Can't we all just get along?

Abovetopsecret is one of the finest websites on the Net. We are continually adding new features, new forums, such as Skunk Works and our growth on the Big Boards is nothing but astounding. This doesn't mean that there isn't some issues that need to be addressed. The membership of ATS are an excellent group by and large. However there is a small amount here that thrive on conflict for various reasons. This does nothing to promote our great site. Let's look at some of these problems and see if we can work together to raise the bar even higher.

I must preface this by saying that there is only about two dozen people out of about 3500 members that visit ATS on a weekly basis that this applies to, however it affects us all as we come here to learn and knock issue around.

Trolling.

Everyone know what a troll is, someone who stalks a certain forum(s) in order to post material just to get a raise out of another member or group of members. It is easily seen by others and gets rather tedious very quickly. Member X puts up a post and you just know that member Y is going to show up and you even know what is going to be said. That doesn't necessarily mean that Y is at fault, maybe X posted what s/he did to get a raise out of Y. Then the real fun begins.

A verbal game of table tennis ensues where it is quite obvious the neither member is listening to the other, just sharing jabs. I have no doubt that others decide to skip over those encounters, why? Because they are engaged in one of their own. Back and forth with no one giving quarter, neither listening and the almighty Google is the weapon of choice because, lets face it, you can find anything with Google, whether it's true or not.

The "You are Wrong" syndrome.

There is another trend that's a holdover from last years US election. That insatiable desire to prove another wrong. It's not about debating, not even about proving your point. It's all about making sure you point out to the world that THAT member is WRONG! I saw an ATSNN submission a couple of months ago that a member posted, "This is wrong, let's vote it up to see who's wrong". This is similar to trolling as it does nothing but promote adversity. Yet again nothing is learned as now no one is listening to each other. Would you listen if another wasn't and just wanted to point a finger at you? Again all one has to do is whip out your Google and we're off to the races again.

Politics, oh my.

As with the first two topics noted here, politics in the forums divides members. Liberals bashing Conservatives and vice versa. What is the value in this? I see little to none. Neither philosophy is right ALL THE TIME. Yet once more all you need to engage in a full blown argument, not debate, is you friendly neighborhood Google. Are we seeing a theme here? Google can be a good tool, it can also be used to promote conflict.

Solutions?

What can we as members do to work these problems out? The first thing I can think of is, wait for it, it's a novel concept, LISTEN TO EACH OTHER. The only thing that can be shared if listening doesn't occur is argument and adversity. Listening, learning and promoting interest as opposed to conflict is beneficial to the site and to the individual. It's a small thing, a lot less stressful as well. Come on, we're the leading site on alternative topics, let's all get along. WE CAN DO IT.

     Intrepid
     ATS Moderator





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