The Dudeism Forum

this is a hard one to talk about with the usual casual aire but.....

If, for instance, one were to come up with a large some of money--- say from a pilfered ransom or winning the lottery or some such--- would it be possible to set up an actual, formally recognized Church of Dudeism.   

The first barrier is, of course, convincing the government that it is an actual not for profit and real religious organization.    I don't know what the process is but I am sure it is difficult.   

the next barrier would be the Cohen Bros and their production company.   I imagine that if you set up a religion based on a company's fictional character, they'd sue the hell out of you.   

Think it'd work?   

I think the hardest part would be to get everyone under one roof.  Might forget what day or... what was I saying?  Fuck it.

I suppose someone would have to find an old bowling alley.  It only seems appropriate.  I don't think getting Dudeism recognized may be as hard as one thinks.

this is a hard one to talk about with the usual casual aire but.....

If, for instance, one were to come up with a large some of money--- say from a pilfered ransom or winning the lottery or some such--- would it be possible to set up an actual, formally recognized Church of Dudeism.   

The first barrier is, of course, convincing the government that it is an actual not for profit and real religious organization.    I don't know what the process is but I am sure it is difficult.   

No, it would be very easy. All you would have to do incorporate a "not for profit religious organization" sometimes called a IRS/IRC Section 501(c)(3). Refer to http://www.irs.gov/charities/churches/index.html You need the standard state incorporation papers and include, along with the few usual forms, a basic statement of purpose and tenants of the faith. Not much more. The 501(c) is the IRS regulation governing "tax exempt religious organization, dude. In the state you want to file your Incorporation papers, contact your state's Office of the Secretary of State, or simply buy a book on Incorporating at any decent book store. The steps a pretty fucking easy.

the next barrier would be the Cohen Bros and their production company.   I imagine that if you set up a religion based on a company's fictional character, they'd sue the hell out of you.   

Not a problem, the Coens do not own the term "Dudeism." Neither does anyone else. You could call your "church" or religious organization anything you want and no one can stop you. They have no copyright or other rights over a common word such as "dudeism," or any other "ism" for that matter.

Think it'd work?   

Fucking a, sure would, dude.

Of course, there would always be good old Dudeism.com who might be bummed that you took its idea and ran with it. 

Rest assured, we're planning to upgrade to Dudeism 2.0 and will soon take over the world, wooing it with kindness and our inimitable easygoing nature. Then you'll all be apostles and O.D.s (original dudes).

However, we're going to need some help at some point. Sounds like you guys might be just the ticket.

Quote from: forumdude on March 12, 2008, 10:39:28 PM
Of course, there would always be good old Dudeism.com who might be bummed that you took its idea and ran with it. 

Rest assured, we're planning to upgrade to Dudeism 2.0 and will soon take over the world, wooing it with kindness and our inimitable easygoing nature. Then you'll all be apostles and O.D.s (original dudes).

However, we're going to need some help at some point. Sounds like you guys might be just the ticket.

Okay sir, you're a Lebowski, I'm a Lebowski, that's terrific, I'm very busy so what can I do for you?

"the next barrier would be the Cohen Bros and their production company"
Naaaa, Dude, this is our church, this is our religion, here's nothing over the line Dude.