catominor

Hello,

I am a small press editor and publisher of literary fiction and poetry from the United States. I run 3 literary journals. I am interested in joining the Faith; I am not yet registered with my local council, but have begun studying and saying the obligatory prayer every day.

I have some questions that directly affect my business. Number one regards political involvement. Is it OK for me to publish works by other writers that take partisan political stances? My name is ultimately on the product as Editor and Publisher. I feel it should be OK as the Copyright is with the writer and I do not believe I am endorsing their views simply by publishing them. But I am very new to the Faith and not even officially a member yet, so could use an expert opinion. The same question regards works that backbite others, most likely public figures but possibly other writers too (I'm not sure I would publish such a piece under normal circumstances, but am curious).

Secondly, on some of my journals I have an editing staff. This usually includes a Poetry Editor and a Fiction Editor, with me as Editor-in-Chief. The Poetry Editor may sometimes ask my advice on a poem. Would it be backbiting to discuss the poem with the Poetry Editor behind the writer's back? I wouldn't think so because I am discussing the poem, not the writer. I would have to be careful not to insult the writer while discussing the poem.

Finally, this has nothing to do with small presses, but what is the position of the Baha'i Faith on discussing others negatively without them being present during therapy sessions with a clinical psychologist?

Sboyce

Hello Catominor!

Welcome to the forum and Glad Tidings.

I am glad to see you have taken the steps toward your own spiritual enlightenment.

As Baha'is, when we have such difficult questions, it is best to consult with your Local Spiritual Assembly on these matters, as they are the channel through which, in our belief, God's energy flows.

cire perdue

You have an open heart and a brave soul! My opinion is: Discussing someone with a therapist is up to an individual's discretion. The therapist will 99.9% of the time not know that person, and one is trying to resolve problems and improve one's own behavior and life. I think that when you discuss the quality of someone's work that it is not backbiting, but your profession to do so. You surely have seen the disclaimers for movies about the opinions expressed are not that of the Corporation, and that may be a possibility for you. This is NOT an easily answered questions like not owning a restaurant that serves alcohol. Your concern shows a very Baha'i-like attitude. I would think referral to an Auxilliary Board Member or Local Spiritual Assembly would be appropriate. Few have experience with publishing. Another thought is this is NOT a Baha'i publication. So many things remain an individual's choice when one becomes a Baha'i. Baha'is are not to examine some other Baha'is life, but focus on their own. Baha'is are not directed until it becomes an obvious problem.

arthra

Catominor..

Allah'u'Abha!

If you are a publisher and cover news items as long as you are not obviously partisan I personally don't see a problem..

again, on backbiting as long as you're not personally involved it probably wouldn't matter..

but as above consult with the Assembly near where you reside and that way you'll accomplish a few things.. You'll learn how Baha'is consult on issues and you'll get to know some people in your community at the same time..

Some quotes on news media from the Writings and this is of course an ideal to strive for:

In this day the mysteries of this earth are unfolded and visible before the eyes, and the pages of swiftly appearing newspapers are indeed the mirror of the world; they display the doings and actions of the different nations; they both illustrate them and cause them to be heard. Newspapers are as a mirror which is endowed with hearing, sight and speech; they are a wonderful phenomenon and a great matter.

But it behoveth the writers thereof to be sanctified from the prejudice of egotism and desire and to be adorned with the ornament of equity and justice; they must inquire into matters as much as possible, in order that they may be informed of the real facts, and commit the same to writing.

~ Compilations, Baha'i World Faith, p. 171