Vote subz (previous ATSNN staff) For ATSNN Councilor!

My fellow ATS members,

I am here to outline why you should vote subz for the position of ATSNN Councillor.

Firstly, I was hand picked by the now ATSNN Moderator Nerdling to be his Council Assistant for ATSNN. I feel this underscores my complete dedication to ATSNN. I know how the ATS Council works and have already been working for ATSNN on the council. I would love nothing more than to be given the opportunity to continue my ATSNN work.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my tenure as ATSNN Assistant was having the chance to help ATSNN members. Whether it be encouragement, listening to members problems and liaising with staff, it was highly rewarding. I would love, members willing, to continue to represent my fellow ATSNN members in the ATS Council.

From the old regulars to the newly signed up, I value peoples opinions and wish to see more people contribute to ATSNN. This brings me to the second reason I truly believe I am the right choice for ATSNN Councillor. I have a desire to see ATSNN expand and to increase the number of contributors. I want to bolster the existing outstanding quality of ATSNN. I understand, being an avid contributor with over 100 submissions, the satisfaction and despair that goes along with submitting a news article. As such I have a comittment to see the process perfected. With the help of the Staff and my fellow ATSNN members I truly believe we can develop ATSNN to the point of perfection.

For those who have not seen my posts on ATSNN, I am truly passionate about the news. I find that awareness of the World around me is an essential component of being a well rounded human being. Without an understanding of what's occurring around us we cannot possibly wish to contribute to society in any meaningful manner. Its my passion for news which I believe makes me the ideal candidate for the ATSNN Councillor. I rarely venture outside of the ATSNN forums, and as such, I am already completely dedicated to the betterment of ATSNN. By being given the chance to forward my fellow members concerns and suggestions to the staff, I can help enhance ATSNN for everyone.

So Vote subz, I love ATSNN, I understand ATSNN, I know how the Council works, I am committed, I will get the job done, I am here to help, I am at your service.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaah Subz


Great to see you there. Best of luck

...hey...is this thing on? ... It is?...Yeah? Okay...

Vote Subz for ATSNN Councillor!

Whoa!! Sorry folks...didn't realize the volume was up so damn high.

Subzy...ahhh, what can I say? There's only one man for the ATSNN job, and that's my man Subz. Why you ask? Well, let's take a looky-see...

He's been a prolific poster on ATSNN since he arrived at ATS. I mean this guy eats, breathes and poops ATSNN stories. And when I say poops, I ain't talkin' no Grandma Fitgerald squeezin' out a dry pebble once a week even after a boxload of high-fibre cereal, no, I mean he's shootin' these babies out faster than an alcoholic after a left-over-curry breakfast!! Just look at how many articles he's racked up in the 9 months he's been here:
Ye Olde Subz's ATSNN Submissions List - Clicketh

But while the quantity of Subz's submissions may be likened to a huge pile of something you'd rather not sink your new Hush Puppies into, the quality certainly can't. Every single one of Subz's articles is complimented by extensive background research and presented with an informed opinion in eloquent, yet succinct "news prose". There's no "I wanna get 75 submissions and get the Expert title quick" one-liners in Subz's news repertoire! No Sir-ee!

And speaking of opinions, you want opinions?! This guy is opinioned up the proverbial kaboose!! He's not afraid to speak his mind and tell it like it is, hecklers and naysayers be-damned!! And that's what ATSNN thrives on, folks! Mindless regurgitation of distorted and shaded "facts" is for those CNN hacks. You can't treat the news with hesitant, keep-everyone-happy-and-smiling kid gloves! If you want to get the truth out of a story, you've got to beat that thing with a heavy blunt object until it lies bleeding and whimpering in the corner, and then ya gotta beat it some more, and then again, and AGAIN AND-......whoa...sorry...I uh...got a little carried away there... but ANYWAY, you get the point, right?? No?! Well here's a few of Subz's Op/Ed pieces to give you an idea of what I'm foaming at the mouth about:

"NORTH KOREA HAS NUKES!!", was the cry from the crowd. "BOMB THEM BACK TO THE STONE AGE!!" the mob shouted. Subz was the only voice of reason amongst the din:
The North Korean Nuclear Confrontation: A History Of Efforts

"A CONCERT FOR THE POOR!! WOOT! G8 ROCKS, IN MORE THAN JUST A MUSICAL PUN SENSE!!" The world exclaimed. But Subz's keen ear picked up a discordant note in their hypnotic tune:
Live8/G8 African Debt Relief: Making Poverty An Industry?

The masses roared, "THE WAR ON TERROR IS GOOD! IT'S FOR OUR GOOD AND THE GOOD OF THE WORLD. IT'S...umm...GOOD! YEAH!" But Subz was right there to remind us that sometimes what seems good is really bad, and sometimes bad actually means good, and sometimes the English language is just kinda weird that way n' stuff:
The War On Terror: Is It Really A War?
Half Truths And Revolutions: What Our Governments Don't Want Us To Know



"But ATSNN isn't about opinions, it's about denying bias, right??", I hear you ask, disconcerting as it may be that I can hear voices coming through my computer speakers (don't worry, I have medication for this). NOT TRUE o valiant newshound!! ATSNN is AAAAAAALL about opinions, baby!! But opinions and angles formed from unbiased assessment of the facts. If not, then ATSNN is merely a relay service for the corporate whore media! Is that what we want?? No!!! And to help others appreciate this, Subz again pulled no punches and told it like it is:
Partisanship: Refuge Of The Scoundrel

Does Subz not seem like a man who has contributed enormously to, and cares greatly about ATSNN? Of course he doesn't!! I mean DOES!!.

"But what can Subz do for ME?" I hear you unselfishly ask.

Well that's a damn good question, and the answer is: Who gives a crap?! ...Naaaah, just kidding!

Subz has already served on the council and his record of helping out new members and striving to make ATSNN a better place for everyone is plain for all to see. Literally thousands of members, that number of which divided by 100, have contacted Subz for help and assistance, to suggest ways in which ATSNN could be improved, or simply to have a soothing whine about this or that voting issue. And Subz has been there every time without fail. Don't believe me? Then listen to these testimonials...

Area51UFO: "I was having problems picking up chicks, so I got in touch with Subz, and he showed me that contributing stories to ATSNN with proper, unbiased intros makes the ladies go troppo. Now I just can't keep the newshound babes away! Subz RAWKS!!"

TruthJFK: "So I had this neocon liberal baby-eatin' tulip-walker giving me a bit o' lip and insultin' me round ATSNN. A real punk, thought he was some kinda tough-guy. One U2U to Subz "The Mechanic", and that petza de merte got paid a visit from the Mods. Needless to say, he don't bother me no more...and uh...he don't walk so good neither, know what I mean?

Why they call Subz "the Mechanic"? Coz he can fix anyting for ya. Forgetaboutit!!"

So there you have it folks! There's only one choice for ATSNN Councillor and that choice is...uhhh...wait, ...who...?...oh yeah...

SUBZ!!


Disclaimer: This message not endorsed or sanctioned by Subz in any way. All usernames in this post are fictional and invented. Any resemblance to real persons living or dead, is purely sort of mostly coincidental and insufficient grounds for legal prosecution or insulting U2Us. Persons wishing to pursue legal action against the author should call the Wecomeinpeace Prosecution Hotline on 1800-SUCKITUP.

[edit on 2005-10-9 by wecomeinpeace]

! Who could get a better endorsement than that!? It leaves the fence sitters picking splinters out of their butts, but on my side of the fence and my detractors wondering what the hell just hit them

In all seriousness though I appreciate the kind words WCIP. Kind words that come through loud and clear in your indomitable style.

Thank you too Mayet for your enthusiastic welcome to the hustings!

[edit on 9/10/05 by subz]

I would like to endorse subz for ATSNN councillor. I had the privilege of working with him for a time during his stint as assistant to nerdling on the councilor staff and I have to say that his commitment to improving ATSNN as well as his belief the membership should be listened to was immediately apparent and sincere.

I think subz is the best candidate for this position.

I have made a point of being fairly uninvolved in the campaigning, despite being a candidate for PTS councilor, but for Subz I'm making an exception. Subz and I are frequently on the same page (not necessarily when it comes to new and politics, but when it comes to the council), and I feel that he would make a good ATSNN Councilor. In my opinion ATSNN, as good as it is, hasn't even nearly reached the peak of its potential yet, and I think an experienced councilor in that seat could be very helpful.

DJ and Mayet are great members and its certainly no negative reflection on those two that I back Subz, but between the three of them Subz is the one I intend to vote for, although regardless of who wins, all three of those members in particular will have my ear when they offer suggestions (as would anyone obviously- but you know what I mean).

Im Down to vote Subz.


Goodluck!

Thanks for the support and kind words guys. I appreciate it immensely.

When will some one ask me some tough questions?

With over 100 submissions, you've seen the stuff ATSNN has. How do you feel ATSNN has progressed since it's start? Do you like it? What needs to be done to get it back on track or to keep it on it's current track? Where are the holes in ATSNN and where are the major strengths? If I may be colloquial, what is your "game plan" for ATSNN should you be elected this time around?

Originally posted by subz
My fellow ATS members,

I am here to outline why you should vote subz for the position of ATSNN Councillor.

Firstly, I was hand picked by the now ATSNN Moderator Nerdling to be his Council Assistant for ATSNN. I feel this underscores my complete dedication to ATSNN. I know how the ATS Council works and have already been working for ATSNN on the council. I would love nothing more than to be given the opportunity to continue my ATSNN work.

No offence. but isn't that slightly unfair to others that were told if they were going to run they had to put their name in the ring by announcing they were running?

That thread was closed on (9/20) We then had a primary to eliminate candidates and that election is long over. Yet you are now saying you are runnning. :shk: Honestly in IMHO that is wrong and unfair to others.


www.abovetopsecret.com...





[edit on 10/10/2005 by shots]

subz sent a u2u to springer the day the thread was being closed. He got in just under the line.

He still has to answer my questions though.

Originally posted by Amorymeltzer
subz sent a u2u to springer the day the thread was being closed. He got in just under the line.

He still has to answer my questions though.

if that is the case then springer should have put his submission in via proxy saying he was doing it on behalf of Subz before the thread was closed.

I am not trying to make a big deal out of this don't get me wrong. I just think it is unfair to others.

Hell for all I or others know if we knew Subz had his hat in the ring we might have had our hats in the ring.

Originally posted by Amorymeltzer
How do you feel ATSNN has progressed since it's start? Do you like it? What needs to be done to get it back on track or to keep it on it's current track? Where are the holes in ATSNN and where are the major strengths? If I may be colloquial, what is your "game plan" for ATSNN should you be elected this time around?

I think you're great subz - an ATS mainstay.

I too would like to hear your answers to the above questions, and these too:

"How do you think ATSNN can continue to try and challenge larger news organizations.

And, finally, and perhaps most importantly, what do you think needs to be done about the drift that has occured within ATSNN from it's original goal?"


.

[edit on 10-10-2005 by soficrow]

Originally posted by Amorymeltzer
How do you feel ATSNN has progressed since it's start?

I have only witnessed a few changes to ATSNN during my time there. The voting system has had most of the changes in that time. I would class the extended voting palette as a great improvement but I do lament the absence of knowing how many votes your submission currently has. I would like to see that come back.

Also the system of fix U2U's moving from just coming from "a member with 25 ore more submissions..." to the entire community seems nice in theory but can be abused. ATSNN's heart is its member driven ethos but like all things, sadly, you cannot have the general public in control of everything. The balance ATSNN has though is practically perfect but it does need tweaking.

Originally posted by Amorymeltzer
Do you like it?

Even with the minor faults, I love ATSNN. I find great satisfaction in knowing people are reading my submissions. If I change someone's outlook for the better on a certain topic I would be ecstatic. If I cause some one to challenge their own preconceptions I would be over the moon. These are the strengths of ATSNN: you can deny ignorance of great importance because these issues are current.

Originally posted by Amorymeltzer
What needs to be done to get it back on track or to keep it on it's current track?

The basic formula of ATSNN should be held sacred, it just works. In that respect the only things that need changing are cosmetic and minor. That's not to say that things cannot be done better but my purview is only to relay what the members want or don't like to the staff. I can advocate these ideas but I am not the sole engineer by any means.

Originally posted by Amorymeltzer
Where are the holes in ATSNN and where are the major strengths?

Well considering ATSNN had me hooked from the word go I can honestly say any holes it might have are extremely minor. Its major strengths are that a vast range of people can submit their own take on a news item. We, in the West, suffer badly from a narrow field of view on any given topic. In ATSNN we can read the opinions of literally thousands of different people from many different countries, this is priceless to me. Also being able to participate in intelligent discourse with these same people is precious to me, it is very rare to find a forum where this is possible. This comes about due to the outstanding job the moderators and staff do, that is another major strength of ATSNN (and ATS in general). When you spend time in other forums it becomes glaringly obvious just how well managed ATSNN truly is.

I would say the holes are some aspects of the voting system as well as ATSNN not having a clearly defined scope of interest. What I mean by "scope of interest" is that members can vote no on a submission as "not right for ATSNN", but what is "right" for ATSNN? No one has clearly defined it.

In the past I've defined "what's NOT right for ATSNN" as being the likes of "NEWS: Today My Cat "Fluffy" Died". Any thing else that you might view in mainstream media, sans the feel good stories, are probably going to be "right" for ATSNN. But there needs to be a clearly written, and widely understood document, which relates to this topic because currently there are many, MANY people who have differing ideas relating to it and the contributor suffers because of it.

Things like removing "no:bias" votes from the Op/Ed voting palette are high on my list of priorities as well, even though I am exempt from the voting process now. I still remember how disheartening it is to get erroneous U2U's about your submission and how you feel your hard work is being unfairly treated.

But this isn't really about what I think needs changing about ATSNN, yes I have my own ideas, but I am here to find out what you want to see changed. I am more than willing to dedicate my time doing this and I could think of no higher purpose I could serve for ATSNN. It is a member driven forum and I want to help the members drive ATSNN forward.

Originally posted by Amorymeltzer
If I may be colloquial, what is your "game plan" for ATSNN should you be elected this time around?

One of my first duties if elected ATSNN Councillor would be to create a stickied thread in ATSNN asking for member's ideas on what they would change about ATSNN. This is long overdue in my opinion. I would then collate that thread into a series of points and post it in the Council Forum for Springer and SO to see. I would then discuss it with them and report back anything I could to the members.

There was a feeling in the previous council that members were being asked to give all these suggestions but they were getting no closure with them. Hence we were seeing the same suggestions repeated over and over again. What I would propose is creating an "ATSNN Council Summary" thread in BQ&B that outlines whether a specific idea has primarily been given the thumbs down or, if I am permitted, let the members know whether an idea is being considered by staff.

There is another goal of mine which is to increase the amount of contributors to ATSNN. Currently the amount of contributors is waning and that needs to be corrected. That doesn't mean a lowering of the bar or standards by any means. But there are things that can be done to encourage more people to submit news articles to ATSNN.

My position as councillor is all about the members. I want transparency with my councilorship so that the members can see what I am doing. I want the members to see that their ideas are being seen, and considered by staff. I want them to know the status of these ideas. And I want the members to become involved in ATSNN's future.

To one of my most respected of adversaries, subz:
I offer you the best in this election, subz; you deserve as much.

Our encounters within ATS and ATSNN have not always been polite or a bit too frank towards each other, but they have been overall enjoyable, in that they have taught me about how you feel and where you stand on many issues.

As such, my respect for you has likewise grown.
Your are dedicated and sincere in your beliefs, but most of all, to your convictions concerning ATSNN. As with Mayet, and others, your contribution and dedication to ATSNN, and ATS in general, cannot be dismissed.

I salute you, and offer my best to you on this upcoming election.
I also look forward to a time that we can get to better understand each other.

Good luck, subz.




seekerof

Originally posted by shots
No offence.

None taken

Originally posted by shots
but isn't that slightly unfair to others that were told if they were going to run they had to put their name in the ring by announcing they were running?

There was nothing mystical about that thread, it was only a means of allowing the staff to know who wanted to run in a timely manner so as to make it possible for them to arrange a vote on primaries. Getting your name in that specific thread was not paramount, what was paramount was getting you candidacy to Springer in time to arrange a vote on primaries and I did just that.

The problem I had was that the thread in question was created whilst I was 32,000ft over Western Europe. I had no idea it was created and by the time I arrived in Australia, unpacked and finally got a computer together the thread had just in so closed. However, due to the time differences my U2U to Springer arrived in the knick of time. That's not to say that my candidacy for the ATSNN Councillor position came as a surprise to the staff, I made it quite clear that I would run for the positions whilst I was still ATSNN Council Staff. I also made my intentions clear a long time ago to both Nerdling and Mayet in our ATSNN pow-wow in ATS chat.

Originally posted by shots
That thread was closed on (9/20) We then had a primary to eliminate candidates and that election is long over. Yet you are now saying you are running. :shk: Honestly in IMHO that is wrong and unfair to others.

As Amory said, I U2U'd Springer before the cut off date expired. Did you not notice that only Mayet and Dj publically announced their intentions but 3 people were said to of applied by SO in his podcast? Hence there being no need for a primary election for the ATSNN position? I was that third person shots This was said BEFORE the primaries election.

Regardless, the rather unconventional manner I went about in showing my willingness to enter the ATSNN race in no way precluded any one else from entering, so I cannot see how you think its "unfair to others". Whether or not I was running has no baring on either Mayet or Dj's campaigns in the slightest. The election process has just begun and im here now, I hope that allays any concerns you might have. Please feel free to continue this line of questioning but I must admit I think I have answered your question to its fullest.

[edit on 11/10/05 by subz]

Originally posted by soficrow
I think you're great subz - an ATS mainstay.

Thanks Sofi!

Originally posted by soficrow
"How do you think ATSNN can continue to try and challenge larger news organizations.

Credibility, but that is a catch-22 of epic proportions. We will probably never be able to challenge larger news organizations for a number of reasons. The first being that we are fringe, we cut through all the spin and bs that pervades the larger news organizations and this doesn't usually sit well with the Ma and Pa Kettles of this World. It also runs counter to what people are used to in that it makes them uncomfortable to see the unadulterated truth. Unless we can change the attitudes of the average person to such a large extent I don't think we will ever get to match the larger news organizations audience sizes.

But who would want to any way? Can you imagine discussion in ATSNN being viable with a few million people? Threads with a few million views would be awesome but can you imagine getting any decent discussions going if there are 40,000 replies in the first few hours? It would be tremendously unweildly to say the least and would force ATSNN to enact change that would destroy its member driven ethos.

We could, with the right exposure (ATS TV?), increase our audience to a mainstream level but we would have to seriously revise the notion of allowing any ATSNN member to discuss the articles.

Originally posted by soficrow
And, finally, and perhaps most importantly, what do you think needs to be done about the drift that has occurred within ATSNN from it's original goal?"

You'll have to forgive my ignorance of the true original goal of ATSNN since I haven't been here as long as yourself. But if the tag line "Deny bias" has anything to do with it I would have a few things to say

To deny bias in the original stories we base our threads on is achievable but to deny bias as a personal goal is not. Any one who says they are not biased is either kidding themselves, or has not looked into the issue hard enough. Everyone is biased, period. Everyone formulates an opinion on any given topic they take the time to understand, and not expressing it is useless. If everyone did that when responding to submissions there would be no discussion because there wouldn't be any differing (or even complementary) opinions.

That ATSNN would of drifted from a bias free zone to what it has now would be a good thing in my mind. If you want a more detailed answer you will have to inform me of the original goal of ATSNN im afraid.

[edit on 11/10/05 by subz]

Originally posted by Seekerof
To one of my most respected of adversaries, subz:
I offer you the best in this election, subz; you deserve as much.

That means a great deal to me and the feelings are completely mutual. I hope you are sucessful in your campaign for DISC Councillor.

Originally posted by Seekerof
I salute you, and offer my best to you on this upcoming election.
I also look forward to a time that we can get to better understand each other.

Good luck, subz.

Thank you for those the kind words Seekerof. Your support means a lot to me and I really appreciate you posting it here.

[edit on 10/10/05 by subz]

I will back subz's statement of what was dicussed in the panel meeting.

It was made public and discussed of both of us running for councilor. It is sad that both of us can't win and also sad in a way that I have to compete against someone I respect so much and would love to see win on council.

Of course I would dearly love to win but if I don't and subz wins I will be just about as happy as if I had won.

And if I do win I will feel all bad about subz losing......

and of course if I do lose I will mope around for an hour or so but then go post some articles and get over it......

ahh It's a tough life but someones got to live it


But if I don't win and subz don't win...well then yeah ...I'll be P*ssed

Originally posted by subz

Regardless, the rather unconventional manner I went about in showing my willingness to enter the ATSNN race in no way precluded any one else from entering, so I cannot see how you think its "unfair to others". Whether or not I was running has no baring on either Mayet or Dj's campaigns in the slightest. The election process has just begun and im here now, I hope that allays any concerns you might have. Please feel free to continue this line of questioning but I must admit I think I have answered your question to its fullest.

[edit on 11/10/05 by subz]

Again do not take any offence by this, but you always keep saying how corrupt politicians are and the process needs to be fixed, yet in your case it is sort of like lets throw the book out the window because I now want to run.


Allow me to point out

You knew the elections were coming up and had ample time to notify a mod and time to send a U2 which had your own words for them to post for you by proxy knowing you were going to be gone.

You did not do that though did you? Why? Sounds like back door politics that you claim need to be fixed. Is there no a double standard, one for you and one for the rest of ATS?

And Again I say no offence meant at all but I think if you truly stand for what you claim you do, you should bow out of the election for not following proper procedure.

To be honest had I known you were going to run I would have put my hat in the ring, what would you have done then? The third spot would have been taken, meaning there would be no room for you to run now. In fact the reason I did not enter was because I felt I would be a spoiler between Mayet and DJ, but now knowing there would have been four I do not think that would have been the case, but I could be wrong.

See my point the process went its course, yet you worked outside the box which you always claim is so corrupt and needs to be fixed, but since it is you; now the process works just fine because you want to run.

Just what is wrong with that picture subz???? Are you really against corruption in politics or not? If you are against them you will withdraw like an honest man would.


If I were in your shoes that is what I would do, but then I truly stand for getting corruption out of politics

-----------

Disclaimer the above is not a personal attack aimed towards Subz, it is aimed toward the procedure only; which I do not think was followed.











[edit on 10/11/2005 by shots]