This is YOUR Temple!

I think it's been more or less agreed the ladies' forum has got to go. There's nearly nothing in there anyway.

Akkarin wrote: My suggestion is that we get rid of the Star Wars forum and instead create a new forum called 'Off Topic' which is another word for 'Misc'. That way whenever someone wants to discuss Star Wars, or equally other fiction, they see that it is in the 'Off Topic' forum

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I also want to delete the Ladies forum, there seems little point in it existing, men can still post there, ladies can still see the topics in other forums etc

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If the 'Off Topic' section were to be created I'm sure we could also just move the Swap Meet forum into that as well and the Jedi Art

I second all three of these proposals from Akkarin in the sense that the forums could do with a reorganising. We can never completely ignore our connection to the Star Wars saga, but with that forum being labeled as such, it invites very topic-specific threads that could easily be discussed on any fan forum. I like the idea of the Off Topic forum for anything unrelated to temple-specific threads.

I've already said my piece quite clearly on the topic of the Ladies forum, and still suggest that the threads be moved into the Health/Wellbeing forum. The Special Interest Groups perhaps need to be better thought-out. There is not much Sith representation here, and the Sithism forum could be a specific thread or sub-forum within general discussions, or even Jediism. And the Young Jedi forum is not so much a special interest as one's undeniable biological age. Perhaps it could be included as a subforum in the general discussions, or the member introductions section, since that's usually all that goes on there.

This leaves the SIGs related to faith/religion: Abrahamic, Pagan, Eastern, and this mysterious Spiritual Humanism one that seems rather neglected from my POV. I've pseudo-proposed that New Age spirituality be included in this collection of faith groups, so that might make a good discussion point as well, in which case the SIGS would all be faith-related, not so much 'special interest.' But that's less of a point...

With Jedi art, I think it's excellent to have a specific place to showcase people's talents, and it should remain, but as its own sub-forum even if it is moved from its current position. I'm not familiar with the Swap Meet forums, so I'll refrain from touching on that subject.

Phew! That's all I'll say for now.

I agree with Ace regarding the Sith forum, there is not much going there of relevance. Although it does need an overhaul, it shouldn't done away with as it still holds a valuable purpose...

Most of what I'd like to see is technical. A revamp of chat would be nice, as well as being able to change one's time zone. A more in-depth process of becoming a Temple Member would be nice, as we seem to get a lot of 12 year olds who show up, ask a lot of questions which would easily be answered from the FAQ, and inquire as to if we've ever met Obi-Wan Kenobi (this happened to me once). These people disappear after a week or less. Helping and educating them may be the right thing to do, but some people simply don't wish to learn. I'm all in favor of the calendar and the forum clean-up. TOTSO should also be represented on the front page, as we do get quite a few visitors asking for Sith teachings.

I agree with Darren, maybe a "Start Here" button which shows a series of video logs explaining the process.

Can't stop......looking at your avatar PloKoon.....swish swish

Zenchi wrote: Can't stop......looking at your avatar PloKoon.....swish swish

Seconded. I've been trying to figure out how to say that without it being completely out of the blue. Well, it probably still is, but there you go.

I agree with the proposal about a link for TOTSO for any Sith inquisitors. And yeah, by cleaning up the forums and the welcome area, we may attract more of the stick-around kind of visitors rather than the twelve-year-olds who want to meet Obi-Wan. (Great story, Darren.) I love Obi-Wan as much as the next person (actually, probably more), but that's not what we're about. This is a religious organisation, not a fan club. I mean, duh.

I know the Council has a lot on its plate, so it's not like any of this will be changed tomorrow, but I like the idea that all temple members have a say in how our temple stands, both within its virtual walls, as well as its welcome mat for visitors.

You know what… I think it is pretty good right now the way it is.

I feel that if we start isolating or separating ourselves from a collective then there will be a lot missed out on. Even though I don’t always agree with everything that is said or that goes on, they still bring with them good learning experiences.

I don’t really worry about the corruption of ideas or doctrine. I feel that if they were meant to be on a path that is where they will end up… eventually!

And things like the titles of different forums (The Ladies’ Forum) don’t bother me and I kind of like that they are there. For instance: when a member is new, they may find comfort knowing that there is a place for a particular discussion. I don’t feel that there is any difference between my Jedi brothers and my Jedi sisters, but I do like having a place to go and find a particular topic!

Wescli Wardest wrote: I do like having a place to go and find a particular topic!

Agreed! I'm not saying that we get rid of these topics, merely organise them more efficiently. The ladies sub-forum is better suited in the health and wellness forum. Such topics on Sithism and the like, as they are spiritually oriented, might be better suited alongside the other spiritual forums, such as a sub-forum within Jediism. The young Jedi forum, as it is a place to declare and welcome underage Jedi, would be more ideally located with the rest of the member introduction forums. These topics are vital to the temple, merely be moved to a more suitable location.

Akkarin's proposal of an Off Topic forum would encompass Star Wars and other such areas, keeping it all-inclusive, just less scattered!

War Beauty wrote: Alright Members! So we are all aware that this temple belongs to you, the members!

So what am I about to ask you say? Simple:

What do YOU want to see? Tell us your ideas, your thoughts, and anything you would like to see imporve, change, fix, or alter here at Temple of the Jedi Order! :woohoo:

Who should respond to this? ANYONE with an account of course! All Members to include Knights and Above! This is a chance to not be shy and TELL US, the council, what you want! No fear of reprecussions, no fear of judgement, just ideas!

We will look over all that is being said here and do our BEST to respond with positive actions! Please note however, that something may already be in place, or be unrealistic at this stage in our history, so do not feel down if your idea doesn't come to fruitation.

So open up and tell us what needs to be done! This is YOUR temple and we want to keep it that way

-Master Perris

So this!

I have a few points to bring up...and it may be raising a little hell in there as well, but I think this needs to be addressed.

#1 - Democracy. I know TOTJO isn't a democracy, considering it is the Council that makes all the official decisions, and it may very well stay that way for as long as this temple exists, however I must express my concern that when the power lies with a small group of people, the needs of the community can get lost. Now, of course, I am not privy to what goes on in Council or what things are like amongst its members, but I can say that from my history with small groups overseeing larger groups, the council in charge often believes itself to understand what the community is looking for, when in reality, it is skewed by personal opinions and viewpoints. In my experience, it can often become an argument between council members rather than the varying sides of a debate; a council must be able to operate together smoothly in order to put forward what is best for the community. For example, in relation to TOTJO, I believe this thread to be an superb start to reaching out to the TOTJO community as a whole, and it should be infinitely more active than it is currently! *hint hint*

Now, I do not know how Council members are selected, though I hazard a guess and say it isn't by community election. Now, I have nothing against any of the current Council members, and I have the highest respect for all of them...I am merely offering up alternatives so that the community as a whole might be more active in deciding where this temple goes in the future. Because it is my fervent belief that a community ought to operate as a unit, and not driven solely by a small aspect of the community. That being said, I would think it in TOTJO's best interest that the temple's actions be agreed upon beyond the current "council majority" (which, by the way, is only four votes, as opposed to the thousands of Jedi present on our forums.) The final decision may rest with the Council, but the guidance for that decision ought to come from the rest of us here in the community.

It is also my understanding that a number of our Council members were given honorary titles of mastership, and not all have completed the basic temple training required for rank. As much as I adore the members of our council, I do not think it fair nor acceptable that the leaders of this community are given exception to the rules this temple thrives by.

#2 - Presence. After attending the Jedi Gathering in Logan, OH this past weekend, I was surprised to discover that TOTJO was considered the "turtles" of the Jedi community, meaning that TOTJO Jedi have a tendency to stick exclusively to our temple forums without branching out to the rest of the community (beyond our turtle shells). (It was also suggested that there is a history at play here, and a disagreement of some sort stands between us and everyone else). But that aside, I think it hugely important that all Jedi operate together, and that we reach out to our brothers and sisters in the Force and embrace them.

I myself have already set up accounts on other sites and have been conversing with other Jedi, and I can say this without hesitation guys, that we are missing out on a whole other world of knowledge and companionship. There is so much more out there beyond TOTJO, and we ought to be a part of it.

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So that's what I've got for now. Please discuss intellectually, calmly, and with respect. And speak up! Everyone has a voice, and it ought to be welcomed here in the temple. Thank you.