When the Force Academy was initially created, it was a personal site,
made by the Forcemaster. Since those humble beginnings, we have seen the involvement on this site grow to hundreds of members. We conservatively predict that we will be topping the 1,000-member mark not too far in the future. Depending on when you read this, we have have already topped that mark, and then some.
So why Star Wars? Why make a site, with the goal of enlightenment, that is centered around a make-believe universe? Well, there are many good points to be said about this approach. The first is that we are able to bring together people who would have not otherwise been able to contact each other. Star Wars is a medium for self-expression and growth, we believe.
So by using the Star Wars universe as a virtual “staging area”, we are able to help more people than we would be able to otherwise. A second reason is that all Star Wars fans have an innate understanding of common knowledge and reference points. When we include these fictional characters in a metaphor, the majority of students in the academy can readily identify with the point we are trying to make. You all know the term “Jedi”…and the term “Padawan”.
The “Force” is a great term, because it means so many things to so many people. You, as a student, can incorporate this notion into your own beliefs, or keep it completely separate if you deem it so…you are in control of how much definition you give “the Force” in your own personal beliefs.
Those are some of the reasons that we use Star Wars as a way to bring people together. Now what of the problems? Well, there aren’t many, but there are a few. The first is that many students want to RPG…they see this as a Role-playing experience, instead of a forum that many students use seriously, as a form of self-discovery. This site is not about Role Playing, to any extent. We know that lightsabers do not currently exist, and nobody on the board has ever piloted an X-Wing, although we all know we want to. ;) So what does this mean to you as a beginning student? It means that you can use Star Wars in your metaphors, to accentuate your points in a way that other students can understand. But it also means that you must respect other students, and conduct your affairs on the board in a manner parallel to the Academy’s goals…serious learning and training, for the sake of friendship, communication, and self-discovery.
Oh, and by the way…about the Sith on this board. No, they aren’t the same Sith that are in the movies. Don’t treat them as such. I would recommend reading all the lectures available to you, in depth, before making conclusions. After that point, if you are still confused about the different Force users on this board, Email a Master, and they will explain why not to pick fights with people who study other branches of the Force.
Another issue on the board, because we use Star Wars as a common bond, is the amount of different views on “The Force”. Religion, politics, and many other issues come into play on this board…some more than others. As a result, we require all students to be open minded, as it is proactive towards learning. During your tenure on the board, you will encounter many different people, with many different viewpoints, many of which will likely go against your own. This is the first test of a Jedi…understanding those with different viewpoints. We have people of all different nationalities on the board, as well as all kinds of religions, beliefs, ages, and races. This board is made strong through the imput of several hundred people, all with different experiences. Because the Force is such a general concept, we believe that no one person is more right than another. Because you believe the force is one thing, does not mean that it cannot be interpreted as another. Here’s the official stance: “The Force Academy does not lean towards or away from any religion of any sort, nor any other personal beliefs that may cause conflict. The Force Academy was not founded as a religious or political institution, ans should not be construed as such, therefore, it is not to be used in that way.” Thus, closemindedness, conflict-causing posts, or vulgar language of any sort aren’t tolerated here. =)
So, in closing, this board is a wonderful thing. It is a place to come and have philosophical discussions where (hopefully) you and the people you communicate with will be able to write and exchange personal wisdom in an open setting with a common viewpoint. Difference of opinion is what makes this board great, so when you reply to someone, keep in mind to keep your cool, and remember that you are not “more right” than they are…you simply have a different viewpoint on the subject. So the following are a few tips and rules for conduct that we would love for you to work into your own postings:
1. No cussing or harsh words, period. That’s not allowed. Ever. And no, it doesn’t matter who started it.
2. Keep your mind open. You can believe your own things, but don’t knock on other people’s.
3. This isn’t roleplaying…this is serious…but it can be fun. =)
4. Diversity is beauty. Treat it as such.
5. If you want to post on religion, do so carefully, and don’t be close minded.
6. A listing of the Knights and Masters on this board can be found in the Force Academy Declaration area.
7. Free speech is a right. But it comes with responsibility. Remember that.
8. The Masters and Knights on this board have an open-door policy… if you’re confused, they’ll help.
9. Please don’t Email a Master, with a message that says “I need a Master. Take me as your Padawan.”. They won’t listen. There are lectures up that deal with the subject of finding a Master. Read them. Becoming a Padawan is not handed out…it is earned.
Because of the above point, always post your best. Post wisely and intellegently, as any Jedi would do.
May the force be with you, and may you use it wisely.