We all know how there are people who know nothing about magick who ask for teachers, right? And then there are those fluffies. Well these newbies get taught wrong information. And then we have the problem of even more fulffies. What if SoM had something like 'undercover newbies'? They could report the fluffy "teachers". This was just something I thought when talking to someone. I'm kinda curious as to what you all think. :)
I ask because we all are aware that there are plenty of people who get gagged and return. In fact, it's about the only thing you can do since it is a rare gag that is temporary or even explained unless you return on a new account to ask.
How would such "fluffy teachers" be penalized, if it were even against the rules at all? How would it solve the problem?
There are far too many people who see a problem and look no further. This is not to say that what you have described is not signifigant. I appload you for voicing the issue. However, it's not the root of the problem, only a symptom.
It is in our natures to want to do something. To want to feel like we are taking part in the mysteries of the universe. Part of this is why I am writing this post in reply to yours now, in fact. Do you fault these "fluffy teachers" for that desire? Of course not.
The root of this issue is not so easy to fix. It's not even a single root at all. There is, as I said, our desire to be part of something. Another to share what we find. And even another that allows us to or to not thoroughly question if what we find is the truth or not, because it is another root of an issue that often leads us to not be willing to question and find out if what we believe is really there at all.
How many of us walk around every day unwilling to come face-to-face with the truth? The truth that your boy/girl-friend is cheating on you, your husband/wife has a secret addiction, your parents are not really your biological ones, the money you are skimming from the company you work for is actually harming someone and will eventually be missed, etc. There are many of these truths we are unwilling to admit or face. It's easy to believe fabrications. It is, after all, one of the main reasons that books and fantasies have been shared for millenia. It's why you make up falcities about your enimies as well: far easier to face someone that your culture has deemed an outcast/oddity that blows up children, babies, rapes women for pleasure, etc. than to admit that they might have more in common with your pure, "right" beliefs.
I say all of this to point out that the solution is much broader and deeper than simple "getting taught wrong information". It's the same conundrum that plagues corporate IT departments the world over, "How do you get people to think rationally, look for falcities, and other issues before clicking on that pop-up for X offer?" It's the same reason that Libertarians find it so hard to wake up the "sheep" to the truth about their governments and corporations using them for their own agendas.
If you find the solution that would stop the majority of people from believing the fantasies, curbing their desire to share partial/non-existent information with others who ask, and give them a greater desire to read a variety of sources on a single topic to get a criticial view on what it actually is instead of believing a single opinion, then you will have found the holy grail.
I should have mentioned that I didn't personally believe it would help. I wish that were the case. I just feel bad for the beginners who have been given false information. Unfortunately, this is how it is.
I figured most fluffy teachers were easy to spot...either they put their age on their profile but claim they've been studying for eons, or then in their bio they completely lie, or they state that they are a beginner or novice, but still offer help and teaching...sadly, I guess the only way to weed out the fluffy teachers is to be smart before embarking on taking up teachings with users
They are easy to spot. But some beginners don't go through the forums for info. They want to learn things fast. They also completely ignore the persons bio and previous posts.
There is a solution, although I hesitate to mention it. There needs to be a set curriculum. Or, maybe each coven needs to have a set curriculum. That being said, I know how much push back that suggestion will bring. But, if each coven had set teachings a newbe can choose the coven that best fits with their beliefs. Of course, there would need to be a fluff coven so that people could learn what is and is not real.
Our problem is not the fluffies. It is the fact that anyone can come and say anything. Of course, this is the internet.
Most fluffies are children, who claim to know a lot, but actually know very little! All we older members can do is try to point them in the right direction.
Most will not take any notice, but some do! And that's why I stay on this site. But there are other sites, for adults only. Such as Divine Spirit.
And, as Shawn points out, this is an "open" forum.
There are many that think that they know it all, and have "Mastered" the craft those are the ones you avoid.
There are many who mislead and misguide for they are under a delusion themselves. Fluff will always be around, use common sense, intelligence, and maturity to decide for yourself whether or not someone is legit, do ask what their credientials are, if they reply something like "Telekinesiss, airokenisis , Weather control" They are full of it and fluff and you should avoid them.
There will always be those who play games, and try to pollute others minds with garbage and fictious things.
