My CreedSome of us in the Rick Community have been blessed with a certain amount of name recognition over time and in some cases, even a measure of our own little “celebrity”. Speaking for myself, I have been treated like royalty at the various Rick concerts I have attended, even to the point of receiving thoughtful little gifts and notes of appreciation from my peers. To say that this is not a “heady mix” would be a gross understatement. Such recognition and attention can easily go to your head and I am no exception. In brief there came a time when my feelings of entitlement and my over inflated ego began to spill over into my offline life and as you might expect, came crashing down around my ears. In time, through the support of dear Friends and through a “fearless moral inventory” of myself, I was able to pick myself back up and rededicate myself to the work of enriching this fellowship rather then using it to fulfill my own selfish ego needs.
In light of the recent events in the Rick Community I have felt the need to once again reflect and clarify my own Creed as it relates to this community. If in reading this you find something of value for yourself, all the better, but I write this not to impress you, moralize to you, or impose my values upon you … I do it because it is the right thing for me to do.
I shall not sacrifice another person on the altar of gaining access to Rick. If I cannot meet Rick with dignity, integrity and humor, then I have brought him and this community nothing of value.
I shall stand accountable for every action, every word, and every deed.
I shall remember who I really am. Any measure of prominence I am gifted with, however well intentioned, does not define me - At best it simply defines who others would like for me to be.
I shall strive to be congruent. One episode of bad behavior can destroy all of the credibility I have worked so hard to build up. Others may forgive me, but in truth there are few 2nd chances in this life. Once tarnished a reputation can be a very fragile thing indeed. If wrong, I must promptly admit it immediately and publicly.
I shall acknowledge that I am a Role Model for others, whether I like it or not! If I do not hold my integrity to a High Standard any value I have as a member of this community will degenerate into infamy! At any moment I could become my own worst nightmare.
I shall help others whenever I can. At the same time I will remember that I am only human and sometimes have to say No. I will be generous with the former and judicious with the latter.
I shall not entertain the fantasy that everyone who claims to be my friend is being genuine. It is inevitable that someone will use me, disappoint me or hurt my feelings. I cannot control anyone but myself and how I experience them.
I shall give 110%. No detail shall be to small and no promise shall go unfulfilled. There is no Try … there is Do or Don’t Do.
I shall discipline my mind to think critically in all things.
I shall expect nothing in return for doing what I love. This is my gift to this Fellowship. If the time comes when my humor comes with a price tag, I will close my site and leave this Community.
I shall respect others, but tolerate nothing that diminishes this Fellowship. It is possible to deeply care about someone while at the same time disapproving of their behavior. There can be no more poignant moment then witnessing someone you care about suffering the logical consequences of their actions, but I shall take no action to protect or shield them from their Karma.
I shall never allow my silence to condone a wrong. Evil can only thrive in the shadow of indifference. At the same time I will not feel the need to speak out publicly on every issue. I shall pick my battles and when it is right take a stand from which I shall not waver.
I shall remember that Hubris is not Humility, and that the surest way to humility is through humiliation. If for any reason I forget this, I can rest assured that Karma will remind me.
BoDee
4/26/01
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