Internetacism? Online ATS Personality same as Real life? The ATS Member appreciation thread..

Thought I'd start a thread based on appreciating other ATS members!

The reason for this, is that I've seen some really nice members get booted off ATS (some allowed to return) but most, never to be seen again, and I felt a little startled that I will never be able to communicate with the ATSers' who I started to bond with.

I have got to know many members in the last few weeks, and one member in particular was the reason I thought of the term Internetacism - or Netacism for short. The term is based on a form of discrimination of another person based on their online habits, such as typing skills, use of language, how their personality shows, and everything that says about that person on how their persona is digitised and presented to others.

The opposite would be a lack of judgment on ones character for being a certain race, what political faction they follow, what country they are from, follow a certain religion or other dogma/doctrine, express themselves in the clothes they wear, personal hygiene, physical appearance, sexual preference, what they drive (or even IF they drive), and other types of labels that can be used as a preconceived stereotype for overall criticism and judgment.

Well I got to know this ATS Member as mentioned before, and his online persona just oozes out love, friendship, compassion, understanding, humour, and many other positive qualities. No knowledge of what he looks like, what clothes he wears, what music he listens to - not too many personal details I knew. Then recently he posted a picture of himself on a thread, nice big black hat, and the first visual of physical appearance I could attach to his writing. He then posted some of his favourite music, and expressed how he likes to present himself in the real world. It was nothing what I expected, and I was disappointed with myself that if I had met him in real life first, I would have made an effort to avoid him from my own judgmental stupidity based on my indoctrinated beliefs, and not because of who he really is.

Krill - this thread is dedicated to you my friend .

I find it amusing now, that the possibility exists, that maybe a white supremacist on ATS is friends with someone of colour. That a Muslim is best friends with a Christian, that someone that suffers from mental illness is best friends with the regular Joe Blogg, that a celebrity is friends with the kid down the street, that a politician is friends with a member of the opposition. The list goes on. Being online blurs the distinction of stereotypical judgment, I would soon hope that ideal spreads to the outside world. Of course, you can go to extremes with this - ask Grim about the MySpace kid....

So in saying all that, I would like to raise my glass, and toast to some of the really nice people I've come to know and appreciate, whether still a member, or no longer to be seen again....

Ok - first things first, it may be odd to some, but ATS Chat is a really great way to get to know other members, the quick responses shows personality - doesn't give too much time to think such as in writing posts, and you can get a feel almost instantly whether you'll get along fine with them (not all the time - will explain later).

Cont...

[edit on 22/2/2008 by Im a Marty]

Krill: This guy is an absolute champ! What more can I say, this thread is dedicated to him! Oh, and Krill, I will take up your offer on a drink when I get my behind over there Add as Friend

DamajikNinja : He was banned, now he's back, and about time too. I don't know what happened here, but one of the "banned? wha? Why?" remarks comes up. You just wouldn't expect it. He's the most helpful person you'll ever meet, someone you can really relate to and puts a spin of humour on every topic. You can never be mad at this guy, no matter how hard you try, and he'll never judge you either.
Add as Friend

Tetsujin420: Always happy to see you as you join chat, boosts the ego with this, (well definitely does mine!). A very humble person, he's hell funny too, another one you can never get mad with Add as Friend

Nuts!: First person I got into serious conversation with on chat, struck up a friendship, and she never ceases to amaze me, so caring, compassionate, and expresses herself so well. Another top ATSer Add as Friend

Semperfortis: I know absolutely nothing about him in real life, yet I already like this guy because he's so easy to talk to! A really popular bloke from what I can tell, it’s easy to see why! Add as Friend

AshleyD: I've read a lot of AshleyDs' posts and I have to be honest with you, I cringe (I'm not religious), but I have a deep respect for Ashley. Regardless of our opposing opinions on the subject matter, there's never any animosity between us. Exchanged a few u2u's, and from that, there was an instant respect. It goes to show that opposing beliefs doesn't get in the way of beginning a great friendship with someone. Add as Friend

Temeluchus: I know absolutely nothing about Temeluchus, except that he is the very reason I have continued to Photoshop and learn design. His posts gave me inspiration and self confidence that I can get back into doing something I love, and when someone gives you back your spark, they obviously have the best intentions for someone, even a total stranger. I didn't get into personal conversations as mentioned before, but the encouragement was second to none. Add as Friend

Wu Kung: Another terrific ATSer that got booted. I haven't found out why, but I hope they re-instate his membership. I found out a bit of his background, which I would have judged if I met him in real life, yet talking to him via posts and u2us' have blurred the major differences between us, and I would hope I could get to know him a lot better if I were to speak to him again. I would really love to reverse my thinking on some things, and I would like that firsthand from someone like Wu Kung. Add as Friend

Extralien: Slowly got to know this guy when he asked me to do an avvie for him. Since then, we struck a friendship, and we got to appreciate many things together. He has a knack of being able to determine a bit about who you are by the choice of avatar he has. I would have never thought he'd be able to read mine, but in the end, it was quite obvious. Please visit Extraliens Avatar Symbolisms thread, and request one, you'll be blown away! Add as Friend

Minnie: (Aka - Minnie Me), Got to know Minnie right from the word go on Chat. A lot younger than myself, and she has blurred the distinction between age difference for me. I thought she was a lot older by the way she expressed herself, and then later I found that she is talented and has the drive to be a celebrity in the making. ATsers' get to know Minnie, one hell of a cool person Add as Friend

Chiiru: Only got to know Chiiru a few days ago. She is so humble and seems to be the type of person that respects others opinions, asks them about it for knowledge, and can easily accept or deny without judgment against you. She's asked me about a few dreams and I analysed them for her, from what I gather, not all are entirely accurate, but she has indicated her interest by asking some more! So easy to get along with, and a great asset as a friend! Add as Friend

Cont...

[edit on 22/2/2008 by Im a Marty]

AccessDenied: One hell of a top member! She's very appreciative and so full of joy and enthusiasm. Easy person to talk to! Found a Photobucket which belongs to her, but damn, password protected! lol (scouring ways to extract links in forum source code for ATS toolbar). She seems quite popular, and it’s easy to see why. Add as Friend

kitsunegari: One of the first chat members I got to know too, I often come back to chat seeing her with another member fill the chat screen. Seems like she's great on developing close friendships once you get to know her, and from what I can gather, a humanitarian at heart, which is most admirable in anyone! Add as Friend

Roswell1: Well well what can I say about good 'ol Rosy.... *grin*. The little pest calls me Mary, says it’s not intentional, however he's sly like that LOL. Nah, he's a really cool guy, and a very talented artist at that too. Also a very compassionate and appreciative person, get to know him, it'll be worth it. Add as Friend

Now here are two members who at first impression, I was Internetacist with. My Internetacism put a wall in front of these two, it wasn't a "ignore" type scenario, but they do like to push buttons. However now, my view on them has changed greatly. Talk to both on a regular basis and respect both as I can see a little more about them. I don't know people like this on the outside, mainly because they make me tremble with fear and I run (wobble) 100km an hour in the opposite direction. Again, this seemed from the style of writing, and not really a reflection on who they really are, which I am getting to know the more I talk to them.

WolfOfWar: First interaction I EVER got from Wolfofwar as an u2u from ATS stating I had been added as a respected foe. A little shocked, I replied and politely said thanks, and cheekily added him as a friend. I opened the chat window hiding behind the main browser, and saw he was online. "Damn it" I thought, then he wrote a quick message along the lines of.. "That’s heaps of added foes for today". Again not exact words, but it indicated I was not the only one! I believe he now has 666 respected foes, many whom I believe may feel a little teary, taking it a little too seriously. However, on the other hand, he seems to jar up some members due to his pointed attitude and sometimes comes across aggressively - again - and I iterate here, ALL that goes away, when you acknowledge him and show some form of recognition with respect. You can have a great conversation with him if you want to, and you'll get on like a house on fire, however take anything he says too seriously, and you'll be on a downward spiral. Add as Friend

Grimreaper797: Last but not least... Good 'ol Grim. I think the first interaction that took form between us on a serious topic basis was a heated debate on Islam. First impressions came across on many levels, I honestly did not know what to think of this guy, cheerful at one point, debating the next. I later found out he was a fighter and visuals of Anthony Mundine (Mundane!) came to mind, a reckless boxer from Australia (IMO). He talked a lot about what he thought (later finding out it was what he knew), and a judgmental attitude seemed to leak from his fingers.

However this is no longer the case. Since then, I have gotten to know Grim well enough to know he's very level headed, has a great zest for life, super intelligent, and gives advice when very well needed. I found out his interest in philosophy, and boom, instant respect. I did some search on my discussions with him on the matter, and realised I already had some material, due to his suggestion of self teaching instead of education, it has perked up my interest in expanding my knowledge on many subject matters. And due to my recent communications, I have gained another insight into my possible future of combining all knowledge and doing digital artwork representing my thoughts on issues that I'm passionate about, and artful expression of philosophical subjects. I.e. I'm trying to create a Photoshop piece that represents 'Non-Physical' forms of reality. How can you express NON physical aspects in a physical environment. How can I create 'thought' (non-physical) and express in a way without it being physical (Such as physical expression of the thought, i.e. faces pulled, motion, action). How can I create thought itself. On another note, I found out today that he no longer studies Criminal Justice. Although he no longer does it, to get into an area like that shows high moral fibre. He may be jovial on chat or on threads, but it doesn't represent his true intentions of bettering things in life (I seriously need to ask him advice on losing the KG). Add as Friend

Cont...

[edit on 22/2/2008 by Im a Marty]

Just to quote Grim recently, about how I perceived him, this is what he responded..

GrimReaper797: I will argue you, fight you, on anything for the sake of argument because you get nothing out of an agreement. Reassurance isn’t what you need out of life, challenge is!

Words of wisdom, I probably knew that somewhere, but never understood it in such an easy to understand way.

By writing this post, I hope I have inspired people to see things a little clearer about who you are communicating with online, especially on ATS since it has such as diversity of people and their backgrounds.

I would suggest not to ask personal questions when you first start communicating with other Asters, it may trigger emotional and critical reactions which could be indoctrinated beliefs - beliefs that don't belong to you, but you have accepted them as your own, for whatever reason, such as peer pressure or your parents beliefs influencing your youth.

Eventually you will like them for how they are online, how they express themselves, and without any form of judgment towards them. You could be talking to your real life enemy that lives down the street. "You've got Mail" comes to mind.

On the other hand, you could experience the total and utter opposite. Also take into account, that when that happens, THEN try to get to know them, to see where they are coming from. they may have a very good reason, possibly subconsciously, but still a good reason none the less. You may find that you have more in common than you think, and his online persona does not actually reflect who they actually are either.

So there are positives for both situations. Please, get yourself into ATS Chat, start talking to members, even idle and read, and you'll have a feel for the other members. It’s worth a try isn't it?

Thx

DELETE

[edit on 22-2-2008 by Disconnected]

Great thread with great people.

reply to post by enjoies05


Your right,

That is a fine list of members you've got there!

Maybe the mods can move this to skunk works in ATS or something.

What can I say, great post. Thanks for the shoutout too.

But yea, I second ATS chat. It is probably the core of ATS to me. Without ATS chat I don't think I would still be involved in ATS after all these years. Why, just today I was on AIM debating an ATS member about foreign policy that I had met in chat. I have MSN specifically for ATS members lol.

ATS chat is really the best, top notch, close knit, internet community on the internet. It may not be the biggest internet forum out there, but it is certainly the best. The members make it that way.

Originally posted by Im a Marty
when you acknowledge him and show some form of recognition with respect. You can have a great conversation with him if you want to, and you'll get on like a house on fire..

Filth and Lies. You can't get in a great conversation with me. Don't lie to these people.

reply to post by Im a Marty


OMG!!!! Marty you are sweet as sugar pie! Very Correct too. I love ATS for the very reasons you stated.One must be careful not to judge others by their posts or their avatars.I found that out the hard way once but it developed into a great friendship. I also found out the hard way to password protect my photobucket..lol.

I would say too Marty that you have become a FABULOUS member since you started here...

Vote this man in for Vice President!

I appreciate the shoutouts man! I'm just another average member, doing what I can. But it's nice to hear such nice things once in a while!

Cheers,
DMN

Awwww...... I didn't get mentioned ... oh well ....... you're still a great amigo !!!!!!

( All of the people ya've mentioned so far are wonderful members/humans ..... so the rest of ya folks should add 'em to your friends list )

Heheh WolfOfWar, I thought you may respond when you realised you had the largest paragraph in the thread, now now, why not say what you said in chat, that was more accurate . Classic example of how Chat differs to posts for other newbie ATS Chatters

Access Denied, So far you're the first to indicate that you see past the individual comments I made about some nice people on here, and see the overall agenda I had intented to bring to the surface, the simple quick judgement over threads/posts, and as you kindly stated, the Avatars used by members. I found those things are what they WANT others to see about them, and not 100% reflective of their thinking process and real life personality. Lots of things to consider, as I mentioned the two extremes between WolfofWar/Grimreaper797 and the rest of the members. Both equal and as important, and both different aspects in finding a deep needed respect for each one.

AccessDenied - let me know when you remove the password lol. (Trying to test some Toolbar scripts, as testing on mine all the time may be buggy)

DamajikNinja, I am so happy you're back on here, at least you're posting again, although no chat??? Well one step at a time mate I'm glad you liked the comment.

Steve-O, I figured I may receive some 'Not me?' type replies, fear not, you are very well up there as an excellent ATSer. The reasons I didn't add you in writing the first thread (I did filter many names for others who may think the same as Steve-O here), was that even though you're awesome to talk to, I've not yet been able to establish that 100% sticky bond I was trying to get across, as most of the people I wrote were actually ATS Chat members. From what I've read on ATS, you're a top notch guy and your kindness oozes through your typing, with a good sense of humour added to it mind you. Again, do not despair, you're in the 'ATSer friendship from posts' aspect Add as Friend

So just in case, If I didn't mention you in the thread, let me iterate it does not mean you are NOT highly respected and appreciated. I am 95% sure there are more ATSers that I haven't mentioned, and for that I apologise! Doesn't mean I think any less of you! u2u me and I will go on an addition spree.

I would like members who read this thread, to add to the appreciate ATS members list. Hopefully with a description of why you and your new found ATSer have this connection. It would be great to get to know other members based on your positive thoughts about them, and extend the already close ATS community even closer. Why be an aquaintance when they can be your closest friend. Maybe you haven't talked to them yet, and this is the opportunity to do so

Thx

Woah thanks bro! The reason im always hapy is cuz I got friends like you waiting for me in chat everyday! Keep on trucking buddies!

wow i inspired a thread thats a first for me, but your 100%right you just cant acuratly judge people on there posts and avatars chat does make it a bit easier though. and im very happy to have made so many friends here at ats. i dont have many real world friends so its nice to have some friends here. and thanx for mentioning my hat, i love that hat. any way marty if your ever in the area my offer of a drink stands.

reply to post by Im a Marty


Awww.... thanks for adding me to the list bro ..... I'd love to chat with ya some day ....... but I will be adding more members to this "list" ......gotta come up with some good things to say first .

reply to post by Im a Marty


Awwwww!!!! Thats really sweet Marty 'Me' ,haha

This is a great thread and very true.


*hugs!!*

Marty, wow..you cant imagine how much i appreciate the kind words. You have made me feel so welcome. You are an amazing person, i feel so lucky to have met you.
Thanks heaps Marty mate,
You amaze me too. see ya nuts

reply to post by Im a Marty


Marty..I take the time to get to know people outside of what they post.That's just the way Iam. I have made many great friends that way, and ATS is full of the best people on the planet.
As for removing the password.. nope nope..In your dreams buddy. Too much non postable content in there.

He Nuts, I meant everyword of it hey

Access, LOL I totally understand! I was just stiring. Gave up on that aspect of TB for now.

Thx