"What's with the anger on ATS?"

When I post twice It`s usually because my phone gets slowed down after I`ve typed a certain amount. Gotta be grateful for ats mobile, though. Anyway, people should just refuse to defend themselves against idiocy. Just ignore it and trust the other members to recognize it for what it is. If they don`t see it for what it is then that`s something they need to figure out on their own. And it doesn`t make you look any better to lower yourself to their level, even if your insults are more clever sounding, they are still insults and you lose points with people of intellect rather than gain them. Trust me, silence is sometimes the most powerful message you can deliver. And honestly, how can you have time to deal with each person who doesn`t understand you? You should be out there absorbing more knowledge and bettering yourself and spreading "positive vibes", there`s no time to waste trying to uplift someone who doesn`t get it. I`m sorry but there isn`t! We have to face the fact that there are some who are gonna be "left behind" and will never be "enlightened" or whatever you wanna call it. Instead of ranting & raving at these people, you need to turn your back and focus on your own journey and saving those who want to be saved. We should feel sorry for those who cannot maintain their dignity in a social situation. But beyond a few kind words, you should not spend any substantial amount of time/energy on/with them. Doing so is like taking 2 steps backward for every 1 forward. And as I said before, there simply isn`t the time to squander on such pet projects.


Posted Via ATS Mobile: m.abovetopsecret.com

My self personally think most have seen enough of the Israel bashing here at ATS. Finally people are denying ignorance and exposing Islam for what it really is and what it teaches. Its not about hate for most but about facts.

Most liberals here have been pushing and pushing the same tree hugging, Global Warming, hate Israel banter that the same New World Order goons try and brainwash the world with and allot of us are sick and tired of it.

This is really an anti-conspiracy site, not a place to promote the largest ones.

The largest Conspiracy in the world today is the same one the devil plays on you all and Israel. God warned us all in the bible it would happen thousands of years ago. Did you think he was kidding? Yet most are blind to it and bash Israel day in and day out.

God tells you why Israel is to suffer and yet says you are not to join in. He says you should support and bless the home of God on earth, Cherish and love Israel. Not be happy when Islamics launch rockets at them or blame them for things they never did.

The Bible is ten thousand or more years old. It is a road map, lesson plan, history book and a warning of what is to come. The undeniable work of God himself to still be around, the best selling book of all time around the world.

I am one, more worried about what ATS will censor next as was done in 2008 before the election just because the false messiah was invited here.

The summer months do seem more filled with this anger, but remember this is not just kids on summer vacation, it is also when most people take vacations as well, and have extra time on their hands and are posting more than normal as well.

I see the problem happen more and more as people who are passionate about the subject matter not taking a moment or two before responding, where if they did, they may have found a better way to state their opinion or facts, and then the other poster sees this non civil response and responds in kind, before you know it there are hate filled posts, that are getting more posters for and against the post who also are contributing without taking the pause to think through the response, and it just keeps building. Most times after the first few initial hate filled, non topic related posts, the MODs are on top of it deleting the comments and issuing warnings (good job MODs), I say most times even though I have not seen a case where they did not just to cover the ones where they did not and I just did not see it.

Some posters do post to see who they can get a rise out of , and if someone is having a bad day and notices the post, they jump all over it contributing to the problem without thinking first.

I notice that subjects where race, sexuality, political parties, and religion are the main topics in the thread title itself usually have the title slanted in a way that is almost inviting a hate filled debate. I don’t know if it is intentional, but it sure seems like it in some circumstances. There are two things that are the best actions to take in these circumstances that for some reason most people do not take, the best one is do not post to the thread, the second is that if you are going to respond in the thread, do your best to reply with a civil response and not feed into the anger.

reply to post by SkepticOverlord


Interesting thread.

For the most part it appears everyone sees anyone who does not agree with their points of view as the problem. The anger and venom is caused by SOMEBODY ELSE. Your anger and angry words are justified, while those who disagree are not.

I'd say the solution lies in mutual tolerance and respect.

This reflects what we are seeing in our day to day lives. A Church puts up a Nativity scene on Christmas, an angry Atheist pretends it somehow harms them and wants it taken down. A Media Matters fan thinks Glenn Beck fans are crazed Racists and a Glenn Beck fan thinks Media Matters fan's are Far Left Loons. A Republican thinks Democrats are all drug crazed, Socialist Hippies and the Democrats think all Republicans are evil Capitalist Pigs who want to enslave them.

I'm not sure there is a solution. We are hardwired this way. I think its in our genetics and stems back to tribalism and the days when we acted on these things with deadly force. It was necessary for our survival to limit competition for food and resources. When we removed those needs, our natures did not change as quickly as we have. We see threats where none exist because of that.

Add that to anonymity and you get a problem that can only be generally controlled. I think you either do your best to control it and beyond that live with it as a fact of life, or you shut the board down. You will never stop it.

I think a discussion like this every few months is a step in the right direction. It gives people an outlet to vent from. Other than that, your rules are reasonable as they are, changing them won't matter. Perhaps you might increase the number of Mod's? I don't know if that would help or not. It could go either way.

Compared to the other boards I've visited, you are doing great.

One thing that might have a positive impact is to remove the competition for flags and stars, which I've seen as a negative all along. It seems to turn it into a sport and we all know how sports fans act.

This is not a phase, it will get worse. It's a reflection of the world right now. It's much worse out there, than on this website.

It's gonna get worse and worse, you will see.

[edit on 17-8-2010 by Rthaothal]

You get out of something what you put into it. Are you here because you're angry and want to get some dissing on? That's what you will receive. Are you here to share with members? If so, that's what you will receive. I was in an excellent thread the other night and damn near everyone was civil. Best time I've had on ATS in a long time. We all learned something too. THAT'S what ATS is about. Try it, you'll like it.

Originally posted by Rthaothal
This is not a phase, it will get worse. It's a reflection of the world right now. It's much worse out there, than on this website.

It's gonna get worse and worse, you will see.

[edit on 17-8-2010 by Rthaothal]

I do agree with this without going on too much I will say this.
Most programs that bombard everyday people like 'reality' shows always big up the clips of someone beating down another in some way or another. This feeds into the phsyche (spelling maybe off there) and it becomes a subtle reactionary trigger in a persons thought processes.

I dont intentionally go out of my way to insult, degrade or ridicule. Neither am I saint as some subjects close to my heart engage me a bit more than usual but on the whole I will treat this site and fellow ats users with respect and within reason.

I only joined not so long ago and I would see a Off Topic or Decorum sign everynow and then. The last post I visited had three in a row!!

There's my input.

I have one thing to say.

CORE COMPETENCIES.

Stick to what you are good at, whilst nurturing other talents in a limited fashion.

ATS should be about CONSPIRACY discussion and investigation. Followed up by discussion and debate about EMPIRICALLY BASED alternative subjects.

The anger comes from the sites original purpose being lost amidst the mire of ego, teenage angst and intentional manipulation - with the catalyst being the acceptance of information without evidence as worthy discussion material.

Claims, information or suggestions without EVIDENCE should not be tolerated. Theories should be encouraged - but substantive claims based solely on conviction or without evidence should be killed - HARD.

Secondly, most of the topics seen on the more 'fringe' forums belong in BTS. Why not trim the number and type of forums on ATS to reflect moreover the true purpose of the site? The pursuit of TRUTH, based on solid theorising, and EVIDENCE.

/Rant.

Parallex.

Originally posted by Blaine91555
One thing that might have a positive impact is to remove the competition for flags and stars, which I've seen as a negative all along. It seems to turn it into a sport and we all know how sports fans act.

I agree. Adults don't need gold stars to encourage them to make posts that contribute to the board. Without stars and flags, which become a popularity contest, people have to actually contribute their thoughts to a thread instead of just 'voting' for the person they agree with. Basically, stars and flags are the same as the one-liner, "I agree"... I don't know why they are on this board.

I also think the people who have said that the moderation needs to be more strict are correct. You can't say that the board doesn't allow bigotry and then let threads like this go on for 23 pages - and then wonder why there's so much anger on the board... Well, you can, but to me the answer is self evident. A portion of your membership are bigots. As long as hatred and ignorance are allowed to fester and spread here, there will be anger. And as long as people are competing one opinion against another and these groups get together to support each other in threads, you're going to have what you have.

Every once in a while there's a good thread, yes... but that's not good enough for the ATS I know and love.

Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic

Originally posted by Blaine91555
One thing that might have a positive impact is to remove the competition for flags and stars, which I've seen as a negative all along. It seems to turn it into a sport and we all know how sports fans act.

I agree. Adults don't need gold stars to encourage them to make posts that contribute to the board. Without stars and flags, which become a popularity contest, people have to actually contribute their thoughts to a thread instead of just 'voting' for the person they agree with. Basically, stars and flags are the same as the one-liner, "I agree"... I don't know why they are on this board.

For once, I agree with you Blaine.

Get rid of the Stars and Flags - make it about content and page 'visits' rather than a popularity contest.

Parallex.

This is why I haven't been posting so much anymore. There are so many posts where people are attacking each other. Or someone comes in and says their opinion like it's fact. Then shows no proof and states, "Case closed, nothing to see here." or "Move on." This just makes me crazy! If they have nothing constructive to add, then they should not reply. And stay out of the tread.

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Threads like the one linked, that start out with name calling and insults could also be a reason, but then again I could be mistaken. It seems that those preaching to the choir in some instances don't hold their own values to themselves. Yes, you can ignore them, but then again, maybe threads like the example given should be better thought out instead of just being star and flag fests.

reply to post by earthmagick12


What is wrong with someone stating their opinion as fact? Are you that mentally powerless that by someone saying those things has some sort of effect on you?

Originally posted by adifferentbreed
www.abovetopsecret.com...

Threads like the one linked, that start out with name calling and insults could also be a reason, but then again I could be mistaken. It seems that those preaching to the choir in some instances don't hold their own values to themselves. Yes, you can ignore them, but then again, maybe threads like the example given should be better thought out instead of just being star and flag fests.

"One mans terrorist..."

Sorry, I actually found that thread you linked to entertaining. Yes, perhaps the language was a little harsh - but the resident 'bigots' here deserve it. After all, they're the ones presenting claims without evidence, arguing based on conviction alone, and being spoon-fed the nonsense drivel from Fox News and elsewhere like it's a golden affidavit.

Parallex.

reply to post by Blaine91555


We have our differences but that was a great, articulate piece of work.

A fine example of what ATS should be.

reply to post by Parallex


So, the wording is harsh, but people here deserve it? Hmmmm, I guess the hatred truely never go away. It's entertaining as well......hmmmm, again, things will stay the same. Heres an idea, maybe you could round up all of the people those insults are directed at....you know Chritians, idiots, fools, bigots, racists, islamaphobes, etc, and maybe you guys could ban all of those members. Then, instead of insulting people, people could just come on here and pat each other on the back on how they made the ATS a better place. This thread asked why the hatred, and we have people on here promoting it and thinking it's funny......that speaks volumes.

I've heard people mention the alert button, but I don't know what/where it is. I'd really appreciate it if someone could clarify this for me. Thanks, )

reply to post by wcitizen


Look at the bottom right of any post. There's a button there called "Alert".

You know it's interesting ... over the years I have seen the stars and flags issue (and all the other contribution metrics) mentioned on numerous occasions on BBQ threads and pointed to as the source of a plethora of evils which befall our ATS heads.

I think it would be an interesting experiment, if only to know for sure either way, to take them away for a few months. It is my suspicion that not much would change either way for neither genius or asshattery requires such token egoic gratification tools to manifest.

I don't know, the whole thing seems rather convenient to me. Blame the stars and flags instead of identifying the root cause of things and respective behavioral causal paths. The latter is more time consuming and requires the acquisition of a mirror ... so instead tis the stupid flags fault!

Meh, people are people, if stars and flags change their behavior they/we'll find another way to manifest their/our egos should those be taken away.

*shrug*

reply to post by adifferentbreed

In that thread, no one mentioned Christians until you did. Unless it was the ONE post that was edited, it never happened. But I don't thing anyone said it. I find it rather interesting that you came into the topic saying what you did. And then repeated it twice more. Perhaps you got your threads mixed up?