Some serious concerns

I've posted this here because I feel the need to voice some serious concerns. I feel RATS is the best place. I have been a member of ATS since 2011. A lurker for much longer. I would also like to point out that I am an international poster - not from the US. I am concerned about the direction this forum is heading as of late. Not only because some of the content is getting my hackles up (rarely did back in the day?), but because I am concerned that some of the content threatens the ongoing existence of this site. This site is invaluable. There is gold hidden amongst some of these threads. Currently, I can see extremism taking hold. This has been something that has developed over recent years, but over the past couple of days alone I have seen things that are of particular concern.

I will not link to threads, or call any particular posters out, if anyone reads enough threads, they will come across what I speak of. I have in the past few days read people alluding to violence, calling for people of a certain - main stream at that - political party to be sent to the firing squads after a certain election. I have seen expression of what seems to be a desire for civil war. I have seen holocaust denialism/downplaying. Not only is this quite off-putting to read, it is dangerous. It stokes further division at a time of serious unrest. This could result in fostering real world actions. It is not just a result of the current unrest either. I remember reading some sickening things on here after the Christchurch massacre for example. Ultimately, I fear that if something tragic were to occur, out in the real world, and it got traced back to this site, ATS will get 404'd. That would be a serious loss.

In the end, free expression is important, but I feel that the mods need to be more proactive at stamping out content that has the potential to incite violence. ATS needs to be careful of extreemism. ATS must not become like the 'chans'.

a reply to: harold223



Ummm...freedom of speech...also includes speech that falls outside of your own particular version or perspective...

So...it's rather disingenuous of you to state that your all about freedom of speech...yet want to silence other voices you may not agree with...

Another descriptor of that particular double speak is...wait for it...wait for it...hypocrisy...


Next...






YouSir

a reply to: harold223


I am reading something like this: "people upset by Gone WIth the WInd being cancelled, or Elmer Fudd edited to be without a rifle, or the fact that there are 500 sexes but refuse to believe it should be censored, well they need to be shut up. They should never be heard from, they are the problem"

Hey, I can guarantee you that I have been moderated to no end on this site. Sometimes even for good reason. I think that 90% of the time the mods here are fair and do a great job. Anyway, if you'd like you can have some happiness in the fact that had I not been moderated that I would have a score about twice as good as I currently have. I have had so many points deducted over the years I can't even begin to tell you. So, in my estimation you are incorrect.

Thanks ATS for being a fair site that has chosen moderators with wisdom. Instead of having mods that moderate based on whichever way the wind blows.

a reply to: YouSir

I'm can deal with speech I don't agree with. I am worried that the violent nature of recent discourse is going to get this site shut down by the authorities.

a reply to: harold223

I don't want their posts moderated, it makes it easier to spot who the nutcases are.

By all means use the complaint function. There aren't a whole lot of moderators active at any given time and there is zero chance we can read everything. Any speech that goes over the line please let us know so we can take a look and see if action is warranted. On a final note the extremism goes both ways and it's important that we can still have conversations between those views. This thread likely should be posted in ATS Board and Business forum.
Thank you.
ATS Moderator
Asktheanimals

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
a reply to: harold223

I don't want their posts moderated, it makes it easier to spot who the nutcases are.

Well we do know that free masons have access to all of the data for which to become better guards in the watchtowers when the switch is flipped to make so many of us ex citizens into hamburgers for the elite.

At which point the earth will finally be an actual paradise shining with the light of lucifer.

I see AugustsMasonicus up their screaming at us, "MOO LIKE YOU MEAN IT YOU STUPID COWS!" and zapping children with a cattle prod.

SOmeone will post video of the event here and it will not be moderated. And you know why? Because then all posts will only be from free masons who will at that point own everything.

HAIL SATAN!

****the above post was provided to me by John Tutor****

a reply to: Fools

It will be glorious.

a reply to: harold223

You're right... there is quite a bit of bloodlust and saber rattling on here of late -- to a disturbing degree. And have no doubt that there are knowing deliberate efforts to make it so. ATS has its disinfo and provocateurs like any other site where worthy information is shared. The more they can star and flag the crap they want spread, the better, because it keeps truly quality information hidden. And there are plenty of sheep who will follow suit. But you can't tell anyone any different if they don't want to know. Those who have eyes will see... those who have ears will listen... others will learn the hard way (if they learn at all).

It's a sign of the times. But I wouldn't worry about the website itself. The mods have done a pretty darn good job so far, and their job cannot be easy. I think they can handle this.

Just be sure YOU keep fighting the GOOD fight and all will work out in the end. We made it through the Jared Loughner connection... and I believe we can make through this.

ATS is not a spinoff of Romper Room
As already stated , use the alert button if you feel a post is out of line.
A moderator has already posted a response .
A good and accurate response.

Free speech is not always the wisest approach, but it is still a cherished freedom. I have had one particular Moderator chastise me often enough to have lost 10,000 stars.....

The MUD PIT is for hard core flinging of vile substances, elsewhere here is not.
There is merit in what you say..... but as we all say.... "you can't have it both ways"

Seems we are in a fight for our existence , and against a small group 13% and we are about fed up frankly. it's out of control, true. You and I can do nothing beyond post our grievances or thoughts. OR take action...

Take heart though, in a couple weeks or months we will all have new material to upset us.......... clear till November third, and likely a couple months later, that is, into 2021.

originally posted by: Fools
I am reading something like this: "people upset by Gone WIth the WInd being cancelled, or Elmer Fudd edited to be without a rifle, or the fact that there are 500 sexes but refuse to believe it should be censored, well they need to be shut up. They should never be heard from, they are the problem"

Thanks ATS for being a fair site that has chosen moderators with wisdom. Instead of having mods that moderate based on whichever way the wind blows.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
a reply to: Fools

It will be glorious.

Yes it will, A. M.

a reply to: harold223

And who decides? That's censorship as well

a reply to: Snarl


Thanks

a reply to: harold223
As long as ATS is still based in the USA the Constitution still grants us freedom of speech, and thank goodness the owners, admins and mods so far have not caved in to the PC Culture Wars!

Viva le resistance!

a reply to: harold223
Have you brought any of these allegations to the attention of ATS staff?
We don't read every post and rely on members to alert us to potential breaches in the T&C.

Please, use the alert/complain function.

a reply to: Plotus
FWIW, moderators cannot remove stars.
Some warnings do remove points, but not stars or flags.

originally posted by: Fools

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
a reply to: harold223

I don't want their posts moderated, it makes it easier to spot who the nutcases are.

Well we do know that free masons have access to all of the data for which to become better guards in the watchtowers when the switch is flipped to make so many of us ex citizens into hamburgers for the elite.

At which point the earth will finally be an actual paradise shining with the light of lucifer.

I see AugustsMasonicus up their screaming at us, "MOO LIKE YOU MEAN IT YOU STUPID COWS!" and zapping children with a cattle prod.

SOmeone will post video of the event here and it will not be moderated. And you know why? Because then all posts will only be from free masons who will at that point own everything.

HAIL SATAN!

****the above post was provided to me by John Tutor****

This all day long.