a bit of love for Scott Mandelker

[Steppingfeet]

PS: Fang, not writing as a mod, just another member. I have a question for you. That's alright if you have a critical review to make of the ET Quiz. That's alright even if you don't like it. But was your question framed in such a way that it honored the first guideline?

I was criticizing an idea not a person, so yes. Also, the poster in question is apparently a doctor of philosophy in East and West Psychology so he'd know what I'm talking about. It doesn't matter to me if I like it or not, what matters to me is that it is deceiving and poorly constructed and providing an answer to a question he is not qualified to answer. And not only that but if it was one of the main links of his site, coming up second on google when you type in his name (his website is named after him).

Thanks for replying Fang. I disagree with your assessment above. Here's why.

Each who participates in Bring4th, doctor of philosophy or otherwise, should be welcomed and treated with respect. Not all their ideas need be agreed with, or consented to, but they, the person, per the design of this community, should be greeted as a person of worth, dignity, and respect.

I think you agree with the necessity and helpfulness of that distinction judging by your statement that you criticized the idea, not the person. So we're on the same page there.

I feel that your criticism, however, went beyond the idea and became a small gesture of disrespect to the person due to the the approach itself, the *way* you disagreed with the idea. So much of communication relies on form, and tact, and neither, in my opinion, were exercised.

What do I mean? The form your criticism took was:

Also, you do realize that things like this:
http://www.scottmandelker.com/Articles/etquiz.html
Is based on little more than free association as to what would qualify one as a wanderer?

Of course you're free to determine that the quiz is nothing more than "free association". But coming at another person saying, "You do realize" is somewhat condescending. As if you are saying:

"I have found your work to be wholly deficient, and it is so self-evident that, certainly, you, the author of your work, must realize how bad this is? I mean, because I can see it clearly, why can't you?"

Alternative:

"Hi Scott, welcome to the forums and thanks for posting here. If you have the time/interest, I'd like to ask a question about your ET Quiz. I enjoyed aspects of it, but at the same time, some of it seems like free association to me. For instance, __________. I would really appreciate your feedback. Especially regarding anything you would be interested in sharing about how you developed this quiz.”

There, you would have showed respect to the person, and you would have substantiated your claim to “free association” by taking the time and care to explain what you meant, without sacrificing your point.

And maybe even throw in a note of appreciation for something about his work in order to balance the criticism. It seems you are familiar with the work, so surely there is something you appreciate?

************************************************************

Personally, I was kind of ashamed to see the way Scott was related to. As I said, *everyone* should receive a welcoming embrace upon entering the forums, and an attitude of respect should be maintained, but in this particular case we have someone who has labored to serve the wanderer/Law of One community for decades in a spirit similar to L/L’s in attempting to offer free service. I can count on one hand the number of “public” figures out there working with this information, using their own name. And he’s the only one of whom I’m aware that is working with abductees from the standpoint of the Law of One.

He deserves better treatment. The same message I extend to you, Zenmaster. As one member to another, please, if you’re going to use your right and gift of communication, put love energy into it, especially disagreeing or offering critical review. The community deserves the little extra time that may require.

With love/light,
Gary

PS: About the quiz specifically, we at L/L have shared it as a fun tool, a starting point for consideration of the question of wanderer identity, a food for thought that is always offered with the caveat that *only* the seeker can discover and determine their origins.

Mandelker offers the quiz in that spirit as well. Just below the quiz on his website he writes:

“Remember, only you can know for sure if you are from elsewhere, and knowing your cosmic roots is only the first step. After that, it's essential to consider why you're here and what is your purpose. Being on Earth gives all Wanderers a perfect opportunity to develop ourselves, to refine our understanding and expression of love and wisdom, and to help the world in our own special way."

Consider also that this quiz has, actually, helped wanderers to consider the question, and has even in some cases served as an important catalyst of awakening. Consider, also, that, to the best of my memory, he created that as a result of actual and substantial interviewing and examining of those who consider themselves wanderers.

Note: I am writing as myself, not as a proxy for anyone else. I haven't exchanged correspondence with Dr. Mandelker in a year or so.

Mod Edit: Fang's reply and subsequent conversation were relocated to "Cognitive Distortions" here.