There is skepticism and, frankly, there is being an ass.

Originally posted by Mr Mask

Lastly- Took a shot at Phage? Me? You do know nothing of the sort has even taken place? Makes me question your ability to follow a conversation.

And regarding the ability to follow a conversation...

It was me who mentioned that you took a swing at Phage. Not Franspeakfree.

I think dependant on how crazy the claim is depends on how the skeptism, is. For example when a member on the forum, makes a thread about I am tanny nanny from Zercon 6, and I can prove it because I know when and where this will happen, etc etc. Skeptism just cant help to get sarcastic..

I mean give me a break..

what I think is outta line, is the thread remains alive..

Sure maybe tanny nanny is from Zercon 6, but I mean c'mon..

I am old enough to just laugh about it and not post anything to hurtful, to the op, but dependant on how I feel I may scrutinize or make a very skeptical post. I am one of the people around here that would like to mature ATS a lil more, but go figure..

I don't think its being an ass if you reply to a thread like those with disagreement, as a matter a fact it makes the poster sound like they have mental issues, and may even prove they have a problem with mental stability. In addition if people are experiencing out of reality experiences I would think the last place they would be is on ATS..

trust me on that..

[edit on 21-2-2010 by Bicent76]

I agree and thanks for making this thread. It's easy to look around and say "Oooh, look at me, i've got a PhD so I'm automatically right" or "XX textbook says this is impossible". It's actually quite a bit easier to be a skeptic as you only have to state 1 or 2 things considered "factual" to try and spiral out the person who states they "saw something" impossible. Then of course, they tear you down brash and sarcastic comments to follow. It's a common thread on posts and in the real world of science as well.

Being the non-skeptic and trying to accept things that defy current science is vastly more difficult as unlike the skeptic, we have to go to great lengths to explain every intricate detail and basically create an entirely new field of science to be taken seriously.... This sad mindset has set back mainstream science for who knows how many years.

Originally posted by Bicent76
I think dependant on how crazy the claim is depends on how the skeptism, is. For example when a member on the forum, makes a thread about I am tanny nanny from Zercon 6, and I can prove it because I know when and where this will happen, etc etc. Skeptism just cant help to get sarcastic..

I mean give me a break..

what I think is outta line, is the thread remains alive..

Sure maybe tanny nanny is from Zercon 6, but I mean c'mon..

I am old enough to just laugh about it and not post anything to hurtful, to the op, but dependant on how I feel I may scrutinize or make a very skeptical post. I am one of the people around here that would like to mature ATS a lil more, but go figure..

I don't think its being an ass if you reply to a thread like those with disagreement, as a matter a fact it makes the poster sound like they have mental issues, and may even prove they have a problem with mental stability. In addition if people are experiencing out of reality experiences I would think the last place they would be is on ATS..

trust me on that..

[edit on 21-2-2010 by Bicent76]

It is rather unusual to state that there is a level of skepticism can be demonstrated based on how "Out there" one's information can be.

I mean you are going to be equally as skeptical if I said either of the following:

"I saw a Gray outside my bedroom window."

And

"A saw a black triangular craft hovering over my house in play daylight."

I am not saying I actually saw any of these, I am just using them as an example of two different encounters and illustrating to you that what you've said cannot in anyway be substantiated. Or if you feel that I pulling a Straw-man on your argument, then please prove me wrong and display an actual difference in how you would display skeptical views to these two different and "probable" occurrences. Because I am quite skeptical at what you've just said and I want you to prove to me that what you are saying is genuine and can be backed up. You know... just to test you in seeing if you are a genuine skeptic or one of those fanatics. You can take this anyway that you want and I have no intentions on directly insulting you or insert anything that you would find inappropriate and rude or possibly childish and ridiculous. I am just testing you.

Originally posted by ziggystar60

And regarding the ability to follow a conversation...

It was me who mentioned that you took a swing at Phage. Not Franspeakfree.

Ohhh you sly dog...point and star for you.

Good job...oh the irony tastes so fresh.

Oh...and um...while your busy busting me for losing track of conversations...um

I NEVER ATTACKED PHAGE!

Stop trying to get him and his alien friends to abduct and destroy me with their holographic-mind-weapons by making up slander that I never used.

Really though...good jab. I salute it.

reply to post by Dranigus


There is a huge difference between-

"I saw a UFO"

and

"I own a UFO and I am selling tickets to ride with me back to Zandorx12 because I am an alien and I also am the Pope of Atlantis"

See the difference?

Can you decide what one would come from the mouth of an honest person who saw something flying that he/she couldn't identify and what one would come from a lying piece of crap looking to swindle a few bucks and some worshipers?

Its easy for me...dunno...maybe its a gift.

Indigo me?

Nah.

double post, sorry again.

[edit on 21-2-2010 by Mr Mask]

reply to post by neformore


UFOlogy and most other topics on ATS are highly controversial so of course there's going to be heated debate and scoffing. If I find a thread/post rediculous it is my right to voice my opinion about it. If you make extraordinary claims without any backing be prepared, otherwise join the Divine Cosmos forum.

Neformore, dunno if you moved this thread or had it done yourself, but total flag and a huge thanks to the mods of this site.

Only on ATS can you disagree and debate to the hilt with the authorities and still receive fair treatment.

I still disagree with this thread, but I surly never could say "the mods here don't rule".

Thanks to all of ya.

You all play fair and I respect that fully.



[edit on 21-2-2010 by Mr Mask]

reply to post by Mr Mask


Wow, it's confusing when a thread suddenly gets moved to BTS! Thought for a moment there I had suffered some kind of mental collapse and just imagined the whole thread

Anyway, I am honored that you salute me! And being called a "sly dog" is refreshing, that one IS new to me.

But you need to own up to your words, Mr. Mask. You implied that Phage has no sense of humor. That is what I meant when I said you took a swing at him. You can find it in this post, in case you don't remember: www.belowtopsecret.com...

Not really cool to single out other members in that way, especially when the person hasn't even posted in this thread.

Best regards,
Sly Dog.





[edit on 21/2/10 by ziggystar60]

Originally posted by Mr Mask
Neformore, dunno if you moved this thread or had it done yourself, but total flag and a huge thanks to the mods of this site.

I can't do anything with my own threads - when I post my opinions I'm a member in the same way that everyone else is.

I'll pass your comments on though

reply to post by ziggystar60


Ahhhh...I get it now.

Phage is actually very VERY funny and has a dead-eye for his style of humor.

You are right to dub it as class.

But to clear things up...he is not "dull" I was joking.

And he is also a lot better looking then me...hence the Mask.

I can only "hope" Phage knows enough to ignore anything I say anyways, and that my sarcasm about him is never unearthed by his hawk-like attention.

I also do not rule out that he is an alien (mostly because he is one of the only posters to not claim to be one).

reply to post by Mr Mask

Many of the topics on ATS would be dismissed out of hand by the general public. My fasination with UFOs has earned me a derisive reputation with my family for simply considering the idea that UFOs are the product of an extraterrestrial intelligence.

ATS has provided me the opportunity to discuss this topic with other educated persons with no fear of being personally attacked. I appreciate and need brutal honesty and even the occasional sarcastic remark to develop my understanding.

What I have noticed is a trend that began last October wherein new members dismiss new posts out of hand and force the OP to defend themselves from personal attacks. It appears to be a simple strategy to hijack the discussion and it worked very well initially.

I am encouraged that more members are recognizing this trend. I have taken it a step further and may be guilty of breaking the rules of decorum. Never the less, I name the "offenders" and add them to my foes list.

Opinions are less valid without backup or basis. Pronouncement and dismissals not only prevent discourse, they discourage posts from timid people.

It is my OPINION that we will never get to the bottom of the UFO qiuestion until a critical mass of humanity is willing and able to open their minds and poject thoughts of acceptance and love out towards the cosmos with pure intentions of intellectual and spiritual curiousity.

It is also my opinion that there is a concerted effort to diminish and prevent discussions alltogether. I have no use for ignorance and the intentional promulgation thereof.

I say ha! Ha, ha, ha. Just like Dianne Keaton to Woody Allen in "The Sleeper."

reply to post by zarp3333


I'm always lumped into the "nonbeliever" category because I claim the title "skeptic".

I assure you, I am very aware that there are unidentified objects flying in our skies and I am very aware that the probability of "life out there" is amazingly high.

The Drake equation alone staggers the mind.

I never attack believers for believing, I guess that makes me a different breed of ass then most.

I only attack scam artists, frauds and liars. I find them to be dangerous people with far too much easy-earned influence over "mentally ill people".

I don't attack crazy folk directly. Yes, I'm aware I use terms crazy folks my not appreciate, but face it they got bigger things to worry about then my choice of words to describe them.

But I also don't remain silent and allow loonies to go babbling on about the aliens they have in their tool-shed.

I don't feel is necessary to confront someone who saw something they can't explain.

It is always the people who "can and do" explain such phenomena as if they are the expert, all the while explaining that they have the secret knowledge and that other humans are lesser beings because they can't "see the aliens".

I pick easy targets...cheats and hogwash dealers.

I do not go hunting civilians who are just being honest about what they saw.

Before you ask "how can I tell the difference between liar and truther"

I normally can't...the ones that are blatant liars/scammers are my target.

If I sniff out the rest, I'll get them to.

sarcasm
Can you as a moderator make ironics(sarcastic) replies, i dont think you should


neformore

Registered: 8-3-2006
Location: England

Originally posted by ROBL240
any sudden overthrow of the islands again by Argentina wont be fought with weapons.



Except for the ones on the Typhoon squadron based at RAF Mount Pleasant and those mustered by the 1,000 UK armed forces personnell stationed on the Islands, right?

Just so that everyone is clear here and we can dispense with the "You Are A Mod" Nonsense

Moderators Are People Too. (and they have opinions)

The above link will explain it

Thank you

Semper

Originally posted by semperfortis
Just so that everyone is clear here and we can dispense with the "You Are A Mod" Nonsense

Moderators Are People Too. (and they have opinions)

The above link will explain it

Thank you

Semper

But...are any Mods "asses"?

I should think not!

Its the biggest reason I am doomed to never wear the cape, after all.

My first and final last time ever using an emoticon.

Oh yeh.

reply to post by semperfortis


Look super moderator i dont see nothing wrong with been sarcastic it is natural its a way of humor to say a bad thing in a polite way, but if a moderator does it and then complains about it more serious than you might think.Tthis is what he said about sarcasm..... The sarcastic, belittling rubbish is not - in my opinion - the ATS way. We're supposed to do civilised discussion here.


[edit on 21-2-2010 by Gloster]

Let's face it, Neformore, you've dropped a bollock with this thread, hence why it's been deemed prudent to move the thread to a less read area. The very fact that you have chosen to voice your opinion against only sceptics when the same message could have been said to believers too means that you are obviously biased towards sceptics.