Originally posted by Abraham Virtue
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.
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