The Internet has changed everything for critics of Scientology. For example, I live far away from any cult franchise or public critic. Without the Internet, I would stand no chance fighting the Cult of Scientology. Imagine the time and cost involved in conducting an investigation into the cult across the Atlantic using letters and phone. They could easily orchestrate a set of lawsuits against me where I stood no real chance. But with my computer I can easily access more detailed information than you can find in any single physical location. Instantly! I can search through books and court records, and talk to other critics. While all the people fighting the cult before had to do the same investigative work over and over, I can download a copy of all their work. And more!

L Ron Hubbard never predicted the Internet so the cult has no policy that can handle it. Individual critics, spread all over the world (usually angry ex-members or fearless investigating journalists), were no real challenge for an unscrupulous cult with millions of dollars to spend. But the same critics communicating with each other, exchanging documents and experiences, is devastating. All the money in the world can't stop all the critics stirred into action by the information on the 'Net.

The cult still seems to be caught off guard. People from Scandinavia to New Zealand have done everything from hosting a critical link on their homepage, to making the inner most secrets of Scientology available on their web sites. When Scientology sued one critic, ten more popped up. Then hundreds were informed, and later thousands. On the 'Net the Scientology "tech" to handle "suppressive people" (SPs) turned out only to harm the cult. The more people became aware of the dangerous cult.

The fight is far from won. Cult leaders are still hoping things will calm down so they can use their "tech" again. You might not want to stand in the front lines, or even make your name known to the cult, but there is still a lot you can do!

Here is a list of suggestions, but don't let this limit your creativity:

• Educate yourself, then educate others
  Investigate the available information, check out both sides and make up your own mind. Read the most important books. Debate what you find with others. Tell friends, family and colleagues about the information you have read on the 'Net. Chances are that some of them sometime will bump into some sort of cult or cultic organisation, and remembering what you once said might be what makes them seek out more information before getting too involved.
• Better position on search engines
  Many search engines (like Google.com) rate sites on how many links to a site using specific keywords. If you search for "scientology" the site on the top of the result is the site with the most links to it using the word "scientology". You can help increase Operation Clambake position by adding a link on your site. Link any occurrences of the word "scientology" or "dianetics" to Operation Clambake like this:
  <A HREF="http://www.xenu.net/">scientology</A>
• Help make Operation Clambake better
  I have a list of projects I would like to do. Some I just don't have the time or skill to start with. Maybe you would like a crack at them? Check out my project list here.
• Host a banner
  With a banner on your home page you take a stand, and that is probably the most important first thing to do. The more visible criticism against dangerous groups and organisations are, the easier it is for the people in the "front lines" to be effective and keep going. You can find some banners here.
  

• Express your support
  Many have good reason not to get involved in this fight, and that's fair enough. But if you support what others do, let them know! Write them a note. You can't imagine how valuable it is for them. Even though you might not be a likely victim of this cult, the work critics do might result, directly or indirectly, in one in your family or circle of acquaintances not becoming a victim of one. Let them know you appreciate that.
• Contact your Attorney General
  In the United States, it's the responsibility of each state's Attorney General to enforce the laws and prosecute crimes like fraud. If you'd like to contact your Attorney General about Scientology, click here to find your state Attorney General's web site, mailing address and phone number.
  You can use this sample letter or write a letter of your own. Finally, if your state is holding elections for Attorney General in November, you may want to ask your candidates about their position on prosecuting Scientology - or check this page to see if they've stated their position.
  For non-American users there are many similar things you can do. Write to the Minister of Health and ask whether they ever looked into Scientology, and if not give them information and ask them to investigate further. Others to contact are state police and tax departments. And of course you have all the politicians and political parties.
• Join the debate
  The attempt by the cult lawyer Helena Kobrin to remove the public newsgroup alt.religion.scientology was for many netizens their first encounter with the Cult of Scientology. It's a good idea to lurk in the newsgroup for some time first, and try to give people some slack. It is at times a very noisy newsgroup. It is hard for newcomers to separate the good guys from the trolls, so beware! But for the latest news, most interesting debate and best answers, there is no comparison. If you use IRC you can join #Scientology on EFnet. Both places are dominated by critics, since the ordinary member of CoS is not allowed to join open debate. I wonder why...
• Picket the cult
  The cult has shops in many cities all around the world, and from there they try to pick up gullible or vulnerable people on the street. They first offer a free "personality test", but that is only an introduction to a series of hard sell tactics. Whatever your test results are, they will always suggest you buy a course to get better or solve your problems. Pickets outside their shops are therefore a big threat to them, making it impossible to lie about their "religion" or "self-help therapy". If you want to check for local pickets where you live, either post to alt.religion.scientology or meet other picketeers at "The International Picket Central".
• Spread leaflets
  Got access to a copy machine? Use one of the ready-made leaflets available on the 'Net and distribute it in your neighborhood. Leave a pile in public places, like your local cafe, the library, public offices, bars, subway, waiting rooms, hotels, etc, Or send it to schools and universities where we know cults try to recruit new members. Make sure there are always Internet addresses on the leaflets so that people know where to go for more information.
• Help on WWW
  Making information available on the Internet is the best long term "investment" critics can make. You may not have the time or skill to make your own critical site, but your help and assistance is always welcomed. Contact the authors of existing critical pages and offer your help..
• Buy ads
  A lot of sites on the 'Net sell advertisement space very cheap. For just a few bucks you can promote a critical site with a text advertisement or increase its rating in their search result on specific words. E.g. Google AdWords Advertisment Program.
• Donate to the cause
  Now and then people ask me how and where to donate money to support the fight against the criminal Cult of Scientology. Operation Clambake does cost some money to run, but I'm currently not accepting monetary donations. Instead you are encouraged to host one of the Operation Clambake banners on your homepage. If you want to donate money to fight CoS, please consider these organisations and individuals.
• Use your imagination!
  Do you have special talents, interests or contacts? Have some spare time to do some work translating, proof reading, making web pages, or offering web space? Know someone who can print t-shirts or leaflets extra cheap? Have a truck we can decorate for the next picket? Buddies with a journalist that might find this interesting? Are you a good writer or artist? Do you know a celebrity in Hollywood, or are you the type that can "make things happen"? Fast typist, know an ex-member with valuable information, got an experience yourself from the cult, active in an organisation or a church that should be informed about Scientology? Can you make it a subject at school or at university?

  Our strength is in our diversity. Also remember we want to act as better examples compared to the cult - so stay within the laws and think ethical.

  There is no limit - individuals on the 'Net are the biggest threat to any dangerous cultist group!

Thanks to Kristi Wachter & David for the proof-reading and suggestions.

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