I must say that gratis the society I express with warm regards gratitude for the impact your choice of discussions have on the members of the fraternity coming from a social- casual platform much as Duke Montague did during the creation of the 1723 Constitution; he was delegated by the brethren to encourage a wider population to join the fraternity while he himself was not a Freemason. A catalyst you, and others like yourself including myself reflect a value that is supported by our principles, and correlates positively with our tenets. Thanks again, and God bless us.
I totally understand why the Short Talk Bulletin has switched to all electronic. Saves a lot on paper and postage, which can get quite expensive, especially with what is likely a huge mailing list.
Like this Emeth, if I wanted to print it, I can do so with a minimum amount of paper, if I chose to read it that way as opposed to on my computer screen.
Like all publications that have gone electronic, unfortunately some will be left out of the loop, either through lack of internet access, or lack of knowledge on how to work a computer to bring the publications up. But if your Lodge is in solid contact with your Brothers, you’ll know who those Brothers are in your ranks, and you can make accommodations to give these Brothers access to the publications in a manner that works best for them.
I don't want to seem cold, but I don't think our Craft need concern itself any longer with those who might not have internet access in the US. I just don't think that there are Masons situated in that way in this day.
Those without access now are without it due to personal choice. Not circumstances.
“…unfortunately some will be left out of the loop, either through lack of internet access, or lack of knowledge on how to work a computer to bring the publications up.”
This is a solvable problem, as I’ve assisted several Brothers in getting things going with internet publications and databases where they were struggling originally. It’s pretty cool to teach Brothers new technology. There are others who are not online or have a smartphone, and they fully understand the ramifications of not having the new technology. They’re “Off the Grid.” And that’s also fine, at least we have an understanding. But I see your point with those who choose to take on responsibilities that now require equipment and understanding of the new technology who do not want to use that technology. It can be quite frustrating to work with these people (and it’s not just our Brothers.) But even then, sometimes even they come around and embrace the new technology, if you work with them with the correct approach.
“I just don't think that there are Masons situated in that way in this day.” I’ve found that there are, as some remote areas have only satellite internet, and/or poor cell signal that creates a horrible upload-download time. And satellite internet apparently isn’t cheap (I haven’t looked into it, but I’ve heard it from satellite internet customers.) Many of these people head into town to do their online duties. Kind of reminds me of the Masonic Park outside of Granite Falls. There aren’t too many of these people, but they are out there.
Unless something is badly wrong though, your Lodge should be receiving these already for your Lodge Officers. Perhaps they are ending up with the Secretary and not being distributed? Every primary Lodge Officer in the US should be receiving their own printed copy.
Thanks MW Cameron and VW Clayton. It turns out our Secretary was receiving, and filing, a copy of the Short Talk Bulletin. It appears we only get a Lodge copy (of the print version) unless anyone wishes to individually subscribe. Going paperless, and having an audio option, may well help get it into general circulation amongst my officers. Looks like good portions of Masonic Education for discussion at Stated Meetings. Nice to discover this gem after being a principal Lodge officer for 7 years.
Thanks for all the posts.🙏
Thank you for taking the time to read them! I truly appreciate it!
Brother Cameron,
I must say that gratis the society I express with warm regards gratitude for the impact your choice of discussions have on the members of the fraternity coming from a social- casual platform much as Duke Montague did during the creation of the 1723 Constitution; he was delegated by the brethren to encourage a wider population to join the fraternity while he himself was not a Freemason. A catalyst you, and others like yourself including myself reflect a value that is supported by our principles, and correlates positively with our tenets. Thanks again, and God bless us.
Thank you for your very kind thoughts and words Brother! I am pleased that you find value in my writings.
I totally understand why the Short Talk Bulletin has switched to all electronic. Saves a lot on paper and postage, which can get quite expensive, especially with what is likely a huge mailing list.
Like this Emeth, if I wanted to print it, I can do so with a minimum amount of paper, if I chose to read it that way as opposed to on my computer screen.
Like all publications that have gone electronic, unfortunately some will be left out of the loop, either through lack of internet access, or lack of knowledge on how to work a computer to bring the publications up. But if your Lodge is in solid contact with your Brothers, you’ll know who those Brothers are in your ranks, and you can make accommodations to give these Brothers access to the publications in a manner that works best for them.
I don't want to seem cold, but I don't think our Craft need concern itself any longer with those who might not have internet access in the US. I just don't think that there are Masons situated in that way in this day.
Those without access now are without it due to personal choice. Not circumstances.
“…unfortunately some will be left out of the loop, either through lack of internet access, or lack of knowledge on how to work a computer to bring the publications up.”
This is a solvable problem, as I’ve assisted several Brothers in getting things going with internet publications and databases where they were struggling originally. It’s pretty cool to teach Brothers new technology. There are others who are not online or have a smartphone, and they fully understand the ramifications of not having the new technology. They’re “Off the Grid.” And that’s also fine, at least we have an understanding. But I see your point with those who choose to take on responsibilities that now require equipment and understanding of the new technology who do not want to use that technology. It can be quite frustrating to work with these people (and it’s not just our Brothers.) But even then, sometimes even they come around and embrace the new technology, if you work with them with the correct approach.
“I just don't think that there are Masons situated in that way in this day.” I’ve found that there are, as some remote areas have only satellite internet, and/or poor cell signal that creates a horrible upload-download time. And satellite internet apparently isn’t cheap (I haven’t looked into it, but I’ve heard it from satellite internet customers.) Many of these people head into town to do their online duties. Kind of reminds me of the Masonic Park outside of Granite Falls. There aren’t too many of these people, but they are out there.
What is the Short Talk Bulletin and how would I subscribe so I could distribute to my Lodge Officers?
https://shorttalkbulletin.com/
You may want to talk to WB Skipp, he might have some copies.
The link provided by VW Clayton leads to the audio version of the STB.
A subscription to the print version can be had at:
https://msana.com/short-talk-bulletins/
Unless something is badly wrong though, your Lodge should be receiving these already for your Lodge Officers. Perhaps they are ending up with the Secretary and not being distributed? Every primary Lodge Officer in the US should be receiving their own printed copy.
Brother Cameron, Gratitude is a high frequency, it's where Angels art! Gratitude's...
Thank you W Brother! For everything you do.
Thanks MW Cameron and VW Clayton. It turns out our Secretary was receiving, and filing, a copy of the Short Talk Bulletin. It appears we only get a Lodge copy (of the print version) unless anyone wishes to individually subscribe. Going paperless, and having an audio option, may well help get it into general circulation amongst my officers. Looks like good portions of Masonic Education for discussion at Stated Meetings. Nice to discover this gem after being a principal Lodge officer for 7 years.