Things are desperate in the scientology world. A mission in the heart of scientology's only real stronghold — Clearwater is confined strictly to Flag while there are numerous orgs in the SoCal area and more scientologists there than anywhere in the world — this Mission is halfway between Valley and Pasadena ideal orgs and a few miles from "dissemination central" at SuMP and Big Blue. If they cannot survive living off auditing and training there, it's not going to happen anywhere. And a second one came in from Brand Blvd Msn which has got to be a little bit embarrassing when you read … [Read more...]
Scientology Missions: Going, Going, Gone…
Since 1982, when Hubbard wrote that directive, the number of missions in scientology has been steadily DECREASING. In 1982 there were about 150 orgs -- the same number as today (despite the "massive international expansion"). I have commented on this a number of times. Yet, at no time in scientology history has there ever been anything CLOSE to 1500 missions (10 per org). Today there are less than 400 with a large percentage of them nowhere near an org -- off in the wilds of central and eastern Russia and other former soviet bloc countries. Hell, not only are there dozens of states … [Read more...]
Scientology Franchises Fail
Once upon a time, there was a rather large and fairly prosperous network of scientology franchises (this is what Hubbard originally called them, until like his use of the word "fees" which was changed "donations", the word was replaced by "missions" in order to sound less commercial). The Franchise network was pretty much decimated during the infamous Mission Holder Convention of 1982 where Miscavige first burst into public view as the new Capo of scientology. Franchises were always supposed to be the "front lines" of scientology. The spearhead both into new areas of the world and to new … [Read more...]
West Valley Mission Fail
Here is the scientology mission in the Valley. The hotbed of a scientology on planet earth. The photo he used is no doubt putting their best foot forward. A corner of a room with an empty table with two chairs and a bookshelf. Clearly it's hopping and popping out there in the West Valley! Now take a look at the actual location. In the back of an industrial park without even a sign. Let's not forget, every ideal org is supposed to be opening missions and groups around them at a rapid rate. All orgs are supposed to have a minimum of 10 missions, Ideal Orgs are supposed to be opening … [Read more...]
Foothill Msn Fail
You might remember we earlier made mention of the Foothill Mission GoFundMe page (That's Some Ideal Mission) to raise money to replace their ceiling and thus become "ideal." It seems that might have created a problem. Publicly begging for money to replace your ceiling is not the hallmark of a flourishing and prospering mission. So, they have a PR story as to why they have taken it down.... I would bet the orders came down once this appeared here. And this failing joint is a candidate for an "ideal" mission -- if that is the case it is a sad reflection of the state of the … [Read more...]
That’s Some Ideal Mission
The big push to "go ideal" is happening at the perpetually moribund Foothills Mission. There is in fact no such thing as an "Ideal Mission" -- there is a policy by Hubbard called "The Ideal Org" which is what is used to name the concept Miscavige has foisted off of raising money to buy and renovate a new building for an old church. In fact, the "ideal orgs" don't resemble the Hubbard policy. But there isn't even a policy about "Ideal Missions" so this is even more squirrel... BUT, it's being touted as a new fundraising cause: Now for the big reveal of what is going to become the … [Read more...]
More Wisdom from Ron
Another in the series of posts about the insane practice of scientologists plucking statements from "Ron" and presenting them as the most valuable words of wisdom in the history of language. This is apparently an "amazing" quote: What is so brilliant about this gibberish? And what are you supposed to DO with it? Another sad exposition of cult mentality -- the words of the leader can never be questioned or doubted. Scientologists firmly believe that IF Hubbard said it, it is not merely "true" but a profound pronouncement based on unassailable research. After all, he said he did … [Read more...]
Ideal Missions – Ocala Fail
Scientology are exposing themselves again. Years ago, the Ocala Mission was opened with great fanfare as the first "Ideal" mission. It has been promoted this way since. I visited this Mission some time after it was declared ideal and the Hungarian receptionist was unable to help me when I asked some questions about Dianetics and told me to come back on Tuesday evening (it was a Saturday afternoon as I recall) when the Mission ED would be there and that he could help. There wasn't anyone else in the place. Now this: They don't have the staff to be "ideal" -- apparently they don't … [Read more...]
The Mission Network More Lies Exposed
Here is something a Special Correspondent just forwarded to me: This week's international Mission Birthday Game Standings. It follows perfectly from my Sunday Redux post The Missions of Scientology -- Where Are They? (and yesterday's with Jeff Hawkin's classic infographic). When that Missions posting was written in March 2013 there were 325 missions internationally. This new leak provides an interesting and very up to date comparison with which to analyze the massive, straight up and vertical international expansion under the brilliant and dedicated leadership of Mr. David … [Read more...]
The Missions of Scientology — Where Are They? Sunday Redux
This seems a very appropriate post to reprint in light of the recent article Scientology Shriveling. Media Take Note: They Lie To You. This was originally published on 27 March 2013. I would assume that if anyone wants to take the time, they will find that some of the missions the church is given credit for in this article from 2013 no longer exist today (though I suspect the scientology.org website is about as fast to remove closed missions from their list as they are to remove declared OT VII's from the list of "10,000 on Solo Nots Sometime Never." Again, it … [Read more...]