"MASONIC-FAQ" - читать интересную книгу автора (McIntyre Vonda N)

ideas while still contributing something enjoyable to the newsgroup's
readers.

(d) If the poster's flame-bait is something not covered in this FAQ and
you feel that you just can't hold back from responding, please:

(1) remove any cross-posts (in both the posting and the followups).
Some trollers will post a bit of bait in alt.freemasonry and cross-
post it to a half-dozen different groups, thus assuring that they
receive at least some response somewhere, which will be echoed to
all the other groups...can you say snowball?

(2) If it not covered in this FAQ, please send a copy of the
original post and your reply to [email protected], so it may be
included future editions. No one has yet claimed that Masonry
is really a secret martial art or that Master Masons have a
special power to buy real estate no-money-down, but if someone
does, a Q&A just for them will be added.

Finally, remember that there are people who have genuine questions or
misconceptions about Masonry and are not trying to flame anyone but
rather simply want answers. Just because they have misconceptions does
not mean they are trying to provoke anyone. You can usually tell the
difference by the tone of the post:

Honest Question: "I read in the Weekly World News that Masons have
ties to the KKK and are prejudiced and don't allow
blacks to be members. Is this true?"
Flame-Bait: "You Masons are all Klansmen and bigots, aren't you?
How do you live with yourselves? Do you enjoy
harassing ethnic minorities?"

Honest Question: "I've heard that Catholics can't be Masons. Is this
true? Are there any Catholic Masons? What is the
issue here?"
Flame-Bait: "How can you Masons lie about Catholics, saying they
can be Masons? Why are you trying to deceive
everyone? What is your hidden agenda?"

Honest Question: "I thought Masonry was a fraternity, but I read that
you have to profess some kind of faith in God, or that
people pray in Lodge. Is Masonry a religion?"
Flame-Bait: "Masonry is a religion, and you have to give up your
religion to be a Mason! Don't believe what Masons
tell you!"

Etcetera. Those asking honest questions will usually respond with a
thanks and consider the information given. Those seeking to sow the
seeds of a flame-war will simply switch subjects endlessly and ignore
any responses.