The Revival of Kult

 

Table Of Contents:

1.0: Statement of Purpose

1.1: The problem

1.2: Summary of the solution

1.3: On this document

1.31: Form for amending this document

 

2.0: The New Structure

2.1: The Tiers of cells

2.2: The Lead Cell

2.21: Regarding previous leadership.

2.3: Tier 1

2.4: Tier 2

2.41: Preliminary Tier structure

2.5: Dispute settlement

2.6: The KULT Community

2.7: The new membership initiation process

 

3.0: KULT’s stance on issues

 

4.0: The Future of KULT

4.1: General overview

4.2: The KULT page

4.3: Crazy Idea from Ygg

 

5.0: Changes to the old structure of KULT

5.1 : The KULT Clans

5.2 : The KULT Guardians

5.3: The name of KULT

 

6.0: Immediate goals

6.1: Nidus

6.2: New members

6.3: Funding of KULT

6.4: The new Virus Manifesto

 

- begin document -

 

1.0: Statement of Purpose

A REVISION OF KULT STRUCTURE


1.1: The problem:

To this date, KULT structure has been, for the most part, a true oxymoron. Various attempts at a structure have been made, such as "Guardians," but all of these have failed in that they have done little to keep the adhesion an organization such as this requires. KULT is crumbling before us - and we find ourselves impotent to do anything in our current state. Therefore, a change must occur - a radical organization needs radical organization.

I’ve been in KULT since the very beginning. I am the last of the first six members who is at all active. I’ve seen this organization grow. I have seen the idealism of new members. I have seen how people are brought together by the hope KULT gives them.

I have also seen that idealism fade, the structure crumble, and lethargy set in. I’ve seen mistakes made, ill-thought decisions enacted, fights erupt, and egos clash. KULT has been stagnating. We have lost SKTFM, who was undeniably a charismatic leader, with a few faults of his own. The organization can no longer coast by on his inspiration. All the problems of Kult were thrown into the lap of an inept and innapropriately chosen council of Guardians. Since, the idealism and motivation of KULT has greatly decayed. Organization is almost non-existent and nobody knows what to do or how to do it. Attempts have been made to turn Kult around, but they didn’t change enough that had already failed.

KULT means a lot to me. I want to make a difference in this world for the better, and KULT, it seems, is the best way I can do that. KULT means a lot of things to a lot of people but it is, in the end, the product of our hope for making the world a better place. I know that I want to see this dream turn into reality and there are many people who share this hope. We must make the Revival happen so KULT doesn’t just fade away and die like so much has before.

-Zerstorer

 

1.2: Summary of the solution:

This proposal, which you are currently reading, is of a cell design, based on member abilities. When a member joins KULT, they will choose which cells they believe they can aid, and will have a level of status for each, these levels being either "active" or "inactive." Active members will be chosen to do whatever work that cell requires as well as recieve information about the cell from the cell leaders. Inactive members of a cell will simply recieve information about the cell from its leaders.

1.3: On this document:

This proposal is meant to address some of the most important issues - they will be approached with brevity and precision, so please do your best to read thoroughly what is presented, lest you miss an important point. This isn't meant to answer every possible question, but rather as many as possible to allow for the implementation of this, or a similar structure.

 

           

1.31: Form for amending this document

           

            Additions to particular sections should be numbered in the scheme similar to the rest of this document. As for editing existing parts, a strikethrough should be used on eliminated text and new text should be italicized or in a different colour or whatever works, the point being to show which parts are new and what deleted sections said. Personal statements should be italicized.

            If you want to change anything in this document, for the time being, Zerstorer has the base form of this document. Any additions should be sent to him at free_radical@hotmail.com or through irc or icq at 39487322.

 

 

2.0: The proposed structure of KULT

A REIGN OF TIERS

 

Better 25 cells than 300 members that we know nothing about.

- Zerstorer

 

2.1: The Tiers of cells.          

Cell structure itself is done in "Tiers." These are levels and sub-levels which allow for focus and control of a large number of rather varied parts.

[Lead Members]

|

[Teir 1 Leaders]

[Tier 1 Members]

|

[Tier 2 Leaders]

[Tier 2 Members]

 

* Each colour consists of one specific group of KULT members. Leaders from Tier 1 & 2 respectively are members of the Lead Cell and Tier 1, respectively.

 

            In this diagram, two definite Tiers are shown. The members of the "Lead Cell" are also the leaders of Tier 1 cells. The basic members of Tier 1 cells are the leaders of Tier 2 cells. This is the basic structure. Note that structural workings move from the top down, while information passes from the bottom up, and then from the top down.

 

2.2: The Lead Cell.   

 

The "Lead Cell" is comprised of the people who lead the cells in Tier 1, as well as any advisors appointed by the members of the "Lead Cell." An advisor to the "Lead Cell" is a person called in to give an opinion, i.e., a vote, which directly affects whether or not a particular direction will be taken. An advisor is only an advisor for a term set by the "Lead Cell" or until the issue for which he or she was called in is resolved.


            Although the "Lead Cell" sets direction for KULT, and holds most of the physical resources of KULT, they are not to be a "ruling class" for KULT. They are themselves advisors, and must be at all times as tolerant and neutral as possible, as their decisions affect the structure of the organization. Their goal, as well as the goal of their fellow members, should be to empower the other members of the organization.

 

2.3: Tier 1

            "Tier 1," for the purposes of this sweeping illustration, represents a group of main divisions, ministries (I like the term "ministries" simply because of KULT's play on the theme of "cults"), if you will, of KULT. Writing, Philosophy, Natural Sciences, Arts, Computer Sciences. These would be the titles of such ministries: broad in scope, yet vastly different from any others. Each of these ministries would be headed by several appropriate (and by that I mean, artists head the "Art" ministry as writers head the "Writing" ministry and so forth.) members of the "Lead Cell." Decisions as for cell direction fall directly upon the cell leaders, however these decisions should not neglect the wishes and ideas of the members of Tier 1 cells. They are here for a reason, i.e., to help. An influx of fresh ideas is always good.

            Tier 1 Cell Leaders are responsible for keeping their members posted, insomuch as KULT issues regarding them are concerned, as well as keeping their fellow "Lead Cell" members abreast of what is going on in that particular ministry.

 

2.4 Tier 2

            Tier 2 Leadership consists of Tier 1 members. These are the sub-divisions of the ministries found on Tier 1. For example:

TIER 1
 Writing
  TIER 2
   Fiction/Storywriting
   Non-Fiction
   Poetics
   Literature Review


            Additional divisions of these groups can be made as needed and as approved by KULT leadership, forming a third "Tier" which conforms to the same basic structure as the other two. This "cellular division" could be continued indefinitely, but should only be pursued as it becomes necessary for growth reasons. KULT relies upon the sagacity of it's members.

 

2.41: Preliminary Tier structure

 

Pending.

 

The idea is to work in existing organization structures such as KDN and Digital DaVinci into the Tier system.

 

            Question: How are the leaders for each tier chosen ?

 

            It should either be something which is achieved through something concrete (as opposed to being sean's friend...) or is voted by the people who they would be in charge of, like, everyone in tier 2 would say who they think would do the best job instructing them. Then, if someone fucks up, people won't start bitching to everyone at the top.

- Kid A

 

2.5 Dispute settlement.

            Unfortunately, the settlement of disputes has become a major problem for KULT and it's members. Members turning upon on another is simply not helpful. I propose a structure for this as well.

            If one member has an argument with another member, they should take it up with that member personally, and work it out. Both of those members should try and suck up a little pride, and work for peace between themselves, so that KULT's gears don't come to squealing and vicious halt. Petty arguments are just that: petty, and should not be turned into full-blown warfare between members. We're all on the same side.

            If several members have a dispute against another member, then this matter should be taken up with a Cell Leader, or someone at an equal or higher level in the KULT hierarchy. This should be done at the lowest possible level and work upwards, instead of the highest and downwards, as those in the upper echelons do not have the "situational information" of those Cell Leaders who must deal directly with the situation.

            The Cell Leaders bring the information, their discription of the situation and any evidence regarding such claims to uninvolved members of the next highest level, who join those members in bringing the info and their ideas on the subject to the "Lead Cell." The members of the "Lead Cell" then make a decision based upon all of the information presented to them. Rarely should a member be simply "kicked out." An attempt to reason with the "troublesome" member should be made by members of all levels above this particular "miscreant." If this fails, then the issue should be taken up the levels of KULT leadership to the "Lead Cell," who will make the final decision regarding membership, or restrictions thereof. Comprimise is an important tool in these situations, it should be sought out sedulantly, and used whenever feasible.

 

2.6: The KULT Community

 

             Sometimes contributing to a cause can be nothing more than being a PART of that cause.

-Yggdrasil

 

            KULT is not purely based in the Tiers and Cells. There is an unintentionally large and strong community based around KULT and splinter groups based on counter culture and alternative culture. There is a lot to be said of the KULT community. Members and non-members will meet from across the continent and help each other. This is a big part of what KULT is about. KULT cannot be a purely militant counter-culture organization, making it that would deny the very roots of KULT.

 

            That said, a member can be part of the KULT community even if they are not active in any Cells or Tiers.

 

2.7: The new membership initiation process

 

            The membership initiation process undeniably has to be changed.

 

            First, the questionaire ( or kwestionaire, if you are feeling festive ) has to be re-written. The questions themselves have to be made more relevent to Kult’s purpose, their number should be less, their importance should be greater, and they should be based around describing the applicants opinions rather than their factual knowledge, up to a point. We do want informed members. The idea of an “essay question” where the applicant would write out a longer answer to a particular question that is relevent to Kult has been brought up ( ie: “How would you change the world if you were in power” or “What does Kult mean to you and what do you think Kult can accomplish ?”. )

 

            The idea of having a probationary period for new members was also suggested.

 

            A tier 1 cell should be formed with the sole purpose of reviewing and judging of membership applications. This group should be critical and fair in it’s judgement. This cell would also be responsible for setting new members up with all the information that they need to function in Kult, perhaps setting them up with a mentor.

 

3.0: KULT’s stance on issues.

 KULT'S STANCE

            KULT as an organization does not necessarily have a stance on anything outside of providing it's members with a place to congregate and act with a general freedom, as well use the abilities of fellow members to strike at the enemies of Truth, i.e., Mass Media and Politickers. If KULT has any true enemy, it consists of those who would seek to supress our fellow humans, and our goal should be to end this suppression.

            As for major issues in modern society, KULT as an organization has no stance. Individual members are invited to hold and provide whatever views they desire.

Coda
            If KULT fights for anything, it fights for truth, the empowerment of its members, and to end victimization.
 

4.0: The Future of KULT.

FUTURE PLANS

4.1: General overview.
            KULT must grow to be able to affect any change within modern society. It must become growth-oriented before it can truly become action-oriented.

4.2: The KULT page.
            To this end, the main KULT page could be developed into an online magazine presenting various topics, KULT-related and not, mostly not, at least, in the sense of the organizations inner workings, to the public. Funding could be provided by advertisements on this site.

 4.3: Crazy Idea from Ygg.

            Also, it would be interesting to see this organization become government sanctioned. This is just an off-the-cuff idea of sorts, and the real workings of it should be left to those with a true business sense, but it may be of great import later on.

 

5.0: What do we do with the old kult structure ?

OLD STRUCTURE

 

5.1 : The KULT Clans:

            The clan designations should be kept through the revival. A number of people have grown quite attached to the concept, though the organization of KULT cannot be based on the clans. The disparity between the numbers and the scattering of skills is too great for anything to be based on the divisions between the clans. The clans should remain as a very very general statement of a members skillset and/or mindset; Nothing more. Perhaps having a clan could be entirely optional.

 

5.2 : The KULT Guardians

            The Guardians were chosen for their actions in promoting KULT, not for their leadership/administrative skills. The current group of guardians must be disbanded. We probably will not resurrect the concept of Guardians because cell leaders forming the tiers will be in the position of coordination that the Guardians are/were supposed to be in. Some of the more active Guardians and members are likely to be asked to participate in the Lead Cell.

 

5.3: The name of Kult

            The organization will be called Kult. Kult is no longer an acronym of “Kennedy’s Uber Leet Terrorists”. We really do want to be taken seriously, and it would probably be for the best to remove the terrorist reference in light of recent events. The organization was never about terrorism and never will be.

 

6.0: Immediate goals.

What we must have to start with.

 

6.1: Nidus.

           

            We need a fast and flexible Nidus system for ease of communication.

 

 A number of members have proposed systems.  More to come in this section.

 

6.2: New members.

 

            A system must be set up to efficiently and quickly initiate new members and show them the ropes of KULT.  An Initiation Cell should be formed solely for the reviewing of membership applications and then helping them along into KULT with the sensei program or something similar.

A new questionaire should also be made up.

           

            Anyone who was previously kicked from KULT or who left will be allowed to re-apply for membership.

 

6.3: Funding of KULT.

 

            A number of ideas have been suggested, as of now its all up in the air until someone thinks of something concrete and acts on it.

 

On membership fees:

 

            As we are on the subject of funding, I can't say that I am entirely for membership dues at the moment, although at the moment, I am completely unaware of KULT's financial status, if such even exists.

-Yggdrasil

 

As for funding, charging an enrollment fee might not be too good of an idea. It might make it seem like a country club. It should be like a museum. If you like it, give 'em some money, or else next time you want it, it'll be gone.

-Kid_A

 

On Kult owned media:

 

            Yeah, using kult as a way for artists, writers, and programmers to get their works out there...like a publishing company, then the revenue goes to Kult and to the creators.

-Malkav

 

            We should be publishing an e-zine, it could be really fucking good.

-N0deal

 

 There [are] some excellent writers in this community… who could throw together some great editorials.

-Borodin

 

On the Kult page:

 

            One of my weird-ass ideas was to change the main page into a online 'zine and fund it with advertisements.

-Yggdrasil

 

...thats what I had thought of for Exiles at one time.

-Borodin

 

KULT currently has no official funds. Effort is being made by Tgrey to raise money for a new server through donations. The generosity of KULT members can only go so far. Other ideas that have been proposed have been T-shirt sales ( through Nixter’s Angryshirts, perhaps ) , forming a KULT software company, and advertising on the KULT page.

           

6.4: The New Virus Manifesto.

 

            A new Virus Manifesto will have to be written to explain the organization and function of Kult in a clear, concise, and straightforward manner. The old Virus Manifesto puts forth some strange expectations of members and is vague and confusing on many points.

The new Virus Manifesto will have to be written before the structure of this revival is put in place. It will likely be largely based on this document.