How do we do this?

[Emma]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to help people connect up?

I can provide private forums and all sorts of things, but how does one connect up and remain anon?

Is this forum a waste of space?

Any suggestions?

[Kookaburra]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to help people connect up?

I can provide private forums and all sorts of things, but how does one connect up and remain anon?

Is this forum a waste of space?

Any suggestions?

I was just thinking about that. You could post a person's name, but maybe it would be wise for anyone answering to use a nick till each had answered a question that only that friend would know, in a PM of course, to circumvent someone systematically going through and collecting everyone's identity. Some people could care less, I'm starting to feel more that way, but I certainly didn't when I first started posting to OCMB.

Someone newly out is instilled with a degree of paranoia about things like publicly exposing Scn crimes, openly telling DM what a dickhead he is, and cavorting with the enemy. After all, they've been in an environment where even the flicker of a frown or a critical thought at the latest idiocy can get them slammed into ethics as "disaffected" with all sorts of repercussions. They have to get used to freedom of speech and freedom to associate with who you damn please.

Perhaps there could be a list of people (real names) who someone on the board would like to contact, then anything after that could be done by PM. If the names were somehow programmed to appear on google if someone googled themselves, that might find a few people without jeoprodizing anything, because there would be no way of anyone telling who responded or if anyone responded.

[KMomma]

I have been looking for someone for the past year and a half. I have heard that this person has joined the Sea Org or joined staff in CA. If I see a poster that could've been in the same area or just left the Sea Org, I've PM'd them to ask if they know or met this person. I haven't had any luck, but I think this is the safest way to do it.

[Kookaburra]

I have been looking for someone for the past year and a half. I have heard that this person has joined the Sea Org or joined staff in CA. If I see a poster that could've been in the same area or just left the Sea Org, I've PM'd them to ask if they know or met this person. I haven't had any luck, but I think this is the safest way to do it.

Yes, that's one way. I've PM'd a couple of people looking for old friends but no response.

I do not know your situation but if you are not declared you can call orgs directly. Come to think of it you could do that even if you are declared unless it is your own org and they know you. But keep in mind that receptionists very often take messages for a staff member, stick them on the little message spike on her desk, then a couple days later the spike is cleared of all unclaimed messages. It may take several calls once you find the right org.

If your friend is at CMO Int or Gold, there is still an office in Pac which will route communication uplines.

[Emma]

I was just thinking about that. You could post a person's name, but maybe it would be wise for anyone answering to use a nick till each had answered a question that only that friend would know, in a PM of course, to circumvent someone systematically going through and collecting everyone's identity. Some people could care less, I'm starting to feel more that way, but I certainly didn't when I first started posting to OCMB.

Someone newly out is instilled with a degree of paranoia about things like publicly exposing Scn crimes, openly telling DM what a dickhead he is, and cavorting with the enemy. After all, they've been in an environment where even the flicker of a frown or a critical thought at the latest idiocy can get them slammed into ethics as "disaffected" with all sorts of repercussions. They have to get used to freedom of speech and freedom to associate with who you damn please.

Perhaps there could be a list of people (real names) who someone on the board would like to contact, then anything after that could be done by PM. If the names were somehow programmed to appear on google if someone googled themselves, that might find a few people without jeoprodizing anything, because there would be no way of anyone telling who responded or if anyone responded.

Maybe we could have a section (like in the org watch forum) for each continent and people could post "Looking for X" type posts, so if these people ever googled their names they'd find you.

On each of these sections we could have a contact person? I dunno. Still pondering how to do this or even if its possible or even wanted.

[KMomma]

I think that is a good idea. Contact people for each section could be helpful also.

[programmer_guy]

The way it worked for me (on OCMB) was when I posted names (and the Riverside Mission) hoping that someone(s) would find my posts doing a web search.

As a result, five people that I knew posted briefly on OCMB.

[Petey Cougar]

It's harder when someone is in the US and needs a passport and airticket to come home (like I did). Especially if there are no rellies or permanent address in the US. I know I'm newish and don't really know how this all works (on the Board) but would like to pitch in to help anyone needing a hand to get out, whatever that means. I think the idea of a cont contact person is good, better if there are two just in case someone doesn't want to be in touch with you specifically (eg your ex husband or the guy who dobbed you in to the RPF!!).

[He-man]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to help people connect up?

I can provide private forums and all sorts of things, but how does one connect up and remain anon?

Is this forum a waste of space?

Any suggestions?

It´s not a waste of space as it is, I got some info on three old friends through here. But I don´t have any suggestioons on how to improve it because of the anonymity problem. I can´t see any way around it.

[La La Lou Lou]

I have found a couple of people that I knew, from their descriptions of their past experiences and PM'd them, that was so good. The truth is that most people I knew in the SO were so not being themselves that there was little to like in the first place.

Though it might be good to find more it might not be too good to have my name googleable, though I am googleable from the SP list as it is. It is a conundrum.

Maybe we could give you by pm a list of names we would like to reconnect to, and if that corresponds with names you have you could pm them, but that's a lot of work for you, and making all those sandwiches and pouring beer for people too, it might be too much.

And lastly but not least, no this forum is not a waste of space!

[zorzetta]

Perhaps it could work like online adoption registries. Everything is 100% confidential on those sites, and names don't show up in google (for certain ones). There are ways to block google from indexing a page if you are worried about names showing up in searches.

[Happy Aberree]

It wouldn't be google I'd be worried about (re: ZZ's post), but rather other internet "resources" that OSA would use.

This is a hard one. I like the PM's via Emma idea, but like that poster said -it is a lot of work (for our Emma).

It is definitely a valuable forum but it is a very touchy area, with so many under the radar. I wouldn't be too comfy replying to PM's from "unconfirmed" persons. (I can totally understand why others here have sent PMs and not gotten replies). The one or two people I thought I recognised, I didn't bother sending anything (even by PM) because it would mean giving personal info to someone I'm not sure about.

[jenni with an eye]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to help people connect up?

I can provide private forums and all sorts of things, but how does one connect up and remain anon?

Is this forum a waste of space?

Any suggestions?

I actually have no ideas for you.
I have been able to get back in touch with some
very dear friends thanks solely to this forum.
So... :thankyou:

[Kookaburra]

I have used PMs to get in comm with people I think I might know. But I only do it if I check their posting history and feel they are genuine. So far, so good.

[Good twin]

We find each other. Even before I said my name I found people and they found me. Michelle (Wisened One) was the first one from Miami Org to tell her identity. That made her a door to connecting people from our area. A few times people who wanted to stay annonymous contacted her (through PM) to see if they were guessing others identities correctly. There is a dance that they always do and we talk about it all the time.

Sometimes I can tell who my old friends are as soon as they start posting. Once I knew as soon as I saw their nic. There are others who I am still trying to figure out, but they aren't ready. It's all good, Emma. I suppose you could implement changes, but the forum works just fine as it is for me.

I have enough reconnected ExScientologist friends to man up quite a large Org. We won't be doing that btw. :p

[minnie]

There is one friend in particular that I have wanted to contact for a few years now, but just couldn't work out how to do it, apart from Terrill mentioning him on another forum for me. For future reference when a system has been worked out, his name is Russell Stockdale. Hello Russell wherever you are :wave: :wink2: Peter Campbell would be another nice friend to reconnect with too.

[Lurker5]

This is a very valuable forum. Invaluable.

How to connect people up? Well, I think the PM'g is a good way - but the paranoia is big - and it should be. :lol: I don't really know of anything other than a person having to take a chance, if they want to go so far as to connect up. Maybe have a special place here for that, with feedback, so if something bad happens to someone for coming forward, it will be known - and in essence diffused . . .????

Maybe soon people won't be afraid, won't HAVE TO BE afraid, to put their names out there. Until then, it is a risk assessment.

But this forum is SUPER IMPORTANT. Thank you Emma.

[Zinjifar]

I think what's here now works as well as anything we could add. Some people do want to remain anonymous and it *is* worthwhile to take the measure of whom you're dealing with before getting too involved. But, people are free to reveal as much about themselves as they wish and it's been enough for people to recognize each other and get into more direct contact.

Possibly a 'looking for' thread might be good as a sticky, just to centrally locate things, but, I don't think there's anything that can or should be done more directly.

Zinj

[Operating DB]

It's harder when someone is in the US and needs a passport and airticket to come home (like I did). Especially if there are no rellies or permanent address in the US. I know I'm newish and don't really know how this all works (on the Board) but would like to pitch in to help anyone needing a hand to get out, whatever that means. I think the idea of a cont contact person is good, better if there are two just in case someone doesn't want to be in touch with you specifically (eg your ex husband or the guy who dobbed you in to the RPF!!).

Can someone define what "dobbing" is?

[Dulloldfart]

Can someone define what "dobbing" is?

http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html

Paul

[Operating DB]

Just a couple of weeks ago I was reading a post here on ESMB and was directed to a video where I was pleasantly surprised to see a grown up kid who has recently been speaking out. I knew his parents from my time served in the cult back in 1983. He was 3 at the time. I now know that his parents are still connected which isn't good news but at least it's an update on their status. It is good news that their son has escaped and is speaking out against the cults abuses. Maybe if we're lucky he'll get his other family members out of the cult. So, no, this is not a waste of time. You never know what surprises could be in store from reading things here on ESMB.

[Friend]

I am looking for exes to hook up with. I know there are several people who are out there. I don't feel open on a message board to name them and to find them that way. I have probed a few who might know and that I feel convinced they are out. I want to protect the names I am looking for. I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings.
I am known to be from DC org; and around what years. I have been long out and I wonder at times what am I hiding? I just want to be me and free in my thinking and to have my own opinions and; I want to improve my opinions. What little is known; I hope that way I can find some exes who can probe me.:yes::yes::yes:
I have also read a lot from the messageboard and I feel I have deepened my knowledge of the unethical behaviour of the Church of Scientolgoy. :thumbsup: It is what it is. I can't do anything about Scientolgoy hanging themselves.
I am new here. :yes: I can only help to a certain group from my era. with reconnection. I am sure other exes are more advance than I to help with reconnection, but I am here.
Friend

[Zinjifar]

I am looking for exes to hook up with. I know there are several people who are out there. I don't feel open on a message board to name them and to find them that way. I have probed a few who might know and that I feel convinced they are out. I want to protect the names I am looking for. I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings.
I am known to be from DC org; and around what years. I have been long out and I wonder at times what am I hiding? I just want to be me and free in my thinking and to have my own opinions and; I want to improve my opinions. What little is known; I hope that way I can find some exes who can probe me.:yes::yes::yes:
I have also read a lot from the messageboard and I feel I have deepened my knowledge of the unethical behaviour of the Church of Scientolgoy. :thumbsup: It is what it is. I can't do anything about Scientolgoy hanging themselves.
I am new here. :yes: I can only help to a certain group from my era. with reconnection. I am sure other exes are more advance than I to help with reconnection, but I am here.
Friend

I'd suggest just naming the names of the people who you want to contact. If they're here, or somebody here knows them, they can PM you and you can feel each other out behind the scenes. That's usually how it works.

Welcome aboard.

Zinj

[Mark A. Baker]

I am looking for exes to hook up with. I know there are several people who are out there. I don't feel open on a message board to name them and to find them that way. I have probed a few who might know and that I feel convinced they are out. I want to protect the names I am looking for. I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings.
I am known to be from DC org; and around what years. I have been long out and I wonder at times what am I hiding? I just want to be me and free in my thinking and to have my own opinions and; I want to improve my opinions. What little is known; I hope that way I can find some exes who can probe me.:yes::yes::yes:
I have also read a lot from the messageboard and I feel I have deepened my knowledge of the unethical behaviour of the Church of Scientolgoy. :thumbsup: It is what it is. I can't do anything about Scientolgoy hanging themselves.
I am new here. :yes: I can only help to a certain group from my era. with reconnection. I am sure other exes are more advance than I to help with reconnection, but I am here.
Friend

A. I believe there is an old DC Org thread around the board somewhere.

B. Try pm'ing Lynn Campbell. I believe she originates from thataway.


Mark A. Baker

[Emma]

Wow, this thread dates back to early 2007 when ESMB was finding its feet.

I guess people have found ways to reconnect :)

[AnonyMary]

Wow, this thread dates back to early 2007 when ESMB was finding its feet.

I guess people have found ways to reconnect :)

Yes, Emma! I found a dear old friend after reading a post that rang a little familiar and after exchanging communication via ESMB in order talk times and places, it was obvious that we knew each other. There after, we decided to continue communication via phone.

Thank you!

[nozeno]

Wow, this thread dates back to early 2007 when ESMB was finding its feet.

I guess people have found ways to reconnect :)

I guess so.

This is like a historical post or sumthin'.

[byte301]

I hadn't noticed the date. I was wondering what the heck Emma was talking about. :dieslaughing:

[SweetnessandLight]

Paul, you are a veritable font, you know that? :)

[SweetnessandLight]

I'd suggest just naming the names of the people who you want to contact. If they're here, or somebody here knows them, they can PM you and you can feel each other out behind the scenes. That's usually how it works.

Welcome aboard.

Zinj

Zinji! Always wanting to cop a feel! :dieslaughing:

[Operating DB]

Wow, this thread dates back to early 2007 when ESMB was finding its feet.

I guess people have found ways to reconnect :)

Oh Geez, I didn't bother to look at the date of the OP. I thought this thread just started.

There's also another ex scio friend/roommate at one time I found on here last year who I haven't heard from since 1980something. Since we reconnected we've been maintaining regular contact!

[Petey Cougar]

Sorry, "dobbing" is telling on someone. DullOldFart has it right. And "rellies" is Aussie for "relations".

Like others, I didn't check the date of this thread either! What about a survey?

I got onto this and other sites just to find exes/friends and have found a few. Also found one had died, but at least now I'm in touch with their family and it's been really positive and helpful for the family as well as for me. So I agree, this is an invaluable way to find out what's happening and who's where.

[Lynn Fountain Campbell]

A. I believe there is an old DC Org thread around the board somewhere.

B. Try pm'ing Lynn Campbell. I believe she originates from thataway.


Mark A. Baker

Yep. I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

Lynn

[TalleyWhacker]

I know...we could all join up on eharmony.com and take THEIR personality test and go in for round two but this time it would be different; we'd have someone's shoulder to cry on after that operation throw us under the bus.

Any takers???