Discussion

[Sindorin]

Why is there no forums for discussion about Philosophy, aspects of the force, meditation and the other traditional items associated with Jedi? :sCo_chinscratch:

[Kitsu Tails]

because such forum sections have caused nothing but alot of internal drama. Im sure there are other sites like Jediism where you can go and discuss things of that nature if you like :). I believe JRC is wanting to focus only on gatherings and the creation of gatherings.

....Feel free to correct me if Im wrong

[Rivan Elan]

It would be nice if all Jedi made use of the mapping feature. We might be able to create more actual rather than virtual groups that way.

Rivan Elan, Jedi

[AdamGolfer]

Kitsu is correct!!

We are focused on connecting people, even though a little chatter does go on here, but that is not our focus. There are already a number of sites that focus on the discussion aspect.

[Xander]

So technically, it's not really a true "resource center" since it focuses only gatherings.

[Charles]

I believe, and correct me if I am wrong, the resource part would be the pictures, links, blogs, and video sections.

[AdamGolfer]

The links section is part of the resource. We provide links to sites that will help you further your learning. Would love to see more links added but they'll come in time. Resource does not only mean providing Jedi discussion, much more that can be done to be a resource. We also are a resource for Jedi gatherings, finding Jedi, etc..

[Sindorin]

To be blunt, I find this site less of a resource and really, useless. If it's only good for gatherings, you've got an enormous potential you're missing out on. I don't think this site is practical for as large and technologically "fancy" as it is. You can use a simple web group or Mailing List for what you do. In fact, it would be more effective (practically and economically) to do so. I do not see how simply organization warrants a site complete with blogs forums and links.

[Charles]

I dunno, the blogs section seems fun and useful and the photo album is almost a must all things considering. As for the economical side if I recall correctly in conversation with Moon and Xhaiden both the site is basically paid for and now costs nothing, or next to nothing, to keep and maintain. Also with the kind of software they are using the site now practically runs its self.

[AdamGolfer]

As far as cost, this site costs me nothing other then minuscule costs of the scripts from year to year. Hosting and such is no extra cost for this site because of the way I host sites. If I hosted this site or not, I would still be paying the same because I maintain about 15 or so other sites. It doesn't matter if I host one site or ninety sites, I am allotted a set amount of space/bandwidth and that is what I have to stay within. One of my sites in about another year might require me to move to dedicated hosting but that still won't effect any of the costs I don't pay for this site. Probably more then I needed to say but hopefully that helps drive the point home :)

As far as what we offer, it can be as much or as little as the members make it. We have a nice forum, informational profiles, member map, photo albums, blogs, video section, chapter resources, links section, chat room, etc. The potential is there but most people are not utilizing everything. I'm not going to sit here and force people to use the different features we offer. We have never said that we would be a general Jedi discussion forum, at one time we went that way as a part of the site but the decision was made that it was not going to be part of what we do because there are already so many sites out there that offer that. We are as much of a resource as people make it.

If you find it useless then that is fine, can't make everyone happy. We do the best we can and that is all we can do. If you have an idea let us know as we always welcome suggestions.

[Sindorin]

I just think a discussion forum would be great and it would add a functional purpose to this forum. Gatherings happen once a year or so in one or two places. As far as practicality is concerned, I don't see how that warrants huge infrastructure.

[Moonshadow]

Why is there no forums for discussion about Philosophy, aspects of the force, meditation and the other traditional items associated with Jedi?

Andy pretty much hit it on the mark when he said, “Coordination and collaboration is what this site is about.” The primary focus of this site is to provide the necessary resources and means of communication needed to help bring Jedi together both offline and online. We do this through our Jedi Map by allowing people to find other Jedi in nearby locations. Through our Chapters which allow people to find offline training groups in their areas. Through our profiles which allow members to find people who share common interests. Through our Training Blogs which provide peer support, motivation, and training ideas. Through our links section which helps Jedi find other sites that may help then find other Jedi or meet a specific purpose. Through our annual Gatherings which allow Jedi from around the globe to actually meet each other in person. Etc, etc, etc.

This site was never designed to serve purely as an online discussion board. In fact, online discussion, unless it’s supporting offline training, is really what this site is trying to move away from. There are plenty of other Jedi sites out there better suited for that. Just as there are other sites out there that serve as Jedi Academies or sites that focus on supporting Jedi who follow a specific aspect of the Force or sites that focus on following the Jedi path as a religion. Every site has its own niche, and the JRC was created to help connect Jedi with one another and help Jedi grow, primarily offline. If you feel there is something that the JRC can’t provide for you with its current focus in mind, feel free to post a link in the links section to another site that can since another one of our goals is to help Jedi find the appropriate resources, not necessarily provide them all ourselves.

If you would like to discuss things like philosophy or aspects of the Force or meditation or anything else related to the Jedi path, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from starting a thread about it. We have the Offline Training Forum where I’m sure people would love to see any ideas for specific meditations that can be practiced offline. Or although Force aspects aren’t a focus of this site, if you want to that topic, feel free to start a thread in the Lounge about it. I’m sure plenty of people have an opinion and it would generate some good conversation. As long as topics are respectful, non disruptive, and suitable for our younger members you are free to post any Jedi-related thread you’d like.

To be blunt, I find this site less of a resource and really, useless. If it's only good for gatherings, you've got an enormous potential you're missing out on. I don't think this site is practical for as large and technologically "fancy" as it is. You can use a simple web group or Mailing List for what you do. In fact, it would be more effective (practically and economically) to do so. I do not see how simply organization warrants a site complete with blogs forums and links.

I just think a discussion forum would be great and it would add a functional purpose to this forum. Gatherings happen once a year or so in one or two places. As far as practicality is concerned, I don't see how that warrants huge infrastructure.

There is a discussion forum. You’re typing in it right now. ;) Seriously, though, the fact is the Jedi Gatherings Group originally started off as a Yahoo Group but it didn’t meet our needs, so we kept on expanding until we came to this point. Although you may not see how all the features here are being utilized, a lot of thought goes into each and every one, and they all do in fact serve a purpose and play an important role in the things this site is striving to achieve. Organizing a Gathering is also an incredibly involved process, and as Gatherings continue to grow, the features of this site help facilitate and ease the process of organizing them.

The JRC/JGG is still a work in progress, however. We only recently upgraded to this new forum, so we are still setting up many of our features to be used to their full potential. Regardless of what we can provide here, though, members are free to use or leave aside whatever they like.

I hope that helps address some of your concerns. We are always looking for ways to improve, but this site was also created for a specific purpose and the resources we provide are likely to continue to be focused on that purpose.

--Moonshadow

[Rivan Elan]

Xhaidan and Moonshadow, I think this site is a great idea and I have been encouraging my friends to start making more use of it.

Andy pretty much hit it on the mark when he said, “Coordination and collaboration is what this site is about.” The primary focus of this site is to provide the necessary resources and means of communication needed to help bring Jedi together both offline and online. We do this through our Jedi Map by allowing people to find other Jedi in nearby locations. Through our Chapters which allow people to find offline training groups in their areas. Through our profiles which allow members to find people who share common interests. Through our Training Blogs which provide peer support, motivation, and training ideas. Through our links section which helps Jedi find other sites that may help then find other Jedi or meet a specific purpose. Through our annual Gatherings which allow Jedi from around the globe to actually meet each other in person. Etc, etc, etc.

This site was never designed to serve purely as an online discussion board. In fact, online discussion, unless it’s supporting offline training, is really what this site is trying to move away from.
--Moonshadow

The emphasis is mine but here you hit the nail right on the head! Endless online discussion is about as useful and effective as congress or parliament right before a holiday.

Talk is cheap and does not necessarily equate to communication. As you say later there are plenty of sites to enter into a lively and enlightening debate but at some point the Jedi have to leave Tatooine...

Thank you for the great idea of this site. I love the gatherings and map concepts and wholeheartedly support your work here.

You have provided a great resource here. Now it is up to us to encourage its use in connecting up the disparate fragments of the Jedi Community. As the Vulcans say: Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.

May the Force Be With You

Rivan Elan, Jedi

Rivan Elan, Jedi

[Raven]

because such forum sections have caused nothing but alot of internal drama. Im sure there are other sites like Jediism where you can go and discuss things of that nature if you like :). I believe JRC is wanting to focus only on gatherings and the creation of gatherings.

....Feel free to correct me if Im wrong

If that's the case then this website is kind-of pointless. Since you are posting the groups on Meetup.com, this is redundant. The Meetup group says, "Go to our website for more information." And yet, there is no information on this website. If the only purpose of this website is to organize gatherings, that is already being done! If the only place to discuss anything related to Jedi beliefs is "in person", why have a message board?! The Meetup groups also have their own message boards, as well as a "suggest a Meetup" button, and an e-mail discussion option; that is, anyone who sends a message or replies to a message in a meetup group e-mail address, will be sent to the whole group.

[Mindas Arran]

If that's the case then this website is kind-of pointless. Since you are posting the groups on Meetup.com, this is redundant. The Meetup group says, "Go to our website for more information." And yet, there is no information on this website.
How curious. I see plenty of information on this site.


If the only purpose of this website is to organize gatherings, that is already being done!

Where at? I'd be interested in seeing Gatherings at other sites. I'd love to meet some new people.


If the only place to discuss anything related to Jedi beliefs is "in person", why have a message board?!

'In person' is not the only place one can discuss their beliefs/opinions, it just lay outside the scope of the admins vision here to create a specific section devoted to online discussion of Jedi belief specifically. The forums primarily use here to plan the workshops and such for the annual gatherings. There is also some limited discussion on offline training ideas, particularly in the Blog section.


The Meetup groups also have their own message boards, as well as a "suggest a Meetup" button, and an e-mail discussion option; that is, anyone who sends a message or replies to a message in a meetup group e-mail address, will be sent to the whole group.
Whilst I don't necessarily agree with the need for a board with all the bells and whistles (I suggested to simplify it to a Facebook group). Redundant, perhaps. Handled by other programs/applications? Could be so. In the end, Andy sums it up well. It IS their website -- their dime, their time. What concern is it of mine how they see fit to use it?


*********EDIT**********
I suppose it's also worth mentioning that at no time has an admin said you CAN'T discuss whatever philosophy or idea you want. The Lounge specifically says it's for discussion that doesn't fit in any of the other forum sections. So, if you have something to discuss, there is a place for it.

[Charles]

Also, uh, the moneys been spent, wouldn't it be silly to downgrade?

[Moonshadow]

Since you are posting the groups on Meetup.com, this is redundant.

The Meetup groups also have their own message boards, as well as a "suggest a Meetup" button, and an e-mail discussion option; that is, anyone who sends a message or replies to a message in a meetup group e-mail address, will be sent to the whole group.

As far as I know, only the Chicago and Maryland Jedi Chapters have a meetup group. Meetup groups are also limited to only one location per group which causes a lot of problems. With the Maryland Chapter, I’ve run into issues because I can’t even list multiple locations within the same state making it more difficult for potential Maryland members to find and join the group. In addition, meetup groups cost a lot of money to maintain, and each different location will cost a whole separate membership fee, unlike this site which is virtually free with the way Adam is hosting it.

The Meetup group says, "Go to our website for more information." And yet, there is no information on this website.

As I said, this site is still a work in progress. We recently upgraded and are still working on getting all of our features set up to their full potential. It’s a lengthy process and we lead busy lives, so we are simply moving things along as quickly as we can. In the mean time, people can make use of the features that are available like the Jedi Map, the Training Blogs, and the ability to register for upcoming Gatherings, to name a few.

If the only purpose of this website is to organize gatherings, that is already being done! If the only place to discuss anything related to Jedi beliefs is "in person", why have a message board?!

The purpose of this site is not just to organize Gatherings, but also to help bring Jedi together both offline and online. One of our goals is to help Jedi throughout the world find ways to connect with other Jedi in their local areas and elsewhere. Another goal is to help Jedi find the resources they’re looking for, such as a Jedi Academy, a Jedi Religion site, a Jedi Philosophy Discussion Board, etc. We may not offer all the resources ourselves, but we would like to help people find what they are seeking.

People are also free to discuss Jedi-related matters online. They don’t need to be discussed in person. But our focus here is to encourage members to move past just discussion and actually practice living as Jedi offline, rather than just talking about how to be Jedi online.

Finally, as I’ve also stated before, a lot of thought goes into each and every one of the features offered here. Many of them are not yet being utilized to their full potential. Others may seem simple but serve an important purpose in helping us to work towards our goals. Still others you may not even realize exist at all but play an essential role in streamlining the function of this site and the organization of Gatherings. Other sites like Meetup.com, Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Myspace, etc, DO NOT have the features we need to achieve the goals we’re aiming for. If you want to see past discussion on this topic, check out this post (http://jediresourcecenter.org/archived_site/index.php?option=com_agora&task=topic&id=3699&Itemid=105) on our archived site.

Feel free to suggest ways we can improve this site, but we have absolutely no plans to close up shop and downgrade to an inadequate substitute. If you feel this site is unnecessary or redundant, then I have absolutely no problem with people frequenting other sites that can offer the same thing. Regardless, this site exists and is here to provide the necessary resources to those who choose to use them.

--Moonshadow