What Are Acceptable Topics?

I would like to know what are accepted topics on the ATS, PTS and BTS boards and what are not. Because I have seen others get accused of bringing up "certain things" on the boards that often are dismissed as a non-issue.

So, I would like the input of anyone who can answer, to reveal to me, a new member, what is generally taken as a "good" topic opposed to a "bad" one.

I would especially be gratified if the mods, super-mods, councilors, staff or one of the Three Amigos could go over what subject matter is more applicable to this forum.

Thank you for your time,

Ceci

I'm not sure what you're asking ceci. There are no specific 'acceptable topics' that I know of. The T&C pretty much (actually entirely) covers what you can and can't post about. It's easier to say what is not acceptable than to say what is.

Is there a specific topic you're interested in discussing that you're not sure about?

Oh, and just because someone is accused of bringing up something that's a non-issue doesn't mean that's true. Have you got a link or a particular subject that you're curious about?

And in my own personal experience, I have witnessed on threads, people say that the topic in question is a non-issue as far as they are concerned. And that they seriously hope that the topic is only being used as a way to get points.

And then, when a new topic is introduced, there is always a member that calls it worthless (the nice way of putting it because it has been called worse) and calls the poster who created the thread an idiot. Is that acceptable behavior to let the creator of the thread know that their topic is not good?

Or do the mods have the final say in determining whether a topic is good or not?

So, I wonder what are the more popular topics that are taken more seriously here in the forums than others? Why do some topics get no posts at all? While others get more posts than they can handle?

I will explain more of this later, but unfortunately, I'm a little pressed for time. So, later on I will try to be even more specific than I am now.

Thank you for your answer, Benevolent Heretic. Take care.




[edit on 24-5-2006 by ceci2006]

All topics are acceptable, as long as you truely believe what you are writing, not purposefully trying to create a hoax, and at least have some sort of evidence to back your position up.

There are always some skeptics that will nail everything down, as well as whackos that will go off on a weird nonsensical tangent, no matter what the topic. Just be honest, post what you want, and disprove or ignore people as mentioned above.

Originally posted by ceci2006
people say that the topic in question is a non-issue...

ATS doesn't try to control what people say (beyond the T&C, of course). Members are free to voice their opinion that a subject is a non-issue, stupid, worthless or whatever they want. Doesn't mean it is and it doesn't mean it isn't. And you're free to take them seriously or not.

And then, when a new topic is introduced, there is always a member that calls it worthless (the nice way of putting it because it has been called worse) and calls the poster who created the thread an idiot. Is that acceptable behavior to let the creator of the thread know that their topic is not good?

Calling the subject of the thread worthless or 'not good' does not break the T&C. Calling another member an idiot or any derogatory name can be against T&C and can be reported as it is an insult of a member.

Or do the mods have the final say in determining whether a topic is good or not?

The staff has the final say in everything.

Why do some topics get no posts at all? While others get more posts than they can handle?

That's the way it goes on a discussion board. Human nature is such that we find some things more interesting than others.

Originally posted by ceci2006
And in my own personal experience, I have witnessed

And then, when a new topic is introduced, there is always a member that calls it worthless (the nice way of putting it because it has been called worse) and calls the poster who created the thread an idiot. Is that acceptable behavior to let the creator of the thread know that their topic is not good?

Absolutely not, the name caller would have received a red tag warn for calling the other member an idiot.

Please post a link to these threads you have experienced.

As pointed out above, the Terms and Conditions of use are the ONLY limiting factor on ATS. Mods have NO SAY over what is exceptable, the TAC defines that, the staff only enforce the TAC.

Springer...

All of the above advice is great, I would additionally stress only one thing:

Post in the proper forum.

I was recently part of a thread on relationships that was started under the 911 conspiracy forum. The entire thread ending up being deleted.

Almost any topic is appropriate, just put the post in the right spot. Rant in the rant section, chit chat in the chit chat section, discuss aliens in the alien section. Just don't rant about alien chit chat in the relgion forum.

Originally posted by Yarcofin
as well as whackos that will go off on a weird nonsensical tangent, no matter what the topic.

I resent the characterization of "whacko"......

Oh,....I'm sorry...back to topic.....

ceci,

No matter what you post, someone is going to disagree with you. Don't take it personally. Stand your ground and give good sources. Don't let your emotions take over. Report personal attacks but never stoop to the attackers level.

Don't try to convince others, but be open to learning something new. Remember that none of us are perfect, and some have better social skills than others. You shoud do fine.

Thank you for your sentiments and ideas in this thread. I appreciate what everyone has had to say so far. All of your comments have given me a lot thought.

Thank you for your caring and kindness in this matter, Springer. However, I've decided not to post where it has happened. I think those who have done it have probably read this thread by now. I hope they are more thoughtful to others the next time they post. And in lieu of my posting the thread, I would much rather ask of the next posters who will read this thread to please be more considerate of other people's views and more understanding of each debater's experiences instead of saying that their thoughts and ruminances are "dumb", "weak" or "ignorant".

It's funny. The word "ignorant" has been thrown around a lot of times here. And the people who share the most extreme positions have always used it in conjunction with "sophomoric". It is also interesting that because they are unwilling to compromise with other people's views, they say a discussion is not "intellectual" and deserves to be "ignored" unless it is their way being coddled to. And even more fascinating is the fact that when a view does not resonate with the "extreme position" they accuse the other debater of not being "educated" enough".

Instead, I would rather ask everyone why it is that people who share the most extreme views are the ones who possess the loudest voices? Is it because they can bully the more open-minded and sensitive people with their views until they are voiceless?

And I would like others, who have had this to happen to express themselves about this issue.

I think this goes beyond whether someone has a "thick skin" or not. It has to do with common courtesy which we all need to learn so no one has to be drawn into a verbal row over saving one's reputation.

I apologize for this little rant. But, I just wanted to let others know that this was happening on the board.


[edit on 24-5-2006 by ceci2006]

Shouting From The Threadtops

Speaking personally, in my experience those who are most obnoxious about being right are usually so pushy about it because they are trying to convince themselves they're right. Their zeal is in fact a tacit admission that they are worried they may be wrong.

So they try to bully people into agreeing with them to build some sort of consensus and reassure themselves they're right because people agree with them.

I say I'm speaking personally about this because I've done it far too many times myself. So I should know.

As for what's appropriate, as others have said, the AboveTopSecret.com Terms And Conditions Of Use are the gold standard upon which all moderator decisions are based. We say it again and again, and I suspect some people think we're kidding, but no, really, it's what we go by.

It's the foundation for everything. Honest!

Zoning Ordinances

Regarding what threads go where, each forum has a brief description of the kind of topics it is intended for which can be found on the main page of the discussion board it appears in.

Moderators are given a great deal of discretion regarding what sorts of threads go in what forums, and if a forum moderator thinks a thread is better suited to a different forum, it may be moved.

If a thread you started or are participating in gets moved, please don't take it personally. Moving threads is a "housekeeping" task, not some sort of political statement about the topic or the people commenting on it.

Threads which are more suited to a different forum may be moved to that forum by a moderator. Threads which aren't consistent with the T&C may be moved to the Trash Bin.

Classic examples of trashable threads are those which discuss personal drug use, member participation in crimes or explicit sexual activity, which are specifically prohibited by the T&C.

Threads may also be locked or trashed if they duplicate an existing active topic or for other reasons which may be found in the Board Information forum which provides additional guidance for members.

Moderators, as part of what can be thought of as the ATS "editorial staff", are given a reasonable degree of latitude when it comes to details and specifics.

However...

Legal Disputes

If you should disagree with a thread move or any moderator action, please remember that you can U2U the mod in question and discuss it. Mods are human and can make mistakes.

But if the moderator explains the action and it is supported by the T&C, arguing against that is a waste of time -- although you can still request a senior staff review via the Suggestion button.

In all cases, please remember that all staff members are ATS members, and should be treated with the same degree of courtesy all members deserve. No more is required, but no less is appropriate.

You should see some of the U2Us we get.

Yes, you can be banned for cussing out a mod, but the truth is that you can be banned for cussing out any fellow member, staff or not, and that's the basis for such action.

Insulting fellow members is a serious violation of the T&C and a quick way to be shown the door. While warnings may be issued for such behavior, if it's extreme enough, a member can be banned outright for attacking other members.

It happens.

The Bottom Line

Of course, drama (and therefore attention) centers around disciplinary actions, but the most important part of any staff job is helping members enjoy the site and be inspired to give their best.

It is the top-notch contributions from members that makes ATS the best conspiracy forum on the Internet, not warns or bans.

Every staff member knows this, and it is always with this in mind that we do our jobs. I can't emphasize this enough: it is the heart and soul of what ATS is about, and we know it.

If you're not sure about something, we're here to help. Feel free to U2U any staff member if you have a question about anything.

However, you may find the Suggestion button more helpful in some cases, since staff members take vacations like everyone else (I'm on something of a holiday myself right now).

But the bottom line is that we're here to help!

Thank you for your thoughts, Majic. I will sure take them under consideration and look at all the guidelines for my part.

PLENTY of mods have been on your threads. None have
handed out warnings. If there was something to warn or
U2U a 'knock it off' they would have done so. They know
what they are doing.

Originally posted by ceci2006
Thank you for your caring and kindness in this matter, Springer. However, I've decided not to post where it has happened.

Now ceci... when the head fella asks for backup to your claims, you really
ought to follow through. Let me help you out.
politics.abovetopsecret.com...

instead of saying that their thoughts and ruminances are
"dumb", "weak" or "ignorant".

Here's my response on the 'TonySnow/Tar Baby thread to Ceci calling
for 'common sense' ..

Ceci. You have energy and a passion to fight against racism.
That's wonderful. But you are grasping at nothing here and are
unchanneled. Find a case of REAL RACISM and go after it. Then
you'll do some good. Otherwise, when a real case comes up and
you point at it .. no one will listen. You have energy, passion, and
focus. Now for the common sense. Go after some REAL racism.
We will all applaud

OR perhaps you are talking about this thread -
politics.abovetopsecret.com...

(where YOU called all the posters who didn't agree
with you HEATHENS on page 9 )

Donttredonme was on that thread watching. He closed it.


[edit on 5/25/2006 by FlyersFan]

Originally posted by ceci2006
What Are Acceptable Topics?

From past experiance, I would think anything would be ok, so long as it is dealt with in an adult manner.

Refrain from using slang words if it is an issue that is sensitive. Backing up any post with relevant facts is a good idea too.

Hope this helps.

FlyersFan, thank you for your contribution to the thread. I think it's time for everyone to see how you posted on the same thread as well as others.

This is from the "Should English be A National Language" Thread:

Originally quoted by FlyersFan

You are a one trick pony. An anti-white America racist.

Example number two:

What's it like being an anti-white racist who also wants to keep
immigrants down in the dirt by not having an 'incommon' language
for them to be able to communicate well with??

Example number three:

Never argue with drunks, fools, and board trolls.

Example number four:

We are still waiting to hear something from you other than 'racist!!'
So at this point, I do see you as a 'one trick pony'. Surprise me.
Get on a thread and be able to get through it without screaming
'racist' or bringing up mcKinney in some way ... It would be a
pleasant surprise.

Example number five:

Oh look ... Ceci discovered babblefish!

Example number six:

Now we are getting BABBLEFISH regurgitation.
Ceci has been proven wrong, hasn't read a
darn thing posted, hasn't answered the basic
questions for days, and still pumps out racism.

Example number seven:

It's just pontificating.

And this is from the "Bush To Militarize Border" Thread:

You really need to get over yourself. All over this board you scream
the race card [...]
You are a one trick pony. Racism

I have u2u-ed a letter to WyrdeOne regarding my response to your post.


This is from the "Tony Snow "Tar Baby" Comment" Thread:

Example one:

Fixation ... projection (of their own racism onto others) .. oh yes, we
have some classic psychological symptoms that we could get into
with this sentence of yours Escrotumus. There are plenty of anti-white
racists in this country. Plenty.

Example Two:

When REAL racism rears it's ugly head, it needs to be exposed and
taken care of. When nothing is wrong and it's pointed at as racism,
then that takes away from the real problem of racism when it does
show up. Crying wolf constantly doesn't help the 'cause'
[...]
Find REAL cases of racism and go
after them. You have the energy. You have the drive. You
have the motivation. So go get the wolf and let the innocent
sheep graze peacefully and don't accuse them of being wolves.

I think that the other members will have to be the judge. Moving on.

This is from the "May 1--Will it Hurt or Help Illegals?"

but I'm pretty sure it's like the black population...democrat and social giveaways.

Example Two:

Obviously the Mexican invasion is good for
the radical muslim terrorists ... so common sense says that they
would loooooooove to see a war between the USA and Mexico.

This is from the thread, "Oh How Sweet It is! To be Rich, a Republican and White! Hmm?" Thread

Example One:

Try taking a sociology class sometime. It's college
getting a higher education. College.
[...]
Go to college. Get educated.

Example Two:

I'm sure most folks already can see you for what you are.
[...]
Go to college. Get educated. I suggest sociology.
You might learn something. Then again ... considering
it's you ... you probably won't.

This is in reference to Cynthia McKinney on the "In The Sex- Neutral, Color-Blind society Democrats want so bad, Cynthia McKinney would Be In Jail!!" Thread:

I'm absolutely allowed to form my opinion (based on the evidence) that the woman is a loud
mouthed idiot who's pulling the race card to get herself out of trouble.
I'm looking forward the facts coming out in the investigation. [...]
I'm sure she'll be exposed for being the racist that I know her to be.

I have had to constantly defend myself from you from the first time we crossed paths. I have apologized for my part to the mods as well as to the other members of the "Should English Be Our National Language?" Thread publicly. I have even sent DontTreadOnMe a note of apology on my part. I had apologized to the posters on the "Tony Snow 'Tar Baby' Comments" Thread publically. In fact, when I have done wrong, I have always said as such as in the "Open-Minded Members are Not Trolls!" Thread:

Originally quoted by ceci2006

Because I have been the recipient of such attacks in PTS. Yes, I agree with Whaaa, that PTS is a "mud-pit" when it comes to calling names. And I have also participated in the baser sides of debate to defend myself. That fact makes me ashamed, because usually I try to be considerate and kind. Most recently, on two threads, I didn't look at Skippy. And because of that, the debate had suffered despite attempts to rehabilitate my position.[...]One thing I have learned is that people need to think before they speak. I will do so for now on. I respect the board, its mods, its staff, its council members, its posters and the Three Amigos too much to engage in out and out verbal warfare again.

I have acknowledged my bad behavior. The "Should English Be A National Language" Thread was one of the low points of my work on this board. I should be so lucky that DontTreadOnMe is forgiving.

However, the difference between me and you is that you don't apologize to anyone. You say exactly what is on your mind with no regret.

I certainly hope you do change your ways and be more kind to others. And I hope in the future, you find the strength to be kind and civil in your exchanges instead of blatantly accuse others of their faults and deficiencies.

But thank you for sharing with others what could go wrong on a thread that was highly contentious on both sides of the debate. I'm sure that other posters can learn from both my and your example of what not to do in terms of ettiquette on ATS.

I on my part am still struggling to right my wrongs and trying to follow the guidelines. Are you?









[edit on 25-5-2006 by ceci2006]

I'm really losing patience with this whole personal vendetta thing. If I can argue like I have with someone like jsobecky and then on another thread, praise him for his contributions (and he, me) then surely you two can learn something from each other and quit fighting like cats.

ATS is better than that.

A few basic points:

English Only is NOT equivalent to English as an Official Language.
Ceci, you started a thread about English as the official language of the US and when people supported it, you equated them with racists. You made English Language supporters the same as English-ONLY supporters and then proceeded to slam them.

Just because someone judges the Tony Snow incident as an innocent mistake, doesn't make them "pro-Tony" or racist. I am not "Pro-Tony" and I would NEVER use the term "tar baby" but I am open minded and unbiased enough to see that he didn't use it in a racist manner. That doesn't make me "Pro-Tony".

The term "Tar Baby" does have 2 meanings, like everyone has tired to point out. So does the term "Cracker". So does "Chink". So does "Blood". So does "Caramel". I could go on and on with the racial slurs that have 2 meanings. Let me just tell you that the 'deal' you have made about the Tony Snow event seems (to those of us on this side of the discussion) the same as if he said he didn't like caramels, and people took that as a racist insult against mixed-raced people.

I understand that you take offense to what he said and you don't think he should have said it and gotten away with it. But my feeling is that you're looking for it. If you continue to look for things to be racially offended about, you will find them. As I said in that thread, you need to pick your battles.

Ceci, the fact that you have participated in 2 threads this past week that ended up in verbal brawls should be some kind of indicator to you. I'm not saying it's all your fault, not by any means, but it takes 2 to tango. You are not an innocent bystander in these brawls. I've read them. I've seen you attack just as much as other people. You wield your intelligence, sarcasm, your command of the language and your race like a sword and lash out at those who would dare disagree with you, or not see, understand and commiserate with your point of view.

You have a way of bringing up an issue, defining the 2 sides and then proceeding to lambaste anyone who would dare take the side opposite you. You appear to be on the 'high' ground, and I'm sure you feel that you are. But from my perspective, there is no high or low ground. Just 2 sides.

You may not be able to objectively see these points I'm bringing up, so I'm telling you. As your friend. The reason I haven't participated in the threads you've mentioned is that you are my friend and I didn't want to take the opposite side because you were already feeling 'ganged-up on'. I couldn't come in and support you because I totally disagree with you.

Everything is not about race. I know you've heard that a million times. But there's a reason for that. You made Skeptic Overlord's "I once Dreamed of Liberty" OP/Ed piece about race! It seems that you bring race in whenever and wherever you can. And usually an argument ensues because the subject has nothing to do with race. YOU make it about race. In my book, that's a very racist thing to do.

Race is not a taboo subject. We can talk about race all you want. It's just not a part of every single subject. It's not underlying every single discussion. Except for you, I think it is. I think it's forefront in your mind. You have a reputation already about injecting racial motives into every discussion. And people have had enough of it so they let you know. Then you strike back, calling them racist.

I'm not addressing FlyersFan here because... let me just say that I know how FF is. I know what to expect from her. I know where she stands. I rarely agree with her, but we have a mutual respect and have learned to agree to disagree on many things, but can discuss them in a civil manner.

And, most importantly, I'm not addressing her because she didn't come into BQ&B complaining about how she's being treated on the board. Yeah, she gets nasty sometimes (so do I), but she takes as well as she gives. She's not up here complaining when things don't go her way.

Now, you can take what I've said here and listen and learn, or you can throw me into the "opposition" as not understanding you or as being a Caucasian and racist who just doesn't get it. It's your choice. I just felt compelled to state my view on all this without holding back. That's a chance I'm taking.

My intent is not to hurt your feelings and I have a whole lot of concern about that. I love your participation on this board and totally enjoy the interactions we've had so far. My intent is to be truthful with you as a friend. Because that's what friends do. Even if it hurts. And I'm truly sorry if this hurt.

Originally posted by ceci2006
I think it's time for everyone to see how you posted on the same
thread as well as others.

Absolutely. I invite everyone who wishes to do so to go and FULLY
inspect my posts and the FULL CONTEXT of the posts. (Something
you didn't do.) I'm sure they all have better things to do, but they
are welcome and encouraged to go take a looooong look at those
two main threads that you were complaining about.

politics.abovetopsecret.com...
politics.abovetopsecret.com...

FULL CONTEXT - such as the reason I asked you what it's like being
an anti-white racist. Why did I ask that? Because YOU said THIS -
What's it like to be an American who doesn't give a care about other races?
You got it handed right back to you. FULL CONTEXT.

AND where o where are the references where you claimed you were
called an 'idiot' and 'worthless'? That is what you said. When you
were asked where those words were spoken .. you declined to show proof.

However, the difference between me and you is that you
don't apologize to anyone.

I apologize when I have done wrong. However, I have done nothing
wrong - except to disagree with you which automatically makes me
a 'racist'. Of course, I'm not singled out with this. Just about everyone
who disagrees with you gets slapped with the 'racist' label by you.

I certainly hope you do change your ways and be more kind to others.
... you find the strength to be kind and civil in your exchanges instead of blatantly
accuse others of their faults and deficiencies.

glass houses ... man-o-man glass houses ...

I on my part am still struggling to right my wrongs and trying to
follow the guidelines.

Then you can start by not calling nearly everyone who disagrees with
you a 'racist'.


[edit on 5/25/2006 by FlyersFan]

Ceci,

Try not to take offense at other people's opinions. BH and I have very different ideas and opions on religion. Religion is a volitile subject on this board. Yet BH and I have had a few discussions here in a very civilized manner. We've had misunderstandings, but we've quickly cleared them up.

A person's opinion is just that, an opinion. Opinions are niether right nor wrong. They just are. No one is attacking you personally. All of our opinions however, are up for attack. The ease and finess that one responds with is what makes or breaks a thread.

Not for nothin', but ATS is fairly tame these days, now that the staff has imposed and enforced rules and guidelines.

Does anyone remember the days of the Colonel and others? And the thread about the death of Ronald Reagan? I couldn't believe the invective...

Those were the days, J. Repugnants and whatnot. TC and the Colonel butting heads all day, every day. Things have hit real lows points.

Ceci, here's some advice. Whenever you lose an argument, don't just call your opponents racists. Or try to play the race card. It doesn't work here. This kind of thread is refered to as an attempt to stir the pot. Also not appreciated.

DE

[edit on 25-5-2006 by DeusEx]