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Post by Shaz'rahjeem on May 28, 2009 5:43:45 GMT -6
Shaz'rahjeem
Now sometimes boy, you just don’t see the biggest hidden peaces of the calling to/of Cthlhu…
Your heart, I feel is in the right place but your logic, however takes on small stints of greatness.
It is my opinion that, the calling, wouldn’t even be what it is to day without the inspiring writings of such amateur occult writers as: Michel W. Ford, Peter Carroll, Ray Shrewin, Pseudononymous, & Old Philly Hine. And that’s not even taking into account, of their predecessors of the craft’ and who they were.
It’s is always nice to find, “quote on quote”, an appeasing and numerous, verity of paradigms. This can sometimes, & will work for your needs, on the other hand, I’ve not seen you play fair in call cases!
Awakening for example, is an ever consistent theme within this specified group. And I got to read in a post seeing you go on talking about doing such, furthermore you had others state their ideas about the subject and I watched you shoot them down!
“You came off!!! and seemed to me, that you were taking an apprehensive approach to protecting your paradigm & avatars such the still sleeping “The big bad” Cathlhu.
Gnosis is of course Gnosis, nirvana, and or centering one’s self.
It really looked and still looks, like you’ve not grown up in that respect. You can’t think that your (Way) is the only path to fallow when it comes down to working with Cathlhu. Someone has done it far before you were ever thought of. LOL it’s all good, Xd.
This time, it just so happens, yet once again, to my dissapointment; that you think your doing something new!
I’m not going to tell you how to act and would never want that to be my job, but I say this think more about what your trying to convey to your peoples. Im assuming that you have an account on this forum, and for some reason felt that you would confront me as a guest. However that seems a bit of a conceded notion on my part, how ever it does seem you have been around the block some. First i would like to thank you, for actually approaching this in erm... respectable way. I don't mean to talk out my ass, but we get plenty of dipshit on the forum(not referring to you) who just need a hobby other then the occult world. The other reason i feel you probably have an account, is that you make very specific references to content within posts of mine which would seem i have at some point offended or otherwise drawn your attention. I'm not sure what the references to amateur occult writers comes from. so if there is any direct relevance to something i have said, then please elaborate on that. as for not playing fair in all paradigms: again, if you gave me some better reference then i would defend myself more specifically, or at least try to understand yourself. The awakening thing: i am try to help people, especially newbies to awakening as much i can to the best of my knowledge. i don't claim to be all knowing on the topic, but i have had a few years of hard experience with it now. and if/ when people come up with ideas that i have not herd of before or have neither tried nor considered, i am usually pretty open minded to them. however in the cases of beginners to the topic, i would only 'shoot them down' because a. i don't think, in my own experience, that it would work at all or b. it might work, but they, being new, should try something else. Often i see people plow headlong into the 4th way, or any occult matter, only to fail and give up. but the few who take small steps and take in as much as they can always seem to be hanging around the longest. also i think that I'm usually pretty constructive in my criticism, and have only ever attacked another forum goer, when they have openly asked for it (eg. a guy saying that he has god like power and can kill people here and there). protecting cthulhu: well this is rich, and to be honest this is seems is little more then your opinion so i don't know what to say here. it would seem that your reference to "big bad cthulhu" is used condescendingly, so therefore again it feel like this isn't really worth pursuing as an argument. i do defend cthulhu, as much as a fan of startrek would defend the show(probably not the best reference ). but i don't theistically believe in him, and you make it sound like I'm on holy war for him, or something. my newness: yes i am doing something new, i am fucking awesome... ok well i just thought id give you some candy. again, everything i do/ know/ experience in the 4th way has been down before, no doubt. the reason i liked phill hine so much was because as mage i can identify with his experience as a mage, on an almost uncanny level sometimes. back to awakening, well there a surplus of books either on it, or relating to it. so again i am not so closed minded as to think myself a 4th way hero. I recognize there are levels of it that i haven't reached, that i need to refine the ones i already have and that this will probably take me through to the end of my days(in my awesomeness i probably be done tomorrow). aaahhh... the qualifier: at the end of the post, so as not seem to dickish, we cover ourselves. nevertheless i have one for you: It is a rarity amongst occult forums that people approach each other with a confrontation in anyway, without quickly resorting either whining or swearing or something in between. as such this was oddly entertaining to write
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Post by Da real God on May 28, 2009 15:02:43 GMT -6
Shaz'rahjeem I don’t keep any accounts on any social network! And If I do, it’s never for very long, do to the fact that most people aren’t social and have nothing to say, be it your friends or whom ever. But I will say this much about were we are talking at right now, is not the case that I found within here. That’s soo cool and good in my book but anyways.
I’ve been here around the block as you call it, your not the only person that I’ve taken an interest in for their opinions and ideas. Need examples? I’ve been reading little miss sunshine’s a.k.a Miss Sin’s content, I’ve reading what she has to say since I seen her on myspace, it’s unavoidable to find her almost anyplace.
There are a few others (six) within this network that come to mind that I find that their worth listing too.
On a other note, I’m glad to see that you’ve answered one of my questions such as you don’t take a theistic approach to your practice. It really seamed that way too me but I’ll be getting back to that in a moment.
You’ve not personally offend me, nor has anyone else here present. However, I’m regrettable sorry if you take my approach to questing as a personal attack to your character. To me it’s just positive criticism or just simple and harmless questing.
It again is my opinion, that when I was referring to Cthulhu as (the big bad) was nothing more then appreciating what he means to myself.
Like I said I’m all over the place, I did in fact read that post that your referred to, about someone’s “first kill” (it’s good that you brought that one up- high five you on that one but hold on) and thought, well this could possible be some poser , but I stopped in poise and took my attention to obvious, that person was talking about the first instance that they pulled off such a profound and unchangeable result, and with little experience under their belt. WOW! I’m no psychoanalyst or anything, even though I feel as I know people well enough or maybe not, but I think, that person could maybe or maybe not be who they say they are. That much I can agree on with you but I have no doubt in my mind, that what they were talking about, is indeed possible. And if that person wanted to be taken more seriously they should of thought more about how they approached that subject. Instead, not that I much believed them or not, there could be the very real possibility that that person was trying to relive the moment and share it as an serious discussion starter. IDK but it sure seamed that way but they could be a fake. I’m not going to say one thing to either possibility for the rest of this letter or the next ones.
You asked for an example, there it is on one of them, but do hold on.
Please stop your self if you think, what I’m getting at here, is that I’m trying to be a body guard or something of the sorts, because you’d be mistaken in that thinking. What I am trying to do is make you answer to is how I’ve seen you act here, Hmmm lets think now of what makes a person deserve any sort of treatment be it good or bad? Well when it pertains to anyone person writing they can very much so leave themselves open to personal attack, like you’ve do for yourself, if that’s what you want to call it!
I’ve seen you in a few different talks speaking about, Gnosis and it seamed, or at least to me, that it did so seam, that you’d pick apart what other’s had to say about it, sadly.
Like for instance I’m almost sure that in that paper, that kid wrote about murder, that he did touch on Gnosis and only did you later on, stop with your negative things that you felt you had to say because they said something to you that you could relate to. Like finding themselves in a surreal and whacked out room after meditating for sometime.
I seen you on an other post, talking to some guy about Gnosis yet again you did something wrong and you defended your opinion by giving mention to your paradigm and just shot that man down. And that’s why I’m responding to you after approaching you about it on this thread. So what do you have to say about it?
(by the way I feel there’s really not much need for privet messages on this place so lets do keep an eye on prospective)
My reference about amateur occult writers, I’ll leave that one out in the open for you figure out even though I have strong feelings as to why I said that.
Have a good day sir and don’t think that I’m here just to try and bust your balls. I’m Waiting for the next letter out of you boy!
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Post by Shaz'rahjeem on May 28, 2009 17:32:59 GMT -6
I'll just start off by saying: no i do not think that you are trying to attack me, or anything of the like. if i did, the previous reply of mine would have short and at some level of stupidity. i will try to make this short though, and just address you points as best i can.
It may seem that i take a theistic approach to cthulhu, because in some sense i do, as do many other other cultists. However it is both symbolism and theistic belief or rather reference. I won't give you a run down on any coc philosophy, because I'm sure you could find it for yourself, if you so choose.
(the big bad) came across to me as form denouncing it. chock it up to my mind set at the time, and the fact that sometimes its hard to get a meaning across on forums and such.
the my first kill thread was an interesting one, to say the least. basically i felt that the person writing had done nothing to deserve the right to such bold claims. thats probably not the best way to put it but whatever. if madguten wrote that, i would take it on his word. there a few people who i would take on there word for these things, they probably are part of your six. however that doesn't mean that just because someone has posted a bunch that they can now start claiming things here and there, as they see fit. the thing is that they probably wouldn't. I do not predict that venger, madguten, sin, thameil or anyone within the top posters is likely to just come out and claim to magically control traffic into acting as a murderous death tool.
someone 'deserves' the bad reaction, when they have done something out of their place. eg. the killing thread again. they probably should have approached it differently, but they didn't and as such provoked a response from myself. i don't think that i am some defender of the forums, who needs to chase of people i see fit. what it is more like is... forum pride, or rather coc pride. I am personally invested in this forum. yes they vengers forums, but they have grown, and now plenty of people have come to them. If thought venger was taking them in a bad direction then i would state so to him. it seems that if someone wanted a positive reaction they would have approached the topic of 'my first killing' better. if they could kill so easily, they have probably spent some long hard time learning how. and anyone who has spent that much time involved with the occult knows how people will react to certain things, especially when they have no reputation in the place they choose to boast. so therefore by some deduction they are probably full of it. perhaps I'm assuming to much.
there is nothing wrong with picking apart someone about gnosis. whether for better or worse. aren't you now picking apart what i have said. with gnostic things, its very hard to communicate certain things, especially with things like awakening within the 4th way. so picking them apart, and getting nitty gritty with things is the only way i know that will get the ideas around. unless you mean that by picking apart I'm 'shooting them down' well thats different again, and i think i addressed that in my last reply. the kid with the murder, finally started to give some evidence that he had actually experienced something, and wasn't completely empty in his claims. so of course i would change my tone. even if i hadn't identified with his types of gnosis personally i would have backed off. my first reply to him was a strait insult, no doubt, in the second i think i started asking things f him, and until i got answers to those questions naturally I'm going to keep a single view of the topic.
i think that i would only defend my paradigm if its coming under attack, someone else saying they have something different is not attacking my own. on the other hand, the coc does have a generic outline, which doesn't often need defending, but i will try to help people who enter it. I'm pretty sure i have a firm holding on the ins and outs of the cult's philosophy, and whenever i have made mention of it i have not been corrected by venger in some while, so that would seem that i am on the track myself. if you have issue with people telling what is, in accordance to whats there then i suggest not looking on a specific Cults forums. if people from another cult stated coming here on mass we would tell them off, this is the CoC's forums.
I'm not sure why you mentioned the private messaging, i am happy to keep posting.
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Post by Da only God on May 28, 2009 21:38:54 GMT -6
Thank you, I know that now, I see you for what you want to other’s see you as… to see what you advocate is a big eye opener. And the next time we see one an other face to face, (same goes with the others) I hope it’s in person, (if all goes well) but you might see me give my input here and there from time to time! `~(=< it was good talking. ;D
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Post by sin on Jul 1, 2009 10:01:35 GMT -6
How about smaller short term goals, first.
In example, I have been contacted privately about assistance with Grotto infrastructure. I can see where input from other grotto masters could be extremely useful to a WOTTD inexperienced with grotto formation.
I've been running study groups and grottos since I was a kid - so it comes natural to me. Perhaps the Union of Wizards could talk about the development of grottos and grotto infrastructure?
This topic pretty died off. At least, in terms of codifying a tome. Maybe we can start small, such as grotto formation. This could be one 'chapter' in the WOTTD book.
Thoughts?
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Post by Lord Void Bharam'ka on Jul 1, 2009 15:48:40 GMT -6
Not being a WOTD yet as I have been the "head" of a grotto or coven... And sometimes you need someone else to just talk to and help sift through shit... As grotto master your grotto looks to you as a leader and for advice in many realms of life... You are the leader for a reason and usually its because you have the most experience... But sometimes the leader needs a little help or someone to vent to... And it's not always good to go "below" you for help... This could be interpreted as a sign of weakness and followers and could encourage a mutiny... Key words "could" This depends on the group... You could have full ranks of cut-throat mother-fuckers... ;D People forget that leaders are human too with all the same glorious-fuck-ups that make us all human... As a leader you are there to kick your followers while they are down while helping them back up... And as a leader you need the same thing from someone equal or "higher-up" from you... If you don't have this and you show weakness the followers can just kick you while you are down for being incompetent and a let down...
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Post by sin on Jul 30, 2009 7:08:29 GMT -6
Good call LVB,
My thoughts are, that kicking ideas around with people on the same level is key; not necessarily just to vent when you have a hair accross your ass.
:-)
CS
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Post by Lord Void Bharam'ka on Aug 9, 2009 12:23:11 GMT -6
Good call LVB, My thoughts are, that kicking ideas around with people on the same level is key; not necessarily just to vent when you have a hair accross your ass. :-) CS yeah, sometimes you just need an outside perspective... it's hard to be objective sometimes when you are part of the subject...
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Post by Shaz'rahjeem on Oct 12, 2009 8:05:33 GMT -6
hmmm... I figure a post with the WoTD is a good place to start. Since my "i return" thread I haven't really made a post, but i feel like i have slim pickings... or something, in the way interaction here. i thought maybe i would talk about what i have been up to, but that kind of slid into the 'nah fuck-it' pile. if anyone's struck with interest for some misguided reason they can p.m. me or something. Anyway, what I wanted to say is that this place doesn't seem as lively as it was 10 months ago, or even 5 months ago. I'm sought of surprised, because Venger seems to have been plowing away with cult business, as he always has. Cora'sahn and Maddy would probably post from their death beds, I'm sure. This place use to boost my workings as a mage. Simply by seeing the efforts of other people on a similar path should provoke action in most, just as it did/ does me. The cults few, more prominent members always seemed to carry the the CoC. You can easily find post from at least one of these members in every thread. Over 50% of threads are almost dominated by them. To Venger and the other WoTD: I'm sure guys must be frustrated, when you spend hard time working on something, only to have the 'the lowest stratum of the pyramid' fail to hold it up. either by inability or just the lack of numbers. Which is strange because; there is more forum sign ups now then i have seen in a couple of years(are you all on some other site I don't know about?), or at least since you did the clean Venger. I have made several threads like this before, and it usually leads into tossing around ideas for new promotion. Most of which were implemented in some way. But it never seemed to make a difference. Venger, every time you did something like: publish a book, open a new socializing site/ page/ blog/ channel/ cast etc. I, we could see the effort you put into it. Only to have the reaction be so little. Even after you give away the publications they're still isn't that bustle of members that you, we would hope. I'm not trying to put it down or anything but its just not right. Plenty of ideals, beliefs, practices etc. reach larger popularity with much less effort... I have to wrap this up, maybe thats a good thing but theres nothing more to be said which has already been said in one of these type posts of mine. I'll stop complaining now, because thats all this has been. Make no mistake i intend to hang around and interact and do what can be done to strengthen the CoC.
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Post by I AM the Way on Oct 12, 2009 13:21:43 GMT -6
you're not wrong.
this seems to be a particularly dark and turbulent time for the CoC, as well as, for myself personally. things are in flux... and occasionally seem to be swirling down a vortex of toilet water. now is the time to ask questions, so i'm glad you took this opportunity.
to rephrase your query, why? why are things sucking so bad? is it just the universe trying to ass fuck us? is it something we're doing or not doing? is there a way out? is this part of our destiny and unavoidable, or should we have figured a way out of this mire already?
if we're going to be fruitful, then we need to overcome some of our sticking points. may be painful, but it is quite necessary.
Venger As'Nas Satanis Cult of Cthulhu High Priest
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Post by Shaz'rahjeem on Oct 12, 2009 18:31:33 GMT -6
to rephrase your query, why? why are things sucking so bad? is it just the universe trying to ass fuck us? is it something we're doing or not doing? is there a way out? is this part of our destiny and unavoidable, or should we have figured a way out of this mire already?
If it where the universe stopping progress then the problem could be fixed with a powerful enough ritual would help. I myself have performed plenty of rituals aimed at strengthening/ fortifying something I'm undertaking. At the formation of every grotto I started, once I had worked out what i wanted it to be about, do etc. I would perform this type of ritual. Did these workings fail thus leading to to the collapse of the Grotto? Perhaps, but such a thought is very naive. I think this sought of magic, magic aimed directly towards the movement of people up wards, will all ways be the most difficult to implement. First; because the outcome can never really be concreted into reality, can it? Since each person holds their own subjective world. Second; because is it not the universe's goal to keep humans asleep and to keep the progress of them... us from happening? It would seem this is the age old feeling that many religions have had. That because we struggle, we must be on the right path. We have tried many many different methods of promotion. If we where actually raking in new members then we could almost say we have sold out. I mean, beyond what we have done we could only go into things like TV commercials, browser pop-ups or newspaper advertisements. But is that really a path worth traveling, we should not have sell our paradigm like its a used car. I have a couple ideas, for you consideration. If we wanted to address the magical end of expansion, we could do a group ritual type thing. In which for a week we all perform the same ritual, or a very similar ritual, at least once. Venger could start it off and finish it with his working. If not a WoTD could. Set up some little chant, phrase thing not unlike Ph'nglui mglw'nahf Cthulhu etc. people could utter through out the period. There is lots of thing that could be done by participants that could tie itall together not only for them, but as a whole. We ere trying to start something like this about 7-9 months ago i think, but it wasn't quite so similar. For advertisement, we could go into promotion etc. We support a band, and they plug our reality. Theres plenty of lovecraft bands out there that would probably get involved. But most of them are pretty small time, its almost not worth it. Getting more popular bands, is a good way to mainstream a little more without compromising the Cult. It doesn't have to be bands either, thats just what i thought of. I'm not sure how it would have to work, or if it even would.
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Post by Lucius on Oct 12, 2009 19:00:21 GMT -6
Well,What You don't want to do is get desperate to recruit. I'll relay something here that was related to me a while ago,and that is:"Welcome to Online Satanism.Don't let the numbers fool you."Meaning,that no matter how many people register,only a small number of people actually post or contribute to a site.This is why I grew tired of forums due to this unfortunate fact.
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Post by beastx on Oct 12, 2009 20:17:42 GMT -6
Amist is a collective of intellect beyond sharp enough to seek quality and content, over sheer mass of numbers. In my mind the secret to true realization is fortification of content. If those that are active fill this place with true knowledge and heightened thought those that read will absorb. Afterward will hunger for it. Thus driving them back to source to feed again. Over time a more aware state sets in and they will begin to contribute. This is what keeps me coming back and has now resulted in this minor contribution.
I'm honored to be posting here and have enjoyed almost every thread I have read thus far. Alot of it leaving me inspired and curious. I don't believe we are looking for "Online Satanists", rather something evovling and Awakening.
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Post by Shaz'rahjeem on Oct 13, 2009 2:27:34 GMT -6
Sadly Lucias i know all to well what you mean. The funny thing i find, is that the Occult Forums that are bustling with activity are usually filled with idiots, all trying prove something. Most people in those forums seem to feel they have some special place in the occult world when usually, they a lower then average clone... How very conceited of me.
The forum is filled with many threads containing knowledge and very educated, or experienced points of view and ideas. I'm sure people have come on here and and read through some of them and absorbed. But the metaphor you present hasn't really taken effect. The forum has had insightful discussions on it. Many of which i participated in, as did the other wizards. however, short of a few one of inputs from other people, it was only ever the minority that talked about such things. Its hard to build up a riveting exchange when they usually come from the same people.
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Post by sin on Oct 13, 2009 6:07:14 GMT -6
I handed out a shitload of propaganda over the weekend. I just had it on my vending table with the merchandise I was selling. People seemed to be very interested. I met a re-enactment group, that uses the Mythos at the faire. We might get a slew of new members from that - who knows?
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Post by Lucius on Oct 13, 2009 14:12:40 GMT -6
The funny thing I find, is that the occult forums that are bustling with activity are usually filled with idiots,all trying to prove something. That is not a conceit.It is plain and simple truth.
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Post by sin on Dec 16, 2009 7:07:00 GMT -6
[crickets]
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Post by beastx on Dec 16, 2009 11:13:54 GMT -6
I wonder how many are serious about being a WoTD? I've seen 3 or 4 that are active at all. To be honest I'm not even sure how many there are.
Anyone know? How many and Who?
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Post by sin on Dec 16, 2009 11:17:55 GMT -6
I wonder how many are serious about being a WoTD? I've seen 3 or 4 that are active at all. To be honest I'm not even sure how many there are.
Anyone know? How many and Who? To my knowledge, this was the only announcement made: cocthulhu.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=personal&action=display&thread=2144If more have been elevated, only VS would have this information. I don't recall an announcement making you Priest, for example. Are there more?
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Post by beastx on Dec 16, 2009 11:36:23 GMT -6
Thanks that is exactly what I was looking for I know the rest now, I believe. There wasn't an independent announcement made by VS.
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Post by sin on Dec 16, 2009 11:45:31 GMT -6
I see, so you are the first? Are there more?
We should have a grasp on the organization, albeit in a chaotic manner - yes?
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Post by beastx on Dec 16, 2009 12:01:26 GMT -6
I see, so you are the first? Are there more? We should have a grasp on the organization, albeit in a chaotic manner - yes? High Priest:
Venger Satanis
Priest of R'lyeh:
Beast Xeno
Wizard of Terrible:
Madguten
Lut'vul'hashtan
Cora'Sahn
Iven'gahteen
Shaz'rahjeem
Servant of Azathoth
Ego Diabolus
Unless I'm mistaken this is it....
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Post by I AM the Way on Dec 16, 2009 12:01:30 GMT -6
Beast Xeno is the one and only Priest of R'lyeh, at least for the moment. Outside of co-hosting the radio show, we usually talk on the phone about a couple hours every week... planning, scheming, and discussing projects. He built the new website as well.
VS
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Post by sin on Dec 16, 2009 13:17:01 GMT -6
Gotcha.
In lieu of being on the board, I should know what's what eh? I mean, even if it's just a list of names and their respective titles. Otherwise, I'm all 'Duuuuuuhhhh I dunno?'
I would think you'd also want to let the cult know as well.
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Post by egodiabolus on Dec 16, 2009 13:23:21 GMT -6
Hi,
Jason Sorrell here; Ego Diabolus, newly elevated Wizard of terrible Darkness, cultist, artist, writer, and all-around generally nice guy. Anyhoo, I would like to get this discussion back to the book idea.
Jason Louv "wrote" a book... "Generation Hex". In it, he collected the stories of various reality-engineers writing about their own experiences. Some stories were technical discussions while others were "a-day-in-the-life" kind of stories. Most of them were related to how this magic thing is actually working, sort of a validation for those who might be considering magic as an option. This was not a "how-to" book, it is published by Disinfo and caters to Discordians and Chaos workers, so it is fairly free-form.
I think that is what we should be doing here.
All that is really required is an editor willing to check the grammar and spelling, and maybe write a short piece or two themselves that introduce sections or tie things together (like an introduction and conclusion). Everything else would be a dozen or so good stories about being a member of the Cult of Cthulhu and your individual experiences... whatever messages you think are important for you to deliver to those who might be interested in knowing what you think.
It could be called "Children of the Crawling Chaos: The Cult of Cthulhu Speaks!" or something flashy like that.
You could answer one (just one) of these questions, if you need a jump-off point:
What is Cthulhu to you, and how do you relate to Cthulhu personally? How has your day-to-day life changed since you have embraced the Cult of Cthulhu philosophy? Describe a moving, inspiring, or frightening experience you have had using the practices of the Cult of Cthulhu? What is your vision of the future based on the Cthulhu-esque model? What advances are you making as a Wizard of Terrible Darkness?
As a sister project, the artists in our little cabal could generate some illustrations along the same themes; whatever they wanted that expresses their Cthulhu-ness. The illustrations don't have to match any of the written works, although the editor can try to line things up. Should more images be submitted than the book requires, a second book...
"Children of the Crawling Chaos: The Art of the Cult of Cthulhu!"
...could be put together with minimal effort.
But, why stop at just two books? We could put together a web-site, should we generate enough material, where such materials are constantly being added to and made available to members. "The Wizards of Terrible Darkness Portal of Madness" or something... That is, of course, getting a little ahead of ourselves, but such a repository could generate an annual collection of materials for print.
I guess my most immediate concern that I haven't seen discussed, other than what I am going to write and draw for this project, is how we deal with the proceeds from this projects distribution to the public? You have to charge something for it, otherwise people will believe that it has no worth. Jason Louv's follow up to "Generation Hex", "Ultra-Culture", was made available in print and as a free down-load, but the download was intentionally missing a chapter. Doing this would satisfy those amongst us who think that this should be free for all while those of us who know better will see it as a clever marketing scheme.
I think the funds should go to the Cthulhu Cult, but then, to what ends would those funds be used? That is the damn problem with our society, when you do something well and interesting, someone will come along and want to pay you for doing it. I am still re-acquainting myself with the forum, but if I remember from my former visits there wasn't alot of talk about organizational goals and the funding of those goals. What do we do if the collective effort of the Cthulhu Cult starts to generate a profit?
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Post by sin on Dec 16, 2009 13:46:27 GMT -6
Great idea Jason, I like it. And, it's more in line with some of the original ideas we came up with in our initial discussion.
I would also like to propose a DVD series. People also like to see the theology in action, not just read about it. It also puts faces to the cult, so it doesn't end up just another 'internet organization'.
Having worked with a non-profit in the past, the funds would be maintained by a treasury. The board members decide how to utilize the funds, usually expenses for running the organization. Everything from paying for internet service to the electric bill. We would also have annual retreats so that all board members could get face time. The funds were also used for food, beverage, accommodations, etc.
Also, just because we are classed as a non-profit, doesn't mean we can't make a profit. Though, there are specific guidelines for managing those profits. This also changes once the cult acquires 501c3 status.
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Post by beastx on Dec 16, 2009 14:09:21 GMT -6
Both ideas are great and I see no reason why we can't accomplish both. All we need is a plan and some action. In my mind the idea behind creating an "Union of WoTD" or a "Council of WoTD" was to create a body to make these decisions and handle the finances for the CoC. I think constructing an agenda using a business minded system of logic is an ideal beginning. I see this as a possibility for a short term agenda;
- Book project (accompanied by a website expansion)
- DVD project (using the funds generated from the book project to supply equipment need for the DVD)
- Convention #3
I'm sure more could be added like commercial products such as bumper-stickers and posters...
The thing here is everybody remembering this is their Cult, and we can let it roll into stagnation or make something truly Powerful and Magick!
I'm researching a way to create an International Conference Call. I'm looking for free avenues. So far I only have www.freeconferencecall.com/
Does anyone know of this one or have a recommendation?
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Post by sin on Dec 16, 2009 14:46:03 GMT -6
I don't know of any free ones, but we utilize conference call systems here at my job, so I have a few resources if we can afford to use them. I do like the idea of regular calls, the forum just isn't enough. I've been watching it die a slow death for about a year now. Maybe we can brainstorm some ideas to keep the waters flowing in the forum. Stagnation is death.
And, perhaps you are right in that the WOTD *could* be that group; however I think we should consider that just because select individuals are great in certain areas, doesn't mean they were cut out for others. One can be a stellar role model for beginner cultists, but be terrible at accounting and diplomacy. Just bear that in mind.
Perhaps our next step should be creating a time line to embark on each project, the needs, and who will be handling what. Maybe even voting on an over-seer for each area. We all have our strengths and weaknesses.
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Post by I AM the Way on Dec 16, 2009 15:10:00 GMT -6
Yeah, all that sounds good.
I like the Children of the Crawling Chaos idea. Good name for such an endeavor. The easiest method of getting that stuff out there would be letting Cultists post on the new website which is effectively a standard blog. A book will certainly take more effort, but would probably yield better results. Maybe both? Beast Xeno did create www.Cthulhu-Cult.com with the idea that Cultists could post and upload their own contributions. So, in the meantime, if you have something worthwhile to contribute, just email BX so he can guide you through the process.
Also, I'm already involved with two separate book projects, so I don't see myself having the time and energy to oversee a book version. Thoughts? Feedback?We already acquired it, as mentioned here...
Additionally, there's nothing to stop someone from creating a new corporation such as Nyarlathotep's Crimson Tongue LLC and making a profit with that. If it's your idea and you do all the leg work, then there's no reason you shouldn't get to have the profit and do whatever the hell you want with it. Just because it's Lovecraftian, doesn't mean it has to fall within the Cult of Cthulhu LLC.
If your idea, however, would benefit from non-profit, tax exempt status then come to me and I'll see what we can accomplish. Walpurgisnacht 2011 is a long way off, so how about we keep that in the back of our minds until this Summer. There's just so much to do until then.
Finally, I'd like to remind everyone of something. productivity, merchandising, and promotion are all wonderful because these efforts will expand, as well as, empower the Cult of Cthulhu. But in the end, it comes down to an individual struggling to be free. Such liberation is at the heart of this hideous sect. All the glitz and glamor in the world will get us only so far. A sleek visage won't see us shambling into His Emerald Kingdom at the void's center; only self work. I will help anyone overcome, anyone who asks that of me. All I demand in return is a willingness to help oneself.
Venger As'Nas Satanis Cult of Cthulhu High Priest
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Post by sin on Dec 16, 2009 15:31:41 GMT -6
I didn't realize we acquired 501c3, how in the hell did I miss this video? Anyway, congrats and thanks for getting me up to speed on that. Speaking of that site (Cthulhu-cult.com) I've had some issues with it. My gawd, frustrating. I had to re-register twice and it won't let up upload content (not even a personal photo). The only thing it does allow you to do is customize your layout -somewhat and comment on already existing content. I'll have to work with it some more, but if I'm having issues and I'm pretty savvy, I can't imagine the issues other people are having. Have you heard anything? And, I agree - if you do the work, you should profit from it. There's some pretty talented people here, and I know they can produce some mind-blowing stuff. Merchandising, I started that a bit. I have been doing window decals, tshirts, and buttons. Most of this is on my website (www.the-poison-apple.com). I even have a tshirt of you VS :-) I also do gorilla art campaigns. Some of which, people have bought from me; so it becomes 'merchandise' in that arena. This is on top of what I do in person. Just the other day, I got approached by a guy I met at one of my vending events. His comment: "I read all that stuff you gave me, I didn't realize it was an actual cult!" He dj's for local raves here, I'm working with him on gorilla art and propaganda campaigns at those events. www.the-poison-apple.com/Grotto+of+Azathoth2c+1919+-+TShirt+Womens2c+Red/p40222_357029.aspxwww.the-poison-apple.com/Grotto_of_Azathoth/cat40223_134821.aspx
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