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FAQs for magick newbies

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Less searchable M0rd4nt

14:59 / 19.02.02

Ierne mooted this in the Barbelith 2 thread over in the policy. I've thought for a long time that we could really do with a quick, straightforward set of answers for newbies. On one hand it might help encourage more detailed/advanced discussion in the forum, and on the other hand it seems a little harsh to yell "Oh, bug off to the Chaos Matrix! Can't you see we're busy?" every time someone asks what a sigil is. Being able to refer to a FAQ page when they don't understand something would help newcomers feel more at ease.

So, apart from Sigils 101, what else should go in?

15:04 / 19.02.02

If the newbies you refer to are completely new to magick how about primers on the basics; grounding, meditation, and all the other little basic things one is expected to know?

Maybe at the end of the faq there could be a list of links to pertinant sites such as Chaos Matrix and well..that's the only magick site I ever visited.

15:19 / 19.02.02

This is a TERRIFIC idea. Let's do it!!! I'd be glad to contribute a little, though I am but a novice to the world of magick. Practically all I know about magick, I learned here at Barbelith!

An essential public service, it is!

15:24 / 19.02.02

A suggested reading list of reccomended books on various topics would be a good addition as well. For example, you can save a lot of time by just reading Condensed Chaos to get up to speed.

Less searchable M0rd4nt

15:47 / 19.02.02

Yeah, a "recommended reading" list! Triffic!

So, say we have a short glossary of common terms- about ten or twenty- and then we pick the topics that seem to come up the most and write a paragraph or so on each one, then the list of links and book titles at the bottom. Sound okay?

Less searchable M0rd4nt

15:51 / 19.02.02

Also: we're a pretty CM-heavy bunch here and sometimes I worry that newcomers from other paths might get put off by that. Could we add anything to the FAQ page that would help non-CMs feel more welcome and included, like links to non-CM oriented sites?

16:09 / 19.02.02

There was a Magick FAQ, long ago. Anyone know what happened to it?

Two things I'd like to see: acknowledgement that there are such things as mantras, which Carroll pretty much used alongside sigils, and people using some other methods of charging than masturbation.

16:45 / 19.02.02

I'm sure there's enough diverse peeps here to be able to work all the angles. Here's a thought - could the FAQ be constantly evolving, more like a webzine? We could write longer, more detailed articles, the best of which could be donated to the Barbelith Webzine for wider reading.

Less searchable M0rd4nt

17:46 / 19.02.02

That's a great idea. I think we will need a core of basic topics, but since we're all finding new stuff out all the time the FAQ should definately evolve. We could have a main FAQ with a glossary and a reading list (all of which could be updated as-and-when), and a short feature article.

What's the best way to go about presenting this info when we've collated it? We're starting to talk about a sizeable chunk of space here. Sod's law says that if we put it in a thread, it will get lost....

17:49 / 19.02.02

I don't know if its possible, but what if a permanent link was placed at the top of the magick page that basically said "Go here first".

The link could then send the person to an HTLMized document.

[ 19-02-2002: Message edited by: Trijhaos ]

18:51 / 19.02.02

An easy way to do it would be to start a collective weblog. It'd be shite for indexing stuff, though.

Maybe it's worth starting a collective weblog, too...

19:19 / 19.02.02

Can't find the old FAQ, but this looks useful.

03:26 / 20.02.02

Well... yes, useful, but more in spirit than in form, from the FAQ standpoint.
From a newbie standpoint, it's perfect. But that still leaves the bookwork.

I'd deffinatly be willing to assist in this, either in the arguing over definitions to the checking for good poetic meter in them... to whatever. Most of you are older than me, and I like to think wiser, so... BLAH!
~tosses self on pile like a poker chip~

12:47 / 20.02.02

From a newbie - especially to the whole Chaos Magic thing .... terrific, wonderful, inspired idea. I would love to see something like that and would be willing to contribute, if I can

13:56 / 20.02.02

So, say we have a short glossary of common terms - about ten or twenty - and then we pick the topics that seem to come up the most and write a paragraph or so on each one, then the list of links and book titles at the bottom. Sound okay? – Mordant Carnival

The FAQ really shouldn't take up much space – each paragraph and glossary term should be short, direct and to the point. The purpose isn't to teach or train anyone. The stuff on the FAQ would be stuff that people interested in Magick would already know about – and if they don't, then they can check the links or the reading list.

There are 19 pages of archived material in this forum. Hopefully with the changes imminent for the board in general we can put this archive to better use. Rev. Jesse mentioned over in the Policy that it would be cool to be able to search for a certain subject more effectively and easily, and I agree. Until that comes to pass, a suggestion would be to link to various archived threads dedicated to a certain subject for ease of reference.

I gathered from the policy threads that there will also be changes in how the forums are moderated, giving more people the responsibility for the upkeep and running of each forum. The FAQ would be part of the moderator's job – meaning Lionheart (or whoever takes his place if he chooses to step down) and other posters appropriate for the position.

14:13 / 20.02.02

I agree that they should be short passages otherwise your going to kill off threads, if people find out all they need to know on the FAQ they wont feel the need to post...but I never use the magick forum anyway so fuck what I say.....

Tuna Ghost: Pratt knot hero

14:39 / 20.02.02

quote:Originally posted by bear:
I agree that they should be short passages otherwise your going to kill off threads, if people find out all they need to know on the FAQ they wont feel the need to post...

Bah. You never know "all you need to know" when it comes to magik. We have some very experienced magick users here who still post often, and we thank them for it.

14:45 / 20.02.02

Edited to stop me sounding like a grumpy bastard.....

[ 20-02-2002: Message edited by: bear ]

16:00 / 20.02.02

...say a new person joins asks about creating sigils although its been asked before a thread is started and maybe it'll grow and become something more...– bear

That's a big "maybe," and it hasn't been happening far more than it has. Hence the need for a FAQ.

The idea is to limit repetition as much as possible, as well as have a source of easily accessible info to those who need it. Not about giving new people the cold shoulder, but directing them to websites or books that will expand their perspective and knowledge.

16:11 / 20.02.02

quote:...say a new person joins asks about creating sigils although its been asked before a thread is started and maybe it'll grow and become something more...– bear

I'm with Irene here. Random happenings of youth inspiring brilliance by their lack of knowledge is a great thing, but this is Barbelith. There will always be PLENTY of that sort of unexpected energy popping up. I don't think we have to go out of our way to nurture it.

Plus I'm all about the modern conveniences and time saving objects (FAQs included! HUZZAH!).
If I want completly clueless people's perspectives to help my own grow, I generally don't go here to look for them.
I go to one of the other students on campus.
Or my parents.
Or a Bush supporter.

(edited to include more of the letter of the day- S!)

[ 20-02-2002: Message edited by: Vadrice ]

16:18 / 20.02.02

Instead of putting all the links together at the bottom of the FAQ, what if a pertinant link was placed after the definition?

For example, take servitors. You say something along the lines of "a magical construct" and then place a link to a page like
this one which would tell the person more about the construction a servitor

just a suggestion.

17:21 / 20.02.02

I guess I was too slow editing my posts....your replies weren't their when I changed it - honest.....

18:32 / 20.02.02

Point on the brevity. If its a FAQ, what we want is to limit the number of repeat questions to the forum. So, it'd be things like this:

What's a sigel?
What's a servitor?
Why do I have to forget my sigel?
Do I have to wank it?

There are a few CM related ones. Naturally, questions about other paths that come up here alot would be suited, as would threads that seem to come up now and again, such as the "am I crazy?" thread. Offer a brief summary answer, links to threads, and outside material.

Now, making a resource of information and lists of resources would be a different project than a "The Magick FAQ", like the chaosmatrix. I'd be all for working on that too, though it doesn't help much to do what has already been done.

18:52 / 20.02.02

yes. New. Different, and better. Otherwise we could just do it all with links, and NUTS TO THAT!

18:58 / 20.02.02

Now, making a resource of information and lists of resources would be a different project than a "The Magick FAQ"...–cusm

Agreed. So we really don't need to go all- out with long lists of outside resources. Maybe like 5 of the best websites out there, and 5-10 books. Tops. From there each individual new poster can find hir own direction.

09:34 / 21.02.02

This would be great. I'm usually too shy to post here, because I'm afraid of coming off as stoopit. I come off as stoopit in some of the other forums, but not extremely stoopit, as I fear I would here. If I had some more knowledge on magick I would be joyed. Especially chaos magick and cool shiat like that, yo. (for some reason I feel the urge to play the role of "unpretentious anti-intellectual" here)

Where do I start though? I'm overwhelmed.

This FAQ candy is a very good idea.

I know that I have some sort of "thing" and I'd love to learn how to put it to positive use. Teach me the ways, wise ones. Introduce me to your kingdom. No hazing, I hope.

09:34 / 21.02.02

quote:Here's a thought - could the FAQ be constantly evolving, more like a webzine? We could write longer, more detailed articles, the best of which could be donated to the Barbelith Webzine for wider reading

Bloody genius Imp.

09:34 / 21.02.02

I've tried to cover many topics dealing with magick on my site, there's also a big section on chaos magick for those who that's a main focus. If anyone wants me to host any files, FAQ or more in depth, lemme know. I've got loads of space with my server and hey, that's what the site's for.

--Psyche

01:27 / 23.02.02

I am new to this site and am both amazed and greatful for such a place. I had started to think many people lacked the devtion to study in depth thier path! To all the mages, shamans, witchs,and those who choose no title.A quick thanks But before I ramble on I think that having a question and awnser page is brillant idea, and oppetunity to not only lend advice to one another but teach a bit.

01:27 / 23.02.02

...question and awnser page is brillant idea, an opportunity to not only lend advice to one another but teach a bit. – chaotica

Hmmm...I can only speak for myself here, but I don't feel comfortable with teaching anyone, and I suspect I'm not alone here. We're all learning, and each person learns about different aspects of the Path in their own way according to their level of interest. There's a potential for ego-stroking and "magus-itis" in being perceived as a TEACHER that will distract certain posters and irritate others.

So I see the FAQ more as a very basic "here's what we tend to talk about, here's what this or that word means, if you'd like to know more check out these books and/or those websites." Something to get new people aware of the terms and basic concepts, but also to get them to find things out for themselves.

Having said that...I think it's really great that so many new people get a lot of ideas and information from the Magick, and enjoy it so much. Thanks for the feedback, peeps!

12:38 / 24.02.02

Hope I'm not being presumptious, but I just started a new thread for questions and answers. I realise we haven't really agreed on a format, but I didn't think it would hurt to start collating some content. I've borrowed suggestions drawn from this thread to create the format of the new thread, but we can write that info up in any number of different ways.

I'm also wondering to what extent this should be a Barbelith Magick faq- i.e. whether it should explain some of our history, group working etc. This might be very helpful to people new to the forum (not that we're going to have any for a bit what with the closed relaunch- all the more reason to use this time to get the info together!)

16:08 / 24.02.02

As ever, I'm behind in the conversation, but I think a well-presented FAQ is a fantastic idea. I know next to sod all about sigils (I barely know how to create one) and didn't want to ask. Such a thing would be an enormous help to me and lots of others.

Ground Zero

16:18 / 24.02.02

14:15 / 25.02.02

I think a FAQ is a great idea and, as others have already said, the glossary aspect of it could be essential. There is so much specialized jargon and terminology in all aspects of the 'Occult' that it would be very beneficial to make it easy for new and old people to clue into what we're talking about.

We're The Great Old Ones Now

14:55 / 25.02.02

What about an I-FAQ? As in 'infrequently asked questions'?

A radical rethink, trashing received impressions of CM and related practice. A Novo Ordo Barbelientis? (Someone stomp my classics, I dares ya...)

[ 25-02-2002: Message edited by: Nick ]

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