Topics about "Anonymous" on ATS, page 1

From our perspective, behind the scenes, the ebb-and-flow of topical evolution on ATS can be fascinating at times, inspiring sometimes, and downright frustrating on occasion. This is one of those occasions.

First, before I get to the issue at hand, a little stroll back in history, a video we produced in September of 2007:

That's right. Before "Anonymous" exploded into the meme-filled psyche of the Internet, we at ATS embraced the same revolutionary ideas of the importance of a like-minded crowed of people. And the notion that a modern-day "Gunpowder Conspiracy" of Guy Fawkes is being reinvigorated by the Internet.


The frustrating ebb/flow of the day is the sudden influx of topics and comments that somehow propose we (ATS Staff) are censoring or somehow limiting discussion of the Internet movement known as "Anonymous." A minor amount of research clearly indicates no such restriction has happened, or is happening. What has happened, over the past few days, is the removal of posts or threads that reference "Anonymous," that have run afoul of our Terms & Conditions in a number of ways: 1) recruitment links, 2) vulgarities, 3) multiple threads on the same topic, etc.


As mentioned here, and repeatedly elsewhere, there is no desire to limit discussion of events and issues related to the movement. However, we all need to do so maturely and responsibly -- just like any of the other thousands of topics on ATS. If members still have some odd desire to see what happens when ATS is spammed with an inordinate number of new threads on the subject, we'll be forced to take some kind of action that will likely include limiting the discussion to a few existing threads. I don't want that, nor does our staff, since it would prevent important new developments from potentially rising to our site home.

So please, feel free to examine and discuss the movement, but do so as you would any other topic on ATS.

reply to post by SkepticOverlord

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Being a conspiracy theorist now since 1979 I have to say I disagree with Anonymous.

Not the idea of the group but their behavior, tending to lead towards criminal action, and terrorism.

I most certainly want people to have rights but I do not condone criminal negligence to attain it.

We as a society can keep our rights if we fight for them legally and non-violently.

Without absurd behavior because the law, funding, and perspective is on societies side.

Not on those who cannot stand up for their beliefs legally, non-violently, and without criminality.

For those who decry not voting due to fixed voting, elite power structures, or Secret Societies?

There is an easy fix to bypass the criminality of those within power.

It is called getting involved, personally, and actually forcing the change, legally and non-violently.

Voting fraud?

Volunteer to work in your voting precinct.

Lobbyist and special interest groups tying up your local politician?

Form a non-profit, a think-tank, and put your own politician in office.

Secret Society to blame?

Find a public organization which counters it and join it.

Simply said, no matter what, your whining, complaining,and bitching will do little.

And criminal, terrorist, and or illegal activities will do nothing but tighten the noose around you neck.

Rhetoric without actions behind it is but a hollow gesture especially with no legs to stand upon.

Make an honorable decision to do something about the problems you see.

Without allowing those laws you want changed to be the ones that hang you upon a gibbet.

reply to post by SkepticOverlord

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I consider them as being one of the few meaningful subversive elements in Western society. At the very least, they represent a dissenting view that many people share and I hope they keep trying to shine a light in the hidden cracks of corporate and government entities. A lot of those SOBs need to be kept on their toes and be aware that accountability won't always come from friends and associates. Anonymous can be the ironic instrument of transparency.

T&Cs still apply to us all.

reply to post by SkepticOverlord

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Yes, I had read about the threads being removed by the poster and saw exactly why. It was not the content about free speech but he named other sites, which is considered somewhat of recruiting. I'm happy this isnt allowed here. Those other places have no T&C rules and I also find them vulgar. I'm also glad you dont allow the beginning of turf wars here and put a stop to them before they take off. That is what I saw coming. No place here for that stuff,, thankfully!

Ever And Anon

I think the biggest problem I've seen with discussing Anonymous on ATS is failing to distinguish between talking about Anonymous, what it is and does, and claiming to be some sort of spokesman for Anonymous (usually including some sort of "We are the Borg" catchphrase ripoff).

In some cases, that includes claiming responsibility for previous hacks or upcoming hacks, overt or implied threats of such attacks, and methods for executing attacks. That's the sort of stuff that doesn't belong on ATS, and that's what's getting yanked.

Well, that and the nth thread on exact same topic, or OPs consisting of "Anonymous. Discuss." and similar emptiness.

Leave out the self-incrimination, which is the kind of heat nobody on ATS needs, or other T&C violations, and the topic of Anonymous is as wide open as any other.

Yes, it's okay to express support for Anonymous, if you want. It's also okay to express opposition. Differing viewpoints are the spice of ATS.

But let's please keep it clean and legal, and not give ammunition or pretext to anyone who opposes what ATS is about and would try to shut us down.

At least, that's my tuppence on the matter. YMMV.