• I want to learn more, but I'm afraid that someone who knows me will find out about it.

• Why do I have to buy a book to find out more?
  

• How much does active membership cost?
  

• What does the Temple do with the money it receives?
  

• Do I have to be 18 to join?
  

• What happens if I join and later choose to leave?
  

• I heard you were part of another organization.
  

• What does your priesthood do?
  

• Why do you capitalize some words that normally aren't capitalized?
  

• Why do you offer jewelry and extra books to the public?

• How do I find out more?
  
  
  
  

I want to learn more, but I'm afraid that someone who knows me will find out about it.

We can't guarantee that no one will ever find out about your interest, but we can promise confidentiality. We will neither reveal nor confirm anyone's membership in the Temple of the Vampire, with the sole exception being as required by law such as in a criminal investigation (which has as yet to happen). Members are required to respect this confidence as well. Also, the name on the return label for all Temple mail is simply "TOV." This policy of secrecy has worked well enough for our members around the world since 1989.

However, if you would be seriously threatened by someone finding out about your interest and you cannot find a way to receive mail from us safely, you might consider coming back later when your situation is more compatible with your interests. We don't wish to cause anyone difficulty due to membership affiliation.

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Why do I have to buy a book to find out more?

The Vampire Bible describes the essence of our practice and details the method of Awakening as a Vampire yourself. It simply is not possible to understand or practice Vampirism without this information and without this Connection to the Temple.

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How much does Active Membership cost?

Very little. As of this writing (March 2008), active membership costs $10 per month. The price is intended as a way of filtering out the casually curious, not as an obstacle for the seriously interested.

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What does the Temple do with the money it receives?

Part of the conditions for this experiment was that it would have to financially sustain itself. It would not receive donations from established Members of the Vampire family. This would help to guarantee that the Temple would continue only as long as it performed its intended function.

Most of the revenue from literature, jewelry, and active membership fees goes to printing, website, and message board maintainence and other business costs. Costs for training seminars are enough to cover the travel expenses and rental costs of the seminars themselves. Any difference between cost and revenue is invested to provide the Temple with a financial buffer.

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Do members have to keep their affiliation secret?

No, but we do require them not to discuss Vampirism with non-members. We do this both so that we can control how we are represented and also to protect member confidentiality. We advise members not to reveal their affiliation, but they are welcome to do so provided that they don't discuss Vampirism with non-members.

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Do I have to be 18 to join?

Anyone can purchase The Vampire Bible and become a lifetime registered member regardless of age. Active members can meet with each other in person and therefore must be at least eighteen years old in order to avoid legal problems connected with mixing adults with minors.

If you are still under eighteen, please know that you will be very welcome as an active member when you are no longer a minor and in the meantime you can still practice our religion by following the instructions in The Vampire Bible.

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What happens if I join and later choose to leave active membership?

You are quite welcome to do so. You are also usually welcome to return later if you wish.

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I heard you were part of another organization.

You were misinformed. The Temple of the Vampire is unique. There are a few rare other organizations that speak positively of us, and we appreciate their assistance with finding potential Vampires. Also, Vampires have guided and continue to guide many social entities unseen. However, the Temple of the Vampire as an organization is quite independent of any other. The Vampire Leadership granted the Temple unique authorization to represent Vampirism to the public.

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What does your priesthood do?

The Temple Priesthood consists of members across the world who have proven to themselves that what we claim is true. This has moved them to swear an Oath of Fealty to the Temple. These individuals typically have a strong command both of their day-to-day lives and of Vampirism, and therefore often help other members develop in these areas via in-person meetings or by helping to teach seminars. They also train in more subtle aspects of the Vampire Arts.

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Why do you capitalize some words that normally aren't capitalized?

Usually for clarity. For instance, we use the capitalized term "Vampire" to distinguish ourselves from the mythical vampire while still emphasizing that we are the source of the latter. Most of our unusual capitalization should be read this way, as an indication of metaphor.

The one exception is in our use of capitalization when referring to Those Who have achieved the Vampiric Condition. We capitalize references to these Elders out of respect.

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Why do you offer jewelry and extra books to the public?

These are meant primarily for members. We simply decided that the jewelry and a few particular books should be available to curious members of the public. We still reserve most of our literature for our active members.

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How do I join?

You can join by buying The Vampire Bible. When you do, We'll include further instructions for advancing in the Temple. We will also give you free access to a forum of the Temple message board where you can ask additional questions if you still have any.

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