15 year Anniversary...

So this year will mark 15 years of part time lurking and extremely occasional posting to ATS. The realisation that I have been visiting this site for one and a half decades is a little mind blowing for me.

So much has changed, both in the real world and here on the site but I guess the first thing that comes to my mind is a question. "What was I doing fifteen years ago and why did I seek out this place?"

My answer? I was a part time Uni student and Entered Apprentice Freemason with questions about a childhood UFO sighting and the 9/11 attack.

I never got any answers about the UFO, even though many posters claimed disclosure was "just around the corner". Fifteen years on I've given up on that hope and am starting to believe in the empty galaxy theories.

The 9/11 debate still rages on and nothing has been overwhlemingly convincing one way or another. I do lean towards the inside job explanation but not the more extreme theories (no planes, holograms etc)

I eventually became a Master Mason and was disappointed when I wasn't give the secrets to the universe. Plenty of singing and stale sandwiches but no blood magic.

It's been interesting to watch this place evolve and see the changing crowds and popular topics.

I would really love to hear (if anyone would like to share) your answers to the same question.

"What were you doing fifteen years ago and why did you seek this place out?"

(Also - any good stories you want to share about ATS. I'm going to have a think about a few and share a couple!)

originally posted by: Ezekiel
I eventually became a Master Mason and was disappointed when I wasn't give the secrets to the universe. Plenty of singing and stale sandwiches but no blood magic.

You joined the wrong lodge then. We spirit cook the eff out of the locals that are unfortunate to wander by.

Congrats on the anniversary.

a reply to: Ezekiel

Loving that Karma dude...



"What were you doing fifteen years ago and why did you seek this place out?"

Finishing college and taking the Red pill.

(Also - any good stories you want to share about ATS. I'm going to have a think about a few and share a couple!)

That would lead to my 4th banning...

Glad you stuck around, nice to see old timers still walking the path.

a reply to: Ezekiel

I'm here for paranormal investigations. Looking for clues, new ideas, stuff I knew but forgot...
But mostly ghost hunt. And here in your thread I found*drumroll

Ghost Flags

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

See that's the kind of Freemasonry I'm talking about!

Seriously though... Have you found it a little disappointing? Here in Aus they are basically promoting themselves as a slightly weirder Lions Club.

a reply to: BestinShow

Thanks dude! I honestly don't even know how karma works here haha!
That was introduced during one of my many periods in the wilderness.

Way more impressive than karma is FOUR bans????? Reminds me of a dude way back who used to get banned about once a week in the Secret Societies Forum. I'll see if I can find a few threads to show you. Used to love watching and waiting to see when he would finally cross the line.

Usually happened by page 2 / 3 at the latest 😬

originally posted by: Ezekiel
Seriously though... Have you found it a little disappointing?

Initially I did, to a minor degree. But then a few of the younger guys like myself helped change our lodge to what we wanted more of which was the esoteric aspect.

a reply to: Peeple

Ghost flags?? Is that because I have zero flags? I'm a ghost 👻

a reply to: Ezekiel

Long time and congrats . Hmmm , 15 years ago i was happil..... i was married .

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Sounds interesting! I always loved the tradition and ceremony. There's real power in that.

When it's just a bunch of old dudes forgetting their lines it becomes a bit of a farce. Like 'Dads Army' in masons aprons.

Do you have any examples of the esoteric nature that you're willing to share?

a reply to: hutch622

Sorry it didn't work out mate - hope you are happy now!

Wow! 15 Years. That is awesome! Congratulations!

I miss some of the people that were around when I joined. Some are banned and some have actually passed on. Having been here for as long as you have, I bet you had a lot of that?

Oh, and do you think it was more "civil" when you first arrived here?

a reply to: Ezekiel

Sorry it didn't work out mate - hope you are happy now!

Its all good . Still not divorced though . Whats up with that .

originally posted by: Ezekiel
Do you have any examples of the esoteric nature that you're willing to share?

Not to derail your thread much but it is about getting more or deeper meanings from the ritual/symbols to covering aspects of history. Everyone is obligated to prepare a lecture or essay and speak on the aspect that interests them while fielding questions.

Then we feast on the blood of the innocent. It's all good clean fun.

originally posted by: BestinShow

That would lead to my 4th banning...

Glad you stuck around, nice to see old timers still walking the path.

4'th?

Hehehe so new.

I have 200 pairs of socks and only one pair of shoes.

Oo

AND I'm left footed.

originally posted by: hutch622
a reply to: Ezekiel

Sorry it didn't work out mate - hope you are happy now!

Its all good . Still not divorced though . Whats up with that .

How is it this can be, when I've been engaged 3 times since 2012 and can't even keep one.

*smells armpits* it is unpossible. I crossed an ocean for one. maybe I should have swam..

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: Ezekiel
Do you have any examples of the esoteric nature that you're willing to share?

Not to derail your thread much but it is about getting more or deeper meanings from the ritual/symbols to covering aspects of history. Everyone is obligated to prepare a lecture or essay and speak on the aspect that interests them while fielding questions.

Then we feast on the blood of the innocent. It's all good clean fun.

When you say innocent, you mean willing sacrifice. I see what you're doing, you sinister fiend. I prefer real innocence. They love it, when a toe just pops off..

a reply to: chiefsmom

Thanks! And to answer your questions, I was never a very active poster but I did notice a lot of early members drop off around 2004/2006.

I remember it being more civil and "mature" before that time. If I'm being honest iPart of that was probably a change that happened within myself. I went through a period of being very judgmental and critical towards society and people in general - which I blame on being involved in a conservative political party (Right faction of Liberal Party).

The other contributing factor I believe was the increasing "troll" culture on the Internet. It felt like every second thread around that time was people posting simply to mock the serious members.

Combined with the influx of new members, I don't the moderators could keep up.

a reply to: savemebarry

How is it this can be

I have several theories the strongest being she is waiting for my parents to pass away so she can have a money grab . Not an unbelievable theory .

a reply to: Ezekiel

I remember a member, winofiend, or snorch, or Pog mo Thoin, or klenker, or badwolf, or ha'la'tha, or checksum, I forget their name.

I think they ruined the forums..

oO