from my perspective
Member Blog post · General
I don't speak for other slaves, nor for my Master, nor for anyone other than myself. I don't often post in the blogs, for my own reasons, as my attention is usually focused on my Master and our Home. But this has been on my heart for several weeks. This may end up being an expression both from the character and the typist...for that I ask for understanding. There is a lot on my mind and this is the method I choose to get it out of that expansive space that, so often, seems way too overcrowded, even if no one else reads it. That’s cool, too.
My perspective is of a person that is relatively new to Gor. I wasn't around in the "good old days" of Gor - when it was thriving and exciting, an adventure for all that chose to participate. I wish I had been! I've heard much about it from various folks. Maybe I'm unique in that I am one of very few around, from what I understand, that haven't had a former self, a previous character, reinvented or otherwise. I'm a rarity in the genre online, I suppose, and still a "newbie" even after two years of literally daily interaction...655 days as of today, to be exact. Oh yes, I know that the number may well pale in comparison to you, the reader. I also acknowledge that, although I have struggled my way through about half the books so far, and strived to study and learn more of Gor each and every one of those days in one way or another, I have absorbed but a tiny rock upon the tip of the mountain of Gorean knowledge.
Still, there are a few basics I've learned...
Gor is a beautiful, savage, unforgiving place.
The single most important thing to remember about Gor? It's all about Honor.
The Gorean Freeman is an individual, foremost, of honor and conviction. He is the dominant species and the Leader, Protector and Cornerstone of the Home.
The Gorean Freewoman is to be respected, revered, and treasured to the highest degree. Her position is one of prestige and status. She is the Heart of the Home.
The Gorean slave is a beast, property of her Owner, or of the city in which she finds herself, whose duty is first and foremost to be pleasing in her service to the Free. Like it or not, Gor does not exist without the foundation of slaves.
The Gorean kajira is a slave who is humble among slaves and whose heart and soul truly belongs to Gor.
Now, I pose a question I believe we might all ask of ourselves (no judgement here, by the way):
Am I fulfilling my chosen role according to these and other generally recognized customs?
If You are a Freeman, are You acting in a way that is honorable and consistent and serves as an example to those of Your Home?
If You are a Freewoman, do Your words and actions, and yes, even Your behavior, reflect the status of Your role?
If you are a slave, or kajira, is your first priority the Free and do you exhibit a sincere desire, even an intrinsic need, to serve the Free?
My humble opinion is this...
A Freeman doesn't preen and bluster or bully and demean. He understands that with great power comes great responsibility and temperance is a rare and valuable standard. He speaks with confidence and dominance, not in a domineering way, but with foresight and good judgment.
A Freewoman should possess an elevated strength of character to be refrained and elegant in the presentation of Her being, visually and verbally, with appreciation of the freedom She possesses to express Herself and Her opinions in a wise and thoughtful manner. Even an unconventional Freewoman (She-urts, Panthers, etc), should that be Your perception of Your chosen role, abides by the constraints of that particular role and Her peers within that role, if not traditional Gorean societal rules.
A slave, or kajira, serves the Free, not themselves. They do not draw attention to themselves or behave in a such a way that detracts from the Free. They are continuous and sincere in their effort to bring peace and ease to their Home. They understand their role and revel in it, with sensuality, obedience and humility.
Of course, the aforementioned qualities above are generalizations that most certainly would be adaptive within various role-play scenarios.
I remember fondly my first few days on Gor. I was anxious, fearful of the unknown, and curious. I know some say that curiosity is not becoming of a slave, but without it, how would one even begin to learn to be a part of this vast and strange world? Maybe wonderment is a better term? I was certainly full of wonder.
I met some notable figures in my first few weeks here. Beyond the Man who brought me to Vendara on that first day, I was honored to meet other Free, namely, Mistress Penelope…my first example of a Freewoman of Gor. Also, Master Talarius, Master Aiken, Mistress Dahna, Sar Cabot, and eventually, Mistress Aneesha, along with a slave or two, whom all served as enlightening and educational examples, as well. That was my introduction and it intrigued me enough to want to become a part of this world.
Since that time, I have learned much. I’ve seen the machinations and manipulations of others, grieved the loss of characters and friendships. I’ve laughed and cried and experienced just about every emotion one could within this online medium. I’ve come to admire the expressions of creativity in posted role plays, some from characters I know and others I’ve not met personally. I’ve come to love Gor and even a few people within it…and One, in particular, deeply.
For all these reasons and more, I genuinely want the best for those I know and for this world that I enjoy and appreciate. What I’ve witnessed lately…again, in my humble opinion…is a shell, a travesty and, frankly, an embarrassment. Posts full of venom, negativity and childish speech. It isn’t OUR best. You want Gor to grow again? To thrive? To be enjoyable? If I had witnessed then what I have witnessed lately, I never would’ve stayed. Life is stressful enough, without putting up with shenanigans and diatribes and outright hatefulness in a place where we all come to relax. Where did the Honor go? I think WE can ALL do better, don’t you?
I’m not naive enough to think there is some magical solution to the ills we currently suffer within this Gorean community. However, I do believe that there are some very bright, industrious people here. There is a possibility of communication and constructive problem-solving. One feasible solution, in my opinion, is both group and individual action. Perhaps a commitment Home by Home to assure their citizens are conducting themselves in a way that honors their home and expecting individual accountability within the Home. Sort of a “honor begets honor” approach.
Beyond particular Homes, it is the responsibility of *every single Gorean* reading this. It may require personal restraint, thinking before writing, putting yourself in the other person’s place. No one person can change things on their own. We…Free and slaves…all have to do our part. I’m willing…are you?
OOC - If you have anything constructive to add or suggestions, please feel free to comment. (I reserve the right to delete any negative comments...that isn't what this post is about and, with all due respect, I won't have it hijacked.)
Comments
112 comments on this post.
Beautiful sentiments and wonderfully written. Thank you for your light on such a dark subject.
Wise and thoughtful words, kajira. (tx)
Nicely written and expressed (F)
So very true, it is within each of us to be the Gor we seek. Thank you amari for a lovely reminder of what once was and what can still be.
*smiles proudly*
Well written with good points. Just as a perspective on characters not all fw were elegant (case and point my character a she urt) other fw panthers etc.
Absolutely, Mistress, thus my reference to those characters specifically, as i find them extremely interesting but have had very little opportunity for interaction with FW in those roles. :) Thank You for Your comment! (F)
i appreciate each and every comment, thank you all :)
Very well written, amari. Thank you for being a voice of calm reason amidst the sea of...well, a lot of the opposite! It would do each and every person well to remember to think before they type. Responding to something as a reaction instead of taking the time to be civil is a good starting point for considerate and intelligent interaction.
Right, ebed. I don't know what home you were in, but back in MY day, homes were too busy doing things than to get involved in bureaucratic nonsense and all that other stuff you mentoned. What I have learned, is, like life, Gor is what you make it. It can be harsh, or it can be a paradise. Only you can decide that. If homes then were horrible, maybe it was your perspective. I felt homes back then were places to...well, steal from and set on fire, but it was still my choice. Horrible? No.
This was well written, and the fact there was a Spider-Man reference (intentional or not) definitely gets a bonus point. What I find interesting is the parallels between the shift from what Gor was to what Gor is, and the social media age that we live in as a society today where there is a general (and I say general as I won’t paint everyone with the same brush) lack of patience or willingness to learn with everything wanted >>
>> straight away, and also as people move less and less away from face to face interaction and more to living in a world of digital comms where one needn’t get off their sofa. While I’ve not been around quite as long as Dalamar I agree with his point on what Gor was and wasn’t. I don’t recall much in the way of blogs, childish back and forth and name calling or even this trend of typing out stories. Why? Because all of that happened face to face. People interacted with each other >>
>> they trained, the practiced, they role played. Homes grew. Homes fell. But it all happened in role play. More importantly there was a willingness to help, a willingness to learn. It all happened in role play (with groups for supporting materials). To echo your closing statement, we all played a part, but personally I feel there was a lot more playing a part as a community and a lot less as a group of individuals.
thank You, Master. i had Voltaire in mind, but who wouldn't mind sharing credit with a Super Hero? :) I find Your commentary interesting, recounting a bit of the evolution of online Gor. For myself, I've benefited from a few select persons' willingness to help and I'm appreciative of it. I also get what You are saying about the blogs vs actual role-play. I tend to focus on role play, but I also write stories and I write out my chores in story form sometimes to post in our Group, as well.
I thought no a bit of both is a nice blend amari. I will be honest though when it’s like “bushka takes a dump†it’s a bit much. If you get my meaning.
When You say, "playing a part as a community," what does that mean exactly? Interactive role play between Homes?
i do, Mistress
I see what you did there, B.
I dunno. Wamph is a better than I am. Has higher standards. I am guilty at times of what he saying because it seems for non actual rp (like rule discussions) it’s easier. However more interaction probably would create more interesting environments
@amari - that should have been role playing as part of a community. Perhaps this would explain it better - at that time, for me, I would argue that for the most part it was a single Gor with a variety of homes within the same world. Bit more of the opposite now - individual homes with no connection other than they all label themselves “Gorâ€. Does that make sense?
Let me be clear, I do love writing, thus the stories I've penned and posted to my Home's Group site and a few attempts at poetry. Those tend to be more personal and not for general public viewing in most cases. Frankly, I wouldn't want something so personal picked apart. However, in my mind, nothing takes the place of good, substantive, interesting role play. There is SO much to be explored; the possibilities are endless!
Agreed. And I’ve done my bit of story writing also, which is a lot of fun, and in no way was I trying to say otherwise or disrespect the work anyone has done. Good for each and everyone of you in putting the effort in. I would agree with you 100% on your assessment on good role play. The possibilities are endless. As Haigan said in another thread talking about it won’t change it. They will remain possible. Doing something will turn that in reality.
yes, Master, thank You for the clarification. I'm envisioning it was rather like a robust, flourishing tree, the roots of which was "Gor" with the various homes as branches, all receiving their nourishment from the roots of the tree.
Yes, but not like Avatar with floaty things and people holding hands. There was much more fighting, strife, politics, risk, reward (again all in my opinion). And a lot more working together. Other people call tell their stories in more detail and I’m not speaking for anyone other than myself, but personally speaking I can recall training hard to earn a right to put a W after My name. I practiced. I sparred. I fought. I had fun. And I did all of that with people my character got on with and >>
>> ones my character didn’t get on with. I would hazard a guess to say Bashir would be able to say the same thing about being a Phy or some of the slaves on not knowing the first thing and learning to serve and dance and the like. It was never about people getting on and singing-songs around a camp fire, for me, That isn’t possible anyway. But for the most part that was a fundamental level of consistency. I hope that paints a bit of a picture for you, thanks for the opportunity to remember 🙂
~laughs a little at my own comment~ That vision in my head came out very new age-ish, which i definitely am not...and a little over the top poetic. I blame low blood sugar, time for lunch! I actually meant it as more...hmm...foundational. Strong roots lead to healthy branches...something like that. I need to avoid writing metaphorically in the future. LOL
yes, Master, it absolutely does, thank You. Moving forward, I propose that personal responsibility, restraint, good faith effort, and good old fashioned adult behavior...all that good stuff...could bring about a change. It is my belief that these things can start within those individual Homes. Each Home making their own citizens accountable. My Home certainly does that. >>>
We have rules in place regarding use of NPCs, general role-play, Free practicing Their Caste, slaves completing chores, etc. We don't just post something without it having a foundation. We strive to maintain and follow closely to the Novels. We don't allow gossip and we encourage open communication. We adhere to our own chosen roles, according to how they are described in the books. Just a few examples. >>>
Personal and Home accountability. I propose that once those two things are in place in each Home, then it can and will filter down. Perhaps even to the point that there could and would be more interactive role-play between the Homes. But then, i'm new to all this. :)
Clearly not new to common sense though, 🙂. I guess it all comes down to people making n effort/wanting to make an effort/being part of something a little bigger than just themselves.
People moving between homes is a personal choice, some people will move between them without any form of consistency, others won’t leave their own regardless. Some people won’t go anywhere outside a safe zone as it enables them to run their mouth on blogs, others have the ability to do as they please and choose not to for the betterment of others. All personal choice, which is everyone is entitled to make. But change can happen from setting example too! So I tell you what, let me know >
> a convenient time and I’ll come to your home to rp
A society will change as different ppl become the center of it when Rowen and Judas and those of that time were at the center Gor was fashioned after how they lived it...then as they died or left the role play arena...others came to the forefront...and Gor was fashioned after how they lived it...and after 30 plus years of view points we have what we have today because of those who live it...It is never possible to reclaim what used to be...because those who do the role play are not the same.
It is now our choice to make Gor what we want it to be until the next group of role players take front and center.. I choose to make Gor or the role play experience as the books depict it...may Honor and Steel be the rule we keep
judas hasn't died
im going to go back to my point. In the words of the little b (bana) "The question is not about change it is about whether or not those still left in Gor are willing to turn a blind eye to those who have no regard for the very basic rules of role play. "
a lot of people have been around a long time. if you were around so long you should understand the basics that i am getting at, no dualling, character retirement ect.
I believe this conversation began on a different blog, Bianci. https://www.buzzen.com/user/vialla/id/6312/blog.html That one, if I remember correctly. Let's not hijack this lovely bit of conversatin'.
We have rules. They existed before Judas did them. They even existed before I came along. It doesn't require a council of random responsible men. It requires one person to decide to abide by what has been agreed on by the majority that some things will and some things will not, be done. If you choose to, wonderful, welcome to the club. If you choose not to, welcome to that other club. You can't stop someone from entering a chat room, but you *can* choose not to participate with that
nods
sorry im rebutting my statement. i am simply responding to quin's post... all of this ties into the other. in no way am i trying to hyjack her post. but her post does address rules as we were discussing it.
Person/group. Pointing evildoers out is fine and dandy, but if they want to play in the playground too, and by playground, i mean chat server, what can you do? You can choose to avoid that part of the playground, choose not to talk to or associate with people that associate with that evildoer, you can choose not to do...lots of things. But if they've made up their mind not to join your club, you're wasting your time. Just point them out, and let other people know. it's the best one can do.
I deleted most of my comments in deference to amari...be well have a good day
I don't think it was a comment that hijacked a post at all, an extension of what amari herself said "Perhaps a commitment Home by Home to assure their citizens are conducting themselves in a way that honors their home and expecting individual accountability within the Home. Sort of a “honor begets honor†approach." Whether that is IC or basics OOC, it is a shared repsonsibility. Again alluding to what Quin had mentioned around coming together as Men. The common theme here, for me, >
> and in this thread in general is the coming together of people to do their part individually, or as a group. Further expanded on by Dalamar, "You can't stop someone from entering a chat room, but you *can* choose not to participate with that." I agree with that statement completely. Finally, I think amari deserves credit for instigating a conversation that has had more than its fair share of insightful comments made and hopefully encourages a little bit more.
To Mistress Bianciella’s comment regarding the quote from bana - It is a good question and further exemplifies my point, as well. If those who have no regard were/are held accountable by their own homes, that *might* make a difference. So that leads one to wonder...where is the leadership of the home? 

I can guarantee, if i were to demonstrate disrespect on a public blog, my Master would have something to say about it...and my butt would be blistered too. >>>
Then, I would have to answer to the Council, for my actions would have damaged the reputation of our Home, as well. Believe me, i am always mindful that my words and actions reflect, not just on my Master, but on my Home, as well. I don’t believe that concept necessarily applies just to slaves. >>>
If Gor in general cannot come to a consensus, then perhaps the lesser challenge would be for the Homes we represent to do so. Each and every one of us represents something - a Home, a Caste, or simply our chosen role. The way in which we conduct ourselves and react to others reflects upon those Homes, be it a Villa in Vendara, a ship on Thassa, a bosk wagon crossing the Barrens, or a little cottage on the Frontier. Even those without a “home†still have customs and codes to live by. 
>>>
Regarding the rules of role play - I have never seen this list. Is it published somewhere? Is it something that might need revision given the time that has passed or is that even something that would be feasible and proper? Does it equal or include rules of conduct or include consequences for not abiding by the rules? I’m sincerely interested and would be grateful if someone could direct me further. >>>
We are all a part of Gor and, if we care at all about that fact, it is up to each of us to give it our best. Speaking of which, I very much appreciate the fact that the replies given have been respectful and informative. Thank you to each one of you! :)
bana has a copy of what was discussed and agreed upon by some of the Gorean Leaders at the time. she was given these rules/guidelines to post in her Home's website. she would be more than happy to email them to those interested.
I will have to do some searching but they do. They tended to be included in a lot of homes' rules lists, or were sometimes used as such. If I can't find them it doesn't mean they don't exist, just that I can't find them. It's been done several times and they all look the same. Chances are, everyone here has likely seen at least part of them at some point in their comm reading. I'll see who I can enlist to help look.
I'm sure they need revision, people and places have certainly changed since the last time they were attempted. If somehow they don't exist anymore, I'll be pleased to add suggestions for a new one...just like I did the last ones I was involved in.
yes Master
check girls blog she has a set that was used back in 2010
That's part of it, yes, but we had more revisions and extra details tossed in. At least it can be said they existed. I'm pretty sure my word isn't going to get taken for it, and i don't blame certain people I'd rather have words in black and white too about some things. MSN's communities went down the toilet for the most part, and some homes' communities have been abandoned and destroyed due to lack of funding. I still have some ideas, though anyone else who tosses their own in is welcome
First there's this: https://www.freewebs.com/asperiche/roleplayrules.htm --
Then there was something else that bana sent me, all credit and ownership to her and whoever she wants to say it belongs to, though i'm not sure it'll all fit so bear with me as i multipost it all here.
The following short but vital list of "general rules" for Gorean roleplay were discussed and agreed upon by the City of Turia, Ushindi Warrior Camp, Island of Asperiche, City of Rovere, and the Alar Wagon Camp. These rules will not be forced upon anyone who does not reside/roleplay within these places or any other place that wishes to uphold these rules as their own. Any Home who wishes to adopt these rules or who have any questions regarding the below rules may contact the leaders of any of the
the afformentioned homes that took part in their creation for clarification.
Time Away: Time away from Gorean Roleplay in all fascets in the event of death/retirement of a Character will be fourteen days(earth days) away. Since this is fourteen days away and not just fourteen days, return can only be done on the fifteenth day at the earliest after death/retirement.
"Shelving": The act of shelving is defined as bringing back an already dead/retired character. Once a character is retired it may not be ressurected again, it is for all intents and purposes gone.
Returning: The conditions for returning from time away for death or retirements are as follows. One must choose a new name, new Caste, and new Home. They may not Lead a home, return to their old Home, Station, Free Companion, slaves, nor train for the Caste they had in the previous Character life for at least a period of three months(earth time).
Duallers: Duallers will be exposed with the proper proof between the Homes upholding these rules as their own as well as in the remaining press(es), as well as banned from said Homes.
Zones: Sanctioned Zones, due to their origins have little purpose in Gor anymore. They began when a rash of non Gorean roleplayers began entering Gorean Rooms just to start trouble. Because this is a rare occurance anymore Sanctioned Zones are hereby abolished within the Homes that choose to uphold these rules as their own. Instead No Zones and Safe Zones will be implimented in the appropriate areas of said Homes for the reason that there were no safe zones on Gor however for slave gardens there
were a degree of heightened security and thus the safe zones are appropriate. When Men of the Home are present a Home should be No Zones.
Signed By:
Ludo Cain, Ubar of Turia, Rowan of Ushindi, Midael, Chief of the Alar, Judas of Asperiche. Chevron of Rovere
Out of respect for the names signing this, i altered it a little by spacing and adding punctuation to get rid of all those little .nn's you sometimes see.
Thank You, Master, for Your time and for the information. I will read through the link and info there, as well. Thank you too, bana! (F) i sent you a private message with my email address.
I'm trying to get even more but the man with the info in question would rather remind me who he is and how long he's been in gorland...
That would be most of it Dalamar...as I remember it...then each home would add rules specific to their community
Ok...who remembers combat rules being 777
I do. I can happily say I helped abolish that garbage. A system if combat that relied only on how fast you could type. It was used elsewhere in other to genres and it didn't do that well in those either
Again, thank you all for the comments. After a lot of thought over the last few weeks and especially the last couple of days, I've come to understand there is a divide regarding role play rules. Many examples of the established rules being blatantly ignored, then other declarations of the importance and value of them. So, I've created a group for discussion and, more importantly, action on the topic, should you care to join. All are welcome. https://www.buzzen.com/id/154/group.html
I'll go on record saying this very clearly, I will not be accepting into TGF any new rules that are NOT already a part of TGF as penned by Our Council until they have been discussed and voted on by that Council as they always have been. I don't give a damn if John Fkn Norman himself shows up here with a list of rules that HE drafted, I don't give a hairy urt's ass what the rest of Gor does if it ain't approved BY TGF it ain't happening IN TGF.
Zones are bullshit, especially safe zones. Gor isn't safe. I know one of you is going to say "oh but what if there's no men of that home present to defend the women?" to which I will plainly response thusly "It takes a real sack of shit kinda guy to attack defenseless women be they Free or slave, so don't even try to tell Me about how those women have to "honor it." A man who pulls that kind of shit has no damned honor to begin with so he need not expect any in return.
"Dualers will be exposed publicly." Nope, not going along with that. If I encounter a person dualing I will confront that person Myself if I encounter them IN My home. I don't snitch.
"Shelving: The act of shelving is defined as bringing back an already dead/retired character. Once a character is retired it may not be ressurected again, it is for all intents and purposes gone." Nope not going along with that, I see nothing wrong with bringing back a character who was simply taken out of play but not killed. Death is the only true finality and the only valid one that disbars a character's return in My opinion.
"Returning: One must choose a new Caste, and new Home. They may not Lead a home, return to their old Home, Station, Free Companion, slaves, nor train for the Caste they had in the previous life." Nope, not going along with that, when a person returns that's their business and no one else's. "The Past is the Past", remember? So if it's a new character then what could anyone possibly know about them beforehand?
Amari I appreciate that you opened a group to discuss this and input from all. great idea!!
I never said "same character" of course a new character would need a new name but I see no logical reason for a person to give up the home and the people they enjoy unless of course, the objective is to isolate people and compel them to leave Gorean permanently, which is rather insipid.
that's basically the standard that Kyrielle did. new name same person. Sorry but I disagree. The idea of dying in rp or retiring a character means that you have to roll play to create a new one. not pick up where you left off with whomever you want just with a new name
if you die or retire there is a consequence to that.
Then we simply disagree, I think Kyrielle was perfectly right to do it. Frankly, it's no-ones business but Hers and Agrits. so long as the two of them are happy with it how does it concern anyone else? My method to deal with that, if it bothered Me, but it doesn't, would simply be not to visit Their Home.
its fine, I will post my thoughts on the group for discussion, that's what this is all about right? standards?
I have clearly said "I'm not going along with these rules as written." I didn't stutter and I wasn't vague, I said exactly what I meant and I honestly don't care if it hare-lips the Pope. If we disagree then so be it, we simply disagree. You can interact with Me or not, that's the only two options I'm offering anyone. Me conforming to things I don't agree with simply isn't going to happen.
ok, no problem. its good to see lots of others though that want some sort of accountability
you can always remove yourself from the group discussion then of people that are interested in it
Standards? Whose standards? Different pPeople have different standards so we either find common ground to agree on them or we don't. If we do? Great! If we don't? Then count Me out, simple as that. I absolutely will not go along with the herd unless the herd is going in what I think is the right direction. I am no-ones lemming.
I live My life, no-one else's so naturally I'm interested in My standards, not theirs. Remove Myself from a group that My slave started? Yeah, I can shit in My favorite fishing hat too but I won't do that either. I will speak My mind as I see fit, I'm not asking anyone to like it, I don't care if they don't in fact because a difference of opinion with someone else doesn't invalidate My own.
like I said , its fine, do what you like. you don't need to be apart of the the group board if your not willing too. no ones forcing you. its just great that there is still a collective of roll players interested in a discussion of changing or maintaining certain rules for an overall more consistent and veracious experience.
as I said, I thanked your slave for the great idea and willingness to encourage open discussion by creating the group. clearly there is a need for it
I'm all for accountability, just not for tyranny, therefore I will not be blindly following along with what I see as high-handedness.
I am perfectly willing to listen but I am also perfectly willing to speak My mind plainly and openly, as I see fit. If that bothers any of You then it isn't truly a discussion You want, it's Authority and I will NOT be surrendering Mine to anyone.
Sounds legit. I disagree with a few things in that list too. But hey, what can you do, eh? You can trust in your government that they won't stiff you next taxation time, or you can decide for yourselves what you want to keep, revise, toss out, or who to toss out. I've noticed that quite a few people involved in this "discussion" left out portions of the list quotations and act like what's left is a big deal, possibly for shock value, or to cry wolf on something many years old. >->
like I said I will post in the group, no one said to be blind or to be a tyrant Haigan. a group discussion on it is to encourage the opposite.
They're old, and I only posted them because it seemed to me that no one believed they actually existed. They're not even the then current set, just some rules a few homes agreed to collectively abide by. They are not a big deal, old and out of date. Even the latest and forgotten set of them, is old and out of date. They'd be useful as a guideline, or help on the path to what comes next, but they're not the end all-be all. If HomeSword had hurried his ass up, I'd have had more.
I will plainly admit that for as long as I have been in Gor (since MSN) I have never accepted "the Rules" as written because I disagree with them. I think several of them are ill-conceived at best and patently stupid at worst. But hey, when have any of You EVER heard Me begging for Your support? You haven't because I don't. I won't be starting either. Love Me or hate Me, interact with Me or avoid Me, those are the choices but Me changing Myself to suit any of You isn't an option.
He claims to have the actual council of homes rules. I'll see if they're legit, and if people want to see them i'll try to make them available if he ever gets around to making them available. They'd be like a museum piece, to show what could have been, what lasted perhaps but a few years before msn went pay, and people suddenly decided to "throw off msn's rule, and go live in that plague-hell known as gcn. Friggin' Caedmon. For some reason people preferred that, than this. Beats me why.
That's all I have for tonight. If someone wants to rp that's fine i can do that, else i'm out of the blogs for the night. Enjoy the night, day, whatever time it is where you are. Just remember one thing, what you choose to do affects other people. Poison or health, folks. Only you can decide for you. Good night.
I'm willing to have a civil discussion with anyone on anything Gorean, I'm willing to work toward finding common ground with anyone, I'll meet any of You halfway but there's absolutely no way in Hell that I'm giving up My beliefs in favor of anyone else's. That's just simply out of the question, we either meet halfway or we go our separate ways, I'm willing to compromise, but not to surrender.
I don't think anyone is being asked to give up their beliefs. This isn't a cult. As with any form of debate to get to an endpoint there will always need to be a bit of give and a bit of take from everyone involed but it has to be started with an open mind from all parties with the same level of respect and consideration given to each and every person who wants to voice an opinion. IF, and I'd say it's a big IF, we can all look past ourselves and actually give some consideration to what >>
>> is perceived to be a senible idea for the good of the masses (not everyone because it isn't possible to please everyone) then the outcome would hopefully be a more enjoyable experience for everyone. I'm prepared to have a discussion with you, Haigan, either in a room or in the comms that amari has created, or both. All I ask of you is the same as anyone else is that you engage with an open mind and rather starting a discussion from a point of view of it has to be a certain way >>
>> we all start it from the point of view of everyone has a preferred way, but is it possible that there is a better way. Wheels don't always need reinventing, but sometimes they need a helping hand to all move in the same direction.
I think it is also worth commending everyone who took the time to engage in the thread, it would be nice to see a few more thoughts, and also for others to join the comms that amari has setup. It is great to see a bit of passion for something which a lot of people obviously care about.
I freely admit I see things completely differently than most other people do and I make no apologies for that. I'm willing to keep an open mind until something or someone crosses a definite line where I am completely inflexible. Some things are simply out of the question. Here's a real-life example, I personally despise the United Nations pushing their garbage toward others. I don't care how they do things in China or the Middle East or Brussels or Spain, I live in America. The same goes for Gor
I don't believe that a United Cities of Gor is a good thing. I don't care how they do things in Bazi, or Cos, or Helisto or Vendara, I live in Boswell Pass. There's absolutely no way I am going to support Globalism either on Earth or on Gor. I believe, very strongly, in Nationalism, in Individualism, in the ability of people and countries to be self-governing. I am not about to hand over all of My choices to people who think they know better than Me how I should best live My life.
I don't believe a united cities of gor is a good thing either, else it may as well just be one big home and I want different experiences for different cities as I roleplay in different regions. I appreciate the fact some cities need a woman to be escorted, or weapons aren't allowed for instance. Variety is the spice of life after all. On the flip side, whether I was in VKP, VLS, Asperiche, Turia or several others the principles of Gor/RP were consistent, which I think allowed for people to >
> move with a bit more freedom, and to achieve a bit more consistency which maybe contributed to them sticking around a little longer. I'm a little different in my opinions, for instance I take an interest in knowing what each of those countries are doing which are fucking up our planet, as my own is, but then I don't really put much stock in any specific "ism" as they all have pros and cons. Where I fall aligns with the most pros I can relate to with my beliefs
In the real world, I keep a pack of dogs on My property because I don't want trespassers wandering around, in Gor I use sleen for the exact same reason. In the real world, there's no way in Hell that I would simply allow a Stranger to barge into My Home, flop their ass down and start demanding food and drinks, I don't allow it on Gor either. I'm not like most Goreans and I don't try to be because I don't want to be so there's no way I'm giving ground without equal consideration.
I don't disagree with what you're saying - all I'm saying is if you want people to give equal consideration to your thoughts its only fair to offer the same in return. But no point it just being you and I, and B and amari either - it needs more people involved for wider value.
I agree completely, My only point here is that while I am willing to hear others points of view, I will not jump into an agreement with anyone on anything without meeting in the middle.
That is as good a starting point as any.
I hope we can all find common ground here to reach an agreement and lay a new cornerstone on which to begin rebuilding, but honestly, I'm betting against that happening.
A cast net does not catch all the fish.