Me v. Scientology

[Evil Knevil]

The story is basically that Scientology UK is going the way of the Dodo.

It is becoming increasingly brutal and paranoid towards both outsiders and members.

It might have a cache of arms on the premises.

Its going the way of Heavens gate, aka completely barmy and is likely to be extremely dangerous.

My line of investigation so far starts by assuming that Scientology was a kooky cult and relatively mild in England, but it has become an ever increasing pain in the ass, driving members away and thesedays, just plain insane.

Of course demonstrating that they're a bunch of batty boys will require sharing some of the 'trade secrets' of Scientology. I'm not sure I'm on strong legal grounds for this. Having my name dragged through the mud is hardly going to help my career.

[Tolls]

They're quite a big target to take on...if needs be they'll try and tie you up in litigation if they view you as a threat (and by the sounds of it they will).

If you think you can pull it off, though, then that might do your career some good. What's the legality of them having a store of weapons?

[Evil Knevil]

I don't think they have any licence for guns, I need to look into that.
Apparently they have knifes mostly, one shotgun and one rifle. Guy said they had 3 handguns, but they were probably replicas. If they have gun licences it might be ok, but still v.scary.

[Tolls]

I'm not sure how strong they are over here, I don't recall much in the way of cases brought against any reporters, or overt harrassment...

If you've put a fair amount into this already I think you should give it a go.

[Evil Knevil]

They've harrassed a few British authors,(Russell Miller) as well as the the problems with the infamous 'Time' article.

Its definately been an interesting week, I'm going to write a draft today, I think, then see their reaction. I'll also have to make the trip down to Saint Hill again to snoop about.

Still, could finally get my career going (after so long). Maybe even get something done about the cult.

I'm sure my bosses will help protect me.... right?

I've heard they spread pamphlets about the reporter to friends, neighbours, and collegues.

Hmmm

[Tolls]

A little harrassment goes with the job doesn't it?

[vlad]

Here is my extra 2 cents.
The overall religion of scientology also deals with a class system within its doors. Those who donate more $$ and are of a higher financial or political status get better lodging and teachings(training courses). It is also rumored that after certain amounts are donated and time is donated,you get to meet an alien, perhaps Xenu itself.
Another odd note is L Ron isn't only a writer of odd sci-fi books, he is also the bases of many sales training manuals and seminars. I have been involved in 2 sales training programs that used his ideas, and as a joke, knowing what scientology was, I said perhaps when we finish the program we will meet the alien. This was a comment NOT well tolerated by the program directors.Many people had no idea who L Ron was even when his name was notated in the back of the training manuals.

[Immortal Wombat]

Saint Hill is 10 minutes from my house I avoid it.

[Evil Knevil]

Really? Do you live in the village? I might have bumped into you by accident when I was there last week! Can I stay with you next week? (just joking

Do you have any information about Saint Hill, like noises, or
weirdos or gunshots, like I've heard about?

Update:
I got a phonecall this afternoon from a Woman in Scientology demanding that I drop the story, since, after a background check, I was not in the position to write an objective article about Scientology. She also threatened me with legal action if I

1/Misrepresent or slander Scientology.
2/ Reveal their copywrite information (Xenu etc)
3/ something like 'break their privacy, I don't remember.

They know my background, assholes. I really hope that I can avoid harassment (too late I think?) I don't want my wife involved in this!

They phoned my Editor as well. He says I should drop it.

Fucking motherfuckers!!
I'm just a damn reporter, so why do they do all this shit to intimidate people? Just makes me fucking mad.

I swear if they start harrassing me or my wife I will do a Tony Martin on one of them.

[Timexwatch]

Scientologists have a habit of burying reporters and others with lawsuits, especially in the U.S. You should try to consult with a barrister to see where you stand with regards to U.K. press laws.

Don't try to bluff them out. They are serious about the legal action. So cover all your bases first, and be sure to double check all your facts and sources if you decide to write the article...

[Kropotkin]

They are really a bunsch of ****ers and often have rich untermenschen like lawyers as members so you should be careful. Possibly you could win with good support but it will probably be painful in some way.

They seem really protective of their so called secrets. At the royal library in Stockholm they have a ex. of every damn book they have but they are trying to stop people that have not reached the correct level from reading them buy having members reading or borrowing them constantly.

I've meet them at a school trip. You've got to take expensive courses at different levels so it takes a while before they get to the wacko stuff.

[Kropotkin]

oh, and remember: Information wants to be free!

[David Floyd]

Isn't this info in the public domain? If so, provided you give credit where credit is due, how can they sue you?

[VetLegion]

from your writing, I am pissed of at that woman myself

I cant give you good advice... if they are lunatics they wont drop this easily and may try all sorts of nasty things, from phoning you each night in 2 AM to other stuff...

for you it is a job but for them it is a religion, remember that. people can get very irrational about religion.

so you need to estimate how crazy they are.

and if you dont publish the article, can you at least post it on apolyton? you got me interested now

[VetLegion]

btw., I think all the worst about scientology, I dont know anyone who likes them (they are forbidden in germany too)