OK!
(Neil ) I now to call to order the first online meeting
of our Chapter of The Philalethes Society, the
name of said Chapter to be established as the first
item of business tonight!
The agenda will run...
The Name
Bylaws
Any Other Business
Now here online we will run a formal CO at least at the
beginning so that people do not type all at once
and the screen becomes impossible to read.
I will act as moderator.
Basically the moderator controls the order of
speaking (typing) and people do not type
unless it is their turn or the
moderator calls for general typing.
When the moderator (me) asks who wants to
speak then you can hit a question mark and
return. This will result in my seeing a column
of names followed by question marks. That
will enable me to rapidly put together an
order of speaking.
When I call on you to speak, please type OK and return
right away. This is because it takes a while to type a
whole line and if y9ou type OK and return we all know you
are still alive and well right away! Then, when you
are done speaking, please indicate by typing the
word DONE or GA for go-ahead. Thanks!
The first order of business tonight is
our name.
The thread on the board generated the
following nominations for the name:
Telecom Chapter
Lux Aeterna
Cornerstone Computer-Chapter
Computer Chapter
(1-9,Scott) point of order...
(1-9,Scott) Lux Aeterna or anything else would end in CHapter too.
(Neil ) Yes, you are right -- Lux Aeterna Chapter
(1-9,Scott) GA
(Neil) OK...
First, does anyone have any comments on the names or
other suggestions before we begin the vote if you do please
hit question mark return now.
Go ahead, Fred
(1-2,Fred Thomas) I' wait for the vote
(Neil) OK, go ahead Wayne!
(1-12,Wayne Cloud) I proposed "Cornerstone Computer-Chapter" with 
computer-chapt
er being the generic class.
(Neil) OK...
I think that Bro. Wayne and Bro. Brian are right in
that "Computer Chapter" is probably going to be the generic ending
for all computer chapters that follow usSo, I would guess that would let 
Compu-Chapter out as that
would then have to be Compu-Chapter Computer Chapter and the
same for Computer Chapter itself,,,,
This leaves us with.... (if no objections)
Telecom
Lux Aeterna
Cornerstone
all followed by Computer Chapter
If you have a comment, signify by hitting
question mark and return now please!

(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) OK
I just thought a simple "Computer Chapter" would be best,
so even
those who are not familiar with computers would know how w
e meet.If other computer-interested people later want to start a chapter,
perhaps they would want to use a different name and not be part of a "class".  
As I said earlier, I don't think this should become a quarrelsome matter among 
us. Done

(Neil) OK, no problem I will add "Computer Chapter" to our ballot!
Uh, Dave was next (then Scott Then Bill)
Go ahead, Dave!

(1-3,Dave) OK
(1-3,Dave) Neil, I take your point..However, I wonder if there is not SOME way 
of identifying us as The CompuServe Computer Chapter?

(Neil) CompuServe is a trademark. I already checked and I am afraid that
while not impossible for us to get permission it would be
very difficult and time-consuming and I'd, uh, rather not as
it would be poor l'il me trying to interface with their
legal department <grin>!
Scott? Go ahead!

(1-9,Scott) OK
Well, I already am enjoying this as I have modified my original
thoughts by what I have read.  I like the idea of trying to form a
Computer Class of CHapters of PS.  We are breaking new ground
here and should not be afraid to make the suggestion.  I will hold my
personal favorite until later.  GA

(Neil) OK
Bill was next, go ahead Bill!

(1-6,Bill) oK
Bro. Scott is right.  My understanding was that the term of art
"Computer Chapter" would mean specifically a group of PS members who
met online.  If a group of computer buffs desired to meet in a FTF
chapter, we are not foreclosing any identifying name they wish
to choose.  ga

(Neil) OK...
Point of order...
I am looking at page 78 of the June Philalethes Magazine...
Where they list the Chartered Chapters of The PS
NONE of them have the actual word "Chapter" in their names.
The word "Chapter" is generic.
Now, if we try to make "Computer Chapter" generic that
would be OK EXCEPT That it is not now...
So, lemme see if I can make this clear...
I don't think that the PS itself would allow us to, for
example, be Chartered as
"Telecom Computer Chapter" as they would then have
to refer to us as the "telecom computer chapter chapter."
Sooooooo
I think we would be better advised to go with
constructions such as
Telecom
Computer
Lux Aeterna
Cornerstone Computer
and then the PSD Society would rather ADD the "chapter" as the
final word as they do when referring to all the other
chapters. I hope that made sense...
comments? 

(1-9,Scott) OK
The point is true, but should be obvious.  I don't disagree with the
list, but if the suggester of Lux Aeterna doesn't mind, add
COmputer to that one too. GA


(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) OK.  I think the June magazine left out "Chapter" ...
just to save space in the magazine ..

(1-12,Wayne (DFW)) I think we may be picking nits...  I can't see the PS 
being so obtuse as to refer to a chapter-chapter.

(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) When I was at some of the past PS dinner where Charters 
were presented, the "official" names always included "Chapter".
  DONE

(Neil) Then we would be OK, as Wayne says
Let me get a new list....
at this point who has comments?

(1-5,Roger) How about the Comacine Computer Chapter. The Comacines were the 
first Masonic temple builders, so, in effect, we would be the first
computer temple where all could meet, study, and learn!  ga


(1-9,Scott) OK
I like Paul's point. I had kind of forgotten.  Kind of Like the name
 of your Lodge includes the work Lodge, but maybe not in all lists
GA

(Neil) Yep, very true!

(1-7,Brian) OK
For the record: The suggestor of "Lux Aeterna" has no objection
to adding the word "Computer." In fact, I was going to
suggest that myself.

(Neil) OK!
Let me just recap

(1-7,Brian) Let me suggest that we all agree that the word
"Chapter" will be added to our name whether we like it or not
.


(Neil) OK, so to recap....
we now are almost ready to vote on:
Teelcom Computer Chapter
Lux Aeterna Computer Chapter
Cornerstone Computer Chapter
and with one more call for nominations to come...
any comments at this point? 


(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) Can I nominate just plain "Computer Chapter"    DONE

(Neil)Sure we will add that that was supposed to be in my list thanks


(1-2,Fred Thomas) OK
(1-2,Fred Thomas) LETS VOTE BIG $
(1-2,Fred Thomas) DONE

(Neil) ?? Well, OK but not sure what that meant! <grin>
OK...

(1-2,Fred Thomas) tHIS IS COSTLY

(1-5,Roger) How about the Comacine Computer Chapter. The Comacines were 
Masonic temple buiders, so, in effect, we would meet, study, and learn
in the Computer Temple.  ga

(Neil) OK
do we have a second for that name?

(1-6,Bill) Support

(Neil) OK
Any other nominations from anyone?
Mark, no Light Bytes??

(1-12,Wayne) Point of information...
Have the other names already been placed in nomination?

(Neil) Yes, they each got more then a second on the board

(1-3,Dave) move nominations be closed

(Neil) Been moved that nominations be closed do we have a second?

(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) Second
OK, nominations are closed and we have...the following to vote on...
Telecom Computer Chapter
Lux Aeterna Computer Chapter
Cornerstone Computer Chapter
Computer Chapter
Comacine Computer Chapter
OK, to vote I think the best way is to
have everyone simply type the name that
they like best. I will then eliminate one we do
it again, I eliminate one and so on...
So, please,
everyone now type your favorite name form that list! GO!!
(1-3,Dave) cornerstone
(Neil) Telecom
(1-8,Mark (CA)) Cornerstone
(1-9,Scott) A very tough choice.  I select Cornerstone Coputer Chapter.
(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) Computer Chapter
(1-7,Brian) Lux Aeterna
(1-5,Roger) Comacines
(1-6,Bill) Comacine Computer Chapter
(1-12,Wayne) Cornerstone Computer Chapter
OK, I have 3 for Cornerstone...
2 for Comacine
1 for Telecom
1 for Lux Aeterna
any other votes??

(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) Computer Chapter

(Neil) 1 for Computer
To make this a little easier (I had not figured a 3 way tie at bottom)
I am going to withdraw Telecom so we
can have one more vote
on the following that might be more
conclusive...
on
Lux
Cornerstone
Computer
Comacine
comments?


(1-7,Brian) OK
I shall also withdraw Lux Aeterna, for the same reason.
"This passeth beauty from the world."
Er, Thus.
GA

(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) For the same reason I'd like to 
withdraw Computer Chapter.

(Neil) OK!!
Glad we hqave two left...
Which are
Cornerstone and
Comacine
Let's vote...
Type your fave name of the two

(1-9,Scott) Cornerstone Computer Chapter
(Neil) Cornerstone
(1-8,Mark (CA)) Cornerstone
(1-6,Bill) Cornerstone
(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) Cornerstone
(1-3,Dave) Cornerstone Computer
(1-12,Wayne) Cornerstone Computer Chapter
(1-5,Roger) Comacine

(Neil) Any other votes???
OK!
Looks like we are now
The Cornerstone Computer Chapter of
The Philalethes Society! Yay!!


(1-9,Scott) OK
(1-9,Scott) Thanks to everyone who thought up such good names!
(1-9,Scott) GA

(Neil) For sure!!!
OK...
The rest should be fairly quick....
First thing that we are going to have to generate
for the CCC is our bylaws. I am simply going to adapt the
main bylaws of The Philalethes Society to telecom useage (those
bylaws published in Seekers Of Truth) and I will then upload
then and we can all vote on them next month. One thing though,
does everyone agree that a quorum for voting at a monthly
meeting could be as low as 3? I hate to make it higher given
the problems with COing but I don't want people to feel I
made it too low. Anyone HATE the idea of 3 as a quorum?


(1-9,Scott) OK...
I Don't really have a problem with three, though 5 might be better,
but I think that two must be of the elected Officers of the
Chapter (Pres., VP, Sec., Treasurer), y'know.  GA

(Neil) OK, no problem with that here
who has comments still?

(1-9,Scott) I mean to say must be there. GA


(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) OK
As long as the agenda of what is to be voted on is posted
so all of us who are interested can try to be on the conference,
I don't think there's any problem with a low quorum such as 3.
DONE

(Neil) OK.. only problem then is we could not intro new business at
a meeting! And, I think we should be able to do that...
Um,. maybe we SHOULD go to 5

(1-8,Mark (CA)) OK...
My preference is to have  a quorum of 5 members.  I also like the 
idea of having the agenda posted ahead of time. done.

(Neil) OK...
I am going to put 5 into the bylaws, let's all think on it and
maybe in the message board and we can vote next month! But this
shows me 5 would be better!
OK...
The next thing I wanted to bring up was that I would
just want to mention that as a Chapter of the PS...
We will be rather expected to _do_ some things in a formal sense. For
example, we might prepare papers via the message board.
I am writing one now on the symbolism of Light and I intend
to leave a message to all in our section asking for people's
ideas on this to quote in 
the paper... Maybe others can think of things too!
Finally, this evening...
Do we have any new business that anyone would like to bring
up onto the agenda? If so hit ?

(1-8,Mark (CA)) Thanks!...
What is the best way for me to locate a local PS
chapter near me? done.

(Neil) OK...
Probably your best bet would be to write to Bro. Allan Roberts, FPS and
Executive Secretary of The Philalethes at
P.O. Box 70
Highland Springs, VA 23075-0070

(1-3,Dave) OK welcome

(Neil) I am hoping Bro. Roberts will(1-9,Scott) ?
 be online more often with us. We'll see.

(1-9,Scott) OK
Just as a heads up on that, there are PS CHapters in San Diego, 
Victorville, LA, Fullerton, and Antioch, California. GA
OK...

(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) Ok
Neil, along the same lines, is this the appropriate time to
nominate you to be President of our Chapter, rather than just
temporary or interim President?   DONE

(Neil) I hadn't thought of that....
I think it should remain interim until I get the
bylaws voted on otherwise you would not know the term of
office or the like! How about we go for that after the
bylaws?? ga

(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) OK, good idea.


(1-9,Scott) OK.
(1-9,Scott) As we are under dispensation, the officers are all 
set until we go for the Charter. GA

(Neil) That's true too, thanks.
I think we should figure the first actual election will
be in February as we will pick up the Charter in Washington in
January. (Which should be one RIOTOUS time and I hope to meet many
of you maybe!)
OK, any other new business or comments??


(1-9,Scott) OK
Just a point on that last one.  We need to submit a request 
for Charter by January.  SO we would have to have officers and 
bylaws in place by then. Sorry... GA

(Neil) OK, gotcha...
We will work this all out in the message area and get it all right! <grin>


(1-7,Brian) OK
Has the exact date and location for the February PS Feast been set?
GA

(Neil) Scott, do you know?? ga

(1-9,Scott) OK.
I'm not sure as yet.  Last year it was on the same weekend as 
Valentine's day, but it corresponds with the weekend the Allied Masonic
Degrees meets.  It should be in Feb and we should hear by the 
next issue of the magazine.GA

(Neil) OK..

(1-12,Wayne) Neil, I think you're right that the by-laws should come first...
has any consideration been given to dues?

(Neil) Not yet... I think maybe we can discuss that a bit next time...
It will depend to some extent on what we want to do...
Again, the message area might be the place to discuss this


(1-6,Bill) Ok
When and if you set dues, remember that we are indeed using
connect time during our meetings -- that is enough of a
financial burden for many of us.
ga

(Neil) I agree...
As you all may know...
As sysop I get a royalty on connect time...
In the past few months I have donated the percentage of the...
royalty that I attribute to Masonic activity on this Forum...
to local Masonic charities. I can certainly pay for....
postage and such items from this revenue so that dues are not
to me of primary importance yet. I, of course, reserve the
right to ask us to vote on dues if we all decide that the
CCC should have an expense-paid weekend for all members in Miami! <grin>
OK!!
I would like to make a closing comment....
or two....
First
I want to thank all of you for having been here and
for your help and guidance. To me, Masonry is all about
Brotherhood, friendship and people meeting on the Level. Here we
have a new Level and I think it will prove to be one that
will allow more Masons then ever before to know their distant
Brothers!
Well, I would also just like to ask that if, before you part
from the Forum tonight, you could leave a message in section 8 that
would be a good help as activity on the message area has been down a
little bit this weekend. I would like to maintain the activity as that's
going to be our way of having members to have meetings with! So if
we could all take just a moment or two to leave a message when
visiting the Masonry section I think it would be great for all of us.
That said....

I move to close the first meeting of the
Cornerstone Computer Chapter of
The Philalethes Society!

(1-10,Paul M. Bessel) Second
(1-7,Brian) 2nd.
(1-6,Bill) Second
(1-8,Mark (CA)) 3rd!!!

(Neil) Thanks, Brothers!!
The meeting is closed and the room returned to normal conversation!

