They are very letigious. With all that money, they can make a court case go on for years and years. I did read somewhere that they'd filed so many complaints or cases /something of the sort/ that it was beginning to bogg down one of those agencies' system. Maybe they though it's not worth the hassle?
so suddenly turned towards him, thumbs in both ears, wiggling my fingers and sticking out my tongue
Oh, Cat, that's amazing! That man's behaviour is a red flag for sure /as if all the other stuff isn't lol/. But it does sound like an interesting experience, even if it wasn't all that good. And now at least you know what one of those meeting is like.
Also, I don't put it past Scientology to have Hubbard's body in a mausoleum somewhere, for all the devotees to view. They might even have him of some sort of rig, to make it life-like. They do like putting on a good show!
reply
share
Catbookss (13664)
7 years ago
I was watching a few more shows on them, and wow, VERY litigious. So litigious there should be a whole new word to describe it.
Turns out I was wrong. 8 of them were successfully prosecuted and put in jail for that caper. Still, afterwards they were still granted non-profit status, and never should have been.
At the time, I was so naive, I thought the guy would laugh or at least crack a smile.
After the screening, I was escorted into an office with a "counselor" and asked questions. I remember one was about organised religion, which I said I didn't like. That was turned around on me that I had "a problem" with them. I counted with surely they wouldn't *want* anyone to join who wasn't down with organised religions, as that's what they were. He had no response ;)
I bought a book, on communication. Mostly to end it and get out of there. Worst mistake was I'd already given them my name and address. For the next two years, at least 3x a week, they sent me their junk mail. (continued)
reply
share
Catbookss (13664)
7 years ago
I tried everything to get off their damned mailing list. Started writing "return to sender, remove from mailing list" on the envelopes. Didn't work. Finally tried calling, and was taken aback when they revealed they had a record on me, and knew what book I'd purchased! TWO years later!
Requested they remove me from their mailing list, said for months I'd be writing return to sender, remove from mailing list. They said they would, but of course didn't.
Finally, at my wits end, I saved up a bunch of the junk mail so it was a heavy envelope. Used their postage-paid envelopes they'd enclosed, stuffed them full, and sent them back. That cost them money. It only took doing that a few times before they stopped!
reply
share
MinaVladimir (4077)
7 years ago
Oh, wow, Cat. That's just crazy!
It really is like they're recruiting you for a pyramid scheme. I like how you shut that guy up :D
I've heard that about it being super difficult to get off those mailing lists. But good on you costing _them_ money. Do they really expect to "beat" people into submission via junk mail? I wonder if that ever works.
It's scary stuff when you think about it. Two years and they keep a record on you for buying a book! Did they make you do the e-meter thing?
reply
share
Catbookss (13664)
7 years ago
It is a pyramid scheme! Hadn't thought of it quite that way before, but you're spot-on. Much more malignant than your garden variety pyramid scheme, but the basis is the same.
I was pleased I managed to silence that guy, for a few minutes anyway. Cripes, what tactics they use.
"Do they really expect to "beat" people into submission via junk mail? I wonder if that ever works."
Really! Who, after being harassed for years via junk mail, is going to suddenly think "Hey, you know, I'm going to join after all! What a great organisation!"
I was really creeped out by the fact that they had a folder on me, all that time later. Yikes. Do you know that guy Tony Ortega, the journalist who's been writing about all this for years? I like him a lot. Very down to earth, good guy. I watched an interview with him and he said Scientology was all about intel-gathering. Even my little story shows that, and of course it's *nothing* compared to what they've collected on actual members.
No, no e-metering. Just the intro film and the "counseling."
reply
share
db20db (16565)
7 years ago
I've been on their mailing list as well, ever since the late 80's when I read Dianetics, which I actually found to be quite fascinating at times. It's never even occurred to me to go through the hassle of trying to be removed. The mailings I receive are so sporadic, infrequent and when I do get one , I don't even bother to look at it anymore. It just automatically gets pitched like all other unimportant junk mail.
I've watched several of those episodes with Leah Remini and found them to be very interesting and insightful.
reply
share
Catbookss (13664)
7 years ago
They've been at you since the 80s?! Well over 20 years? My god, they never give up! How did they get your name and address, out of curiosity?
I was getting inundated with their junk. At least they've let up with you, sending them infrequently.
I agree, although I've only seen 3-4 episodes, I found Leah's show to be both interesting and insightful. Never saw King of Queens, so this is all I know of her, but I think she's courageous.
reply
share
db20db (16565)
7 years ago
I seem to remember mailing them some sort of coupon or other offer at the end of the book for additional literature. What I get occasionally is a newsletter type of publication ironically titled 'Integrity.'
I agree. She took a very gutsy stand considering their power and what they're capable of. Have you heard of the theory that they had Phillip Seymour Hoffman assassinated because his portrayal in the film The Master too closely resembled Hubbard?
reply
share
Catbookss (13664)
7 years ago
I never read Dianetics, but it makes sense they'd have some sort of coupon like that. "Integrity," ha! That is irony at its finest.
No, I've never heard that theory. I've vaguely heard of The Master and its being inspired by Hubbard, but have never seen it. I was shocked when PSH died. Was there a coroner's report saying what it was he died from that would help prove or disprove this theory?
reply
share
db20db (16565)
7 years ago
I've seen the movie and I saw the similarity instantly, even the physical appearance , somewhat.
I think his death was written off as a heroin overdose. I wish I could remember where I encountered that theory; probably some documentary. I suppose it could probably be Googled.
reply
share
Catbookss (13664)
7 years ago
I Googled and couldn't find anything that looked credible. Not that I'd put it past them, it's that the Illuminati being responsible got as much coverage.
It's possible. From what I read it sure *sounded* like it was based on Hubbard. Too much so to be coincidental, and yet PSH downplayed this and didn't want to talk about it, which is strange in and of itself.
reply
share