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Post by whistler on Nov 25, 2009 7:57:09 GMT
I have received an unsolicited emailed from A David Bluecob inviting me to join the a board called the Trestle Board - I gave him the benefit of the doubt - until I started to fill in the registration form - They wanted to know such very personal Masonic details including the date I was raised and contained words like ". ]All communications will be sent to this address and periodically a response from this address will be required otherwise your account may be deleted. It is your responsibility to inform any change of e-mail address. The Account bit made me really nervous - Does anybody know anything about this crowd are they as dangerous as they appear.
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Post by happyzealot on Nov 25, 2009 8:25:42 GMT
Hmm... sounds like you need a valid email address to join and maintain membership on the site. This should [help] eliminate spammers and scammers. Email bounces translate to dead accounts, an automatic culling of the rolls to help keep board management streamlined. It's a good idea, actually.
As to the asking for Masonic details: again, a good idea, especially if you want to keep your membership within a certain spectrum. I know I have given Masonic details when joining a couple of other online groups, but I knew these groups to be well-reputed before I gave up the goods. I've never heard of this Bluecob person, so I can't rightly say yea or nay.
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Post by shemihaza on Nov 25, 2009 14:29:45 GMT
The site admin, user "bluecob" has a personal website: bluecob.com/It's been endorsed by Pietre-Stones, a rather reputable site, as being a "certified" masonic eductional website. I wasn't aware that Bro. Bruno hands those out to everyone. I notice that this forum carries the same weight. It is what it is. If you're nervous about giving out your personal info to strangers on the internet, then don't do it. I was an administrator on a masonic forum where eliciting such information was required before access was given to users; it helped keep troublemakers/spammers/trolls at bay, assured other users that people were who they said they were and promoted a friendlier environment. I suppose it's not for everyone.
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Post by magusmasonica on Nov 25, 2009 17:43:38 GMT
Bluecob is transferring the Trestle Board over from a forum to a internet lodge. The forum was dying. I have been a member there since day one. The layout is too busy and confusing so the traffic has gone down to zero.
Now, it is becoming an internet lodge under the UGLE so I imagine he now has to play by a different set of rules.
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Post by shemihaza on Nov 25, 2009 20:21:00 GMT
Bluecob is transferring the Trestle Board over from a forum to a internet lodge. The forum was dying. I have been a member there since day one. The layout is too busy and confusing so the traffic has gone down to zero. Now, it is becoming an internet lodge under the UGLE so I imagine he now has to play by a different set of rules. Whatever. ;D It doesn't look all that busy or confusing to me. This looks like the same software that TMS uses; they are a buzzing hive of activity nowadays. It looks to me more like people seldom post on that forum, a shame.
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Post by lauderdale on Nov 25, 2009 20:28:06 GMT
I used to post to that Forum. AFAIK it is legit. I left it as I did not agree with the editorial stance on some matters.
It is for the Admin/Owner/ Mods of a Forum to set the admission criteria etc. In the case of my own Forum I have to approve each apllicant before they can post but anyone can read it.
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Post by magusmasonica on Nov 25, 2009 20:34:23 GMT
Bluecob is transferring the Trestle Board over from a forum to a internet lodge. The forum was dying. I have been a member there since day one. The layout is too busy and confusing so the traffic has gone down to zero. Now, it is becoming an internet lodge under the UGLE so I imagine he now has to play by a different set of rules. Whatever. ;D It doesn't look all that busy or confusing to me. This looks like the same software that TMS uses; they are a buzzing hive of activity nowadays. It looks to me more like people seldom post on that forum, a shame. I would have no idea as I have not seen the TMS forum. They don't like us folks from the wrong side of the tracks ;D YMMV.
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Post by shemihaza on Nov 25, 2009 22:14:00 GMT
I would have no idea as I have not seen the TMS forum. They don't like us folks from the wrong side of the tracks ;D I think that's a bit much to say that they don't like "us folks from the wrong side of the tracks", don't you? According to you, all of us partisans are always huddling together in unswerving allegiance! I'm sure you can find a big blanket to throw over us, geez. Wait a minute; what am I saying?? I'm a 'tusked one'!! Seriously, though--sometimes I get to peek over there at TMS, although I have to sneak in there. The interesting thing is that they have an entire section about groups like M.·.E.·.A.·.P.·..R.·.M.·.M.·.; I recently read something about M.·.E.·.A.·.P.·..R.·.M.·.M.·., the 'Operative Masons worked in stone' [I'm paraphrasing now], not chemicals [!!], and came from 'Byzantine guilds', and I quote: Of course, that is a rough translation from spanish but I think one can comprehend they're talking about "Masons". To bring this finally back on track after being ambushed and waylaid--and having to account for these false accusations--it seems as though the Bluecob forum is legit, just like Lauderdale said. Have a great turkey day, Brad.
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Post by bluecob on Nov 25, 2009 22:21:31 GMT
I have joined this forum to answer the above posts and to thank those who have tried to explain that my forum is 'legit'. Before I start I do take offense that a topic has been started entitled 'Trestle Board Spammer' without at least someone trying to contact me regarding this. I did have an email I believe from the original poster and I explained the situation stating that I was going to review the application requirements which I have now done so. No one had to fill in the questions I was asking and still don't have to. The questions relating to initiation, raising etc have been removed but I cannot see any reason why any freemason would not be prepared to give this information. My main Website - Freemasonry for the Millennium - has been going for many years gaining a good reputation and even being mentioned in Freemasonry Today some years ago. I started the forum as a way of getting freemasons and those interested in freemasonry to communicate with each other, but I will admit that it has been a slow, uphill task. The forum discusses all aspects of freemasonry - it's warts and all - and encourages questions, criticism, suggestions, points of view not just about freemasonry but any topics people want to raise. Everyone is welcome. The Trestleboard Lodge is NOT a Lodge under UGLE but was going to be run on a similar basis to a Lodge with it's own procedures. This has not been taken up but will be returned to again in the future. In conclusion I am not a spammer, I am a Freemason under UGLE who is trying in some little way to encourage people to talk to one another and to promote Freemasonry in the modern world. Can I ask the administrators of this forum to not remove the postings but please change the title. If anyone would like to join my forum you can see it at: bluecob.com/trestleboardI look forward to greeting you all.
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Post by bluecob on Nov 25, 2009 22:25:28 GMT
Bluecob is transferring the Trestle Board over from a forum to a internet lodge. The forum was dying. I have been a member there since day one. The layout is too busy and confusing so the traffic has gone down to zero. Now, it is becoming an internet lodge under the UGLE so I imagine he now has to play by a different set of rules. This is incorrect. I am not transferring the forum over to a Lodge and if you know anything about UGLE you would realise that this cannot be done. The Trestleboard Lodge was going to be a meeting of members on line once a month run as per a Lodge but with its own procedures. It was not authorised in any way and never designed to be. Because of a lack of interest it has been shelved but will be returned to in time. The layout I admit was 'busy' but has now been changed to make it easier to use.
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Post by bluecob on Nov 25, 2009 22:26:36 GMT
I used to post to that Forum. AFAIK it is legit. I left it as I did not agree with the editorial stance on some matters. It is for the Admin/Owner/ Mods of a Forum to set the admission criteria etc. In the case of my own Forum I have to approve each apllicant before they can post but anyone can read it. Perhaps you would consider it again as you would be most welcome.
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Post by shemihaza on Nov 25, 2009 22:28:15 GMT
Before I start I do take offense that a topic has been started entitled 'Trestle Board Spammer' without at least someone trying to contact me regarding this. agreed. I too, thought it was a little over the top and quite presumptive. thanks for setting it straight.
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Post by bluecob on Nov 25, 2009 22:30:24 GMT
Whatever. ;D It doesn't look all that busy or confusing to me. This looks like the same software that TMS uses; they are a buzzing hive of activity nowadays. It looks to me more like people seldom post on that forum, a shame. I would have no idea as I have not seen the TMS forum. They don't like us folks from the wrong side of the tracks ;D YMMV. Whilst the forum is run by a UGLE freemason and does naturally feature UGLE it also welcomes all other constitutions who have something to bring to the table. It is also critical of some constitutions that you will see if you become a member. It is not 'wishy washy' and can be outspoked even confrontational and perhaps is not for some.
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Post by bluecob on Nov 25, 2009 22:32:09 GMT
Can I thank all other posters who have supported the forum - thank you.
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Post by whistler on Nov 26, 2009 2:02:01 GMT
Ok It appears Bluecod is not a spammer - forgive me but having received an unsolicited email from him inviting me to join a Forum with such inquisitive personal questions - including using words like deleted account - I thought it might be a Nigerian Scam. I have had another look at the site and the registration form, Perhaps it might be ok for some - so good luck to the chap - For me words like "Is your Grand Lodge recognised by UGLE as being regular?" " Lodge & Number: * By submitting this application you give permission to contact if necessary. Enter N/A if you are not a Freemason."
Petition: * Why do you want to join this Forum? What do you hope to gain from it? What will you bring to it? Please give a précis of your Masonic involvement or interest."
The Thought that somebody who I have never heard of might wish to contact my Lodge about me just doesn't sit correctly.
So Bluecob I wish you well with your endeavours
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Post by magusmasonica on Nov 26, 2009 2:32:07 GMT
Bluecob is transferring the Trestle Board over from a forum to a internet lodge. The forum was dying. I have been a member there since day one. The layout is too busy and confusing so the traffic has gone down to zero. Now, it is becoming an internet lodge under the UGLE so I imagine he now has to play by a different set of rules. This is incorrect. I am not transferring the forum over to a Lodge and if you know anything about UGLE you would realise that this cannot be done. The Trestleboard Lodge was going to be a meeting of members on line once a month run as per a Lodge but with its own procedures. It was not authorised in any way and never designed to be. Because of a lack of interest it has been shelved but will be returned to in time. The layout I admit was 'busy' but has now been changed to make it easier to use. I apologize if I am incorrect. My assumption was based on an email you sent me regarding the Testleboard Lodge. Love and Light,
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Post by bluecob on Nov 26, 2009 12:32:19 GMT
Ok It appears Bluecod is not a spammer - forgive me but having received an unsolicited email from him inviting me to join a Forum with such inquisitive personal questions - including using words like deleted account - I thought it might be a Nigerian Scam. I have had another look at the site and the registration form, Perhaps it might be ok for some - so good luck to the chap - For me words like "Is your Grand Lodge recognised by UGLE as being regular?" " Lodge & Number: * By submitting this application you give permission to contact if necessary. Enter N/A if you are not a Freemason." Petition: * Why do you want to join this Forum? What do you hope to gain from it? What will you bring to it? Please give a précis of your Masonic involvement or interest." The Thought that somebody who I have never heard of might wish to contact my Lodge about me just doesn't sit correctly. So Bluecob I wish you well with your endeavours There is no requirement to answer the questions but there are sections once a member that are strictly for UGLE freemasons and that is why I asked if any applicants Lodge was UGLE recognised. To ensure no 'lies' were told about this I asked permission to contact Lodges if necessary because the forum is open to all. For your information there is also a Private Area for UGLE freemasons that requires the completion of an application form which no doubt would really worry you. I hope that any freemason reading this will see that I am trying my best to ensure that UGLE freemasons entering the area that is designed only for UGLE freemasons can be as certain as possible (can never be 100% obviously - cautious is the word) that the UGLE shown freemasons - there is a color code on the opening page - are in fact genuine. The précis bit is just like an introduction. Tell us a bit about yourself. Remember it is mainly a forum for freemasons or those people intersted in it so I feel such information relevant. I do not think this forum is for you though so I wish you well elsewhere.
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Post by whistler on Nov 26, 2009 19:52:28 GMT
I Do Love it "there is also a Private Area for UGLE Freemasons" Must be fun for the UGLE Freemasons who join your forum, they can hide away doing wonderful secret things all on their own - Though I can't imagine any of the Great Freemasons I have discovered posting on this forum who happen to be UGLE masons would ever want to Bluecob Freemasonry has firmly arrived in the new century - look at the rich mix of Freemasons who happily communicate in an open forum like this - You expect to see all the Communications from CO-Masons and other Non UGLE Freemasons - but you would want to keep private special UGLE Comminications - Bluecob Freemasonry is all about Spreading the Light we generate - Have you ever thought about what esoterically happens when the RWM says "By the Power in me Vested I declare this Lodge Open" Once we are initiated into Freemasonry There is no turning back -
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Post by magusmasonica on Nov 26, 2009 20:14:49 GMT
I Do Love it "there is also a Private Area for UGLE Freemasons" Must be fun for the UGLE Freemasons who join your forum, they can hide away doing wonderful secret things all on their own - Bluecob Freemasonry has firmly arrived in the new century - look at the rich mix of Freemasons who happily communicate in an open forum like this - You expect to see all the Communications from CO-Masons and other Non UGLE Freemasons - but you would want to keep private special UGLE Comminications - Bluecob Freemasonry is all about Spreading the Light we generate - Have you ever thought about what esoterically happens when the RWM says "By the Power in me Vested I declare this Lodge Open" Once we are initiated into Freemasonry There is no turning back - Aren't "tiled" forums just plain silly? I mean C'mon, what are you replicating? Arguing over bills and reading minutes? The tiled "Stated meeting" is 98% of the time uneventful. If that where not the case the mainstream would not be loosing a collective 10% every decade. Love and Light,
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Post by leonardo on Nov 26, 2009 22:17:32 GMT
Brethren all, how someone chooses to operate their own forum is a matter for them.
And as it seems all concerns have been addressed by the Trestle Board's owner, and as we have a policy on this forum regarding the discussions of other such fora I am locking this this topic.
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