The purpose of ATS

A good thread with some questions I ask of myself and ATS at least weekly

1) Have any of your beliefs changed since visiting ATS.

I'm an 'evaluate then reevaluate' person and my beliefs are frequently changing. Since becoming an ATS junkie, my beliefs have been challenged and expanded, not necessarily changed.

2) What would happen if you found out your beliefs were wrong.

I'm pretty seasoned to having some assumptions (rather than beliefs) proved wrong. I like to believe I've got an insight or intuition into various areas. When I'm wrong I hit the 'DENIAL' button. Next day, the new perspective is accepted.


3) What do you think of people who don't share the same belief as you.

Complicated! On the whole, I celebrate diverse beliefs. Some however are 'zeitgeisty' and I recognize them as such. Some are a reflection of the age of the member or their world view. Some beliefs are so unrealistic that I'm embarrassed for the person. Some add an insight that makes me grin like a stoner at a drive thru.

4) How do you feel about debate of said beliefs.

Pretty redundant, can't recall many members conceding points or altering beliefs. Those that do are admirable.

5) Have you ever called someone ignorant or a sheep for challenging you beliefs.

I admire respect for other members and avoid insults. At times I've fallen short of that intent, not often and I like to apologize when I realize my error. What I've thought is another matter! TBH I totally hate the 'sheeple' comment. It's often a reflection of the blinkered mentality of the goading ass that uses it

6) How do you feel after a reading session on ATS.

Mostly thoughtful, sometimes irritable! Occasionally a better person, often all my flabber has been gasted and my gruntle has left.

7) How do you feel when you're away from ATS for a day or more.

I think I've missed a couple of days since January so 'indifferent' may be stretching it.

8) why do you visit ATS.

According to one or two, because I'm a disinfo agent and I'm probably paid to In reality I'm an admirer of people with manners and a lot of subject knowledge. As forums go, ATS has these guys in abundance. The Ancient & Lost Civilizations board has taught me a LOT. The Aliens and Space boards likewise. My harddrive is littered with pdfs. I stick to same few boards and learn something else nearly every time. A recent separation may also play a part in my free time My occupation requires escapism also.

Originally posted by Anubis_4400

1) Have any of your beliefs changed since visiting ATS.

I don't think any of what I'd consider my "core" beliefs have changed. Specific beliefs have definitely changed as I become more informed about issues that come up here. I'd say that my understanding of the world is becoming more complex and nuanced, and my approach to my beliefs is becoming more critical and open to change.

2) What would happen if you found out your beliefs were wrong.

Depends on the belief. If I found out that I was wrong about human nature being basically good, I would be devastated. If I found out that I was wrong about some pharmaceutics being beneficial, I would be curious. Most of my beliefs are not either/or statements, though. I believe in mixed motivations and contextual difference.

3) What do you think of people who don't share the same belief as you.

Again, it depends on the belief. I can be dismissive of some and judgmental of others, but I'm trying to lessen those tendencies. ATS has definitely helped with that, since I have become familiar with people in one context and developed great respect for them, only to find in another forum that they believe something that I would have dismissed out of hand if I didn't already know them to be intelligent, interesting people.

4) How do you feel about debate of said beliefs.

I have seen and participated in both useful debate of different beliefs and :bnghd: debate of beliefs. I think that it's useful to understand both sides of an argument even if you're not going to change your mind about it, just because it increases tolerance and understanding of different points of view. So those are my favorite threads: where people on two sides of a hot-button issue are genuinely trying to teach and learn.

5) Have you ever called someone ignorant or a sheep for challenging you beliefs.

I don't think so. There was a period early in my ATS posting history when I used the phrase "Deny Ignorance" in ways that I would not use it now. But never because they had challenged my beliefs, I don't think. I have certainly been called a sheeple, ignorant, and a disinfo agent, but I've come to see how empty those words are.

6) How do you feel after a reading session on ATS.

Exhausted, usually. Energized, sometimes.

7) How do you feel when you're away from ATS for a day or more.

I have never been away from ATS for more than a day without at least checking in anonymously to read posts, since the day I joined.

8) why do you visit ATS.

Because it's my online home.

1) Have any of your beliefs changed since visiting ATS.

More like my opinions on some issues have changed. The only 'belief' I have is my Christian beliefs (still as strong as ever). Everything else was almost always a middle-of-the-road stance. So some opinions have been solidified or changed.

2) What would happen if you found out your beliefs were wrong.

Again, in the case of opinions, I have changed them or at least opened up my mind a little more to the possibilities. But I simply don't see my Christian belief being proven wrong (since in my heart it has already been proven true) so this is a hard one to answer.

3) What do you think of people who don't share the same belief as you.

I'm white, female, politically conservative, a Christian, and heterosexual. But I really couldn't care if anyone is black or white, liberal or conservative, heterosexual or homosexual, etc. ALL I care about is those who are NICE. There are some conservative Christians here who rub me the wrong way and there are some liberal atheists I adore. So people's beliefs or classifications don't bother me at all. Just be NICE and we'll get along just fine.

4) How do you feel about debate of said beliefs.

I used to be pretty heated in religious debates but now I've taken on the more personal, private approach that 'These are my beliefs. You can have yours. Stay out of my hair and I'll stay out of your hair. It's settled.'

5) Have you ever called someone ignorant or a sheep for challenging you beliefs.

Honestly? Probably. Can't recall any specific incidences but I'm sure it's happened. Generally, though, I wait until it's called for and very much deserved and not just to anyone who doesn't believe what I do.

6) How do you feel after a reading session on ATS.

Sometimes happy, sometimes paranoid or angry (mostly when it comes to reading scary news).

7) How do you feel when you're away from ATS for a day or more.

It depends on the circumstances. If it's the case where I want to be on ATS but can't be (if I'm out of town, sick, busy with real life, etc.) I miss ATS a lot. But if it's a self imposed break (that we all should take from time to time), then I feel refreshed and look forward to coming back.

8) why do you visit ATS.

The people. I've come to love the membership.

1) Have any of your beliefs changed since visiting ATS.
I've been a member for 5 years or something. I was around in the early days of ATS. Of course my views have changed. I've learned a lot. I stopped taking X-files episodes seriously. I became more liberal.

Edit: effigyrelease
the girl without dreams
Member

Registered: 14-11-2003

Yep. Been registered a long time.

2) What would happen if you found out your beliefs were wrong.
I have a new set of beliefs every day. I'm used to that feeling. It's more of a "Meh" than a "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" feeling.

3) What do you think of people who don't share the same belief as you.
I think they either know more or less than I do, or are stubborn. Then I talk to them to try and discern which is correct.

4) How do you feel about debate of said beliefs.
I don't think anyone's opinion will change, but it's what this forum is for.

5) Have you ever called someone ignorant or a sheep for challenging you beliefs.
Probably.

6) How do you feel after a reading session on ATS.
Angry? Bored? It depends on the day.

7) How do you feel when you're away from ATS for a day or more.
I don't know. Lazy? Tired?

8) why do you visit ATS.
Because it amuses me.

[edit on 8-4-2009 by sadisticwoman]

Originally posted by Anubis_4400

1) Have any of your beliefs changed since visiting ATS.

Absolutely, go read some of my posts from 6 years ago...

2) What would happen if you found out your beliefs were wrong.

I would be smarter I hope.

3) What do you think of people who don't share the same belief as you.

Nothing negative, it would be a VERY boring world if we all believed the same thing.

4) How do you feel about debate of said beliefs.

That's one of the major reasons we built ATS up to what it is today... I love the idea of people engaging in civil discourse/debate. Without it we would be a stagnate species. In spite of the fact the B.S. machinery (AKA: The MSM) gets all the funding and PR, ATS has grown beyond anything we dreamed possible just a few short years ago, I believe that's due to the fact people can debate and even redefine themselves through the civil interaction with their peers here.

5) Have you ever called someone ignorant or a sheep for challenging you beliefs.

No.

6) How do you feel after a reading session on ATS.

Everything imaginable...

7) How do you feel when you're away from ATS for a day or more.

Don't know, it hasn't happened in years...

8) why do you visit ATS.

It's the best dam website on the intertubes, that's why!

Springer...

[edit on 8 Apr 2009 by schrodingers dog]

reply to post by schrodingers dog


National sarcasm society indeed.

reply to post by sadisticwoman


I wish, I could star in this forum....


- Carrot

[edit on 8 Apr 2009 by schrodingers dog]

1) Have any of your beliefs changed since visiting ATS.
No doubt. I'm not sure any have changed solely as a result of visiting ATS, but it probably played a role.

2) What would happen if you found out your beliefs were wrong.
I'm a big boy. I'm open to being wrong. Wouldn't have made 20 years of marriage otherwise.

3) What do you think of people who don't share the same belief as you.
If they're articulate, they can be the best and most interesting people to engage in discussion..

4) How do you feel about debate of said beliefs.
Since I don't have to be here, it would be a little silly to spend time on a site devoted to discussion if I didn't enjoy it.

5) Have you ever called someone ignorant or a sheep for challenging you beliefs.
I don't think I'd ever call someone a name specifically for that reason. Depending upon their approach and the venue, if I was going to name-sling, I'd be a little more expressive than that.

6) How do you feel after a reading session on ATS.
It depends. It can be anything from exhilarating to exhausting or anything in between, based upon the material and how engaged I am.

7) How do you feel when you're away from ATS for a day or more.
It doesn't affect me one way or the other, other than having some catch-up if 'm away too long.

8) why do you visit ATS.
By far and away the best place on the Internet to have a civil and intelligent discussion about the topics on which ATS focuses. Even if I don't participate, there's a lot of interesting reading to do. And people here link me to information and resources I might not otherwise find.







[edit on 4/8/2009 by yeahright]

Originally posted by Anubis_4400
1) Have any of your beliefs changed since visiting ATS.

Yep, one or two

2) What would happen if you found out your beliefs were wrong.

As long as there was undeniable logic, then fine

3) What do you think of people who don't share the same belief as you.

Each to their own

4) How do you feel about debate of said beliefs.

Ummm

5) Have you ever called someone ignorant or a sheep for challenging you beliefs.

Nope, but have for people who are truly ignorant. Never used sheep before

6) How do you feel after a reading session on ATS.

7) How do you feel when you're away from ATS for a day or more.

Relaxed

8) why do you visit ATS.

To help educate, and be educated. And for fun

1) Have any of your beliefs changed since visiting ATS.

More dubious about some things, more inclined to believe in others

2) What would happen if you found out your beliefs were wrong.

A belief is just a belief. I'll ditch anything if a better idea comes along.

3) What do you think of people who don't share the same belief as you.

:shk:

4) How do you feel about debate of said beliefs.

Fine, if the other person has read my post properly. I'll always explain myself more clearly if I need to.

5) Have you ever called someone ignorant or a sheep for challenging you beliefs.

No. I'd need more provocation than that before I'd resort to name-calling. I might want to thump them, though.

6) How do you feel after a reading session on ATS.

Usually dog tired. I have to stay up very late to keep up.

7) How do you feel when you're away from ATS for a day or more.

Bloody miserable. I had no access for a couple of weeks in January. I had to remind myself that ATS would still be here without me and that I could come back to it.

8) why do you visit ATS.

It's fun. I like to read peoples' views on things. I've had a lot of laughs here, it's nice to find people with a good sense of humour. And sometimes I will find a serious post that is so thoughtful / thought-provoking that I could almost hug the screen. (And I'm not a 'huggy' sort of person).

1. No core beliefs...perhaps an opinion or two.

2. I'm not always right, but I'm very seldom wrong...ask anyone, lol; when I'm wrong I adjust and assimiliate the new viewpoint.

3. So long as those beliefs don't threaten me or mine or hurt others, believe in anything you like if it makes you happy. I appreciate unique viewpoints.

4. Again, so long as the debate doesn't involve sharp objects or explosives, I relish a good debate: it clarifies the issues and occasionally opens new avenues of thought.

5. For disagreeing with me? No. For being ignorant? Yes. The whole sheep thing irritates me: most people are far more aware and better informed than their peers give them credit for. The problem is a lack of effective ways to express their displeasure and unease, not a lack of awareness or stupidity. I guess I have a higher opinion of people than most people do.

6. Thoughtful, usually.

7. Doesn't matter...I have plenty of chores and friends and ongoing discussions right here to keep me busy, occupied, informed, and entertained.

8. It's a great place for finding obscure data links: if you really need to get some research done quick, just post something interesting but controversial about the subject and people will jump in with their opinions and back them up with links. Plus, ATS's members read broadly, pay attention to the world, and share what they read, discover, find interesting or amusing. All in all, a thoughtful and civil bunch who are worthy of my time and attention.

Originally posted by Anubis_4400
1) Have any of your beliefs changed since visiting ATS.
2) What would happen if you found out your beliefs were wrong.
3) What do you think of people who don't share the same belief as you.
4) How do you feel about debate of said beliefs.
5) Have you ever called someone ignorant or a sheep for challenging you beliefs.
6) How do you feel after a reading session on ATS.
7) How do you feel when you're away from ATS for a day or more.
8) why do you visit ATS.
[edit on 7-4-2009 by Anubis_4400]

1) Yes.
2) I would be ecstatic that I discovered something incredible and new (and I'd probably be very eager to share it with others)
3) That depends what the belief is and why those people believe what they do. If they can't tell me why (i.e., support it with evidence), I get suspicious. What the belief is matters less to me than why someone holds a particular viewpoint.
4) I think it's good for everyone and can be a really effective strategy for detecting baloney.
5) No because I state facts (which support my claims and since I rely on science, the data is 100% reproducible for anyone regardless of what they believe).
6) Again, that depends on the material and quality of contributions. My emotions range from bitterly disappointed to elated & inspired.
7) To discover new and exciting things I never knew before.

1) Have any of your beliefs changed since visiting ATS.
I change my briefs daily..........Oh beliefs, Some I feel have been strengthend others changed for the better (I hope).

2) What would happen if you found out your beliefs were wrong.
I would change my opinion or belief.

3) What do you think of people who don't share the same belief as you.
It doesn't bother me, as others have said the world would be a bit boring if we were all the same.

4) How do you feel about debate of said beliefs.
ATS allows us to test our beliefs with good honest debate.

5) Have you ever called someone ignorant or a sheep for challenging you beliefs.
No.

6) How do you feel after a reading session on ATS.
I have to honest sometimes there is a bit to much doom and gloom and I fell tired and drained by trying to stay positive, but generally when I finish reading I feel I have expanded my knowledge of several subjects.

7) How do you feel when you're away from ATS for a day or more.
I don't understand this question, you must be new here!!

8) why do you visit ATS.
all of the above and the people I've meet along my ATS journey.

This site is the reason I changed my mind on Obama in respect to my support for him. The information I gathered here and government websites as a result of references found here lead to me realize that Obama is Bush with a nicer tan.

It is possible to change people's minds on certain things. But I stress that the only way to do that is to refrain from being rude and divisive, and to have an arsenal of facts to back up your claims.

Opinion won't do it.


1) Have any of your beliefs changed since visiting ATS.
Immensely. But I hold more ideas than beliefs

2) What would happen if you found out your beliefs were wrong.
I would be excited to know any new information. I reject nothing, but when diving into the pool it is important not to drink the water.

3) What do you think of people who don't share the same belief as you.
I think they are a challenge and without people to challenge you your mind will get lazy and eventually stupid

4) How do you feel about debate of said beliefs.
The more the merrier so long as it is civil.

5) Have you ever called someone ignorant or a sheep for challenging you beliefs.
No, but I have said that of people who don't bother to do research and espouse their beliefs as fact. It is important to understand that any one person's beliefs, at any time, can be and likely will be in conflict with reality. Reality cares not one iota what you believe as one's opinion of the world does not make the reality the world exists in.

6) How do you feel after a reading session on ATS.
Informed, sometimes amused. But always good.

7) How do you feel when you're away from ATS for a day or more.
Like I'm missing a piece of the world. Seriously. ATS has become a second home for me in many respects. And it challenges me to expand my understanding of the world in many fields.

8) why do you visit ATS.
ATS is a community of intelligent, inquisitive people. Though I may not agree with all of them, I do appreciate being amongst those with a similar nature.


[edit on 10-4-2009 by projectvxn]

I want to thank all of you for answering my questions.