided to let go and move on. It really resonated to me regarding the fact that Scientology still control over us, even if you're out and here posting, you are still feeding it energy. And I agree that what you focus on becomes your reality, as some people have pointed out here. It is unfortuate to hear the truth sometimes.

I'm really glad you are able to let it go completely. Unfortunately I still have my issues with the subject. It's sad to admit, but I am obsessive when it comes to looking up the latest news, videos, etc. I am new here and I want to work through this. In time hopefully I too will be able to reach this milestone, of finally tipping my hat and proudly sltepping out the exit door and onto a new phase in my life...


Thank you for providing a forum for the beginings in my own development, Emma! Peace and love

 

[solo]

Thank you Emma for everything you've done. I totally understand and respect your need to move on and wish you all the best. So sorry to hear you've been given a hard time, I can't blame you for wanting a new start.

I hope someone else will have the time and energy to take the board on so that more people leaving have somewhere to come, to learn and talk, it is a totally unique place. I have been so glad to meet old friends here! You can't possibly imagine we would have such a good time on OCMB!!!

Also, I would hate OSA to brag that they had closed it down, agreed?

Solo

 

[Claire Swazey]

It's time for Mich to unwind and party

It's not been an easy year for Mich, to be sure. I'm very sure this board was always a heavy burden. She's written about it. I won't belabor it here. And this year, as I say, has brought some pain and challenges to her totally outside the purview of this board.

Sometimes it just gets too much and the person has to say "enough!".

What I hope is that Mich does a lot of fun things she'd not had time to do before. I believe she's shared some of her interests- like photography- with us. I hope there's a lot of picture taking, vacationing, going to shows, shopping and anything else that's fun and not Scn or forum related...Family time, anything else that could be a neat life enhancing thing.

 

[Gadfly]

Hoaxie should kept ESMB up and running

Hey Hoaxie, YOU need a place like this to be able to have an outlet for your never-ending often-humorous creative slams on Hubbard and Scientology. I am pretty sure that you NEED that, and for the rest of us - WE LOVE IT!!!

Maybe YOU should arrange taking ESMB over, so that you continue to have a venue to express your continued joking and degrading of Scientology. Or, at least arrange for somebody to do it.

I for one would miss the chance to see what NEW slants of humor you might come up with while examining the world of Scientoilogy and Hubby-Dub-the-Tubby-Flub.

Minimally, it would be nice to have ESMB locked when Emma leaves, so that ALL previous posts are forever burnt into time, for all to see. But, the BEST would be that it just continues nicely along.

Emma, wouldn't THAT be cool? ESMB continues, but YOU have no "admin responsibility or ownership", and you can come and post whenever you like, just like the rest of us?

 

[Natalie]

Thank you for all that you have done Emma. EMSB was one of the first websites that I looked at when I was leaving the cult. It's where I realized that I was not alone in witnessing the abuses, that I was not alone in knowing something was very wrong with the Church of Scientology.

 

[johnAnchovie]

In my esteemed and internationally valued opinion, I would say you have made a very wise move. I will not forget what you have done, I will not forget the wonderful person that you are. I too need to move, I need to get my degree, then I need to get a life and the hell with all this Hubbard ans Scientology crap. Trouble is, that is easier said than done.

Cheers Emma, you are a special one.

 

[afaceinthecrowd]

Emma,

It has been over 24 hours since I first read the OP. During that time I have been trying to find the “right” words to say to you but I can’t…I just can’t.

I’ve been trying to find the right words to say,

Without ESMB I would have never posted on the Net re: Scn.

Without ESMB I would have never remembered or written most all the stuff I have about my Life and Times with El Ron and the SO.

Without ESMB I would have never had the opportunity to be in fellowship with my fellow Exes from all eras, strata and countries.

Without ESMB I would never have what closure I now have re: El Ron, Scn and the SO.

ESMB has been life changing therapy for me on several levels…As great as the impact of Scn was on my life (good and bad) that impact pales to ESMBs impact on my life (all good).

I am confident that from amongst Us there are folks that will preserve ESMB as an available Master Resource of unique, accurate, comprehensive and brilliantly rendered information.

I am equally confident that from amongst Us there are folks that have the expertise, will and Heart to continue this here First Class Rodeo.

Anyone that would attack you, accuse you, undermine you or calculate against you is of weak mind, corrupt heart and dark soul. Anyone that would be an enemy to you is a Mercenary…They fight not because they have to but because love to…God created those assholes so the rest of Us would know who the good guys are.

Any gloating by OSA is that of a Judas Goat unwittingly admiring their own gallows.

I can safely make this analogy without risk of hyperbole: You were singularly gifted with clarity of vision, strength of character and Good Heart to found something special and now it’s time for you to “Go Home to Mt. Vernon”…You’ve more than earned that, you deserve it.


My very best wishes to you and yours always in all ways...Happy Trails.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcYsO890YJY




With Abiding Respect, Affection and Gratitude, :



Face

 

[HelluvaHoax!]

Re: Hoaxie should kept ESMB up and running

Hey Hoaxie, YOU need a place like this to be able to have an outlet for your never-ending often-humorous creative slams on Hubbard and Scientology. I am pretty sure that you NEED that, and for the rest of us - WE LOVE IT!!!

Maybe YOU should arrange taking ESMB over, so that you continue to have a venue to express your continued joking and degrading of Scientology. Or, at least arrange for somebody to do it.

I for one would miss the chance to see what NEW slants of humor you might come up with while examining the world of Scientoilogy and Hubby-Dub-the-Tubby-Flub.

Minimally, it would be nice to have ESMB locked when Emma leaves, so that ALL previous posts are forever burnt into time, for all to see. But, the BEST would be that it just continues nicely along.

Emma, wouldn't THAT be cool? ESMB continues, but YOU have no "admin responsibility or ownership", and you can come and post whenever you like, just like the rest of us?

Hey thanks my friend!

Yeah, I was thinking earlier today what i would do with all the extra hours. Over the past 3 years I could have pretty easily set up another company or two had i invested the time in my own operations. But I would trade the experience and benefits here for a million bucks.

I then started thinking of what i could do with those hours if I wasn't so damn fascinated and entertained by being a professional natterer here on ESMB. Possibilities swirled in my imagination.

I thought to myself if anyone steps up to take on the reins, I should volunteer as the first check writer to help support it. So, i guess your incredibly kind post is as good a cue to make that offer as i'll ever get. So let the record reflect that I hereby volunteer money and natter to any Indie ESMBer that decides to apply KEW (Keeping ESMB Working).

And as far as Emma's Retirement CSW goes, I approve the part about where she sheds her encumbrance (ESMB).

But I do not approve the part where Em goes into outer space to do advanced research.

 

[Big Farmer]

Thanks Emma. Well done and good luck for the future

 

[Infinite]

..

ESMB works and it helps people. There's a magic here which is curative. I came here learn about Scientology and, man, have I done that. Whatever eventuates, I will always remain personally grateful to ESMB and to Emma.

Emma - I saw in "chat" that I have been identified as an enabler in what is apprently an OSA operation designed to attack you personally. Not only that, specific actions where taken twice: once, shortly after your arrest, and then again, shortly after the death of your mother. I don't know what to make of this. I need to think about it for a while.

You are right when you say there is an element of depersonalisation that goes on in virtual communities. I have never got to know "Michelle Sterling", you have always been "Emma" (ie. "Admin") to me. In that capacity, I have always - and still do - admired your level of commitment to the concept of open communication and giving particpants a "fair go". It is a source of amazement to me that I have so many comments and not one infraction. A couple of mod "warnings", and a few public "telling offs", sure. But I have never felt unable to say what I want. When rumours of your alleged "selling-out" first reached me, I set a couple rules for myself which would indicate that as a reality. Basically, I asked: can I say what I want about Scientology, L Ron Hubbard, Xenu, the M&M™ Show, Anonymous, the media, etc. ? I asked myself that question regularly and the answer was always "YES". Not once did I ever get the feeling that ESMB was trying to silence my contribution.

And then there's Trainspotting. Its one of a number of other internet hangouts I frequent. For me, Trainspotting has always been a way to stay in touch with people that I became friends with here on ESMB but were subsequently banned. ESMB is our "common ground" and has been the subject of much discussion. I invite everyone to read Trainspotting and judge for themselves whether its purpose was to attack ESMB and exploit your trauma. Trainspotting is not and never has been a "sekrit group". You have have always had an open invitation from me to join whenever you want. In fact, I was surprised that you didn't. And then you did, and now this.

Overall, I think what's best is what's best for Michelle Sterling. Even though I don't know her, I do know she has made a mighty contribution in the struggle to bring justice to the cult. More importantly, as I see it, "Emma's ESMB" has given voice to thousands who might never otherwise have spoken. And educated a thousand more. And helped heal wounds. Reunite friends and family. Organised and spoken out in the media and in government. Creating a space for that to happen is Michelle Sterling's contribution. No one can take that away.

There is a personal cost, though. Being so intimately involved with ESMB also means constant exposure to Scientology, albeit in a diluted form. That has to be exhausting over the long term and the tears cried have been its cost. I remain convinced that the less a person has to do with Scientology (in all its forms), the better off they are. Being aware and speaking out is one thing, but *living* with it? Nah. This decision sounds to me to be best for Michelle.

I also saw in chat a glimmer of hope. There's talk about ESMB carrying on. It is my hope that this is not the end of ESMB. Rather, I hope its something more like a teenager leaving home for the first time.

 

[Stephanie]

Thank you EMMA! You have helped me and so many others cut the cord to Scientology and see it for what it is.

I understand its time to live your own life now, and I think its probably time for all of us to live our own lives now too. I hope we can keep in touch. I certainly feel an indebtedness to you for all you've done for me and the others.

I will check out the other board you mention. I know I don't post a lot, but I've read quite a bit, and I think the reading of the numerous stories really helps a newly out person see what is going on.

All the best,

Steph will miss you

 

[Claire Swazey]

Trainspotting and Ex Scientologist Message Bored (sic)- suck.

 

[Magoo]

Re: Hoaxie should kept ESMB up and running

Hey thanks my friend!

Yeah, I was thinking earlier today what i would do with all the extra hours. Over the past 3 years I could have pretty easily set up another company or two had i invested the time in my own operations. But I would trade the experience and benefits here for a million bucks.

I then started thinking of what i could do with those hours if I wasn't so damn fascinated and entertained by being a professional natterer here on ESMB. Possibilities swirled in my imagination.

I thought to myself if anyone steps up to take on the reins, I should volunteer as the first check writer to help support it. So, i guess your incredibly kind post is as good a cue to make that offer as i'll ever get. So let the record reflect that I hereby volunteer money and natter to any Indie ESMBer that decides to apply KEW (Keeping ESMB Working).

And as far as Emma's Retirement CSW goes, I approve the part about where she sheds her encumbrance (ESMB).

But I do not approve the part where Em goes into outer space to do advanced research.

Hoaxie....
How is it that you seem to nail things right on the head,
EVERY SINGLE TIME! You *are* one of the best posters here, imnsho,
and you have helped TONS---I'm quite sure, just by your sheer creativeness of the usage of words,
shedding light on the truth of the insanity of $cientology in a humorous way.
I for all the great posts you have made!

There are many excellent posters here, don't get me wrong. Even the not
so great posters, like myself (not asking for compliments--truly stating a fact: Writing is NOT my forte').....we ALL help create this wonderful family.
It's just that some stand out more than others--and you happen to be one of those peeps.

And I know you, and many people here, have spent hours and hours posting here. I can tell you I often feel the same:
"Time to move on, do other things". And then that person calls to tell me: "Tory---thank you for your videos. It's because of
those videos that I started looking. Then I got to ESMB and other areas, fully woke up, and I'm free". Hearing that *once*
gives me energy to continue. Hearing it often, well, let's just say ALL that you ALL have done has not been wasted energy, as
many in this thread have said. In fact, for many (and far more than we know, too) ...it's been life changing. They'll never be trapped
again--thanks to this family and our sharing of experiences and viewpoints. <<<<to you ALL.

I could blabber on and on, but you got the message in the first sentence, right? Sorry...I'm trying to learn to trim down: It's a process.

May you ALL have a delightful week-end~ With only good s

Tory/Magoo
Burbank, CA
(818) 588-3044
http://www.youtube.com/ToryMagoo44

 

[Sautez]

EMMA: BALLS OF STEEL; HEART OF GOLD.

You have helped so many and withstood so much. You deserve all the best in life forever and I hope you reap many rewards in good times, healing and smiles, laughter, love, support and kindnesses.
For all the people who have made your life very stressful instead of supporting you -I wish them a consciousness raising and some crunchy karma. That's the nicest way I can put it.

I would have never had the balls to do all that you have done.
You're a HERO to thousands. I will always be here for anything you need, a place to land and relax, someone to laugh with and to do anything non-Scientological. Please know you have a friend in me.


-I also hope this site can continue at the very least as an accessible archive so thousands more can be educated about the cult.-

 

[Veda]

.. -snip-

And then there's Trainspotting.

-snip-

As I understand it, trainspotting is a closed group that is not accessible from an ordinary Internet search. A person with questions about Scientology would not stumble over it in a million years. Its claim to fame, at this point, apparently, judging by a comment - from someone I never heard of before - in Chat, and by a comment on a thread on a.r.s., is that it has destroyed ESMB.

The drama and intrigue of all this does not interest me, and I don't think it interests most participants or lurkers on ESMB.

It does appear that Emma was taunted by this Trainspotting group, and I don't think it's as benign as you're making it sound.

That said, I don't like the idea that Emma is making a decision, under stress, in the wake of a deep personal loss, after having been taunted by a closed group inaccessible to most people.

I'm not saying that OSA is behind this, but it has similar toxic stink.

Emma, after some time passes, you can always change your mind. Let some time pass.

Why give a few stinkers a "win" ?

 

[renegade]

Thank you Emma for all you have done. Had it not been for ESMB, and the posters who shared the truth about scn, I couldn't have gotten TOTALLY out. It has also saved me tens of thousands of dollars and tons of hours of volunteered time promoting the cult. Hence, no new victims from my efforts. I feel great not tricking others into that trap. I've re-gained my old self, which was brainwashed out of me and gotten my family back. PRICELESS!

Closing the board will cure my ESMB addiction.

ESMB was like a living, breathing, thinking toy 8-Ball we played with as kids. I'd get real answers instead of the "Ask again later," I will miss that immensely.

 

[TheRealNoUser]

Re: Hoaxie should kept ESMB up and running

Hoaxie....
How is it that you seem to nail things right on the head,
...snip

Well said Tory.

But it's also the family that we have here on ESMB that gives cohesion to what people leaving the Cult of Scientology need to see. The fact that Hoaxie can express things with humor and an uncanny sense of word choice - combined with, for example, your own videos that you make which communicate on such a profoundly direct level of compassion and personal understanding.

Combine that with the many other posters giving hard information and evidence links up to form a sense of perspective that really opens up the eyes of those who have been victims of the Scientology con game.

ESMB is unique in that way.

I wish there was a way for us all to magically heal the pain that has been handed to Emma. I feel like she is irreplaceable.

 

[afaceinthecrowd]

EMMA: <snip> HEART OF GOLD.



<snip>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fXaC07X5M8