Wide-open anything goes ATS suggestions thread

Firstly, I think you do a great job making ATS better..
But of course me, like most old folks stuck in their ways, don't accept changes very well *especially* when things seem already fine to me..

I like most of the things you've done, but some just seem useless. Like the applaud bar-don't like it at all, think it's a waste. Why? Because for one, I think everyone-for the most part-has applaudable posts and thoughts, and yet only a few right now even have any applauds. I personally *being boastfull* think I have given very good posts that deserve much more then 2 applauds But unfortunately maybe they go unseen by those who would understand them and even applaud. Most all the mods here never reply to my posts, infact I think there is only one mod here who ever even does.
I'm just using myself as an example here as to why I think it's useless ok? In reality I could careless if I have 20 applauds or 0, as I know I give genuine added thoughts and opinions here, whether I get an applaud or not..so that's my thoughts about that..
*oh and btw, I don't think the applaud prevents folks from adding dumb posts either*

Now about the clan thing, I'm always willing to 'try' something once. I just don't think I'm too keen on this idea because it really makes no sense to me? This is a posting forum about news, personal stories and experiences, thoughts, advice and so on..and I think the clan thing would take that away. Basically I feel it would take 'away' genuine posts here. Isn't this what 'forums' are about anyway? Why would you want to alter the way the forum goes by grouping people together? I like everyones words here. I don't want to have to focus on a group and a 'leader'...I would miss out on too many other peoples thoughts and stories and perhaps would wonder too often if it WAS even their thoughts? I guess the only way for me to describe it is...I would feel that folks here were more 'robotic' then 'real'...that's the only way I can explain it, and that's just my personal opinion.

William, you have a great bunch of people posting here and they all contribute words of wisdom here at one time or another. I've been here for a short 3 months or so and I have taken in so much and learned so much as I continue to do each time I come here and read. Why would you want to change that? Aren't you in the slightest bit worried that you would lose some really good members by doing this?

OK I have more thoughts, but think this will suffice for now ..
Magestica

I LIKE this idea yep yep, I like it alot..

The only reason I even got an applause is because I complained that I hadn't already received one.

Before I knew it I had an applause.

But I didn't understand why.

If anything I should have received a warning for my selfishness and vanity.

I like that I was applauded, but not why I was applauded.

I basically got an apprecation point because I was unappricative of the staff's decision.

So why give me an applause???

Shouldn't I receive an applause for something I deserved???

Personally like Magestica said, "I think I deserve more than two applauses."

Somehow I think that Magestica is right.

For if this applause system was accurate I would have more than one point on my apprecation bar.

Then again that is also a matter of opinion, and a matter of someone else's opinion, and not of my own.

Please, don't give me an applause unless it is for something I deserve.

In fact, take away the one I have, because it was earned in unsavory ways if you ask me.

I would rather receive an applause for my actions on the Clan topic.

That is where I have proven myself to be an insider who has apprecation.

At least in my eyes I have.

(Just one man's opinion, nothing to take seriously.)

Why do you say that AV...could it be perhaps that you received Applause because you genuinely DESERVE it with your indepth opinions and replies that evoke thought in the reader?? Why immediately think its a 'Pity Vote'?? Seems strange...to say "I feel I deserve applause" then when you get one, claim its not worth anything. Dude...I think you give much to this site and deserve that Applause and more. I'm wanting to Applaud you for having the balls to speak up...is that now a pity vote?? Would hope not...for any Applaud I give is one based on respect...and I'd hope you'd receive it as such...


But anyway...on to my reply. Ooooh...its rant-time up in here:

APPLAUSE

Personally I see benefits in it. Its a method to show appreciation for the energy shared with the ATS Community by those members who cause us to think...those members who cause us to challenge what we hold in our heads...who post something that just knocks you on your butt and leaves you thinking "Whoa...thats some powerful shyte right there"...and every bit those members who cause us to laugh and enjoy being here.

That said, I do agree that there are MANY members here to cause us to learn and expand our thoughts/minds...perhaps more pro-active usage of the u2u feature is more in order. Taking a minute or two to simply click on their u2u link and send a "Awesome post" message to them is better, more immediate, and probably worth more than some little bar on the bottom of their side profile. That minute sending the u2u is most definitely earnt by those members...for they have no doubt spent much longer than that formulating their opinions and posting them up for us all to benefit from...so there we go...u2u MORE people. Let people know if you appreciate what they posted.

The Applause Feature is only fresh to ATS...with so many members making so many great posts, you can beat its gonna take a while to get around to everyone. Does that mean we should discard the system?? Or give it more time?? Bottom line is that there are bugs and questions in EVERYTHING new...and its only through actually riding them out, seeing how things play out over time that we will see the real value of the new additions/modifications...and that TAKES TIME...so how about we give it some time and see where it leads. But yes, speak up if you have problems with it...for if you don't, then how are problems supposed to be realised and rectified? So good on you those who have voiced their opinions against.

CLANS

Personally I see the benefits, and some negatives, in the idea. If the Clan System inspires people to research deeper, to bring more information to the boards...then all good.

There is a saying amongst my people that goes "By your food basket, by my food basket, the guests will have enough"...which means that we ALL have something to bring to the table...all have something worthwhile to share and help the collective grow through that sharing of information and collaberation of energies. So if the Clan System can help increase that sharing, then SWEET!

Problems however could be a division within the community. But I see this again as something that will only fully unfold itself over time...so again...patience perhaps is a virtue worth holding for a while to come yet.

I do see the Clan System as either being glue, or being a separator...but again...ultimately...it will be what YOU/WE make it to be. If we see it as separation, relate to it as separation...then self-fulfilling prophecy time...it WILL be separation. But if you/we take it as building a more involved community...and work it in that way...then yes, it will help build a better ATS on the whole.


BANNED WORDS

With the exception of foul language, I do not believe ANY words should be banned. Language filters are one thing...but 'discussion filters' are another. I do not support the banning of the 'B*ian' or the 'J*ssup' words. I might see the rationale behind it...but I don't agree with it.

I think we are walking a very thin line here...IF a post regarding these two guys descends into little more than spam or insults, then simple deletion of the thread is always an option...even then, deletion is something not to be taking lightly...for we have to be very careful not to let our own personal opinions on issues manipulate the flow of any discussion that is taking place.

I dunno about you guys...but if someone tells me I can't say a word, or discuss a topic, that really only serves to make me wanna do so even more. After all...the very nature of this website is such that it WILL attract a decent amount of members who have somewhat of a distrust (heck, even disdain) for 'authority' And so, in a way, Mods/Admins actions are already under suspicion (oh heck, now who's paranoid) and we need to be mindful that we don't become...or be seen to become...like the very agencies/organisations this Board speaks about so often.

That said...I will say this also...NOT EVERYTHING IS A CONSPIRACY. Not everything has an alterior motive...not everything has boogey-men (or is that MIBs) hiding under the bed or in the closet. So please remember that also people, next time an Admin or a Mod suggests something.


...right thats enough for now...will likely be back later...but let me press this one point "Give it time". Let it play out and prove its worth before pre-assigning worth to it.

[/END RANT]




Peace,
ALIEN

I applaude you on your views and your will to want those who don't understand to be privy of these ideals.

These are ideals that benefit this community.

I think that William and the rest of the staff has shown nothing but devotion to their work.

Especially William.

I would like to applaude those like Alien and William who are there to talk with those that may have problems with the systems being put in place.

That shows that you really care and that you believe in the system you have enacted.

Together we can all make this work for everyone.

I encourage more of this open dialogue between the staff and the members.

What other web discussion board allows that????????

Alien: I hope you gave Magestica an applause too, after all she was the inspiration of my applauded post.

As she is the inspiration for many of my posts.


Abraham

how bout a boob bar for the dudes, and a dude bar for the ladies? lol jk

right now man, all i'm really lookin for is the chess thing, looks like fun. we should have our own MoH team on the internet thingy my brother plays. i'll ask him about it tomorrow

more cowbell! definitely needs more cowbell!

haha, just so this post isn't a complete waste of pixels, I second whoever suggested more smilies. I'm a smiley junkie, and that would just make me very happy.

ok we need a few PEOPLE smilies

how about these for a start

bush
stalin
hitler
and tupac

those would be the best smilies. oh yeah, and a jesus smilie.

There are two good reasons to at least impose temporary bans on these words/names/topics. In once case, many of us decided ATS was not to be known as a place to find one of these two. In that case, the filter was put in place to help remove our deep Google indexing on this person/word. I keep track, and perhaps when we no longer return several dozen pages, we can lift the ban and filter.

In the other case, a similar issue. One or more so-called "hackers" look for some of these words as target words on Google and other searches. Until that issues calms down, it's best not to attract attention. This policy is in place in other discussion forums where this group has caused havoc.

While it's nice and cozy here in our site, we need to be mindful that ATS is designed so that search engines like what they see... and store all that they can find. While this has been a huge traffic boost for us on all the conspiracy topics we enjoy, occasionally there are topics we'd rather ATS not be known as the place to go.

I just saw your post in another thread that gave a more descriptive meaning of what you are calling 'clans' and it actually makes a great deal of sense after reading that..
I apologize for misunderstanding..I think I was looking at all the different thoughts and opinions about it to form my own, without fully understanding what you were getting at.

So I'm completely willing to try it out..could be very beneficial to all of us..especially the ones who really do 'care' about ATS and would like to be posting here 10 years or more from now.(as Zion said)
I myself have grown quite fond of ATS and many of the members and would hate, infact probably cry, if it were to die off or certain people leave

Hell William, just do whatever...you seem to know whats best and what could definately work to better ATS more then anyone here..so just do it! If we don't like we can always put up a stop sign??

Magestica

Besides the fact that there are these two good reasons...
how difficult is it to simply type B*ian instead of the other?
There is no infringement on freedom because no one is punished for saying "B*ian". (unless the R on your keyboard is upset...)

How about a spell checker?

I also like the ideas of more smiles at the site.

I hope William can get that chess thing up soon.

that would be interesting

I also second the "more smilies" vote

another vote for smilies

I too look forward to be demolished by all of you at chess

William,

First of all, doing a great job on the website, no complaints at all!



For suggestions:

*Ahem* Chemtrail Forum!?!?!?

Spell checker (put the professional look on posts, esp for debates)

Online timer (Might help scare off some of us who surf from work and get us to do some real work at work!)

A specific earth changes forum? (Great place to put the seismic events thread, ect)

William,

Is there anyway you can make the "Board Forum" to where nobody but the mods can see it? OR, make it to where when some one clicks on the "Board Forum" they have to actually read every friggin post in there before they can start a new thread? OR, get rid of it all together and make it a big FAQ sheet?

I don't think members should have to suffer through a "WHY IS ATS SUCKIN' WIND" or "SOMEBODY NEEDS TO FIX THIS PLACE" kind of post every other day.

It's disheartening to even see the title in the Today Post...it bugs people even when they don't read the thread. BLAH!

I'd pay big points for a notepad.

I am happy with ATS but becoming very irritated very fast by this "every single day whine whine whine"..How about a nice block of CHEESE For crying out loud!

I agree Val.

I agree with what William also said...almost as you have said:
"William's ATS rant"
Link:
www.belowtopsecret.com...

William said this:
"caution: rant below)

I've been watching the pissing and moaning about ATS post quality, secrecy of staff, harsh staff, blah-de-blah for far too long now. It's time for the Skeptic Overlord to have his day in the rant forum. If you're feint of heart, on blood thinning medication, prone to being startled, or are scared by large dogs, you'd be best warned not to read further. Having said that disclaimer...


I've been "with" ATS for almost 4 years, and nearly 2 of them as staff... many have been around longer. I've seen all manner of MALE BOVINE SHYTE over the years, and this latest round of me-too complainers is particularly irksome since it is occurring at exactly the same time over 9,000 people are voting in-favor of ATS by the mere fact of spending an average of 35 minutes looking at 18 pages. But I'm getting ahead of myself...

No one expects that long-time senior staff, or senior members, would receive automatic respect from every new or old member. That's far too much to anticipate, and frankly unrealistic. However, from members that have come to understand the ATS hierarchy, we do (myself included) expect "benefit of the doubt". With over 1,300 new posts on some days, it's a significant effort for our current staff to keep things in line. We only average 12 to 14 moderators online during any given day... to expect that we'll review and sanitize every post to baby and coddle every member's sensitivities is both absurd and naive. If you see a crappy post... here's a freaking thought... move on, don't give it any more attention. Ignored posts tend to die.

We have a current crop of newly-active members that couldn't give a rats azz about the effort it takes to maintain this very large online community. It seems as though our newly-active members have no regard for the history of time and effort that has gone into getting ATS to the standard it is today. This doesn't happen by accident, it takes an effort. For a long time, the solitary effort of Simon Gray. But the actions of some members is comparable to being invited to someone's house, eating their food, messing their furniture, then pissing on the carpet as you walk out the door. And then these members still expect to come back tomorrow and do the same thing!

The reason I mentioned my time with ATS was not to impress you, but to establish that I've seen a great deal... and our current crop of newly-active members (less than 6 months of membership, yet daily posters) seem to be the poorest group yet when it comes to an overall understanding and appreciation of what ATS is, and what it takes to keep it that way. Far too much is taken for granted because they haven't experienced the tough periods of constant hack attacks, or slow servers, or outages because ATS exceeded the bandwidth allotment.

So these members too easily over-react to staff action that never before saw this kind of over-reaction. We went through periods where there were daily bannings or deletion of posts. The response from membership was not harsh at all... but appreciative of the vigilance to keep the board clean. And now we're to the point were we have threads complaining about a global ignore on a complete troll... what utter crap! And a member starts a thread designed to incite specific members, and then he becomes enraged when his target responds in-kind. Amazing... carpet pissing!

Are we perfect? No.
Are we trying? Yes.
Because of our effort, should we get some leniency from members? Absolutely.
Are we? Rarely.

Have some mods taken their position too seriously from time to time? Sure. Have I been included in that? Certainly. But I can assure you that each one of our staff is on the job because the mission of ATS is important to them, not because they love the power-trip of deleting posts and handing out warnings. Lately, it seems that many of our newly-active members have a mission of simply standing against authority of any kind... even if it means disrupting the goals of ATS.

In the end, it's not the responsibility of the staff to keep up the quality of posts for you and hold your little hands and lead you to the better forums with the better posts. ATS is not here to do something for you, make your life better, provide great stuff, or even improve your complexion. You get out of ATS what you put into it, and if all you put into it is bickering, pissing-and-moaning, complaining, and pissing-on-carpets... that's exactly what you're going to get out of it.


(end of rant) "


Kudos to both of you.


regards
seekerof

i like the "more smileys" idea also.