I agree the behaviour is no different, and that’s the issue I see.My GL has published some basic advice for posting online in general.
The behavior of freemasons online
is honestly not any worse then non-masons.
I don't think anyone would object to there being some clear rules to that however, some may feel it's an infringement on their freedom of speech. If they are spewing vitriol, I would venture to say they aren't worth their weight in salt as a Mason. There are ways to have a discussions or even debates without condescending, name calling etc. I see it on here waaaaay more than I expected or care to see.Is it a good idea to have policies in place to determine how Freemasons should act on social media sites? Why or why not?
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Advice? Most certainly. Policies with mandatory compliance? No!My GL has published some basic advice for posting online in general.
Precisely.some may feel it's an infringement on their freedom of speech.
Absolutely.There are ways to have a discussions or even debates without condescending, name calling etc.
Yet, every ritual with which I’m familiar requires we adhere to the laws, rules, regulations… of our grand lodge.Nope- masonry teaches what it teaches and it’s up to masons to use it if they wish.
Yet, every ritual with which I’m familiar requires we adhere to the laws, rules, regulations… of our grand lodge.
Our organisation is excellent at loosely pontificating on grand generalised philosophy-But once you start trying to enforce specific rules to live by as decided by grand lodge?Yet, every ritual with which I’m familiar requires we adhere to the laws, rules, regulations… of our grand lodge.
Is it a good idea to have policies in place to determine how Freemasons should act on social media sites? Why or why not?
Yes, we have specific rules and we enforce them. They aren’t terribly onerous.Our organisation is excellent at loosely pontificating on grand generalised philosophy-But once you start trying to enforce specific rules to live by as decided by grand lodge?
Point taken, and I have seen discipline under the “tending to impair the reputation of the fraternity in the world” clause, a version of which is found in many constitutions.I think the rules already exist. How a Mason should act is fairly spelled out so I see no need for more regulations. It being social media is irrelevant in that how we should act doesn't changed based on medium. What probably needs to take place is more consistent enforcement.
Point taken. See my post to LK600.I would argue, much as I would about any Legislature trying to pass new laws, that the behavior in question is likely already controlled by an existing statute.
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On the other side of things-
Is it not really down to the individual brother to regulate himself, followed by the people who actually know him, like his lodge for example to advise him that perhaps his behaviour isn’t appropriate?
Why do we need the administration of an opt in organisation to tell us how to behave, presumably being an organisation of men, not children.
Aren’t there measures in place to prevent people like this joining the craft?
I would divide your response.If a person has an issue with an edict or rule issued by their Grand Body regarding inappropriate speech then they probably shouldn't have joined. The reason for a policy is that the person who is in the wrong usually doesn't see themselves as doing wrong. Free speech only goes so far in a private organization and the rules are usually put in place to protect the organization from being considered complicit. Even freedom of speech has it's limitations according to the courts.
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