How ATS has changed over 13+ years, page 4

Rocker2013

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 06:40 AM

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Originally posted by ArMaP

The following is my opinion as a member participating in this discussion.

If we see people complaining about other people being banned because they are from the left or the right political side of things, because they are pro or against same sex marriage, because they pro or against whatever, that only means that there isn't any real bias behind the reasons for the bans.

As an ATS Staff Member, I will not moderate in threads such as this where I have participated as a member.

I'm baffled by this. Can you elaborate?
I thought there was more than one person here wielding the ban hammer? So are you saying that all decisions on banning are made by one person?

If not, how do you assert when someone has or has not been banned by a mod who has a personal gripe or disagreement with the poster and their political, religious or other views?

Thurisaz

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 06:48 AM

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reply to post by Losonczy

I have been here for a while also... 2006 I think but changed my username. Anyway, it is sad that most of the members on my 'friends' list don't come here anymore. Sad really.

some of them have died

but don't know what has happened to the others.

Ahabstar

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 07:02 AM

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The following is my opinion as a member participating in this discussion.

As for me, I only joined up in June of 2006, so that sorta makes me a new guy for some in this thread. Maybe one of these days I will make an intro thread. But even in my scant nearly 7 years here there have been changes. Some bad, some neutral and some good.

Bad. The original star rating system in which a post could be rated from 1-5 stars and you had an average which was your star rating. Sounded good, but there was an exploit to the simple average known as the one star bandit in which people that did not like you would go through your old post and drop a one star on everything out of spite. No one particularly cared what I had to say except when I said something funny so I had a rating of 4.8 when it ended if I remember correctly. Again, not because I was well liked and had billions of stars, I probably only had 150 to be honest as it took nearly three years to have my first 1000 posts.

Neutral. Gold, Silver and Bronze Contributor levels. We still have them and they are calculated differently now. But originally they had more than just bling to them as there was the happy prospect of not loading the ads if you were at least a legitimate Bronze level. For me, that lasted all of two weeks of ad-free viewing before being made a moderator, which meant viewing all the ads again. Why? Because the staff needs to know what people were talking about when a particular ad was causing problems...like that smiley ad that would scream "Hello" if your mouse was within five inches of the ad and would scare the crap out of you as you viewed the pages at 3 am as most of us did.

Good. Significant changes to the site itself and how it is experienced. A good example would be the Survival Forum. When I joined, it did not exist and in fact there were a few threads that I had bookmarked in order to visit and keep track of until the forum was created. Today, there is a two hour weekly live show dedicated to the topic with people very knowledgable on the subject and various facets of the topic.

I think that often times we all like to think that "this would be a perfect world if everyone thought like me." I admit that I have entertained that thought a time or two

But the reality is that what makes the world interesting and diverse is that we all have different thoughts and means of expressing them. In my adult life, most of my reading has been either non-fiction or comedy (which is technically non-fiction as well). So if everyone thought as I did, there would be no Stephen King novels, Tolkien (which I have read) nor even Orwell (despite that his works were at best political allegories and might sadly be considered non-fiction in the very near future). And yes, I have read Orwell and quote Animal Farm far more than 1984.

As for ATS, there is always room for change and improvement. Not every change will be good just as not every change will be bad. Are there trends and even forums that I think should go? Sure. Should they? Nope, see the the above paragraph as to why they should stay. That and I think of the band Nirvana, when they came out I didn't care for them. Now I dig them...go figure.

But suffice it to say, the moment that ATS is "perfect" will be the exact moment when it is no longer relevant. Hopefully that will be a day that never comes.

As an ATS Staff Member, I will not moderate in threads such as this where I have participated as a member.

AuranVector

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 07:10 AM

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reply to post by Losonczy

S&F for an interesting topic. I haven't been at ATS long, but consider how the world & the Internet has changed in the last 13 years.

Thirteen years ago, the general quality of the people on the Net was higher. By that I mean, people were better educated, older, and more serious.

Now that everyone and his dog has access to the Net, the general quality of the conversations have gone downhill. Some posts read like they were written by 12 year olds (and probably were). I wouldn't be surprised if Snooki is an ATS member.

The Net has changed drastically in the last 20 years -- the Net before the corporations took over.

Thirteen years ago was before 9/11. Almost everything is under surveillance now and it will only get worse.

Mods shape the threads too. Certain topics are verboten here. You can see one post X-ed out and another more offensive one left standing. Certain Mods do not like certain members and that member's posts are targeted by that Mod. Active threads are closed for no apparent reason. High profile members are banned for mysterious reasons.

Having said that, I do come here to look at the headlines. There are also some very bright, well-educated people here who are worth reading. Then there are the Archives.

Ahabstar

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 08:06 AM

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Originally posted by AuranVector

Mods shape the threads too. Certain topics are verboten here.

Yep, called the Terms and Conditions

You can see one post X-ed out and another more offensive one left standing.

Again, Terms and Conditions, but also we rely on members to alert violations as we cannot read every single post.

Certain Mods do not like certain members and that member's posts are targeted by that Mod.

True that some mods do not like some members just as some people do not like some people, however no moderator will target those they dislike because they would no longer be a moderator. In fact, we recuse ourselves from members that we have a personal beef with or there is perceived beef by that member.

Active threads are closed for no apparent reason.

Terms and Conditions, but sometimes there are questions amongst the staff that a thread is closed to pause it for deeper discussion and sometimes just to give the members a "cooling off" period if a thread becomes heated so as not to have to heavily action many members...a trolling thread would be a good example of that.

High profile members are banned for mysterious reasons.

Nothing mysterious about the Terms and Conditions. Grievously violate them and the member will be banned. Often times high profile members think themselves to be above them. Not even the owners are above the T&C's and have had threads removed that violated them.

Having said that, I do come here to look at the headlines. There are also some very bright, well-educated people here who are worth reading. Then there are the Archives.

I hope you realize that in addressing the above that the goal was to clear up misconceptions. For my first six months I read old threads and some were mega threads. In fact the only reason I joined in the first place was due to the T&C's being followed and that the staff didn't act as though they were above the membership. I had been on many forums in the past where that was the case and had not intention of joining another one that was like that. In fact, I only found ATS because I wanted to run a roleplaying game using the JFK assassination as the backdrop and wanted to place conspiracy theory angles in the game such as the players seeing puffs of smoke from the grassy knoll and other minor details. Oddly enough the level of details that I was looking for wouldn't come to ATS until years later via Rising Against's threads on JFK and RFK. But until then I had years of education and entertainment from the various members and topics that I would have otherwise missed had I not been here.

tide88

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 08:33 AM

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Originally posted by GrantedBail
reply to post by Losonczy

I have lurked here since after 9-11. I think what you are experiencing is internet forum infiltration from a variety of sources. Sock puppets, disinfo agents, and the like. I have seen it on other forums as well. You have gatekeepers and others who try to mold or divert discussion of certain topics. Welcome to the surveillance state.

This post is exactly one of the reason why ATS has gone downhill. If someone takes the other side they are automatically a disinfo agent, sock puppet, etc.

The intelligent debate has gone out the door. It isn't even worth responding if you disagree with posts anymore, because your post will be ignored or ,as the poster I have quoted, you will be labeled a disinfo agent.

I have had many intelligent debates with posters here years ago when I first joined, but now it seems like people just rush to start threads and claim conspiracy on anything that happens and then the people just all agree with the thread starter.

I've been called a disinfo agent for many years, just because I disagree with 90% of the conspiracies posted here. When you are called something you are not, it really makes the accuser look foolish.

I believe ATS is pretty much done. It is sad, because it was a very enjoyable site, but any idiot can start a thread now and there are far too many idiots that will cheer that thread on, keeping the thread on the front page. I am sure a lot of intelligent, really thought out threads get buried behind these crappy ones.

BTW, excellent thread, glad you started it.

tide88

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 08:41 AM

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reply to post by MrInquisitive

Seriously, some artificial intelligence is needed to filter out dumb and pointless comments and threads. To be clear, I'm not talking about censoring, but having a individual/personal interest profile that would filter to each person's preferences.

If in anyway this were possible, this would be the best site ever. Honestly, the owner of this site needs to work on this.

One more thing that would make this site better. Mods should close threads when the OP is obviously wrong or is factually incorrect.

For example, the FBI photo shopping thread, that is obviously two difference screen grabs from a video, not the same picture that the OP is claiming. It is point out numerous times on that thread, yet the thread goes on with people agreeing.

The motto of this site is Deny Ignorance. Well, how ignorant is it for people to keep posting on a thread based on something that isn't correct.

edit on 21-4-2013 by tide88 because: added

AuranVector

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 08:50 AM

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reply to post by Ahabstar

Thanks, Ahabstar, for the heads up about "Rising Against" (another Mod) and prolific contributor.
His threads look like they're worth checking out.

bigfatfurrytexan

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 09:19 AM

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reply to post by ArMaP

People haven't changed. People are people, and have always been people. What has changed is who has access to the internet.

13 years ago it was VERY new still, and the average user was either of a more scientific mindset (the techno nerds of the day), or an AOL member. The former lamented the advent of the latter to no end, fearing that the internet would become what it has actually become: combative and argumentative.

Rubic0n

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 09:33 AM

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Originally posted by FlyersFan

Originally posted by Losonczy
I've been on ATS for about 13 years.

You registered in 2003. This is 2013. That's 10 years .. not 13.

As if the registration date on that account has any bearing on how long a person has been on ATS...

jimmyx

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 09:58 AM

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Originally posted by tide88
reply to post by MrInquisitive

Seriously, some artificial intelligence is needed to filter out dumb and pointless comments and threads. To be clear, I'm not talking about censoring, but having a individual/personal interest profile that would filter to each person's preferences.

If in anyway this were possible, this would be the best site ever. Honestly, the owner of this site needs to work on this.

One more thing that would make this site better. Mods should close threads when the OP is obviously wrong or is factually incorrect.

For example, the FBI photo shopping thread, that is obviously two difference screen grabs from a video, not the same picture that the OP is claiming. It is point out numerous times on that thread, yet the thread goes on with people agreeing.

The motto of this site is Deny Ignorance. Well, how ignorant is it for people to keep posting on a thread based on something that isn't correct.
edit on 21-4-2013 by tide88 because: added

I was a lurker back in 2006, and joined in 2007...my pet peeve is when a thread is created, it is based on an out and out lie, where the "source" gets it completely wrong. then, others that have the same way of thinking, will flood the thread and blindly except it, without taking the 1 or 2 minutes of fact-checking to completely debunk it. that's where I get in trouble, I try and be clever (in my own mind anyway) to point out the falsehood, but i'm completely ignored, and it just runs on and on feeding on the lie, that's when I start questioning the IQ and sanity of the responders with hyperbolic insults (hence, post bans). the opening thread post, that takes a minute or two to debunk, have become so numerous, that now, I don't even check the source, I start with the opinion that the OP is lying

edit on 21-4-2013 by jimmyx because: (no reason given)

tide88

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 10:09 AM

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reply to post by jimmyx

I do the exact same thing. I immediately search to see if the OP is lying, which unfortunately can be found out that he/she is in a quick search.

I think the problem is most of the threads started are not the OP own thoughts, but some article about a conspiracy that they read. The originality of the OP's is almost non-existent today on ATS.

The fact checking is non-existent, period. It is really unfortunate.

poundpuppy

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 10:12 AM

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reply to post by Losonczy

S&F and I agree with your entire presentation 100%

Skerrako

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 10:47 AM

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The Answer:

The internet is similar to life . Sometimes it good, sometimes its awful but you just roll with it. You can find what you're looking for eventually.

Don't forget there are thousands upon thousands that come here daily, both lurkers and members. I joined in 2010, lurked for 5 years prior and this is the first time that Ive signed in in half of a year. Sometimes it does seem like the fax news alarmist crowd gets too rowdy but whatevs, its the internet. When important events are set into motion, I believe that we will see the best side of ATS again.

REASON WILL PRVAIL

kimsie

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 10:54 AM

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reply to post by Losonczy

Hi Ive been around here since the Y2K scare and I know exactly what you are saying.
Some people here do seem to be very rigid and narrow minded.

The most notable thing is; the collective thinking here can be so negative.Seems some members are just sitting at their computer desk waiting for doomsday.

Seems some individuals only get pleasure from insulting, arguing and disrespecting other members.
So sad. This is Very Unproductive to what our life's mission should be.

Our Earth is such a beautiful and magical place.
Do those who attempt to predict "the end of the world" think they are going to log-in to ATS the Day-after and receive kudos from other members for predicting a world that is gone?

Sorry folks thats is not going to happen because We wont be here. Yes it makes us older members very cynical.
Such a contrary satisfaction and an example of the wide-spread negativity we face in 2013.
Oh how things have changed since 1999.
ATS is very informative but some of the negative souls here are doing nothing to make their World a better place to live.
It is great to see ATS still here after all these years.
God Bless

ArMaP

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 11:40 AM

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The following is my opinion as a member participating in this discussion.

Originally posted by Rocker2013
I'm baffled by this. Can you elaborate?

I will try.

I thought there was more than one person here wielding the ban hammer?

There are.

So are you saying that all decisions on banning are made by one person?

No.

If not, how do you assert when someone has or has not been banned by a mod who has a personal gripe or disagreement with the poster and their political, religious or other views?

Almost all bannings are discussed (obvious spammers don't need a discussion) on the staff only area, so all moderators can see what's happening.

As an ATS Staff Member, I will not moderate in threads such as this where I have participated as a member.

PlanetXisHERE

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 12:08 PM

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Originally posted by GrantedBail
reply to post by Losonczy

I have lurked here since after 9-11. I think what you are experiencing is internet forum infiltration from a variety of sources. Sock puppets, disinfo agents, and the like. I have seen it on other forums as well. You have gatekeepers and others who try to mold or divert discussion of certain topics. Welcome to the surveillance state.

One of the best and most accurate posts I have ever seen about the contrived dynamics on this site, IMHO. (and I mean contrived by certain posters, not the mods or ATS itself)

edit on 21-4-2013 by PlanetXisHERE because: addition

aivlas

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 12:45 PM

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reply to post by Danbones

There have been a few killers on ATS.

The problem with ATS is half the site is actual crap which will never be proved by the supports being as it's a way for people to make mass amounts of cash while leading gullible people along, why it's allowed to propagate here is crazy seeing as the byline is "deny ignorance"

That green teapot says hello

edit on 21-4-2013 by aivlas because: (no reason given)

ParasuvO

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 12:52 PM

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Originally posted by Helious
I think for me, too many of my friends who offered a truly prolific view of society and culture have been banned for whatever reasons. I see us all as members who will eventually get banned for honoring what we believe in and speaking our mind when it isn't currently popular with ATS administration.

Knowing this fact has left me empty for the ATS experience in the long run. I think things change as society does and what happens inside of ATS is really not that different from the rest of the world. Clicky, cliche type of friends and or groups that struggle with the slight ebb and flow of power and relevance.

Just know that one day subject matter you feel passionate about will come up and for whatever reason you may not be able to completely express yourself about it and you will have to either deal with that and move on or face the banhammer. Once you realize that simple fact, ATS is a great place to hang out.

This is the most true statement of the real feeling, solid STRONG members that did research, made incredible threads and then get banned for no good reason at all, especially in 2010 onwards.....felt like an attack from the outside, a sudden clean sweep on people that were getting way to good at exposing real conspiracies.

It was like a 9/11 , false flag attack, where somehow these members were framed and gotten rid of, without explanation of course, it left an empty hole.

Any reasonable person could see that no T+C infringements had occurred, just sudden action when a member had gone REAL deep and found things that are not supposed to be known.

It indeed is sad when you can noticeably tell the forum is not for truth alone, but is very controlled, for various reasons of course, but certainly decisions are made where political stands and soul-searching gets the boot.

But of course just as in real life the deniers of conspiracy rarely get themselves kicked, because they are status-quo with the official stories, and therefore "safer".

iksose7

posted on Apr, 21 2013 @ 01:59 PM

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In my opinion ATS is ALMOST exacty as it should be. A conspiracy discussion website. Yes, you have to wade through alot of s**t threads to find the gold ones and theres always bickering and back and forth arguing going on. I've noticed there are also alot of threads popping up recently that seem to be members giving their 'opinions' just saying stuff that they think the majority will agree with, hoping it will rake in the stars and flags. These are things that have played a part in me not visiting ATS nearly as much as i used to.

I dont mind a thread on a subject that has already been covered. This allows newbies to discover conspiracys and facts that they may never have had the chance to know about if every repeat thread was deleted straight away. I know its not good for mods but i wouldnt know half of what i know now if members in the past hadnt started a thread that had already been covered in depth by somebody else. As long as people put some effort into what they are presenting, its all good as far as i'm concerned.

The one thing that i dont understand about ATS - its ok to discuss assasinations of presidents, the end of times, say a country is staging false flag events and killing their own citizens, but when it comes to a little plant = NO! The line is drawn. We cant discuss nature, and one of the largest conspiracys out there. I really dont understand this. Could a mod maybe fill me in? I'm not being cheeky or anything, i am legitimaly confused.

I dont know what ATS was like 13 years ago. I've only been about around 4 years but i can tell you that the past couple of years it feels like it has been over run with teenagers acting like they are posting on Youtube hoping for a freaking 'thumbs up'.

But at the end of the day like i said, this website serves its purpose. It educates open minds. I would much rather put up with everything i've said that watch MSM.