2B1ASK1 - Here's A Better Way!

As Freemasons, we have this saying: "2B1ASK1" (to be one, ask one). We tout it as a way to encourage people to ask about joining instead of waiting for an invitation. I get the intent, but it's a stupid phrase that does Freemasonry a disservice.

First, some history. "2B1ASK1" is "leetspeak," a style from the 80s hacker and gaming scene where they replaced letters with numbers and symbols. It was a way for the tech "elite" to show off their skills. Then in the 90s and 2000s, marketers started using it to seem hip and appeal to young, tech-savvy people.

It's no mystery why we latched onto this phrase. Freemasonry is always 20-30 years behind on tech trends. We're slow to adopt new things and even slower to change them. But did anyone stop to think about how it actually comes across?

Picture this: you're a young, eager goalkeeper. You've been playing since you were 6 and you take it seriously. One day, the coach of the national team visits your club. After the match, he meets with some promising young players, including you. This is your big chance to learn from the best.

You ask him, "What advice can you give me to improve as a goalkeeper?" You're hoping for some nugget of wisdom, some small technical tip that could take your game to the next level. His response? "Don't let any goals in."

Wow. Thanks, coach. What a letdown. This guy you looked up to, who seemed to have all the answers, just brushed you off with a glib non-answer. It's dismissive and unhelpful.

That’s exactly what happened to me and that's exactly what we're doing when someone asks how to become a Mason and we smugly reply, "2B1ASK1."

We might as well be saying, "Figure it out yourself, kid."

The longer you're a Mason, the more our jargon and catchphrases start to seem normal. But to outsiders, it's confusing and off-putting. Effective communication means making sure everyone can understand you, not just the insiders.

Remember: clear always beats clever. Think about someone telling a "smart" joke and then having to explain it. If they had just said it simply, it would have been funny. Being clever often backfires.

Steve Jobs was a master at this. When he introduced the iPhone, he didn't spout jargon. He simply said it was three revolutionary devices in one: a touchscreen iPod, a mobile phone, and an internet communicator. It was so clear, that people instantly "got" it.

Compare that to Microsoft marketing the Zune with the slogan "Make it you." Huh?

It's so vague, it's meaningless. Meanwhile, Apple's iPod slogan was "10,000 songs in your pocket." Which one makes you want to buy?

"2B1ASK1" reeks of trying too hard to be clever. It comes across as dismissive and arrogant, the opposite of what Freemasonry stands for.

These days, lots of men are going on Masonic Facebook groups and asking how to join. The irony is, they're doing exactly what we told them - "asking one" (or in this case, asking many). But if we respond with "2B1ASK1," we're missing the point. They just asked us. It's our job to give them a real answer.

We need to engage them, find out their motivations, and clear up any misconceptions they might have. Even if their reasons for wanting to join seem misguided, that's often because they've been misinformed. It's on us to set the record straight.

When someone asks how to become a Mason, what they're really saying is, "What are the steps to join?" So let's just tell them.

If it's an online international group, point them to the Grand Lodge locator on the UGLE site. If it's someone in your jurisdiction, direct them to the membership info on your Grand Lodge's page. And if they're in your local area, offer to connect them with the Secretary or DGIW of the nearest Lodge.

It's really that simple. Engage. Find out their story. Offer clear guidance. That's how we show what Masonry is about through our actions.

The "2B1ASK1" nonsense needs to go. If you want a new motto, try this:

"Let me help you."

Because really, isn't that what Masonry is all about? Being good men who help each other and the world? Let’s Ditch the silly slogans and jargon. Let’s be genuinely helpful, and we'll attract men who will be a credit to the Craft.