Is ATS a People's Global Think Tank

I was listening to a past (2009) interview of Jay Weidner on Coast to Coast in which Jay stated that, and I am paraphrasing - that there are 100 or so sites on the internet that allow the more intelligent and intuitive people of the world to get together regardless of nationality, race, sex, religion, etc. and share ideas freely.

That got me thinking about ATS and think tanks. Well, I think of many secret societies, think tanks, etc in much the same light. The only difference being that the people in those organizations actually get together in a room somewhere. Further, there seems to also be somewhat restrictive membership rules, dues, fees, and whatnot.

My postulation is that maybe we are moving past that sort of "secretive societal network" into one of openness of information and that ATS as a whole is at the forefront of such a movement.

As per wikipedia

A think tank (also called a policy institute) is an organization, institute, corporation, or group that conducts research and engages in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economy, science or technology issues, industrial or business policies, or military advice

It seems to me that we engage on these matters daily. Maybe smart policy makers should and possibly do, come here for information.

Thoughts?

Furthermore, I would like to point out that ATS, does not have the old world restrictions of membership. Merely, it seems, that we can show up and as long as we follow some simple rules regarding decorum our thoughts will not be censored.

In a larger view, it seems that sites such as this could and quite possibly should be central informational points for the people to present their solutions, ideas, etc., for the rest of the world.

Maybe we should even have a "think tank" forum just for this purpose.

Edit to add that I have no idea where to put this thread. It is merely here because Jay Weidner is pretty big into the metaphysical. Thanks

[edit on 8-6-2009 by Chemley]

It would definitely qualify as an on-line virtual community, or a "place" on the Net for somewhat likeminded people to gather and share ideas.

Question is, could a place like this be transformative..?

I used to be a regular at a forum which spawned 911 related info and participation which generated films like Loose Change and 911 In Plane Site, and those films were seen by over 100 million people and I do believe that the continuation of the 911 truth movement would not have occured without them, and we started out with just maybe 50 active posters and participants..

We're entering the world of the noosphere, of the omega point (see Pierre Teilhard de Chardin for more on that).

[edit on 8-6-2009 by OmegaPoint]

Originally posted by OmegaPoint
It would definitely qualify as an on-line virtual community, or a "place" on the Net for somewhat likeminded people to gather and share ideas.

Question is, could a place like this be transformative..?

I used to be a regular at a forum which spawned 911 related info and participation which generated films like Loose Change and 911 In Plane Site, and those films were seen by over 100 million people and I do believe that the continuation of the 911 truth movement would not have occured without them, and we started out with just maybe 50 active posters and participants..

We're entering the world of the noosphere, of the omega point (see Pierre Teilhard de Chardin for more on that).

[edit on 8-6-2009 by OmegaPoint]

Thank you for that. I had not heard of him. I particularly like the "Sense of Earth" idea. Maybe we are at some middle point of this idea as we get a "sense" here on ATS with our friends from every corner of the Earth.

Thank again!

I like to think of it that way. In fact the whole reason I settled in here was because of the collective of brilliant minds and the potential to share thoughts among them in a place outside established boundaries.

Can this place be transformative? Without a doubt.

I found the heading interesting given my ATS location has always been the Think Tank.

I agree with you, I think that's exactly what it is. ATS is one of many major places that have become crucial hubs of interconnected, merging and evolving viewpoints. It's a coalescing if ideas and opinions, and I have learned so much having been a part of this 'community' for nearly 2 years now. I also hope I have somehow affected others in some positive ways by sharing my own stories and ideas.

I definitely agree this place has much to offer third parties as well - those who are scrounging for original and mind-blowing ideas. That's why I'm sometimes hesitant to share some of my fiction, but I honestly think it's important to get feedback, criticism, and enter discussions that we'd normally never encounter in day to day life.

[edit on 8/6/09 by Evasius]

Originally posted by TravelerintheDark
I like to think of it that way. In fact the whole reason I settled in here was because of the collective of brilliant minds and the potential to share thoughts among them in a place outside established boundaries.

Can this place be transformative? Without a doubt.

Right on. I suppose any place can allow for transformation. In a garden, the woods, even on a street downtown, cannot we all transform? Of course. But here, in this unique place of extreme thought and focus, we get to do it together, if only in passing. Isn't that what a "think tank" is. Gotta love ATS!

Now we just need new verbiage to remove the war implying "tank" from the idea!

Thanks, friend!

I've been transformed. If one can two can... and so it goes....

I agree with you in the fact that ats is a think tank.

I also think that it should be even more publicized in todays world. The main of people need to get off their couches and choose what they want to hear via internet.

Soon thereafter upon a coming focal point, i feel all the internet will be in our heads, if you catch my drift.

reply to post by Chemley


I tend to think transformation is easy. It's getting past the fear of transformation that's most difficult

Perhaps Thought Hive is a more appropriate descriptive?

reply to post by Evasius

Here's a piece of fiction I started in the writers area, but no one commented on it..

post by OmegaPoint

I thought the opening was kinda cool, but it's impossible to tell without any feedback.

I would like to say that I think a think tank/thought hive forum is an excellent idea for ATS, barring trolls. I think looking for synthesis and solutions to problems is always a good thing.

reply to post by seagrass


Love the idea. We have a debate forum where ideas are interpreted through argument. Why not a forum where ideas are interpreted through cooperation?

I suggest calling it "The Round Table"

Originally posted by OmegaPoint
I used to be a regular at a forum which spawned 911 related info and participation which generated films like Loose Change and 911 In Plane Site, and those films were seen by over 100 million people and I do believe that the continuation of the 911 truth movement would not have occured without them, and we started out with just maybe 50 active posters and participants..

Gee, that sounds just like a forum I know too...

letsrollforums.com...

Think tank could be one way of putting it, Chemley.

[edit on Tue Jun 9th 2009 by TrueAmerican]

Originally posted by Evasius
I found the heading interesting given my ATS location has always been the Think Tank.

I agree with you, I think that's exactly what it is. ATS is one of many major places that have become crucial hubs of interconnected, merging and evolving viewpoints. It's a coalescing if ideas and opinions, and I have learned so much having been a part of this 'community' for nearly 2 years now. I also hope I have somehow affected others in some positive ways by sharing my own stories and ideas.

I definitely agree this place has much to offer third parties as well - those who are scrounging for original and mind-blowing ideas. That's why I'm sometimes hesitant to share some of my fiction, but I honestly think it's important to get feedback, criticism, and enter discussions that we'd normally never encounter in day to day life.

[edit on 8/6/09 by Evasius]

Thanks for the reply. As a lurker for months I didn't really see the community aspect. It was pretty surprising to me how different and more in depth the site seems after I joined. This place does have much to offer. I will throw out that this is my only original news source. I know that isn't a good long term strategy but for today, I have not found another source that I trust...

reply to post by seagrass


I would like to know more about the transformation. What your path and experience was. Certainly if it is / was easy...

Originally posted by survival


I agree with you in the fact that ats is a think tank.

I also think that it should be even more publicized in todays world. The main of people need to get off their couches and choose what they want to hear via internet.

Soon thereafter upon a coming focal point, i feel all the internet will be in our heads, if you catch my drift.

Oh well, more publicized, yes. I may catch your drift but I am hoping that you are not suggesting some sort of external means to have the internet of the mind. Now if you are suggesting that we will have a greater natural direct "access" to information - I'm on board.

Originally posted by OmegaPoint
reply to post by Evasius

 

Here's a piece of fiction I started in the writers area, but no one commented on it..

post by OmegaPoint

I thought the opening was kinda cool, but it's impossible to tell without any feedback.

I intend to check this out completely. I noticed that it was quite long upon a quick glance. I assume that many of us here "suffer" from some form of ADHD or whatever it is called now. That might explain the lack of response.

I think part of the reason is you can't post in there unless you apply for writers status, and I guess my fellow writers weren't impressed with it.