Is it time to expand the banner page description for this site?

Many of us will always be connected by way of past and present ties to the OBC, but that's clearly not the only reason we come here anymore. I would like to update and refresh the statement that currently says:

"Keep in touch with current and former members of the
Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. Voice your concerns, share your
experiences regarding Shasta Abbey, Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey and
their respective affiliated groups -- diverse viewpoints welcome."

Suggestions welcome -

Without a lot of thought going into it.. A simpler and more inclusive banner could be something like.....

The OBCC was originally formed as an open speaking site for anyone who is in or has had a relationship with the OBC but has now evolved to include a more diverse audience.

A bit clunky. I still prefer your shorter talking points.

thanks Howard -

We'll probably tweak it a bit and will welcome feedback to that version also. Not that it's a big deal, it's only a description, but part of me wants to change it so newcomers know to look for all the solid discussions that may have little or nothing to do with OBC - apart from it being the grain of sand which brought this little pearl of a forum into being -

A bit long, but how about:

An open invitation to sincere individuals of diverse spiritual traditions that may be able to expand or enhance the current viewpoints, understandings of the perspectives of former and current members of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives and to open possibilities for greater understanding between these traditions by bringing about mutually respectful and interesting discussions of same.

not bad at all, thanks Brigitte -

Maybe a rotating statement, like each week we put up a new statement suggested by a member. Might be kind of cool to see the different viewpoints our members hold re: what this forum is, or has the potential to be --

What do we think about a rotating statement? Howard's for a week, then Brigitte's, then ?

(Glorfindel, don't you dare send one about poo b/c we just won't have it.)

Yes Lise

Good idea to have an organic changeable banner that we can all contribute.

This site has been a great support to me.

I have discovered so much about the mature growing"real" sangha,so much accumulated wisdom(and silliness),and I have found that my thoughts and experiences are echoed and reflected in the experiences of others.It has helped to ease the loneliness of the long distance meditator.

Let's help it grow and change.The posts about new and evolving ways of meeting to meditate show that this is the happening thing now..In order to grow, we all need to talk and listen to others.For me I find this can be such a slow process.I'm looking to develop models and find out more about how other "sanghas" are doing it.(Glorfindel,no,no,no)! ,to cheer me on my way.

I will contribute a statement about the purpose of the site if and when you ask Lise,very happily,cos it is SUCH A GOOD IDEA.

Bless you

Ikuko, please consider yourself asked

Rotation sounds good Lise, and as Ikuko put it, an organic evolving banner, change being the one constant we can count on, build upon and learn from, onward and upward, even sideways here and there. And just as I was thinking about making an additional comment about the sound of the mighty conch the gardeners leaf blower comes on just at the right moment to gratefully stop me.

you can certainly make another comment or addition to your suggestion, feel free to amend and edit as you like

Hi there,

I like the idea of the forum evolving a bit. Though it was a lifesaver for me in its initial form... I had to stop being angry with the OBC. To shift the focus to "ease the loneliness of the long-distance meditator" (Ikuko) sounds appealing now.

Polly

Ikuko wrote:

(Glorfindel,no,no,no)!

As always, I will take that as a "yes"

Possible banner description for this site:

"Devoted to practice and critical awareness".

Comments/amendments welcome!

blessings

Ikuko

I think just keep it open, simple and wide. A suggestion would be:

'A site for those with an interest in the OBC, past or present, and related subjects'

As to a revolving banner I'm not so sure. When did you last read the banner. I know that till now I haven't read it for many months and I doubt I would look everytime I logged on, I come for the postings. Also a constantly changing banner may play havoc with search engines.

I suppose some new people may read the banner when they first come here, and they are the audience I was thinking of primarily, although the established community counts too.

With a changing banner we may look at it more often, to see who has something to say (there would be proper attribution).

And I think we're highly searchable no matter what the banner says, thanks to M. Little and numerous keywords related to other Shasta Abbey shenanigans.

I guess you can see which way I'm leaning. Mostly because I'd like to encourage new ideas here, even my own

Since the forum software limits the number of characters in the banner description, we'll post part of Brigitte's now and the other part later. We will outfox the machine one way or another -