bod
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UGLE - MM (London), MMM RAM(Middx), OSM (London)
Posts: 1,296
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Post by bod on Dec 9, 2004 16:28:43 GMT
Bit of a strange one this - didn't want to clutter up the main threads with it, even tho it is a wee bit masonic.
I have been asked if I would write an article on freemasonry for a magazine, the angle or thrust of the article is my choice, but it isn't for a masonic mag. It would help me out a lot if you could give me some ideas - I have a few, and I don't want to get all controversial with the piece, but I want it to reflect well on freemasonry in general. The magazine has a wide footprint so I would appreciate input from all corners of the globe.
Thanks
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staffs
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Staffs
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Post by staffs on Dec 9, 2004 16:36:18 GMT
Why not pick a topic with a small article and question and use peoples answers and opinions from across the world to complete the article.
I have done this with What is light ? for my lodge magazine
and used answers from forumites.
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bod
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UGLE - MM (London), MMM RAM(Middx), OSM (London)
Posts: 1,296
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Post by bod on Dec 9, 2004 17:29:58 GMT
Possible, the mag itself is aimed at 'joe public' and doesn't have a particular brief, it's contributions are fairly eclectic, so most things would fit.
Some ideas I've had include:
what freemasons offer 21st Century society, and how they are using the tools of the new media age.
the problems and difficulties faced by freemasons against the general perception of favouritism enjoyed by freemasons
'Flavours of freemasonry' - i.e. opening up to non-masons the reality that there are male, female and co-masonic options out there.
Idea's hamster is on the wheel and running......
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Post by Trinityman on Dec 9, 2004 20:22:55 GMT
I would pick a few of the most popular misconceptions about the Craft and hit them on the head, hard, with a large wooden maul.
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Post by leonardo on Dec 9, 2004 22:05:44 GMT
As a non-mason I would like to read a little about the origins of Freemasonry, not every intricate detail, just a brief rundown would suffice. Then I would like to know what are it's goals and aspirations for the future. I'd also hope to read about how one should approach a Freemason, what sort of questions to ask and what to expect in response.
And finally I'd like advice on how to approach my nearest lodge for possible membership.
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Post by Jumile on Dec 10, 2004 0:01:55 GMT
Good advice from everyone that I can see. Though I'd be careful about contentious issues as it could devolve - or worse, evolve - into an anti vs sanity argument.
One thing you might want to check before doing any of this, though: is permission required from UGLE to write about Freemasonry?
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Post by taylorsman on Dec 10, 2004 5:45:56 GMT
It depends how one writes. If one purported to be speaking in some Official Capacity then yes, I feel that UGLE or the Province in which the newspaper or magazine was published would have to give clearance and that this would not be that easy to obtain in such circumstances.
Thus if one wrote along the lines of "As a Past Master of ABCD Lodge No XXXX which meets at ......" then I feel that Official approval could be required. Otherwise if you write as a private citizen who happens to be a Freemason, say in rebuttal of an anti Masonic article or statement in a paper etc, then I would say that is up to you. I would urge that anyone so doing is sure of his facts as Antis would seize on any material inaccuracy and make much of it to our general disadvantage. It would also be inadvisable to be drawn into any slanging matches as happen in Correspondence Columns of Newspapers etc as this could be thrown back in our face.
Personally I would stick to Masonic Mags such as that edited by Staffs, or the National ones such as "Freemasonry Today" or "The Square" or Fora such as this one as the Press have a way of imparting a spin on articles by selective editing etc or the headline attached which the author may not intend and over which he has no control.
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bod
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UGLE - MM (London), MMM RAM(Middx), OSM (London)
Posts: 1,296
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Post by bod on Dec 10, 2004 18:20:47 GMT
I won't be publishing it under my real name, and I won't be writing anything that requires UGLE approval - it's not going to be that official.
Thanks for the suggestions and comments - and thanks especially to Taylorsman for the warning - I will heed it well!
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