Revising Gaudiya Discussions - Please participate and give input!

As you've no doubt noticed, a revision is upcoming, a revision to bring the forum as close as possible to its original intent.

I will be re-writing the statement of purpose and spelling out our aims, principles and attitudes in a very clear manner in the near future. That will be sent to all members with a request to read it through with keen attention.

I might also want to revise the structure a bit, though I am unsure exactly how. A lot of stuff that is "off topic", at wherever it may appear, is going to be archived aside into a read-only section.

I'd like to hear from all of you some suggestions on what could / should be done to make the forums a pleasant place for practicing Gaudiya Vaishnavas. I would really appreciate your kind thoughts in this regard.

I'd like to suggest that we advertise/mention Srivas Angan more frequently as I met some folk in Vrindavan who didn't even know of this section of the site despite being disciples of Ananta Das Baba. They were put off by the "other stuff" but would perhaps contribute something if they knew there was a sheltered zone.

By making the fact that we have restricted forums public I'm not suggesting that we build fences to keep others out, rather that we probably need them to keep the core members in. And not just "in" but participating and enthusiastic, even if by passive reading. Perhaps some will be put off by us mentioning the closed forums but I believe the possibility of that happening to truly sincere people is minor.

GD is obviously catering to too diverse a group at present--I honestly feel that "believers" and "the inquisitive" are in the minority. Hopefully Tapati's forum will restore a greater sense of balance.

Seems strange to hear so little from Advaita but so much from the other Advaita. Personally, I'm not averse to hearing contrary opinions--I'd rather know them than not--but the balance is off. And when that happens, it becomes harder to break through with a few drops of nectar and insight.

I came here by way of eclecticism but find myself a bit lacking in patience when others want to remain in that nebulous realm.

The two are not so compatible. I decided not to join the chorus of protests against the course this site has been steering lately, I would inevitably blame it on the all-inclusive Jagat, but he has now unanimously been voted in as the site's Patron Saint, so.....
Anyway, since it seems others are also sad that just 51% of our crew is still a GV, I will take the courage now to stand up and be counted - Back to Raganuga.com Forums!

That's more like it! Better some infighting than bowing down to Buddhism and De.

In Jagat's defense, I will suggest that his hobgoblins and pretas would have been more under control if he were here.

(Feels like a Friday today!)

As you may see, I seem to be in the mood of cutting down on humbug today. I was still OK with the off-topic topics back in Finland as there was some kind of proportion there, but now it's gone totally haywire.

No, not back to Raganuga.Com forums -- onwards to something much greater! There was a bit too much IGM bickering there, and it was awfully silent at times. Let us bring about a forum that is actually truly focused on the teachings and narrations of the Goswamis, and flourishes and nourishes itself of it.

DISCLAIMER: I tend to sound like a total jerk, especially when making recommendations of what others should do. Please judge me with some mercy

About two weeks ago, Rasaraja and I made posts to different threads at just about the same time, dealing with the drift at GD. I took a very glasshalf full approach, saying the new influx of people was good, bringing more dimension, etc. Rasaraja took a more dour outlook. I PM’ed Rrd and complained about his outlook. Unfortunately, he was very right, and I was very wrong.

In reading over some of the threads, I learned of a different outlook to GD, that of ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ forum areas. Many felt that they would go to the ‘bottom’ of the forum to make their posts. Some even claimed to taking up just about sole residence in the ‘bottom’ forums. For some reason, this viewpoint had completely escaped me. Looking at GD this way, I started to see there really are two sites here, the ‘top’, which I think you could call ‘Gaudiya Instruction’ and ‘bottom’, which one might call ‘Off-Gaudiya Discussion’

Looking at the top half of the forums, I think the general pattern is someone posts a question, and Madhava and/or Jagat answer the question rather definitively. In fact, I’ve noticed a few threads in the top directed to Madhava or Jagat, looking directly to them for answers. This usually accounts for very little discussion.

Personally, I would like to see more discussions going on, but often I feel isolated from meaningfully contributing to many threads. The fact is that many of my interests are of very little interest to most GD users. To compound this, through GD I’ve discovered that I’m probably a lot more interesting to talk to in person than in reading my writing. Too many dry philosophy papers me thinks.

So, what would I do/what would I like to see? For one, since we do seem to have a core of people here (the SA group), how about something more geared towards learning? Probably a separate site, but something like online classes/study groups for certain GV books? Personally, I would love this.

I think the profile rule should be enforced with an iron fist. I’m getting very tired to writing to people that I have no idea of their background. Maybe the account creation page could be revamped to make it more compulsory to provide certain pieces of information?

I do wish there was some technological way for us to all talk together. Not that I think this will happen, I just know I’m frustrated with the typed medium for communication.

I’d also like to see more varied topics, but I tend to think there is little interest in these. I would love to discuss/read: new media and GV, more personal bios, science and GV, maybe even some ‘traditional’ philosophical topics? (Nature of knowledge, body/mind problem, etc.) …

Ditto to that one!



And again! I actually had a longer first post here but lost it. I suggested there that users Bios are publically posted somewhere when created so we don't have this silly situation where people remove them and need to be chased down. The Bio they submit in order to receive posting rights needs to be duplicated to a place where they cannot remove it or the Bio feature needs to be locked down. While some at GD have valid reasons for a high degree of privacy, if someone wishes to pour forth on various subjects, we need to know who there are, otherwise it allows for a childish approach.

Radhe!

Dandavats. All glories to the Vaisnavas.

Radhe Radhe!

I agree with everyone’s points on the need to bring more focus and quality to Gaudiya Discussions. Personally I have found it hard to relate with the undercurrents that have become more prevalent in the last two months. I remember Jagat e-mailed Braja and I when we were in Vraja and he mentioned this same theme and said that hopefully the tide would turn once the both of us and Madhava returned from Vraja. I think the re-emergence of Gaurasundara, the addition of DC and, of course, the participation of Advaita as well as other thoughtful participants are what has kept me engaged with GD since returning from the dhama. Otherwise it is really a bit of a mental workout to wade through the countless posts of material that in the past wouldn’t be found at GD.

I remember posting about my concern some weeks back and receiving feedback both on the board, and in PM, that my issues were just my issues. That they were simply a result of me floating on some sort of high from just receiving diksa and that such a high was artificial and would go away. Hence I should "Get over it". Of course I recognize that the power of the dhama and diksa have indeed given me something that may very well go away… however the point is I don’t want it to. If I don't want it to go away then I have to engage in the activities that bring about such an influence. Discussing "Matsya rasik seva" or arguing over semantics of how we should all be “open minded” regarding anything someone throws out there with a word that can be found in our books just doesn't do it for me.

What I found in the dhama was a powerful reminder of just how sweet and powerful Vaisnava association really is. Although GD is not the dhama it is still a medium for association that I personally believe is helpful to my life.

From a self serving side… over the last few months I have spoken with many old friends including 4 ISKCON Guru’s who have commented on my participation at GD. Whether it seems reasonable or not we are all seen as both representatives of GD and GD as representative of us. So seeing the current undercurrents of GD has made me feel a bit uneasy as I don’t think they truly represent the core of GD nor its real core participants/audience. I don't participate in any other forums because I don’t want to be affiliated with them. So this dynamic also has played into my mind.

Anyhow I just don’t have the energy to deal with all of the background noise accompanying GD these days. Of course we want to be a public forum but that doesn’t have to mean that anything goes. Let those that think that “anything goes” regarding how we approach Radha Krishna and how we view the writings of our Acaryas, as being dated, visit the great Gaudiya Repercussions site which, as we have all read, will be the most open and sane place on earth where real spirituality is encouraged and embraced ... At this point I am ready to empty my bank account to get their forum up on line as quickly as humanly possible so we can get back to Gaudiya Discussions proper!

Radhe Radhe!

Rasaraja dasa

I also love DC's idea on online classes/study groups for certain GV books.

Radhe Radhe!

In reviewing the profiles I also agree that they are anything but proper profiles. I just viewed Babu and Bangli's for the first time so I can get some insight into their deep understanding of "Matsya rasik seva" and found that their profiles were either incomplete or something out of a bad dream.

Anyhow... I don't know what the right step is. Maybe a larger Moderator Team with more segmented responsibilities (i.e. 2-3 Moderators for postings, 1 for Profiles/Member Issues, etc.)?

Radhe!

Rasaraja dasa

In my opinion there should be solely part of the Forum for initiated disciples of Sri Ananta Das Babaji Maharaja. I like Srivas, but i can't participate in Srivas in a way i would like, i.e. asking questions about seva, and other questions related etc.
I know that it sounds probably elitist to some but we really do need that.

I do agree that Gaudiya Discussions should come back to its roots and at the same time strive for more revisions.

Srivas Angam should be still hidden part of the Forum for people which are aspiring on the path, and are already sufficiently informed about the teachings and culture of Traditional Gaudiya Caitanya Vaishnava Parivar.

Iskcon, Gaudiya Matha topics can really find place somewhere else. I stopped reading and participating altogether in those and such topics. I have my personal opinion and i don't want to go in anybodys way with my opinion, but i don't think we do really need that.

I don't know what others think about topics on other traditions, but i think it is good to stay focused on Gaudiya Vaishnava discussions.

This Forum and website is the primary force behind traditional / orthodox Gaudiya Vaishnavism, and when back in beginning of 2002 Advaita Dasji (the translator) told me about website, i was more than happy, and it remained since then my homesite, which i always visit as my start point on the web.

I do believe and trust totally in Madhava's judgement, because i know him now for years, and he is the person which always does what he says and writes. So i definitely know that Forum will be better again, there is no doubt in that.

PS. Profiles should be definitely a imperative for joining the GD. There is no doubt about that.

My mum will be updating her profile, but she is very sick at the moment. She has rheumatic arthritis in her hands (they are swelling heavily), so she can't write often, so one of us children will be updating it.

I hope that everybody will understand that.

Radhe Radhe!

There will be a specific forums for initiated disciples of Sri Ananta dasa Babaji Maharaja at the http://www.jayasriradhe.com/ site. Their will be different forums for those aspiring for initiation, for those with harinama, for those with diksa and for those with siddha pranali. In those forums you can discuss specific questions or experiences regarding those specific areas.

This leaves GD as a Gaudiya Vaisnava discussions board which should allow participation for anyone seriously interested in Gaudiya Vaisnavism. Furthermore Srivas Angan will serve as a part of GD for those that are an invested part of the GD community as such a bond of trust should lead to deeper discussions when warranted.

Aspiring to serve the Vaisnavas,
Rasaraja dasa

Rasaraja,

Please accept my dandavat pranams.

How will those new forums be organized? Will senior devotees like Jagat, who don't have initiation from Sri Ananta dasa Babaji Maharaja (unless something amazing took place last month! ), be excluded from all but the "aspiring" or "seriously interested but not a disciple" forums?

Obviously there is need for close and private communications among Godbrothers. I just hope that it doesn't come at the expense of deeper communications with folks like me, who are not yet committed to a particular guru-pranali, yet who look forward to making a commitment to a guru with a genuine pranali coming from Mahaprabhu's associates.

I know that in the last month or two, I have found fewer and fewer reasons to post at GD. I will be saddened if the devotees who have most inspired my coming here end up secluding themselves at the new forums, leaving people like me with neither the inspiration and encouragement of serious practitioners, nor the opportunity to explore tangential issues with like-minded souls without having to fend off the barbs of the crazy and the attention-starved.

The quote above sums it up for me, without all other stuff.

Speaking of Forums on Jay Sri Radhe, let us see how much time Yugal has, since he has many things to do.To do Forums (not only Forum) will be a great move, but hopefully there will be time for him to do it.

Speaking of moderators, i have seen them changing here, but Madhava and Jagat are the only ones (and constant ones) for me, which can truly lead and moderate this Forums.

I don't think that this will happen Vamsi. Where will anybody go without you? You inspired me with many of your posts, and your interesting comments over the years.

Dandavats. All glories to the Vaisnavas.

I think the best way to summarize how things could be organized is as follows:

In essence GD will be the public site which would be open to all. As a visitor or preliminary member you could read any and every section, with the exception of Srivas Angan. Once you have submitted a proper biography which focuses on ones Gaudiya background and current interests you will have access to post to the forums. I think it is important that when signing up to use the forum it we clearly articulate the responsibilities of our Member's and the focus of this forum. Let's face it... if we want a certain caliber of quality then it will not be for everyone. I don't think we should be mental that this will lead to alienating prospective contributors as there are plenty of sites associated with Gaudiya concepts where one could say and do anything. We should distinguish Gaudiya Discussions from those sites by the caliber of our posts and contributions. To be too open in what we allow can lead to alienating serious contributions.

The Gaudiya Discussions forum will be a medium to discuss Gaudiya theology and practice as a whole. Again it will be open to the public but with an emphasis and "agreement" that it be a forum for those serious in discussing Gaudiya Vaisnavism as it is taught by the Goswami's. This allows for a wide landscape of discussions on both the general aspects of Gaudiya theology and the different practices. Of course there will be room to talk about things outside of the parameter of Gaudiya theology but again the expectation is that it be something that in the end it is brought into the context of Gaudiya theology or practice.

Srivas Angan will be a subset of Gaudiya Discussions and will serve as a membership section of GD for those that are an invested part of the GD community as such a bond of trust should lead to deeper discussions when warranted.

To ensure that Gaudiya Discussions, which already contains a Mission Statement emphasizing these same concepts, stays on track I think a larger Moderator Team with more segmented responsibilities (i.e. 2-3 Moderators for postings, 1 for Profiles/Member Issues, etc.) would be needed. You can't expect Madhava, Jagat and Malati to filter all of these areas. I would personally like to see Advaita added as a moderator. Between these four they can moderate the Gaudiya Discussions forum. Then 1 or 2 more moderators could be added that could focus purely on the new member's and ensuring that profiles are complete. To ensure that someone doesn't fill in their profile to gain access and then strip it down there could be an added function that a note will be generated to these moderators alerting them that the profile has been changed. At that point it can be reviewed to ensure that it still contains the background we are requiring for membership. If someone has a fair reason for needing that privacy it can be discussed by the moderators.

Jayasriradhe.com is a separate entity altogether although it will obviously share some member's with GD. This site will be focused squarely on the teachings of Sri Ananta dasa babaji Maharaja and will contain different forums for those aspiring for initiation, for those with harinama, for those with diksa and for those with siddha pranali. In those forums you can discuss specific questions or experiences regarding those specific areas.

The only reason I mentioned the Jayasriradhe.com site in this thread was that Tamal Baran asked for a sub forum for disciples of Sri Ananta Dasa Babaji maharaja where more intimate and specific topics to our Gurudeva are discussed. Gaudiya Discussions is a seperate entity and should be one where we set the stage for conversations/questions on Gaudiya theology and practice as a whole with Srivas Angan serving as the more intimate setting for the inner GD community.

Aspiring to serve the Vaisnavas,
Rasaraja dasa

I would like to say that nearly every comment thus far raises some valid points.

In case anyone had any doubts, due to my involvement with Krishna Premonmaada, I am a practitioner of manjari bhava upasana.

Without now placing before this audience of sadhus an in depth perspective of my own, I would like to say that I am reminded of something I've seen Madhava say in a post some time back, "Why not let a thousand flowers bloom?"

True, there is some posting going on that is not overly tasteful to many of us, however most people here seem like they are sincerely seeking to better themselves through the avenue of Sri Krishna's grace.

I haven't noticed much activity in SA...... Not sure what that says to me.

With regards to the upcooming forum for disciples / followers of Sri Ananta Das Babaji Maharaja and the involvement of senior Gaudiyas who are not his disciples, some thoughts.

I would not see a problem in their participating in the aspiring & harinama sections, however the sections reserved for those with diksha or/and siddha-pranali will for the most part be featuring topics that are really only of direct concern for us, as there is a good deal of difference between the practices of the various branches of the Gaudiya tradition on these areas. Baba's personal recommendation was to keep those for initiated disciples only, or otherwise to those who have specifically come to Baba for siksha on those very aspects of bhajana.

I will be drafting together a new draft of "rules and prinicples" for GD very soon and begin implementing it. I will post a preview here sometime very soon, likely tomorrow. I'll have it implemented on Nityananda Trayodashi in honor of Nitai.

New board rules and guidelines have been posted in. Anticipating your kind feedback.

Dandavats. All glories to the Vaisnavas.

Radhe Radhe!

I think it looks and reads well. I would probably clarify what you expect to see in ones profile. To fully approach someone in this context it is best to know their experience and current affiliation. Again if it needs to be private then it can be more general but for sake of clarity something substantial should be there.

Radhe!

Rasaraja dasa

There's a link for more information where it's outlined in great detail, don't you think it's sufficient? If someone tries to post without being a full member, they'll also get an error message directing them to that same thread.

Radhe Radhe!

Initially I thought the link was to the sign up. Yes, I think the information is adequate although a sample profile may be good too.

Rasaraja dasa

I think it's a huge improvement on the previous guidance, so have just a couple of comments, as follows:

1) There is no definition of "traditional" GV, if you read between the lines (and obviously if you know the background) you can understand that for those who came in via ISKCON, it is on some level a rejection of the line back to and including Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. Is it too provocative/difficult to make this clearer by putting in some kind of definition so that those with no previous exposure to GV outside of ISKCON have some idea of what we mean by "traditional"? I am worried there is a risk some who arrive at the site might mistakenly think we are "traditional" in the sense of being into "traditional" roles for women, or using "traditional" musical instruments, etc.

2) There is a link over to the rules on filling in a profile. This page shows the topics that regular members can post in, one of which is "Questions and Answers" which sits within the Rupanuga area of the site. Would it be possible to add a couple of sentences on that page just to expand on what each section is for (I know there is probably a pinned thread at the top of each particular section, but I thought one or two sentences on this "filling in a profile" page, just to explain what each area is for, would help prevent inappropriate postings). For instance, after "Questions and Answers" it could say this is for sincere questions and answers about the Rupanuga gaudiya vaisnava tradition (i.e. not just any old crazy question about anything).

3) Perhaps it might be useful to have some guidance on the appropriate scope of posting on sociological topics, current affairs etc. In the recent "leaving GD" thread there was much talk along the lines of "well Jagat is interested in posting on such topics, so why can't we". Maybe the restructuring of the board will address this, but if not I feel it is a bit of an "elephant in the living room" and, somehow or other, the senior members of the forum need to reach agreement on this.

4) In the paragraph on "I was once a Gaudiya but I am no longer practicing. Do I fit in?" it says "excessive critique and grumbling" are not something we really welcome. Personally (and I do expect others may disagree on this) I would like to add the term "processing" as I fear that people will just assert they are not "grumbling" just "processing" - and that this is a healthy psychological healing mechanism etc etc. My view on such public "processing" is that frankly I've had more to "process" than most, but it is neither interesting nor enlivening for others to read such self-absorbed musings!

Anyway, just some thoughts. Thanks Madhava for the huge amount of work you've put into this.

Kamala - thank you for the excellent suggestions.

1. Done, a link added.

2. I'll do that later on today, I'm leaving for Govardhan parikrama just now.

3. This is something we need to brainstorm on. The structural revision is still a bit of an open issue, and frankly I'm not so sure we need such to any noteworthy degree. Perhaps we just need to create another subforum under the main section for such issues with clear guidelines on how to treat them.

4. Changed, and I agree.

I feel alarm bells. I thought I found some sanga that wasn't cliquy about being disciples of a particular guru, but it seems that you want to do that.
The more disciples of one guru become a majority they want to become a closed circle, excluding others unless they join. O well. Please don't mind my comments.

Madhanmohan dasji
I'm curious as to why you have made these statements. The discussions on forums dedicated to initiated disciples of AdB were talking about a site seperate from GD. Initiated disciples, especially when they are spread around the world, should have a place to come together to discuss issues of their bhajana. Again, it would be seperate from GD. Has there been any attempt here at GD to close out those initiated/following different GD gurus?

The point of this thread is to get recommendations on how to improve GD, and flush out the wildly off topic threads. I've been having a hard time seeing the Matsya rasik seva thread as terribly interesting or on topic...(of course my particular interest has nothing to do with it.. just thought I would throw that in )

OK, but I thought that this Srivas angana was more of a sefe haven from hostile parties rather than some sort of exclusive forum. One senior vaisnava once told me that if you want to get rid of undesirable company then just keep on speaking Hari katha and they will either become devotees or go away.

To be honest I don't look at what you call off-topic threads and don't know anything about Matsya rasik seva, so perhaps I ought to say less But in this lonely world the thought of being excluded from nectar is not very pleasant
Imagine when choto Haridas was told that from today the door is closed to you.

Dear Madanmohan das,

Dandavats. All glories to the Vaisnavas.

I would again like to say that Jayasriradhe.com is not meant to take the place of Gaudiya Discussions. The reason for the site is that different disciples needed a place where they could specifically ask questions or converse about topics very specific to our Gurudeva and the sadhana we receive. Even amongst disciples there are certain things which must be kept confidential and certain subjects which must have limitations as to who can hear such discussions. For example if someone has something they want to discuss dealing specifically with their yogapitha seva it would need to be discussed in an area exclusive to those who have received siddha pranali.

If Gaudiya Discussions hosted areas that are going to be located at Jayariradhe.com then I think there would tend to look like cliquey so that is why it will be hosted elsewhere.

Regarding Srivas Angana it is more of a safe haven from hostile parties rather than some sort of exclusive forum. It is a forum that allows us to take down our guard a bit and speak from the heart about areas of our devotional life in which we feel need to be kept confidential. Not just because of hostile parties but also because we tend to feel safer when amongst friends. I view it in that way as opposed to exclusive because there are no hard and fast rules regarding who can have access.

Aspiring to serve the Vaisnavas,
Rasaraja dasa

Dear Madanmohan,

I'm afraid you are confusing something now, though I'm not exactly sure what it is you think. There was no suggestion on changing the nature of Srivas Angan to anything, nor was there any plan to make SA or GD in general a site dedicated to any particular group. The only thing mentioned was that sometime in the future, there will be a separate forum where disciples of Ananta Das Babaji Maharaj can discuss topics specific to their diksha and siddha-pranali, topics which are kept as the exclusive secrets of the pranali in virtually all branches of the Gaudiya tradition.

OK that's fine. I think I'm over-reacting to the thought of being excluded somewhere. No comparison at all, but I remembered how the Catuh Sanas felt when they were denied access to the inner sanctum of Nisreyasa by the gate keepers.
They were so hurt and cut to the quick because they anticipated the darsan of Sripati's feet and were frustrated. That's why Srinatha came bear-foot to greet them, though he usually wears golden slippers there.

To keep this conversation on topic, the following have been suggested:

1. Add moderators (Rrd). Specifically, Advaita added as a content moderator (ooh.. interesting!) and one to two 'new member' moderators. Personally, I like the idea, as there are many members that probably should be promoted to 'full' membership (evakuran springs to mind), but because the mods are 'otherworldly disposed' there has been a lag.

2. Inforce better profiles (Me & others) - Madhava has rewritten the rules to include how to fill out a profile, etc. I think the addition of moderators for just this function would be helpful.

3. Online study groups/classes (Me & others) - this hasn't gotten much conversation, but I think this would help solidify a core group here (the SA members), and help improve the quality of postings on the main board. I don't think of this as developing a group of posters that will 'toe the line', just that through study of some select books we could improve our responses to posts. I think this would have a beneficial long term effect on GD.

Personally, I see the study group/classes as being a seperate site, mainly because I think it would be difficult for the board software to handle the requirements. I have access to people that have taught online quite a bit, and I will talk to them about doing it... what software they use, problems they have, etc.

Also, Madhava, I can get you a user name and password to www.blackboard.com - its what all the teachers I know use... might be useful just to see what online learning software looks like, etc. There are some OSS entries in this field out there... but I can't tell the good from the bad..

Have any other modifications of substance come up? If so, post with your thoughts!

1. If Advaitadas is interested, sure, that would be welcome. And I would also like to see Braja enter the arena again when the situation cools down. I would also suggest Vamsidas, a mature and tech-savvy long-time member, if he is interested.

I should draft together guidelines for moderators.

2. Rasaraja has volunteered for member moderation.

3. Certainly, that would be welcome. It will probably have to wait, though, until I'm back in Finland. At any rate, we can start preparing for it. Would Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu make an interesting opening? We would need a new section in the forums for this. We could also do it here in a more informal manner. One thread per one verse or a bundle of interrelated verses, going at the pace of three threads per week or so, people posting questions and comments? Blackboard - when I get back to Finland...

I'll be Rasaraja's second, if another member mod is needed... I'm planning on being *happily* unemployed in about 1 month, so I would have some amount of time.

I would suggest a smaller book to start with.. to get the groove down. Would it be 'sectarian' to start with Sri Guru Tattva Vijnana? Its just one of those short books that you can pull so much from...

I tend to think that the forum software would be insufficient for study groups. I'll send some questions to teachers I work with that teach online (they do several online courses per semester) to get more info on how it all works...

Its not something I would expect right away, but I agree that we should start planning it.. pick a book, sign up a roster sheet, someone makes up a schedule, etc.

I expect to be in Braja for the month of march, after that, if nothing else comes inbetween, I wouldnt mind to try moderating. I dont know, though, how much tech knowhow, hard- and software is required.

What's moderating exactly? Is it censoring?

Thanks for working so hard to improve the content of GD. Although I don't post as often as I would like, I am a regular visitor to the site who for the past several years has found it immensely enlightening and encouraging.

I suppose I am in danger of violating §2 of the offical board rules, but I agree with the proposed "realignment" of GD. I know my opinion does carry any weight, but I thought that those who are involved with making this forum what it is might appreciate feedback from those like me who gain regular inspiration from this site.

I am also intrigued by the idea of an on-line study group. I am currently reading Advaita-ji's translation of Ananta Das Babaji Maharaja's Madhurya-kadambini commentary and it would be nice to be able to discuss points with others who are also presently studying the same text. However, my limited internet access might put a damper on this.

Finally, I too have been disinterested in the many threads that seem to deviate from the original expressed purpose of GD and I look forward to GD going (in Madhava-ji's words) "onwards to something much greater!"

Quite to the contrary, Dauji -- it is the opinion of people such as your good self that carries the most weight as far as the direction of the site is concerned. If the site only had the kinds of topics you love to read, we'd be in heaven.

Regarding §2: "Imagine if everyone always said immensely enlightening and encouraging."

Of course if someone posted something in response to what you asked and you shortly acknowledged it with "thanks" or so, that would be perfectly all right. What §2 aims at are people who come in as cheerleaders of someone without anything to add or post "yeah", "way to go" and "cool" whenever someone posts something they like or something that supports their view in a discussion.

Its more like providing an editorial direction. Not censoring exactly, but keeping postings and threads on topic for the board. A right wing republican forum wouldn't want a bleeding Massachusetts liberal (know any ) posting away about how wrong republicans are, would they? The moderators would politely remove either the posts, or eventually the user. I think Istagosthi.org is a pretty good example of a forum with no content moderation. Everything goes, and the quality of the site suffers for it. Solid content moderating keeps the site focused.

I'll have to write some guidelines for moderators soon. I'll try to do that tonight.

Not wishing to clutter the thread with my prattlings and digressions, but just to say I've no experience with the internet prior to joining GD and don't really use it for anything else, so speaking as one quite ignorant of the topic here, to me it's like a daily news paper that I can not only read but also submit peices to as well.
The idea of on-line study sounds interesting but I wonder how practical it would be.
In the relatively short time on this GD, I've seen how some people breeze in with a flurry of spurious propositions, but they seem to loose steam pretty quick.
Anyway thanks for letting me in here.

That's why I would propose making it a function for SA members. I think the SA group would have the most sticking power in the forums. Discussion groups/online classes are notoriously difficult to keep going without a firm commitment from those leading them, which is why I propose not jumping right into them, but taking some time & seeing how they can be implemented, etc. Its also why I think we should start out with a small book to begin with.

I think in the long run a discussion group would have a beneficial effect on the forums, allowing more of us to post with scriptural knowledge under our belt.

I'd be very interested in an online study group as I am just getting exposure to the literatures of the traditional line and also as I've done a lot of non-devotee study via the internet and find it very convenient and productive.

It would be great if the study itself were done in the safe zone of SA and the fruits of the study were transferred over somehow to the main GD site so that others could benefit from that.

Sorry, being out of town for sometime I couldn’t post earlier. It took a little time to catch up with everything. The way it was going, first with "Evakurvan-pravacanam", and now on "matsya-sevA-prakaraNam", I knew it was time for the reformers. Thanks Madhava to take the step for a revision to bring the forum as close as possible to its original intent.

I think all the possible suggestions have already been made by the GD members. They all sound good. On –line study is an wonderful idea and I agree what Kamala has suggested.

So Madhava,

We all need to contemplate on that certainly.