Can you give some specific examples?

"anticults":

You come across as little more than an "Internet Troll."

But OK. Here are the answers to your questions.

There are warning signs regarding potentially unsafe groups.

See [www.culteducation.com]

There is a working objective definition of a "cult" based upon group structure, dynamics and behavior.

See [www.culteducation.com]

I doubt that you are actually seriously interested, but there is the information.

The links are to this website. But no link to the source. Furthermore, you answering my question by the answering "what they are?" I am asking you for What is not a cult?

What do you mean by internet Troll? Why would you respond in this way to a simple question?

"anticults":

Your last post reflects the antics of an "Internet Troll."

See [www.flayme.com]

You are just here to argue and not really interested in the facts.

But the overwhelming majority of religious organizations, churches, political groups cannot be defined as "cults," per the links previously posted.

Are you the member of a group that has been called a "cult" or are you just here because you have nothing better to do?

So-called "anticults" has been banned.

Another troll.

Thanks rrmoderator for booting "anticults." He was looking to argue.

Buh-Bye, anticults! We hardly knew yah...but we certainly won't mess yah! Bon voyage, troll.

What is not a cult--my personal list

* The group generates courteous behavior and does not produce a high percentage of trolls. Discussion venues that are independent of the group are left unmolested.

*If people complain about incurring harm, the group uses this as a sign to clean up its own act, not vilify and shame the people reporting this information.

*You do not sign any document in which you waive your legal right as a citizen to sue or mediate for damages in case you are injured during an event run by the group.

You are not pressured to go past your boundaries or disclose intimate or traumatic information. Your confidentiality is respected. You do not live in fear that any intimate disclosures you have made will be used to shame or control you.

** The leader and group tell the full truth about their origins, their finances, methods and you are able to give full and informed consent before deciding to participate. Methods are not kept secret.

*Your car keys, your phone, your laptop are not taken away from you.

*You are ensured 7 to 8 hours of sleep and breaks during events and you can bring your own food or have a choice of food options available. You are allowed to go sit by yourself at lunchtime or breaks if you need a privacy break.

*The leader and group are capable of reciprocating the loyalty they demand from you. In cults and bad relationships, the loyality flow is always in one direction--to the leader and group. The few times the leader seems to reciprocate loyalty, a huge deal is always made and the many other times the leader is a selfish person are ignored.

*Actions match words.

*Principles before personality. You dont get all caught up in the leader's specialiness or the group's specialness.

The group does not claim endorsement by the scientific or medical establishment unless studies have been done by outside entities with no personal investment in the group and that material has been published in peer reviewed journals.

*THe group and leader trust in attraction not promotion. They do not use the workplace , the client caregiver relationship and do not push people to use their friendships as sources of new recruits.

*A group that does not constantly change its doctrines or methods, forcing you to buy endless series of books, CDs, tapes.

*Doctrine remains stable--it doesnt get so complex that only its leader can understand it and the rest are left confused.

* Older editions of a groups books or literature are not destroyed or suppressed in an attempt to re-script the group or leader's history.

* The amount of money, time and attention you are expected to offer a group is clear in advance.

*You are never pressured to cut off friendships or associations with persons outside the group or who disagree with its teachings.

* A non cultic group does not encourage you to patronize a small network of 'recommended' businesses. You can consult therapists, doctors, contractors, yoga teachers, who are not in any way involved with the group.

Actually, I'm surprised that RR left this new thread up, since it was born out of what appeared to me to be a snide, "baiting" sort of question. Thanks, corboy, for taking a little time, and using some creativity, to use the question to lay out a nice perspective of what would NOT be cultish. You seem to have hit the nail on the proverbial head--a number of times!

qd

Rick Ross Forums are a good example of not a cult because they charge no money, they do not wish to control members' lives, and you are free to leave at any time :)