Next Level BS: Why is ATS now hell bent on shoving this turd down mine and everyone else's throat?

NLBS is another news content provider.

You can choose to use MSN, fox, al jazeera etc and classify them as your news source preference.

Or
you can include NLBS and discuss their news content.

Or
exclude NLBS as a news source, you can ignore it. I don't read MSN *shrugs I get it. You can read what news content provider you want

Or
choose to not frequent the NLBS forum. I don't visit the politics forum much, and you aint going to see me slamming my fist in fury that they dare keep a forum I don't care for.

NLBS is a forum on ATS.

As is pets
As is UFOs
As is Religion.

Pick what you want to contribute in and discuss. Do you have to make a song and dance over not liking a forum?? What other forums don't you like? Do we need to know for future reference to not upset your sensibilities?

If you don't like the skin. Click command + or whatever and to make your screen bigger and you don 't see it anymore.

Thanks Z

I would say a good 3% of ATS listens or watches that show.

See? I have never listened or watched.

I dont even know if its a show you watch or just listen to.

originally posted by: TheNewRevolution
a reply to: Xcalibur254

Except it is making them out to look like a bunch of shills with an agenda.

The agenda as I see it fits right in with our mission statement of denying ignorance. I don't see a problem though admittedly I've only participated in a few threads because the subject matter is not always compelling in my opinion.
The option to not participate in the discussion is all yours but if you really feel that they are shills do participate and support your cause. A debate is just a lecture if only one side speaks up.

originally posted by: MrDesolate
So you guys can't hover your cursor over the side of the page and squeeze it down to eliminate the sidebars? I can. Is that just a Firefox thing or something?

Man the knickers knots some of you have to endure must really be tortuous. I don't know how you manage to navigate tax forms without self-immolating.

It's a forum for funsies, guys. Chillax.

I think the gentleman is probably using a touch screen not a mouse and cursor. That technology seems almost archaic. Like a cell phone where you have to pull up an antenna or flip it open.

a reply to: TrueBrit

LOL the muggles. I referenced Harry in another thread that mentioned death eaters and was scorned for it. I'm a witch and have adopted the word to replace cowen which means the same thing.
As I see it the choice is the members to participate or not. I'm not sure what the white space is nor does this show up in the margin but I'm on a tablet and expand the text portion of the screen for easier reading so the margins are not in my field of view anyway. I only see it on the front page at the top or occasionally as a banner at the bottom of the page.

originally posted by: TheNewRevolution
I don't know, I guess when I came here to this site I was mislead by the idea of their being some hope in the world by people getting together and discussing things alternative to the official narrative.

First, at what point did the NLBS show not represent itself as being an alternative? That's the entire point of the show.


Next, let's do a thought experiment shall we?


Your Original Content

Here, is your thread: The Broken Idea of Land Ownership in the US
Is a strong opening post. I don't agree with the singular exceptionally socialist and very non-objective position you've taken, but I can appreciate the effort that went into it.

You non-objectively petition for the government seizure of private land into a large land collective, to be somehow divided amongst citizenry of age.

You didn't back-step into objectivity to present alternatives for which you disagree.

The entire opening post, as well-thought as it has been prepared, is not supported by outside facts or studies. It's pure opinion, and that's fine. But it's certainly not an objective opinion.



NLBS Original Content

Let's pick what seems to be the most controversial show, that spawn all this recent hate: NLBS #35: The Anti-MMR-Vaccination Movement and the Measles Outbreak
The video takes a strong position: the anti-MMR-vaccine movement is based on a medical hoax, and has no current basis in science.

It takes a non-objective look at the bad decisions based on misinformation and emotional hype that is directly responsible for a measles outbreak in the US.

The video content did not back-step into objectivity to present ideas for which the the producers disagree.

It's not pure opinion. Every statement is supported by actual events and facts, or multiple studies from numerous peer-reviewed sources.


So, what is the difference?

Are you really suggesting that, after our research revealed the medical hoax on which the anti-MMR-vaccination movement is based that we should still have tried to somehow represent the false statements by the conmen who continue to push the idea that mercury is still an ingredient the MMR vaccines given to children, as some sort of objective alternative view?

Are you seriously suggesting that we should have pandered to a portion of the audience in that manner?



Objectivity Is The Origins

We approach the beginning of production with studious impartiality, as has been indicated. If we can't find a strong position steeped in BS, then we scrap the subject. We don't make it up.


Bias Is The Result

After pouring through extensive research, if we find a truth that is Next Level BS, that becomes our focus. We're biased for truth. Sometimes our conclusions run counter to the preconceived notions held dear by some. That's unfortunate. But we're not looking to tell you what you want to hear, we're looking to provide grist for the brain.



I would have though all this would be obvious.

a reply to: TheNewRevolution

So what is the deal here? What is going on? I get that some theories out there are bonkers and crazy to some people, but shouldn't it be our choice and our prerogative to get information and learn for ourselves rather than be pushed the agenda of what is seemingly completely anti-conspiracy?

Peddling BS is anti-conspiracy. How can real conspiracies come to light if they're surrounded by turd-conspiracies?

I agree with everyone who thinks ATS needs to tone down the NLBS advertisement on the front page. Do away with the background skin and just have a small button that takes people directly to the forums section for the show. I'm glad they make browser addons that allow you to block any image you want on a website.

a reply to: zazzafrazz

You can choose to use MSN, fox, al jazeera etc and classify them as your news source preference.

Gasp!

Now I really feel bad for Joe.

To be lumped in with FOX, and Al Jazaerra!

Oh the humanity!

a reply to: neo96

note there was an "ETC"

a reply to: SkepticOverlord

In the topic of mine you presented, I outlined a proposed plan for a possible future idea. Seeing as how it was an opinion of mine, an option if you would of an infinite possible number of futures, yes, the idea was subjective in nature. But the reason I posted it in the first place was to receive feedback from others as to if the idea was reasonable and things I could do to improve on said idea for future iterations. I made it quite clear that it was my opinion and ideas and that it was not without flaws or room for improvement.

Seeing as how my topic was an original idea, I hardly had to be objective and provide options for belief amongst those that were reading it. That is the equivalent of writing a fiction novel and saying I should be required to write two different endings for those who want a happy ending and those who want a sad.

As for NLBS, you are taking already established topics and ideas, with already established sides for debates and countless sources of information and studies to represent BOTH sides and some in between, and you are presenting one side with the information to support that chosen side.

Are you telling me now that there is literally zero, none, no independent studies conducted on vaccinations that shows the slightest bit of doubt in the official side you have chosen to taken in that NLBS episode? Or are you saying that you don't find any of those studies to be credible because... well, just because? Not only that but with the clear warnings against Big Pharma and their reach and deep pockets when concerned with these studies, you never stop to consider even the possibility that these studies are steered to present a certain outcome by these industries?

I don't know all the ins and outs of vaccination concerns but I do no that there is far, FAR more to the story then a heads or tails flip of "vaccines are bad" and "vaccines are good". It is a multifaceted issue with far more on the table that what is presented in NLBS as the correct side of the story.

You are indeed biased for truth, but generally the belief among philosophers is that truth itself is subjective. Do you have bias for that truth because it is personal in nature or to serve some kind of agenda?

I don't know. I do know that presenting one side of a multifaceted and heavily debated problem as conclusive is presumptuous and misleading, and that the information that you receive is the same information available to everyone. You just choose how and where to draw your own conclusions and how deep you will go.

originally posted by: SkepticOverlord
We're biased for truth.

It appears as though many would just prefer you to tickle their ears and live out their conspiratorial fantasies. 'Shh shh, reptilians are real, you were right all along'

I'm not popular on this site or with the staff, I've even had a few run ins with SkepticOverlord himself and disagreed with him profusely. That being said I respect him, this site, what it stands for, and the NLBS show. This site kickstarted my journey for truth!

It's painful to see so many people hate the truth so much. I guess the truth hurts. But remember this..

John 8:32
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Sometimes you've just gotta grimace and accept that you were wrong all along. I've had to do that with a lot of things over the years. Learning the truth is a painful process sometimes.

I agree with others that say it's invasive. I just think it's in bad taste - it's just all being pushed a little -too- much.

It's just click-bait noise all over the place, and seriously - that "memory healer?" picture of the dude that looks like he just smelled a fart on the right side of my screen is annoying, unsettling, and altogether disagreeable with me.

Sorry to those pushing the whole NLBS stuff, I'm sure you mean well, and maybe the program is good. Maybe I'm missing out on some good stuff...but I'm definitely not interested, if only because you're trying way too hard to convince me that I should be. blech.

a reply to: TechUnique

Each time you post after the OP, I think the OP is having a multiple personality disorder fit and arguing with themselves.

~ Avatar fist pump ~

originally posted by: TheNewRevolution
Are you telling me now that there is literally zero, none, no independent studies conducted on vaccinations that shows the slightest bit of doubt in the official side you have chosen to taken in that NLBS episode?

With regard to the post-2001 MMR vaccine on which the episode was focused, yes.

Even in the one questionable rumors of a 2003 study hinted at by supposed CDC "whistle blower," William Thompson, he has made every effort -- in the very limited public comments he's made -- that it in no way should be interpreted as a reason to suspect problems with the vaccine, or that anyone should reject MMR vaccinations.

originally posted by: zazzafrazz
a reply to: TechUnique

Each time you post after the OP, I think the OP is having a multiple personality disorder fit and arguing with themselves.

~ Avatar fist pump ~

Sorry man, It keeps giving me a headache too. I tried changing my avatar but it won't let me upload anything at the moment.

a reply to: neo96

exactly.


a reply to: SkepticOverlord

While I agree with you and ATS on the matter of having and promoting NLBS, I will however offer some constructive critique on the impact that NLBS has on the overall design and aesthetics of the site. And I'll also attempt to relay a solution that I can see to this issue.

Content aside, I'm going to evaluate the scenario and hypothesize that much of the negative reception has been due to the first impression one gets of NLBS not due to the images or ads themselves but due to the placement and organization of said images and links.

MY THESIS

A slight alteration in the presentation of NLBS would both appeal to the masses and would garner more serious interest and positive attention for the NLBS series. By consolidating it into a auto-scrolling interactive menu centered within the body of the layout or at the bottom where you have your copyright info and all that open space, you would add a nice interactive element to ATS. This would, in turn, improve accessibility to all users and would improve publicity and would do much to promote positive feedback.

In order to achieve this, I believe that I have figured out a few easy solutions that would bring contrastingly big returns:

My whole schtick centers around the idea that first impressions are often very important.

1. I really do wish that the NLBS were centered within the homepage and with maybe the logo and the url as a banner at the top. and remove the sidebars and just do something neutral. Darker than the central body of the layout on the dark skin and white on the light skin, imo.

2. I'd consolidate those episode images into one auto-scrolling and click-able menu that could change the picture every 15 seconds automatically. But the user should be able to hover over some scroll thing at the bottom if they want to get to the episode quickly.

That way it would be easier to highlight the newest episode if you are looking to obtain more viewers.

3. One other critique I have of NLBS is that the advertisements aren't very good at indicating a new episode. A larger, scrolling menu would be way better at drawing attention to the latest installment of the series. I just think it's a little messy and too-busy at the moment. Kinda destroys the aesthetics of the site imo.


So why not make it make the aesthetics look better, too, and incorporate it into the existing flow of the design instead of presenting half-cut off images that are on the side of my screen. I'm on an 2014 11 inch Macbook Air & using Firefox and your NLBS sidebars are cut in half on either side unless I go fullscreen.

Please forgive my roundabout missive. Since I don't know the name of the thing I'm describing I'm hoping you or your webmaster would know what I mean.

I think ATS looks lovely and is very aesthetically-pleasing without the side bars for NLBS.

The side-bar presentation of NLBS that you've got goin' on right now looks reminiscent of sketchy sidebar ads and thereby cheapens the overall message and image as well as makes ATS look less professional and modern. People immediately don't take it as seriously probably from a subconscious distrust of internet ads. Which obviously they're not ads, but you know what I mean.

It's just WAY WAY WAY too busy-looking at the moment. Please. Please make it look good. You have so many nice elements already with the faded out images and then the highlighted one--SO WORK IT, baby! Showcase that coding! And consolidate it. Because it doesn't look important right now. Make it look important and not just like some random ad.

Anyway, have a great day, good sir. I think that ATS would really look quite impressive with more interactive menus and such. It might also lower the amount of bandwidth that they take up and save you money, too :up

I have a few thoughts on this issue I'd like to share.

1) ATS is a business, so they need to make a profit. Maybe someone
needs to pay rent and buy groceries from the proceeds of this site,
and it isn't just a side job. I can sympathize. I once supported myself
primarily with my DOT.com startup for two years when I was
unemployed. And for ten years my 'hobby startup' made more
money than my day job. I can really empathize with business
decisions being made.

2) ATS offers a LOT of free content. A TON. Nobody has to pay
a penny if they don't wan to do so. That is admirable, and
wise perhaps. The 'Freemium' model might be better, but it's
not my business. (that being, you get so much free, and to
get 'premium features' you need to pay something. It's really
common. Really ATS has been very generous for a long time.

3) No, I'm not a suck up. In fact I'll now say some not so
lovely things.

4) Those side bar traffic funnelers really irritate the hell
out of me. I click them by accident an average of every
5 minutes. I'd find a piece of software to override them,
but i'm not that much of a killjoy. My accidental clicks
may bring ATS money, and they deserve their money.
But my desire to use the site has declined maybe 25%
due to those side bars. That's my major beef about
them.

5) The NLBS cotent? I don't know if it's any good or not.
I haven't watched any of it, and don't really plan on
doing so. It's not for any silly reason. It's quite logical.
I've researched nearly every topic that NLBS has done
so far, and I have my opinion. Now, I suppose if it said
"Elvis/Hitler spotted at Denny's, I might watch one for
a laugh.

6) Does NLBS degrade the ATS experience? Maybe/Maybe
not. I do know that I work (my day job) for a food company,
and that at one time that food company opened a restaurant
chain of it's own. Shortly after that, the food company
started losing a lot of customers, as the customers
were angry for having the food company 'compete with them'.

I'd say the same logic might apply for ATS. The primary
'customers' of ATS are the members, and I can certainly
see that some might hold a similar mind-set. Of course
you can't please everybody, and points 1 and 2 apply
in any case.

7) And this is the most controversial point perhaps,
but this 'is' a conspiracy web site. It's a well known
fact, that various letter agencies have been infiltrating
groups as small as 10 people, groups such as spiritual
and UFO groups and various others, since the 40's
anyway..

Now I'm not going to spin some massive tale on this point;
I'm not going to point to various people who once worked
for the CIA or whatever who are active on this site or anything
like that. But if a group of 10 people was infiltrated in 1947
because some guy said some nonsense about UFOs
(say George Adamski), then I'd imagine that the largest site
of it's kind on the Internet with 200,000 members would
(let's be serious) PROBABLY have some monitoring and even
social reaction research going on. It would be absurd to
assume otherwise.

Now whether this is true or not is not even my point;
I don't want to give offense; maybe NLBS and other
site features have nothing to do with anything like
this. But it's worth mentioning. My tin foil hat card
would be removed from me if I didn't mention it.

8) This is a fun note to end my reply with. Iv'e been
watching a few threads over the past year that I
am 100% certain has been 'jiggered with' for social
engineering purposes.

Watching the threads in question has been very
educational. In fact I've learned a lot about
disinfo tactics from them. So -- just like 'we'
are almost certainly in a giant petri dish here
and elsewhere on the Internet, 'they' are too..
as they stare at us to screw with our minds,
we can stare right back and screw with theirs
and enjoy their participation.

So no matter what NLBS is.. good, bad or
indifferent.. it can be learned from..
either directly or as an inverse study of
something 'being pushed on us'; so it's
good either way. I just wish the sidebar
click attractors would go away.. they
are supremely annoying for me anyway.

Kev

PS: One final comment

I suspect that I'd actually AGREE with many of the NLBS videos;
the anti-vaccination thing drives me crazy for example; there
is basically no science for that stand. Reptoid humans or
Annunaki or Watchers? No. Just no. Not if they supposedly
mated with human at any point. The human genome and other
genomes have been exhaustively mapped over time from pre-
human history. So I just want it to be clear.. that I don't buy
ANY of the standard nonsense (IMHO) and if NLBS helps
educate on some of those, that's a good thing.. at least if it
were standalone and not in any way associated with ATS.
Whether it's even appropriate for the original mission of ATS
is another question entirely. And of course its up to the owners
what the actual mission of ATS is now or will be. It need have
nothing to do with the desires of a majority of the members.

a reply to: TheNewRevolution

You're absolutely welcome...

Third line (rhip )

Gad, some of you REALLY need to get outside of your own thoughts, biases, and worldviews and research what's really happening around, under, and most importantly, RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU.

Wow...

ETA: And re-read THIS: www.abovetopsecret.com...