Announcing the ATS Press Corps

I think the enthusiasm regarding this is fantastic! I also think that people need to realize that these will not get you into the White House or the Pentagon I believe these are meant to be used to cover local investigations regarding topics that pertain to this site (ie. conspiracy theories). I think most of us understand that but I think there may be a few who are ready to pose a few questions to the President

I think this is a great idea on many levels and really helps lend some credence to those who otherwise may not have any.

ATS is a popular enough site within Conspiracy Venues, that if your preface a question to say Dr. Greer or Alex Jones or some other recognized name, with "Hello, I'm so and so with AboveTopSecret.com" you will be afforded a certain amount of respect based off of the credibility of this site.

A good thing to remember as well, since those applying will be representing this site, and I'm sure civility and decorum are expected in the field also.

[edit on 7-4-2009 by kleverone]

Something that crossed my mind that I was curious about, is would the articles have to be related strictly to the ATS side i.e. aliens/ufo's ghosts and conspiracies?

Is it correct to assume that articles can be BTS forums, related?

I imagine the majority of articles would be ATS related, I am just curious is all.

Oh, and good luck to all that applied! (I applied too!)

[edit on 7-4-2009 by gimme_some_truth]

The Press Pass says " The Above Network" and in smaller print mentions ATS. I take this to mean that yes, BTS will also benefit.

Not every story can be about UFO's or there would be less need for reporters. ATS has Forums on Science and Technology, Politics, Education and Media, Current Events, and several other less than conspiratorial subjects. I assume ATS is interested in any news worthy item. If ATS reports it first, and other News sources follow, it gives increased credibility to ATS as a whole.

If for example an ATS reporter posts a story regarding a new scientific device or breakthrough, and comments on how is could change our lives.... If that story then gets picked up by the Main Stream Media, it is a HUGE win for ATS even if no UFO's or conspiracies are involved. Certainly, Alternative topics are key to ATS, but other news items can also add to the greater good.

reply to post by Terapin


Yes, that pretty much goes along with how I was thinking.

Thanks for weighing in here.

I appreciate it!

Originally posted by gimme_some_truth
Something that crossed my mind that I was curious about, is would the articles have to be related strictly to the ATS side i.e. aliens/ufo's ghosts and conspiracies?

Initially as we launch this concept, yes, we would prefer that.

Keep in mind that an experiment like this works best if we begin with a small and contained effort along a few primary topics. While the goal is to augment the site will killer exclusive content for our members to engage, the important secondary goal is to build a way for talented members to derive some income from their efforts. If we start too big too fast, we may jeopardize both goals.

Just remember the 5 Ws and the H and get them right.
And, be prepared to provide evidence of FEMA camps, ufos and some of the more outlandish ideas touted on here. I think this will be the end of some regular posters since they will debunk themselves in one fashion or another!
Good luck to the rest of you, I can't wait to see what you turn up. Inspiration and hard work produces better results than a journalism degree!

UPDATE

I've been somewhat busy with some important back-room stuff... a few of which are related to this project.

I have several excellent submissions, and will soon be responding to the second round of confirmation responses with more information soon. Generally, if you've not received a reply, you have not been selected for inclusion.

We're issuing a couple rush passes to two members who are covering a local event this weekend. They won't have the hologram confirmation seal of the finished passes, so those will be reissued once we get the holograms and print the final editions.

Originally posted by SkepticOverlord
Initially as we launch this concept, yes, we would prefer that.

Keep in mind that an experiment like this works best if we begin with a small and contained effort along a few primary topics. While the goal is to augment the site will killer exclusive content for our members to engage, the important secondary goal is to build a way for talented members to derive some income from their efforts. If we start too big too fast, we may jeopardize both goals.

Ok, very good. It just crossed my mind today, so I thought I would ask, because I was kind of curious.

Thanks for the help, SO.

Originally posted by SkepticOverlord
UPDATE

I have several excellent submissions, and will soon be responding to the second round of confirmation responses with more information soon. Generally, if you've not received a reply, you have not been selected for inclusion.

Does this mean that interested members should be submitting story ideas? My understanding was that you were simply seeking interested parties at this point and only requested some identifying information.

Originally posted by Terapin
Does this mean that interested members should be submitting story ideas?

In this case, "submissions" = initial interest in becoming part of the ATS Press Corps.

Originally posted by SkepticOverlord

Originally posted by Terapin
Does this mean that interested members should be submitting story ideas?

In this case, "submissions" = initial interest in becoming part of the ATS Press Corps.

So in other words, the only submission required at this point is the application for the Press corp correct?

reply to post by gimme_some_truth


Regardless if I get in or not, I've got a great local conspiracy I'd love to research in depth and report on. Although the interest factor may not be up there with things like the NWO etc., some smaller conspiracies have eye opening consequences relating to human nature and the way the system works.

It is a sad example of corruption and how power corrupts.

My local government council was recently fired by the State for being corrupt and in the pocket of big developers.

The council, even after the sacking, is now in debt millions of dollars because a certain developer used his council puppets to push through a gigantic monster of a building in the centre of town, which has drained the council coffers and sent them into debt. The building is now over 2 years behind schedule and has had a blowout of over 30 million dollars.

Why I think it would make a good expose' is that all over the world corruption leaks down through government, from the President down to the elected local councilors. To root out corruption you need to know the kind of people susceptible and how it can affect a community.

reply to post by fooffstarr


Oh that sounds good, I had a story in mind, about a haunted city, Jefferson Texas. I was going to discuss the goings on there, the history ( A really facsinating history) and provide local testimony as to what buildings are haunted and the stories that go along with the hauntings etc...

Not as hard hitting as yours but Last time I was there, it was really facsinating and I got some rather interesting photos to go along with it.

Great history, great ghosts, great stories. For example, when Stepehn Spielberg was filming Sugarland express, he and his crew stopped in Jefferson to stay the night, because they were tired of travelling. Well long story short, His stay in Jefferson served as quite a bit of Inspiration for the film Poltergeist.

reply to post by gimme_some_truth


Yeah I like stories like that too.

I did one for a magazine last year about the local ghosts in my area. It was pretty short and sweet. We aren't a particularly haunted town, but we have a few convicts 'hanging' around (pun intended)

ok , ` in like flynn ` - i have applied too . a formal network of ATS investigators to persue stories that others attempt to ignore or misrepresent sounds an awesome idea

best of luck to the ATS press pack

Originally posted by SkepticOverlord
In this case, "submissions" = initial interest in becoming part of the ATS Press Corps.

Well, in that case I too am 'initially interested'

Even if I am not selected I would hope that any potential "newsies" could consider my help in researching for their articles. I would be more than happy to help gathering information on whatever stories the press corps is working on.

reply to post by gimme_some_truth


Sounds awesome, my hometown in texas is minutes from jefferson, just east of Longview. I'm in Lewisville now so it would be nice to collaborate on some issues.

Hopefully we'll both be seriously considered.......

-Dev

reply to post by DevolutionEvolvd


Oh very cool. In in dallas, so it is a bit of a drive for me, but I have been over there before. I stayed in room 18 at the Jefferson Hotel and the jay gould room (same as Speilberg) at the Excelsior hotel. had a few things happen at the Jefferson Hotel but that is a story for another thread, and Mabye an articlev

We will have to keep each other in mind if we are both accepted.

Good luck to you!

I wonder when we are going to find out, the anticipations is killing me here!

Afternoon,

A question for SO.

Further to the latest email we have received from you, is it possible to apply for both reporter and editor role and allow yourselves to judge where you think our talents would be best utilised?

Maybe I'm thinking too far ahead here as I'm not sure on the timescale from this point in, but it's something that has popped into my head nevertheless.

I'm sure there are other members who are wondering the same thing.

Also, while I'm posting I have two more rather quick questions.

1 - is there going to be a 'house' style guide?
2 - in terms of editorial policy would US or UK English be the standard in terms of prose? It would be nice to have both, I think, depending on the writer.

Peace,

MGGG