Frequently Asked Questions..

Frequently Asked Questions..

Hey all,

ATS is a pretty large website; It’s the biggest website of Its kind in fact. Around the many forums here there’s also many, many thread’s aimed towards helping out members, new and old, navigate around the site as well as various other stuff too. Most reading this thread right now in particular will also be more than likely quite familiar with how ATS as a forum works, what to do in most situations, where to find something they need and so on and on and on...

But, due to the size of ATS, there’s also many people out there finding and joining up for the very first time just today, and this applies to every new day as well. Because of this, there’s always going to be at least a few people out there who may be a bit overwhelmed or confused by what they find here, something I've come across myself. That however is where I’m hoping this thread can come in. I'm writing up a FAQ (Frequently asked questions) which will hopefully answer the many questions members may initially have when they first find this place, as well as the kind of things that are even asked on a regular basis here.

This thread primarily being aimed at the newer members here, the member just finding ATS and the member who's unsure of how things work and so on, but hopefully at the same time this thread can apply to all of you out there at some point or another – So hopefully all can gain at least something from it. Well, that’s the plan anyway.

Bearing this in mind, I doubt I've covered everything in this thread still so if anyone has a common question about something still unanswered but one which can relate to this thread, please don't hesitate to post a reply and ask it. This is a FAQ thus It's supposed to be a helpful thread for all, and It takes more than one person to make it so. And if you have a question about something on ATS which you’re unsure about, someone else out there will also have the same question too, so don’t for a second hesitate to ask it.

To jump to a new post, please click on one of the questions below, the question linked to the individual post where It resides:

List of Frequently Asked Questions:

- Posting on ATS:

- - How do I create a new post?

- - How do I reply to another member?

- - How do I quote a member’s post?

- - How do I edit a Post?

- - How do I post a new thread?

- - Is there a way to find all posts from a member in a thread?



- A quick guide to BB Code

- - How do I post a link with my own text?

- - How do I quote another member’s comments?

- - How do I post material from another website here?

- - How do I bold, italic or underline text?

- - How can I post a video on ATS?



- Interacting with other members

- - How can I PM another member?

- - A PM is showing up as read before I’ve got to it, why is this?

- - How do I flag a thread?

- - How do I star another member?

- - How can I add a member as a friend?

- - How can I add a member as a rival?



- Signature, images and Customizing my settings

- - How do I upload a new image and then post it on ATS?

- - How do I add a new Avatar/Background Image?

- - Can I hide all avatars from view?

- - How do I change my signature?

- - How do I change my location?

- - How do I change my Personal Colour and Text settings?

- - How do I edit and change my Mood and Custom Title?



- What does this mean?

- - What do the numbers under my avatar mean?

- - I've just received an applause, what does this mean?

- - Flags and stars, what do they mean?



- Is there?...

- - Is there a full list of members who are online right now?

- - Is there a full list of staff members anywhere?

- - Is there a chatroom on ATS and how do I enter?

- - Is there a list of all members who have recently replied to me?

- - Is there a main search feature?

- - Is there a list of the most popular threads?

- - Is there a list of the members with the highest Wats rating?



- What to do's

- - I've just had a post removed, what do I do now?



- How do I?...

- - How do I get Writer, Fighter and Scholar status?

- - How Do I Alert Correctly?

Posting on ATS

Q: How do I create a new post?

As a member of ATS, as opposed to a mere guest here, you have the option to reply to a post and share your opinion with fellow ATS members. To create a new post, find a thread here in our forums list, or instead through our recent posts page, select a thread title and then finally look to the upper right hand corner of a thread where you'll find this option:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/kv4fb7a8f6.jpg[/atsimg]

Clicking on that option will then take you to this new page where you can write up your post and then submit it to our forum for everyone else to see, discuss, debate and so on:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/jd4fb7ab0b.jpg[/atsimg]

Prior to posting you also have the option to add "bb code" and smilies etc, a guide on how to use this well and appropriately can also be found here: A Guide to BBCode on ATS

Q: How do I reply to another member?

If you don't wish to make a general post to a thread, instead reply specifically to another member, then you need to look for and then click this option found in the upper right hand corner of every members post:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/gn4fb7ae10.jpg[/atsimg]

With using this feature you'll also be taken to a new page, the very same highlighted above. The only real difference is you will be replying to someone else, not making a general post, thus the appropriate code to reply to another member will already be present. With replying to another member It's also worth pointing out that your name will then show up in the reply list of the members whom you're replying to. You can all find your own reply list, a list of members who have replied to your posts, by going to your messages and then clicking on ‘Replies’ as circled here:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/gj4fb7b040.jpg[/atsimg]

Clicking on the username will then bring up a link. Click on that link to be taken to the replying post.

Q: How do I quote a member’s post?

To quote a post, once again look to the upper right hand side of every post on ATS where you'll find this option:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/gm4fb7b248.jpg[/atsimg]

With clicking this option you'll once again be taken to the posting page, when clicking on Quote however you'll also now see the post you're replying to with-in the quote bb code (see a guide to bb code above). Post your reply underneath. When posting your reply, It's also a good idea to cut down the quoted text to just the section you're replying to, not the whole quoted post. Oversized quotes run the risk of being cut down by staff members (as they are unnecessary and can disrupt the flow of a thread) and in some cases points will be deducted from your account.

Here's an example of what I mean, although just cut it out completely, don’t leave a snipped message like I have done, that’s a mere example:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/gt4fc36616.jpg[/atsimg]

Q: How do I edit a Post?

You have a 2 hour window to edit your post, any time after this and unfortunately you will have to contact a moderator so they can do it for you. If you're still in time however, then you need to look for this option also found in the upper right hand corner of your post:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/cs4fb7b7fb.jpg[/atsimg]

You'll then be taken to a page similar to your posting page, the only real difference being that when you click submit, you're not creating a new post to the thread, you're simply editing your existing one.


Q: How do I post a new thread?

Similar to the posting page, you can also find the option to create a new thread towards the upper right hand side of the thread page as shown here:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/bk4fb7bc5a.jpg[/atsimg]

In addition to being able to post a thread right from reading another thread, you can also start a new thread right from the forum's list page as shown here as an example:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/tp4fb7bdda.jpg[/atsimg]

Once you decide you want to create a new thread for ATS, you have chosen the appropriate forum to post it in; select the option to create a new thread as highlighted above, and then you'll be taken to a page which looks like this:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/wr4fc361be.jpg[/atsimg]

The only real difference it has to the regular posting page is for posting a thread you also have to submit a title. This should be something relevant to what you're bringing up for discussion.

Helpful Tip: To avoid posting before you're ready, It's a good idea to write your title at the top of the actual post itself (not the designated title area) and then when you're finally ready to post, just copy and paste your title to the title option. That way, you can't accidentally post the thread before you've added your content (It's an easy mistake to make!) as nothing will ever post with-out a title and with posting it at the top of the actual posting page, you can be sure you won’t accidentally post a blank thread.

New members with less than 20 posts will also notice first of all that you do not have the option of creating a new thread. For now, you actually can create a new thread, but only in one forum, the introductions forum. This forum is also strictly for introductions, not a place for you to create a thread on any topic you wish. Threads in this forum which are not an actual introduction will be closed/removed in most cases.

The Introduction Forum is for introductions… To tell something about you; not to start a thread about a topic. ATS has a twenty post requirement before a new member can start a thread on the myriad of ATS fora… “Intro threads” that are really “topic threads” will be removed. Twenty may sound like a lot, but it won’t take any time at all (especially if you start a really good introduction thread

). The minimum post requirement is there to give you a chance to acclimate to how ATS operates… And what constitutes quality content contribution (and maybe what doesn’t

). The bottom line is that your intro thread is about your favorite topic… You!

Welcome to ATS, it’s time to introduce yourself…

Q: Is there a way to find all posts from a member in a thread?

Yes, there is. All you have to do is hover over where it says "member", which can be found under a user's username and avatar when in a thread and you'll see a drop-down menu. Click on this:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/pz4fb7c07a.jpg[/atsimg]

Once you click on that option you will then be able to see every post from that user in that particular thread.

A quick guide to BB Code

For a main guide to using bb code on Abovetopsecret.com, please see this thread authored by member Loam: A Guide to BBCode on ATS

Also, to find your bb code in the first place, please go to a posting page and then look for this here:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/kj4fc50884.jpg[/atsimg]

All of your code can be found there.

Q: How do I post a link with my own text?

To post a link on ATS, you must format it like so:

[url=Link goes here]Your text goes here[/url]

When posted without the link being deactivated like I've done above, It will look like so:

Your text goes here

Your personal text can also be changed to highlight anything you wish. The link can also be anything you wish, so long as It's with-in the site terms and conditions of use of course.

Q: How do I quote another member’s comments?

To quote another members comments, you must use the quote tags. They will look like this:

[quote] Your text goes here [/quote]

When posted it will look like this:

Your text goes here

Q: How do I post material from another website here?

To post material from another website however, do not use the quote tags. Instead, use the Ex tags. To use them, you must post this:

[ex] Your text goes here [/ex]

When posted publicly It will look like this:

Your text goes here

Q: How do I bold, italic or underline text?

If you'd like to add bold, Italic, or underlined text to something you're posting on ATS, then you have to lay it out like so:

Bold text shall look like this: [b] Test text. [/b]

When posted publicly it will look like this: Test text.


Bold text shall look like this: [i] Test text. [/i]

When posted it will look like this: Test text.


Bold text shall look like this: [u] Test text. [/u]

When posted it will look like this: Test text.


Q: How can I post a video on ATS?

To post a youtube video, you need to look at the whole link which, as an example here, will be this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMguNxi14Vw

..And you will need to copy the above bolded text (or anything after the = ) into the appropriate youtube tags so It will look like this in full:

[yvid]oMguNxi14Vw[/yvid]

When posted without the above link being deactivated, It will look like this:



If you'd like to post a Google video on the other then once again you need to look at the whole link which, as an example here, will be this: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5602679622368188669

..And you will need to copy the above bolded text (or anything after the - ) into the appropriate Google tags so It will look like this in full:

[gvid]5602679622368188669[/gvid]

Google Video Link

I'm looking to post this whole thing soon btw.. Would that be ok with everyone?

Interacting with other members

Q: How can I PM another member?

ATS allows us the option to interact with other members via U2U (User to User) or PM (Personal messages) as It's also known. To send another member a PM, you have this option here found on a user's drop down menu:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/hk4fb7d3b9.jpg[/atsimg]

With clicking on that option you'll then be taken to your personal messages page. You can also find this page by clicking on Tools at the top of the page and then selecting messages:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/bw4fc36874.jpg[/atsimg]

Doing the latter, as opposed to using the drop down menu, will take you to the appropriate page, your messages page, but if you're looking to send a PM to another member, you will have to fill in their username manually - And It must be typed in exactly or they will not receive the PM.

New members with less than 20 posts will also not be allowed to send PM's to all members yet. Those members with less than 20 posts will only be able to send PM's to staff members. For a full list of staff members please see this section: [ADD LINK HERE]

Q: A PM is showing up as read before I’ve got to it, why is this?

This is a surprisingly common issue that pops up around ATS. The reason for which is simple – When you send a PM to another member, say for example If I was to send a PM to you here, and then I was to immediately go to my outbox, if the PM had not yet been read by you I would notice that It would show up for me as bolded. If I was to then click on it from my outbox you will no longer see the "new message" icon and the PM will now show up as being read for you by someone, in this example me, the sender.

Going to your outbox and looking for the PM to go from bolded to un-bolded, but without clicking on it, is also a good tracking system to check on whether someone has read your PM’s.. as soon as they read it, It will no longer be bolded for you, the same as It will no longer be bolded for them if you was to click it.

Q: How do I flag a thread?

To flag a thread, you must turn your attention to the upper left hand side of a thread, as circled below:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/cz4fb7d9e4.jpg[/atsimg]

Clicking where it says "Flag it" will do pretty much that.. It'll flag the thread. The whole point of flagging a thread on Abovetopsecret.com is so we can determine, as chosen by members, which threads deserve the most attention. The more flags a thread get's, the better and It is you highlighting that this thread is worthy of being read by other members. The higher flagged threads are also highlighted on the site homepage.

If you've flagged a thread and for whatever reason, maybe you flagged it by mistake, and you would like to remove your flag, you now have that option. To un-flag a thread first you must flag it, as shown above, and then you'll automatically see this option. Click it to take away your flag:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/fz4fb7dcb0.jpg[/atsimg]

If you're still a new member to ATS, and you don't have 20 posts yet, you won't have the ability to flag a thread. Instead, you'll see something which looks like this:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/qw4fb7e449.jpg[/atsimg]

The latest thread on flagging can be found here and shall explain all: Some Changes To The Flagging System Today

Q: How do I star another member?

To star another member, look to the top of an individual post of theirs. You'll maybe notice some blue stars, but you'll always notice a transparent star to the upper left hand corner (although some forums don’t allow the use of starring and in this case you will not see a transparent star). Clicking on that transparent star gives the user a star from you - the blue stars are what they've received for that post by other members up until that point:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/ph4fb8e386.jpg[/atsimg]

Starring a post is you, the member, indicating that you agree with the post or appreciate the effort gone into it. It's a way to avoid one line "Hey, good post" or "thank you" kind of replies. Some forums, like Board Business and Introductions for example don't allow the use of starring and you'll notice there is no transparent star available.

Q: How can I add a member as a friend?

To add another member to your friends list, search out a post of theirs and using the drop-down menu, select to "add as friend" as shown here:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/xe4fb8e538.jpg[/atsimg]

Friends on ATS also now show up on your own personal profile page with a list of their most recent threads as highlighted here:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/eb4fb8e6f5.jpg[/atsimg]

Just click "Friends" to bring up the new page. If you scroll down this page slightly you can also find a list of members who have added you as a friend on the left hand side.

Q: How can I add a member as a rival?

Rivals, as they’re now known on ATS, are Not something for you to use to create a list of people you do not like. It's a list of those members you believe are pushing you to learn, to tune your arguments, to just be an over-all better ATS member here.

Much like the friends list highlighted above, you need to go to your drop down menu to add a member as your rival as shown here:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/di4fb8e8b4.jpg[/atsimg]

They will also, and unlike the friends option, receive a PM to indicate they have been added to your rivals list. And once more, you can find a list of threads started by your rival members, as well as finding a list of those who have rivalled you, on your profile page here by scrolling down and looking towards the left side of the page.

Signatures, Images and Customizing my settings

Q: How do I upload a new image and then post it on ATS?

To upload an image to ATS, firstly click on Tools (or follow that link) found at the very top of this page and then click on "ATS Uploads".

You'll then be taken to your personal uploads page where you can host all of your images you'd like to post to the boards. To actually upload an image in the first place, look towards the upper left hand corner of your upload’s page where you'll find this option:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/rs4fb8ff2a.jpg[/atsimg]

You then select an image, one which is saved on your computer already, and It will uploaded to your page. Once the upload has completed, you then need to re-click on the image you just uploaded where you'll then be taken to a page which will look something like this, but with your own personal uploaded image of course:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/ij4fb90167.jpg[/atsimg]

As highlighted in the above image, if you want to post the image onto ATS, you simply need to copy and paste the highlighted code into your post. It will then show up. This is all also explained here in the latest thread on the matter: New, Fully Integrated, ATS Member Upload utility (UPDATED: and more info)


Q: How do I add a new Avatar/Background Image?

If, on the other hand, you want to upload the image you just uploaded as an avatar, you need to select this option instead (or indeed select profile background if you so wish):

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/do4fb9030d.jpg[/atsimg]

With doing so, you'll then be taken back to your tools page where you'll see something which looks like this:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/jc4fb904e6.jpg[/atsimg]

To submit your new avatar, you simply click on submit. If it's the correct size it will work and look great. Current sizes are as follows:

Maximum pixel dimensions: 170 pixels wide by 240 pixels high.

Maximum file size: Remains 75k

New Rules for Avatars and Mini-Profile Backgrounds

For Background images:

A common method used by many members to "workaround" the avatar size limitation is to use a mini-profile background image, and a clear-GIF avatar. We will continue to encourage this level of creativity in conjunction with the new avatar limitations.

Pixel Space: The new "visible" space for background images is 180 pixels wide and 400-480 pixels tall (depending on other factors in your mini-profile).

Maximum Pixel Dimensions: Maximum allowable mini-profile backgrounds will be 200 pixels wide by 700 pixels tall. Smaller images are repeated in the background space.

Maximum File Size: Maximum file size for mini-profile backgrounds is 100k if you're using a clear-GIF as your avatar, if not, the combined file size of your avatar and background image cannot exceed 150k.

Animated backgrounds are not allowed.

Background colors and imagery that obscure your member name are not allowed.

New Rules for Avatars and Mini-Profile Backgrounds

Q: Can I hide all avatars from view?

Yes. To hide all avatars from your view, for whatever reason, you need to once again click on Tools found at the top of the page. Then, search for this option:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/ns4fb9068c.jpg[/atsimg]

To re-add avatars again, just go back and once again select submit.

Q: How do I change my signature?

To Add/Edit/Change a signature of yours, go to Tools found at the top of the page and then scroll down until you find this option below (which is my current signature) and simply fill it in with what you'd like to show up as your signature (the text which shows up below every one of your posts):

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/uc4fb90aaf.jpg[/atsimg]

I've also circled 2 parts of the above image for a reason. Firstly, when updating your signature, which can be anything with-in the site Terms & Conditions of Use, and includes bb code as I've shown above linking to two of my past threads, you Must always select submit underneath what you're updating, otherwise It won't update. Selecting submit from another part of the page will not update anything.

Secondly, there's a small option to the bottom right hand corner. If you click there, hold it down and then drag it along, your typing box will increase (or decrease if you wish). It's a useful yet often overlooked tool to use and It’s one that makes thing's that little bit easier around here I've found.

Q: How do I change my location?

Like before, you need to go to your Tools settings and then search out this option found at the very top of the page:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/zu4fb91cbf.jpg[/atsimg]

As well as updating your location, which will show up when you post, you can also set your time zone - Don't worry if it looks wrong after you have updated it btw, It will still be set to the time you last updated it to. You can also fill in a bio, a birthday and so on here. Only the location will show up when you post though.

Q: How do I change my Personal Colour and Text settings?

To edit your colour and background settings, which are the settings responsible for how you look when you post, what colour your username will show up as and so on, go to Tools and scroll down to find this option:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/ed4fb91ea9.jpg[/atsimg]

As before, you need to update your settings by choosing which colour you'd like to show up, and it will give you options to choose when you click on it. Simply click on submit to make it live.

Q: How do I edit and change my Mood and Custom Title?

Last but not least, to update your mood and custom title, the title which shows up underneath your username when you post, you need to go to tools and scroll down to the very bottom of the page where you'll find this option:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/qc4fb92137.jpg[/atsimg]

Simply update it to whatever you wish, as long as It’s with-in the site terms and conditions of course.

What does this mean?

Q: What do the numbers under my avatar mean?

Every member will notice a set of numbers and letters underneath their avatar, or username if you don't have an avatar.

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/tt4fc38c96.jpg[/atsimg]

They mean the following:

P stands for posts and is the number of posts you've made here.

F stands for flags and is the number of times your thread's have been flagged.

S stands for stars and is the number of times you've been starred.

K stands for Karma.

W stands for WATS rating.

In regards to K and W, here's a post from Skepticoverlord, site owner, explaining a bit about them, what they're here for and so on:

It's not real complicated.

Karma is influenced most by a stars-to-post ratio, with a minor influence from flags.

WATS is influenced most by a flag-to-post ratio, with a minor influence from stars and post-count.

Long term members with a high number of well-flagged threads will achieve a high WATS number -- or -- mid-term members with highly-flagged threads will also receive a high WATS number. It reflects a ranking of those who start quality threads (mostly).

Short term members who create replies that earn stars may achieve a high KARMA number -- or -- those long term members who focus more on adding to existing threads and are starred as a result, will also achieve a high KARMA number. It reflects a ranking of those who add quality to existing threads.



Sure, there may be short-lived abuses to stars and flags, but the intent of the system is to aid in painting a larger picture of ATS content. While, on occasion, some individual posts or threads may receive more flags or stars than deserved, on the whole I believe the system works as intended as a means to showcase important topics and hard-working members.

Post from Skepticoverlord, site owner.

Active members with the top 50 WATS rating are also listed here: Way Above Top Secret - Top 50 members.

The next 50 members in the list also have a silver border.

Q: I've just received an applause, what does this mean?

You've just received an applause? Great! Applauses are given out by the staff here on ATS and are as they sound.. an applause. They're given out to you for contributing to our forums and all around adding to the site in some way or another. As well as an applause, the amount of which shows up on your profile page, you will also receive a bonus of 500 ATS points as a further reward.

Q: Flags and stars, what do they mean?

Flags: As highlighted above already, flags are given out by you, the members, to thread’s which you like, admire, are appreciative of and so on. They’re your way of saying “Hey, this is a good thread, come check it out”, and together, as a team, you can collectively decide which thread is “better” or more worthy than another.

You decide which content is good here with such features. Use it wisely.

Stars: Stars on the other hand affect the individual member and individual post, not strictly an individual thread. When starring a member’s post you’ve effectively saying “I agree with this” or “a lot of work has gone into this and I may not agree with it, but I am appreciative of the efforts gone into it still”.

They’re to be used by you to decide which posts are “better” or more worthy than another. In a debate, they can potentially highlight who agrees more with whom also and are an indicator of a good post.

They’re also to be given out to avoid the “good post” type posts that can be seen here. Instead of posting such a thing, just give a star.

Is there?...

Q: Is there a full list of members who are online right now?

Yes. To find a list of all members who are online right now, go to the forum index here, and then scroll down to the very bottom of the page where you'll find this, a list of members online at that time:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/ff4fc3a817.jpg[/atsimg]

Those in bold are staff members online right now.

Q: Is there a full list of staff members anywhere?

Yes. To find an entire list of all staff members, firstly go to the forum index here, and then scroll down until you find this situated on the left hand side of the page:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/iy4fc3ac23.jpg[/atsimg]

Clicking on a staff members name here will also take you to your personal messages page where you can send them a personal message.

Q: Is there a chatroom on ATS and how do I enter?

ATS also provides a free chat room for members to interact with each other in real time. All Terms and Conditions apply here of course and the only condition is a minimum of 150 posts to enter. Once you have reached the required posting limit, you can enter and chat away.

To enter the chat room look for “Chat” found at the top of this and every page, or instead please follow this link.

Q: Is there a list of all members who have recently replied to me?

Yes. Go to your personal messages here, and then look for this "replies" option:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/gj4fb7b040.jpg[/atsimg]

Then you'll be presented with a full list of members who have replied to you. Simply click on their name, which will then bring up a link to their replying post, and then you simply click on the post.

Q: Is there a main search feature?

Searching before posting a thread is very, very important on ATS. If you post a duplicate thread of another, in other words a thread on the exact same topic as another recent thread, your duplicate thread will be closed and then re-directed to the original. To avoid this, do a search..

To do a search in the first place, look for “Search” found at the top of every page, or follow this link. As well as doing a search using the official search bar, which has a handy tip on how to search properly on the right hand side of the page, It’s also a good idea to look through the forum you plan to post in too. If you’ve done an initial search and then you also can’t find a thread on the topic you wish to post about in the forum you’re planning on posting in, chances are it doesn’t already exist. Now It’s a good time to post.

Q: Is there a list of the most popular threads?

To find a list of some of the more popular threads right now you should click on "Top Topics" found at the top of this and every page. Then you can find a list of the most popular threads from right now, ranked by flags, or instead ranked by replies. As ell as this you can also find the most popular threads from the last 30 days, from the last 90 days, from the last 6 months, from a full year, right to of all time.

You can also find, in real time, a list of the newest topics, newest topics ranked by flags and the neest topics ranked by replies here: ATS - New Topics - Real time rankings

Q: Is there a list of the members with the highest Wats rating?

Yes. To find a list of the top 50 members in good standing on ATS, as determined by their posts, flags and accumulated stars, follow this link.

Alternatively you can select “Top topics” found at the top of this and every page, and then select this option:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/sv4fc4bd19.jpg[/atsimg]

Those members with a gold border around their post are also gold members, in other words are listed in the top 50 list. The next 50 members are silver status members thus have a silver border around their post.

What to do's

Q: I've just had a post removed, what do I do now?

So you’ve just had a post removed for whatever reason and you’re unsure of what to do next. Well, if you have no complaints and believe the removal was probably justified, just move on. Don’t dwell on it, instead learn from it and try to improve.

If, on the other hand you don’t fully agree with the decision, then no one is stopping you from reading the PM, particularly the name of the staff member who gave you the warning, and then sending a reply PM to inquire about exactly why the warning was given. Do not hoever post a public post on the matter as It will also be removed. It's an issue between you and the staff, no one else.

If you’d like to get the attention of the entire staff, not just one staff member, then you should send in an alert here: ATS Suggestions/Complaints Form

Also, here’s a handy thread on such thing’s:

Filing a Complaint/Suggestion or Post Alert *ALL MEMBERS READ*

Contacting Staff: Alerts, Suggestions, Complaints

**ALL MEMBERS** Member Guidelines For Spotting/Alerting T&C Infractions

How Do I?

Q: How do I get Writer, Fighter and Scholar status?

Fighter status on Abovetopsecret.com is an indication that you have, or can, participate in official debate threads. The debate forum can be found here: www.abovetopsecret.com...

To set up a debate, first find an opponent and a topic. Then, PM a staff member, particularly Semperfortis, The Vagabond and Chissler, and they will set the match up for you at the designated time.

For writer status, which you will need to participate in writing contests, you will need to send a PM to Masqua who will grant you access to the writing forum.

For Scholar status, which you will need to participate in research projects on ATS, you will need to contact ADVISOR who will grant you access.

Q: How Do I Alert Correctly?

There’s a couple of ways to alert offending posts on ATS. The first of which is alerting an individual member. To do this, look through their drop-down menu here and select “ALERT!” as shown here:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/uz4fc4e054.jpg[/atsimg]

To alert an actual thread, look towards the upper left hand side and select Alert as shown here:

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/files/img/qu4fc4e2ca.jpg[/atsimg]

You will then be taken to the complaints page where you can alert us to various stuff around the board. Please see this thread for a great explanation on how to alert correctly: **ALL MEMBERS** Member Guidelines For Spotting/Alerting T&C Infractions

Lastly, if you’d like to make a general alert about something, such as an offending U2U for example, or instead if you’d simply like to give us a suggestion on improving ATS, click on Tools found at the top of every page and then look for the “complaint” option. For U2U's, please copy the offending U2U for us to review.

So... there's this member, that I'd like to respond to, but I don't know how... any suggestions?

Oh wait, I think I just figured it out! THANKS!

Weyyheyy!

No wonder it took you so long haha

www.abovetopsecret.com...
The Suspicious Death of MI6 Agent Gareth Williams..

Oh I see what you did there, you simply just wanted to bring attention to your own thread... man ATS is sharpening my skills on spotting a conspiracy lol.

Now's the time where my ignorance gets denied.

reply to post by Sinny

No wonder it took you so long haha

If It's worth doing, It's worth doing right.

But na I really do hope this thread proves helpful to some out there though. I really tried to make it as helpful as I could after all so if It works for at least one person, then awesome.

Thank you for showing me how to embed videos.

This is what I feel like right now:

Glad you was able to get it working cwilson.

Amazing job, RA!

I had NO idea this was going to be so extensive when we were discussing last week. I can't get over how well items are covered. I know you spent a lot of time on this and you deserve many, many kudos sir!

My hats off!

how about a link that tells people what all the abbreviations mean?

im embarassed to say it took me forever to figure out what tptb meant

reply to post by Rising Against

Thanks for the thread. I've been here for a little while, and just now (because of this thread) fully understand how karma and WATS work. --And, Writer/Fighter/Scholar status. I might go for the Writer myself. --Can you have all three?

My main question is about the points gained from Applause (e.g. 500 ATS points). Can these points be spent on visual upgrades to a person's profile and such? Or is it simply a tally, like whoever has the most points has bragging rights?

Thanks again!

Awesome human, this will bring more perspective on threads since the new member will know how to do it.
thanks again human.

well deserved flag john.

reply to post by GhostLancer

--And, Writer/Fighter/Scholar status. I might go for the Writer myself. --Can you have all three?

Yep, all 3 can be available at the same time.

My main question is about the points gained from Applause (e.g. 500 ATS points). Can these points be spent on visual upgrades to a person's profile and such? Or is it simply a tally, like whoever has the most points has bragging rights?

Points and their uses are a good thing to bring up here, I'm sure It's something I can add to the main opening posts. Thanks.

And they actually used to be able to buy certain things around ATS, such as a new background color for example, a new headline under your username, and more stuff of this nature. Now though, you can simply edit that kind of thing right here in your Tools settings free of charge.

Whether they'll mean something again in the future, who knows. But It's certainly a possibility.