Skeptic Project

I've noticed that whenever someone points out errors in the Zeitgeist films or criticizes the ZM, the true believers usually respond with very similar comebacks. The most common ones I've noted seem to be:

1. (if you criticize the movement) "Well, what is YOUR proposal for solving the world's problems?"
2. (if you criticze the movies) "Why don't you make your own movie explaining what you think?"
3. (pointing out factual errors in the movies) "These films are meant as an alternative point of view, not necessarily as 100% fact."
4. (if you criticize Merola's credibility) "It doesn't matter whether he's been wrong in the past, he's right about the Venus Project!"
5. (if you criticize conspiracy aspects) "The movies aren't the movement!"

The unrelenting sameness of these responses leads me to believe that they're canned and that some attempt has been made by higher-ups in the ZM to "standardize" responses to criticism, similar to how Amway and other network marketing organizations try to turn discussions involving criticism into a vehicle for promotion of their propaganda.

My questions, specifically to those who have been in the ZM (Ed, Anticultist etc.):
1 - Am I right? Is there a conscious attempt to standardize responses?
2 - If so, who came up with these comebacks? Merola himself? VTV? Some kind of committee?
3 - If there is a conscious effort behind them, how is it implemented throughout the movement? Zeitgeisters seem to use these responses pretty much across the board so whatever they're doing to get all their people on board is pretty successful at least in enforcing uniformity.

Thoughts appreciated.

Yes there is an attempt to standardize reactions, check out the fact they have a new section called : knowledge base : http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=100091

Which is there for them to point to answers to questions.

Check out the fact Peter Merola said, when people ask why we have moved the videos from the toolkit and we are on NBC WE can reply : yada yada yada...

Its subtle inferences like this that lead a person to state things.

Leading answers for posed questions.

They quote Peter, Roxanne and Jacque...they are the quote manufacturers

@Sky...Then the page has served its purpose perfectly if thats what occurs ;-)

Yes there is an attempt to standardize reactions, check out the fact they have a new section called : knowledge base : http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=100091

Which is there for them to point to answers to questions.

Thanks Anticultist, but this is all pretty general. The responses I'm referring to, especially "what's your answer" and "go make your own movie," are more specific than what seems to be in the knowledge base you linked which is mainly just a lot of Merola doublespeak.

Is there a discussion page or something where they specifically mint these responses and spread them to their members?

GET INTO THE BUNKA! *cocks shotgun*

There is no set of guidelines. The best cult-leaders infiltrate their followers' foundational understandings of reality in a way that prompts them the respond in a sort of pre-programmed way.

I think the members just repeat what the holy trinity of Peter, Jacque, and Roxanne say for the most part, I don't think there are guidelines to tell them how to act.

This, I think.

I post on the forums, but I wouldn't call myself a ZM member. If I get banned I get banned, but I don't think I will.

>> They have said over and over now the forum is for members only

I read: "the forums is for people who agree with Peter only"

Wow, they really don't have specific guidelines or a discussion page to tool these responses?

That's really amazing, then, that they all come out sounding so much the same. That's a formidable example of staying on message.