I might have gone along with the idea of such restructuring if you, william, were honest about the reason for its introduction. I know you asked me
for my silence on the matter but i now sense that was just another attempt at censorship. As concern is growing(no longer just mine) over the reasons
for all the changes here i think it's only right, if you have any respect for your fellow posters, that you reveal the reason. I understand if you
have to ask your boss before dignifying my post with a proper response. Your years in advertising have made you an excellent mind control operative
even if you don't know it, you were an excellent choice.
Well, clans compete for points.
Your clan's total "karma" is calculated by the total posts of clan members. Also, forum staff can remove karma points (just like warning or
applauding) if we see posts that are just karma spams.
Post count does not equate status.
Relating points to post count is once again a ridiculous notion and relating post count to 'karma' is even more so. Surely i need not spell out the
reasons? Clan's will only divide, if only in a light-hearted fashion. Talk about and references to clanage will take up many posts and will become a
focus instead the quality posting content that you say you seek.
Your clan's prestige would also be also based on members receive applause from staff. And how many of your members have been voted for the Way
Above award.
As ATS evolves, we'll have ways for senior members to contribute to site content (not just forums).
Staff acknowledgement does not equate status.
So let me get this straight, if staff agree with a certain individuals posts or point of view they will be rewarded and may eventually achieve more
privileges at ATS. Or will these sheep simply be rewarded for fact finding and information gathering? In which case, you're encouraging members to be
devoid of emotion and soul. You are the queens seeking site content from your little worker ant's. ATS is becoming a machine.
It will also serve to make those who choose not to participate in clans, feel like outsiders and it seems as if they will be treated as such, by staff
and fellow members if they will recieve less recognition and if past experiences are anything to go by.
The changes do not serve to better the site or the community. It is all about growth(for what purpose should be obvious) in exchange for
-Strict staff control
-Censorship
-An uncomfortable and unwelcome atmosphere for anyone in possesion of opposing viewpoints.
But what the hell, you get to play chess right?!?
I consider myself a teacher and a student of all topics here at ATS. I do not require nor desire a 'clan'. Nor do i wish to limit my focus, research
and learning to one particular subject. I do not require staff admiration or some little bars to continue making useful, informative, quality content
posts and neither should any other member. Members shouldn't need to be arranged into groups and labelled just to participate and work together with
other members.
What i have admired about ATS is the broad range of opinions, expressions, perspectives and i'd like to see it continue. This being the only reason
for such a post.
