FAQ
FAQ's
Important Notes (related to this site)
Note 1: Some Books are only available on the Library Study DVD. They are not for the general public (or online) viewing. All the books presented on this site are either out of copyright, used with permission, my own works (copyrighted) or have no copyright information within the book itself. All enquires can be made to the email address at the bottom of each page - if unsure about the status of a book.
Note 2: Due to the size (I had no idea this library had grown so much) not all of the Public Domain books can immediately be placed online. I am currently at http://salmun.cwahi.net/ the other free web host "freehost.net.au" has completely vanished (along with all of my web pages). Naturally cwahi.net is still around and going strong!
Note 3: The books in this archive have been either scanned and/or re-edited into common formats from my own collection of old books and Public Domain sites that cater to book lovers. Some books have our own (or my own) commentaries added to them while others have been completely redesigned to facilitate easier referencing (since page numbers are obsolete). Hence there may be a vast difference between the books in this archive as opposed to the same book which may be found elsewhere. I do not copy/download a book and then merely place it in the archives, each book must be reformatted to specific standards. Likewise there will be books in this archive which do not exist on other sites. The only exception are large PDF files which I have not yet run through the OCR process (but are in demand by the public or near impossible to OCR).
1. What is the purpose of the archives?
There is only one purpose regarding the archives; that being the preservation of knowledge which in turn furthers education. Old and rare books (and other useful information) is being maintained as a basic knowledge data base arranged by subject for research and study. This is a work for our own people that has continued on for a very long time. In the modern age we have begun to transfer much of our old library into a digital format. Gone are the days of copying works by hand or typing them out.
The materials in our libraries are being collected into one main library and it is being designed for a wide range of our people scattered throughout many cultures. It is hoped that this will cater to a variety of educational needs and purposes. Being well informed and having at hand a ready source of valuable information is essential in this day and age. In the religious and faith sections we have most of the worlds sacred texts along with many different books on (and by) sects and cults (both for and against) so that people on the path we walk can study them (as source materials) without running the risk of becoming entangled in any cult. So anyone (from either our path or some other faith) can read without risk.
The self-sufficiency and natural health sections speak for themselves as do the children's sections. Note at some later date the children's section will be completely overhauled including opening a new account here on cwahi.net dedicated to displaying only books for children (educational & fun books) along with a more graphically orientated web design. The Children's section will not be removed from this web (but it will remain plain) whereas the new account will be a lot brighter (hopefully to interest children enough into doing some reading for themselves). I will also be adding some of my own stories to those sections.
2. What do the archives contain?
The early archives started out with only books but has since grown to include DVD's on History, Religion, Science, Astronomy etc. Also old talks (from audio tapes) as well as rare lectures (from cassette tape and/or VHS) have been added and converted to modern formats. Generally audio tapes (languages, talks, recitals etc) have been converted to MP3 files whilst VHS tapes (and some Beta Tapes) have been transferred into the popular DVD format.
The VCD project has been scrapped in favour of DVD, all the previous VCD titles have been properly transferred to DVD. The Documentaries will play on computers (that have a DVD Drive and player) as well as on TV with the appropriate DVD Player. I have tested these DVD's on stand alone players (Samsung, Sony and Pioneer) and also on the PS2, PS3 and XBOX and XBOX 360.
Note: The online version that you are looking at contains only Public Domain books and/or books that are used here with permission including some of my own copyrighted works.
Sorry about that but unfortunately this will happen for awhile yet as I am trying to incorporate three of my main (offline) archives into one presentable (and public domain) online archive. Sometimes I need to move the directories around to include more topics/subtopics. Other times I finish editing a set of books only to decide that they are better placed in a different category or decide to add something else to it.
Another problem is (and why I can not simply import the scanned/edited books) is that some of them are not clear in their copyright status. In this country they can be out of copyright while where the host servers is they may not be (take 1984 by George Orwell for example). Some works are out of copyright but are later re-copyrighted (not sure how they do this but it does happen) and to make it even more confusing some people give permission and then withdraw it and so on it goes.
4. Can I contact you by email? (Email and Linking Policies)
That depends on what you want. If you want to debate religion, philosophy or politics don't bother I am not interested. Below is a snippet taken from my 1998 email FAQ (it is good to recycle):
Due to the amount of email I have received please read this section before sending email.
4.1 Since beginning this page, I have answered the majority of requests regarding research. Some of those answers have taken anywhere from one day to weeks at times to gather relevant materials, historical information etc and I have spent valuable time doing so. Many haven't bothered to say thanks. So my apologies to those of you who have written and said thanks but I will NO LONGER being doing this. (It wears thin after awhile).
4.2 Abusive email goes straight into the rubbish bin, I may change this and publish it on the web, so if you don't want to see your letter up here, don't send it.
4.3 Regarding links, I may link to your page (in the relevant sections) it does however takes some time to go through an entire site and check it out. If the Page contains any of the following I will not link to it:
a. Pornographic materials, pornographic adds, or links to pornographic sites.
b. Anti whatever sites and sites dedicated to hatred or racism.
c. Sites dedicated to putting other faiths or cultures down. (Polite Apologetics being the exception)
d. Money-Making Sites (or like venture).
4.4 Regarding herbs and alternative healing methods, sorry but I can't give you much more information than what is already on the site.
5. What religion do you belong to?
People in the faith, path, way (or whatever) generally do not discuss their beliefs, don't actively seek 'converts' or send out missionaries. The 'religion' (if that is the correct term) has never had a real name and has no founder as such, or if it did he has been long since forgotten in time. At times names have been used but again it has never been official or even widely accepted amongst believers. There are a few reasons for this:
In times past (and even today in some countries) this is what has preserved us as a people in the face of opposition, shifting religious and political opinions. We have always avoided being known and hence most of our history (which pre-dates the Christian era) has remained relatively undisturbed. Sadly even our age old wariness of the 'world' did not protect all of the people all of the time. During the worlds religious purges, inquisitions, witch hunts, political purges etc some of our people would be caught in the middle or worse - get caught trying to help others escape.
Often when a name is occasionally used - someone else (from outside) comes up with the same or a similar name and so to avoid confusion (or an incorrect association) the name is either changed or once again dropped.
We have at different periods in history been named (usually wrongly) by those outside of the way (i.e. Samaritans, Nazarenes, Sabeans, Manicheans, Waldensians, Anabaptists etc) all of which are names others have wrongly given us. Jews, Buddhist, Hindu's and Muslims have also called us by various names, again none of which were by our doing.
The faith is passed down through lineage and hence mainly through marriage do new people come into the faith. There have been times when the one who marries a believer brings their entire family into the fold.
There have also been occasions where long time friends or others have found out about us (by destiny, accident or study) and have joined. Again such a person has to be called by YHWH.
This information is for those whom have encouraged the original online Archive from almost day one. First a thank you to all whom have sent email (and snail mail) encouraging the original projects you have not been forgotten.
1. The Yahshuan Archives (1994-2001)
This archive was a collection of many different religious and spiritual works (including Scriptures) from a variety of faiths, sects and paths. Various philosophies, views and ideologies (including rationalism / atheism) were also uploaded. This was the first archive we placed on the Internet and it had steadily grown in size. Unfortunately after Webhost (a cheap Australian Webhost Server) and Xoom / NBCI closed (a free unlimited webhost) the Yahshuan Archives vanished from the Internet. The size was to large to find another free host or an affordable pay host.
2. The Book Archives (1998-2001)
This was the second collection which focused on out of copyright books especially old and rare books which were scanned by me or downloaded from public domain sites. Naturally the books downloaded were cleaned up, proofed further and re-edited. These works were for the first time properly converted into HTML, and PDF formats utilizing internal links, italics, bold text etc. A further conversion was made into the PDB format (for palms and pocket PC's). This archive also ceased to be on the net due to the free web hosts closing down and the 'Book Archives' site would cost to much (again due to its size) to be hosted on a pay server.
3. Akashic Infinitum (2001-Current)
This archive was also known as the Book Repository and/or The New Alexandrian Library. Being the third collection it dealt with newer book scans covering many topics. Naturally this Archive was not placed on the Internet (and never will be) and is maintained only for private study, education and research.
4. Multimedia Documentary Library (2003-Current)
This is the fourth collection which deals mainly with documentaries (history, biographies, nature, science etc) and various other educational materials. The Video Documentaries are all in DVD and/or mpeg format, or MP3 (if it is a lecture etc). Naturally this Archive was not placed on the Internet (and never will be) and is maintained only for private study, education and research.
5. A New Online Archive Begins (2008-Current)
Thanks to an email offer from cwahi.net I decided to give web hosting one more try. So far it has been great. The original "Yahshuan Archives" and "The Book Archives" will be put back online with new additions. My old sites need most of their books re-edited - so please be patient. Also since I have not bothered with online web-hosting (until now) there are many extra books which have to be incorporated into this site - which will also take some time.
This archive collection is copyrighted (as are some books and our own editions with added commentaries etc). Ask first if you intend on using any materials from this site. Copying from this site and placing it on another server has no purpose since a simple link to this archive will suffice. Likewise collecting books from here to sell on a CD, DVD or some other media is not permitted. This is a free service, do not abuse it! Also remember that some books are here by special permission from other groups who have their own copyright regulations (ATI for example).
Miscellaneous Information (For our Faith Only)
Miscellaneous Information
Please Note: The information below is for those in the way only.
Before requesting anything please check with a Pastor or Elder in your country to see if they already have their branch of the library updated. When making a request include the name of the one who sponsored you and/or can vouch for you.
New / Updated
The Educational Materials have been updated for children (up to the end of secondary schooling). These materials include all the important information (i.e. Biology, Science, English, Math, History ... etc). The Standard Educational Pack used for Home-Schooling or Extra-Schooling is available in different languages, check with your local Pastor or Elder for available translations. Remember since the 1817 decision English has become the default language for communication amongst believers (when congregating together from different countries) and for literature.
The Self-Sufficiency Information Pack is now updated to cater to more climates and growing methods (both traditional and modern). Included in this new update is the Alternative Energy guide (i.e. solar, wind power etc). This pack also covers proper water management (wells etc) along with new additions to home storing, preserving foods, seeds and so on.
The Health Pack has been separated from the Self-Sufficiency Pack due to its large size. New information (both traditional and modern) has been added. Many new alternative, orthodox and herbal remedies have been included along with a much better growing guide. The Kosher, Halaal, Vegetarian and Vegan sections have new recipes added to them.
Help is always Appreciated
Please consider donating some of your time to scan, edit or forward works when meeting on the Sabbath with your local Ekklesia - so that they can be added to the World-Wide Library and benefit all believers. Likewise please keep contributing your own recipes, writings and thoughts to the Library. Around Passover (of each year) the entire Library is updated and forwarded to all the local branches.
If you have your own ideas on how to help please let me know. Contact me either on this site or contact any of us on the official sites.
The Official Sites
This is not an official site - if you are here by accident - remember to log into one of the official sites where you will find a lot more than what is listed here. Do not forget your username and password. This site has none of our own writings and works, no matrimonial services, chat, news or blog sections. If you have lost the contact addresses let me know and I will pass them on to you once you have included the name of the one who sponsored you and/or can vouch for you.
Books, Audio and DVD Documentary materials (for the Blind and Deaf)
For the Blind -only-
Free brail printouts are being worked on, along with specially formatted computer texts that can be fed into your favourite audio reader. Alternatively free MP3 books are available. Unfortunately my voice is terrible so I have had to make use of computer voices when converting a text file into an MP3 audio format. When better software comes out (with more realistic voices) I will update the books accordingly.
For the Deaf -only-
Recently I have begun the "Multimedia Documentary Library" but unfortunately they do not always have subtitles. I am experimenting with adding the text myself to the bottom of the documentaries. I am very slow at this (it is all new to me) so my apologies in advance to the deaf community.
For people with no computers -only-
In poorer countries and remote places where no personal computers or internet is available (or it is to costly) free print outs are made and sent via snail mail. Since these are re-printed using a normal printer please request only one book at a time for the person you are sponsoring/forwarding the materials to.
Kind Regards to all and happy
reading
-Salmun-
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