Suggestions and/or volunteers for "weekly" "columns"

[Goblinmonger]

All hosts think it would be great if we had people willing to write weekly columns (both of those terms are loose).

1. Any concepts for columns you think would be good?
2. Would you like to volunteer to write one?
3. Have someone you would like to encourage to write one?

All hosts have also agreed that we would allow as an exception to rule #3 a weekly post something along the lines of "Liberal Believers Say the Darnedest Things." As an exception, this could reference specific threads/posts in Religion. We feel this fill the need to discuss what people on DU are saying about atheists without littering A/A with Meta-Religion posts. Even if 4 people wanted to write this and just do one a month, that would be great.

I think the one discussed above and others could get enough recs to get our group on the Greatest Page somewhat frequently and get us more traffic.

[Goblinmonger]

1. I would be willing to do a column about my times in the seminary

I think I have some good stories to tell and, possibly, a unique perspective.

I realize that many were damaged badly by the religions in which they were raised. Though my therapist had to do some work to get me to come to grips with an irrational sense of guilt caused by my former religion and mother, I have a very positive experience with religion in the past. My years in the high school seminary are still looked back on fondly by me and I have many friends that are very much like my brothers some 40 years later. This makes statements about "angry" atheists having past trauma stemming from religion even more frustrating for me.

So, if it seems like people want to hear me ramble about my years considering the priesthood, I'd be happy to write about it.

[Cartoonist]

2. Me! Me!

I'd like to do one on a subject close to my heart, cartoons. I don't mean a recap of editorial cartoons of the week about religion, but a historical look at comic strips and comic books. I recently started a thread that's sort of what I could do:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/123031441

Two problems. I'm kinda lazy. I don't know if I can meet a deadline regularly. Also, some posts may be image heavy. I had some problems in the past loading large images and gifs.

[Cartoonist]

7. Well, I gave it a shot

0 recs
0 replies

I'm a failure. I guess I'll go back to posting flamebait.

[Goblinmonger]

12. I thought you got some replies?

I was going to take a look at it more closely when the kids left back for college and I got some grading done.

[Cartoonist]

13. Out of pity

They came after I lamented the lack of interest. I'll try again.

[mr blur]

18. Nah, give it time.

Really - things need to get established in peoples' minds.

[mr blur]

3. I'd like to give it a go.

Not sure which, but the "Liberal Believers..." certainly appeals.

[Goblinmonger]

11. Give it a go.

Maybe just check in with Warren (see below) to make sure there isn't overlap.

[mr blur]

19. Will do. Actually I may do a 'World of Whackjobs' series instead.

Lots of scope there.

[Goblinmonger]

20. Sounds awesome.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

26. I really liked your first installment

There's nothing better than a little "Ejaculating Jesus" innuendo to finish my week.

[trotsky]

4. This is a great idea.

Your idea about your experiences in the seminary would be great. I'd also love to see onager do one about his global experiences.

[JNelson6563]

5. What say you Onager?

[onager]

8. Sorry for the delay, I just saw this shout-out...

Thanks so much. I'm honored to even be asked.

But as I mentioned in another thread - I'm not sure my sanity would survive a long immersion in The Other Group, looking for material. My temper sure wouldn't, which might be a problem. I'm also going to be pretty busy in the next few months, and not sure I would have the time.

So I think I'll just continue to gripe from the sidelines, and rant about whatever marginally on-topic stuff that gets my attention.

Thanks again for thinking of me, though.

[Goblinmonger]

9. I think trotsky was looking for a "weekly" contribution of your global experiences.

Not the one meta thread we would "allow" each week.

[onager]

14. Ah! OK, I didn't see the Trotster's message.

Now I feel even dumber than usual. Since it was right in front of my face.

Sure, I'll do a weekly rant about exposing my ignorance around the world. If we can translate "weekly" as "whenever..."

I can start this any time.

When I say I might be busy the next few months - I'm thinking of relocating from the West Coast back to the East Coast, where I grew up. This is a Major Decision and I'm going back and forth on it.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

24. Not sure what it is, but your writing makes me laugh out loud - a LOT

Maybe it's just the grumpy-old-atheist in me that makes me "get it", but your stuff is often highly entertaining and I'd love to see a more formal weekly/bi-weekly/monthly/whenever-you-get-to-it type of thread.

[Warren Stupidity]

6. Theists say the darnedest things!

Of course I'd love to contribute to a regular column on religion discussions on du.

I could bring back my Daily Delusion feature if there is sufficient interest 😊

[Goblinmonger]

10. Have at it.

[Goblinmonger]

21. Looks like blur is going to go more global

so you are, so far, the only one looking at having our one Meta thread. Can't wait to see it.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

25. Oh sweet Jesus, I can't wait

[Panich52]

29. Ample material f/ 'Daily Delusion'

AlterNet & NationalMemo do a "this week in crazy" type article and RW religionists have starring roles. Each article leaves so much out....

[NeoGreen]

15. Should the "Meme of the Week"...

... fall into this concept/category?

I will have to read this thread in detail later during my lunch hour, but just wanted to ask.

Are there rules/guidelines I should be following?

Thanks,
NG

[Goblinmonger]

16. Absolutely

I think you just need to keep doing what you're doing.

[NeoGreen]

17. Okey Dokey...

...I shall endeavor to carry on.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

23. Yes, for sure!

I love your Meme of the Week threads and wish they'd get more rec's. So keep 'em up!

[Goblinmonger]

22. Once these threads start getting posted--we need to rec them

This will get them more exposure and hopefully get more people to this group to contribute.

I have already enjoyed the first couple comic ones. I will probably do my first one this weekend.

[An Atheist]

27. This seems really interesting

thanks for the suggestions!

[AtheistCrusader]

28. I'd like to, but knowing me

it'd get meta in a hurry.