I am generally of the opinion
that any/all "secret societies" are a bit nuts, but from your description I am now happily convinced that Freemasonry is mostly innocuous, warm and furry (like the CoE)
... but still a bit nuts... (well suited to a B3tan then, I suppose).

Good luck on world domination &c.
( ejlflop errrrrgs. Regularly., Thu 27 Aug 2009, 15:17, 3 replies)

I understand the sentiment, but it's going a bit far to claim that all secret societies are dodgy.
In totalitarian or oppressive countries any pro democracy movement will have to spend some time as a secret society.
( Dr Preference AjcuiVd289, Thu 27 Aug 2009, 15:26, closed)

Not a secret society
One thing that is made very clear when you join, it's not a secret society, but a society with secrets. Big difference. There's no secrecy about being a member, just some words and handshakes that you have to keep secret.
(lardyboy Next stop, Fissplap Central, Thu 27 Aug 2009, 15:34, closed)

that really doesn't make it sound any less weird
to be honest
(Alphabet Soap boshboshboshbosh, Thu 27 Aug 2009, 16:01, closed)

I think it's the whole 'society with certain secrets' thing that gets people a bit miffed
they often question what the secrets are, or why we have them. It's often worth pointing out that any organisation has secrets to a general degree, whether it be in business practices, choosing members, or the way it conducts itself. Doesn't necessarily mean it's dodgy, it's just unique to that particular group.
( The Great Architect is still waiting for his account to be deleted on, Thu 27 Aug 2009, 16:02, closed)

Even my cooking club has secrets.
I could tell you my recipe for spaghetti sauce, but then I'd have to kill you.
(Seance Trumpet has got no beef with a man enjoying a croissant, Tue 1 Sep 2009, 21:26, closed)

*takes the risk and asks*
:)
( The Great Architect is still waiting for his account to be deleted on, Tue 1 Sep 2009, 23:38, closed)

That's Fine
But freemasonry isn't a secret society
( Big Ian has stopped changing his sig, Fri 28 Aug 2009, 12:23, closed)