"What's with the anger on ATS?"

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.

Yes, that's pretty offensive, especially when the same people bash Jews and Christians, there is a wonderful post on my Sweden topic he pointed out some interesting things from one who lives it, and he was very fair.

I am looking to be educated on the subject, and when a topic starts out with an insult it immediately puts me on the defensive.



[edit on 043131p://bTuesday2010 by Stormdancer777]

I originally came here from a search engine. I'd been looking for the latest crop circle pictures and REAL UFO pictures.

I'll admit that I offended many members here with my criticism of their enthusiasm for the subject and I'm sorry for the initial confrontation.

However, as I looked through the boards I noticed there was a wide variety of subjects and news sources. ATS was more of a search engine to me than a discussion board and I was hooked.

I'll do my best to refrain from ignorant remarks and ignore those who do post comments that is less than flattering.

Double post. Messing with the mouse and accidentally clicked.

[edit on 17/8/10 by Intelearthling]

Originally posted by Openmindlight
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?

Unless someone's opinion is followed up with 'credible resources', the statement being made is only subjective analysis. Think essay. When you write a formal essay for college, your thesis and introduction paragraph are a 'hypothesis'. As you hammer out your body paragraphs, you will use 'cited' works as examples to support your theory. If those 'cited' works come from anything that has not been tested or regulated for accuracy, your whole thesis (hypothesis) can fall flat on the floor. So, you will need more than one 'credible source'.

Here is the argument being lost...
What is a 'credible source' of information?

Anything that can be found in a 'library':
(1) Newspapers
(2) Media Clips (Unedited)
(3) Scientific Journals (Credited Professionals)
(4) Essays (Doctrine Thesis)
(5) Field Journals
(6) History Books
(7) Encyclopedias
(8) Etc...

What is 'not considered' as a 'credible source':
(1) Wikipedia
(2) Media Clips (Edited YouTube Clips)
(3) Propaganda
(4) Blogs (Opinions)
(5) Television 'Opinion' Columnists (All Channels)
(6) Radio 'Opinion' Columnists (All Channels)
(7) Online News 'Opinion' Columnists (All Media Sites)
(8) Etc...

Here is the kicker. When you write a scientific paper, the trick is to use 'multiple credible sources' that come from 'multiple credible perspectives'.

If you see anything online in blog or opinion form, 'do not' believe that it is based upon facts. Period. Unless those opinion columnists (news sites and hobbyist bloggers) can back their theory up with 'credible evidence', there is absolutely no truth to what they are saying.

You will be laughed out of college and your field of study if you do not know the difference. Be very careful.

[edit on 17-8-2010 by Section31]

reply to post by Blaine91555

I think a discussion like this every few months is a step in the right direction. It gives people an outlet to vent from.

And I agree, I sit and stew over Christian bashing on this forum since 2006 and never complained up to now, so I don't understand why Islam cannot be critiqued.,

Why do we appease one and not the other, even Buddhism has skeletons, all religions have their dark side.

reply to post by Stormdancer777


The problem Storm is that people don't "critique". They bash. There's a huge difference. One is putting forth ideas that may or may not be relevant. The other is baseless argumentation that supposes nothing, to be discuss, just a willingness to take a stab at someone. Why? Lord knows, maybe they have that little to live for and this is the only thing that makes them feel good. Pathetic as that might seem.

I personally think as ATS grows it will attract more and more people that dont care about the issues and threads on here and only come here to 'troll' for their own amusement even if it is not apparent trolling. Of course everyones pretty angry atm because of current conditions in their respective countries. I have read older posts and a lot of newer ones and i too have noticed that personal attacks etc seem to be more commonplace, i think there should be a 3 strike system, If you have a post removed 3 times for being offensive or derogatory then you should be banned from the site for all eternity never again to bring this wonderful community into disrepute.

Truth seekers never stop seeking the truth, skeptics keep your minds open.

Peace and Love to all

reply to post by SkepticOverlord


I have a rather serious question SkepticOverlord.
Do you assign other-than-mods to police every post, to insanely correct every post all the while the police here are rude, loud and utterly damning to the other members?

If perhaps they could remember to take their medication, maybe they could control themselves better

I had no choice but to take a side in this
I took the side that needed defended because of false labeling knifed onto them

I would have loved to hear both sides and made a decision from there but bc of the anger forced onto those who oppose, I chose not to side with loud, rude, sour souls who have no inner peace.

On the other hand, if I could hear more members such as americandingbat, I might just have an open ear and heart.

Sadly though, the out of control crass voices won't allow anyone to think for themselves

I learned real quick this wasn't a site to ask questions, this wasn't a site to post on and to make a mistake on.
The backlash that comes from being misinformed is far to cruel and the bullies have taken the hill.

Im sorry to see the professor who has to leave ATS, I understand though, being called such evil and hateful names can take it's toll.

BTS is probably seeing a great increase in activity Im sure.

When the police are satisfied and decide to back down, hopefully those who truly wish to gain knowledge without such punishment, hopefully they can begin to ask questions or make a mistake without being harassed with every post

Thank you
sweetliberty

Originally posted by moosevernel
I personally think as ATS grows it will attract more and more people that dont care about the issues and threads on here and only come here to 'troll' for their own amusement even if it is not apparent trolling.

Very good point MV. It was apparent the other night. We were in a lively thread and the trolls sure were in evidence. Color me OH so not surprised when I went back to the thread the next day to see one of the trolls state, "We won. Everyone else went to bed." WHAT? This is a game? Jeez, these are serious issues and if trolls are just at it to "win", ignore them. The topic is more important than "winning". Don't feed the troll. I live by that now. Learned the hard way.

Originally posted by moosevernel
...Of course everyone is pretty angry at the moment because of current conditions in their respective countries...

I completely agree with this assessment. Since the world as a whole is feeling dark, many people are looking for someone to blame. People are lashing out at a political party, another country, religious groups, etc... "Above Top Secret" is just caught in the crossfire. Since the site touches upon all of these issues, everyone's anger and stress just bleeds across all topics.

[edit on 17-8-2010 by Section31]

reply to post by intrepid

im relatively new to the concept of trolling but after reading some of the recent posts i became savvi pretty sharpish! There is no point even entertaining those people with a reply as nothing you say will satisfy them. Do not feed the trolls is probably the best way to say it..!

Maybe we could add a 'troll' button to make unknowing users aware....

reply to post by intrepid


Intrepid, there you gooooooooo......
Do you not read humor when it's given? Even when it's explained as humor?

This is exactly why ProfEmeritus is leaving ATS!

Your spreading crap that isn't even crap!

sl

[edit on 17-8-2010 by sweetliberty]

reply to post by Section31


Yes I agree with your statement, but as i said being 'angry' is no excuse for racism, fascism, bashing and just downright rudeness IMO. I think it extremely reasonable to expect people to be respectful when debunking, discussing and debating. There is no need to be personal whatsoever in any post.

MooseVernel

Originally posted by sweetliberty
reply to post by intrepid

 

Intrepid, there you gooooooooo......
Do you not read humor when it's given? Even when it's explained as humor?

Do you have a point to make. I was addressing another member.

This is exactly why ProfEmeritus is leaving ATS

He can do as he wishes. Bon Voyage PE.

Your spreading crap that isn't even crap!

sl

Thank god it isn't crap. Btw, thanks for the example of what I was talking about. Bye.

Originally posted by moosevernel
reply to post by Section31

 

Yes I agree with your statement, but as i said being 'angry' is no excuse for racism, fascism, bashing and just downright rudeness IMO. I think it extremely reasonable to expect people to be respectful when debunking, discussing and debating. There is no need to be personal whatsoever in any post.

MooseVernel

I can also agree with this.

Let me provide you and our host with a few interesting threads:
"Prophet Muhammad's Promise to the Christians"
(Some people in the thread used one religion to bash another.)

"I cant even speak..after watching this"
(Thread owner and others used one incident to bash all United States military. When a veteran came in to defend himself, everyone jumped on him without respecting his sacrifice.)

"'US kills civilians to intimidate people'"
(Thread was used as an outlet, so that people can bash United States government and military. Even though this was an isolated insolent, people still generalized and painted the military with the same brush.)

(Specific Example: www.abovetopsecret.com...)

I want to see what others think about these. Am I wrong? Did I miss something?

[edit on 17-8-2010 by Section31]

Originally posted by intrepid

Originally posted by moosevernel
I personally think as ATS grows it will attract more and more people that dont care about the issues and threads on here and only come here to 'troll' for their own amusement even if it is not apparent trolling.

Very good point MV. It was apparent the other night. We were in a lively thread and the trolls sure were in evidence. Color me OH so not surprised when I went back to the thread the next day to see one of the trolls state, "We won. Everyone else went to bed." WHAT? This is a game? Jeez, these are serious issues and if trolls are just at it to "win", ignore them. The topic is more important than "winning". Don't feed the troll. I live by that now. Learned the hard way.

Right here intrepid.
You are talking about something that happened almost a week ago.
Your calling someone a "troll" instead of moving on in life.
PE was labeled for no reason at all, he could explain until he is blue in the face and it wouldn't matter. The members on here who are controlling ATS are doing a great job at policing everyone and insulting them with such harshness that it's insane.
They lack creativity, they aren't here to help ATS, they are here to show off and to dominate.

Originally posted by intrepid
reply to post by Stormdancer777

 

The problem Storm is that people don't "critique". They bash. There's a huge difference. One is putting forth ideas that may or may not be relevant. The other is baseless argumentation that supposes nothing, to be discuss, just a willingness to take a stab at someone. Why? Lord knows, maybe they have that little to live for and this is the only thing that makes them feel good. Pathetic as that might seem.

I understand Intrepid, I understands completely, and both sides are guilty, Intrepid I don't complain often, even when I am bashed as I have been for the last few years, LOL I mean days,

I think we are to quick to rush to judgment, what would it hurt to even understand the mind of a bigot,

We are all screwed up to one extent our another, yes?

Now that could be a topic.

reply to post by Section31


Obvious victimization in my opinion to force a reply out of people and to make the OP feel slightly better about him/herself, i find these types of threads damaging to the general populace of ATS and probably would not have joined had i come across these threads on my first visit. The whole reason i did join is because i came across a very informative thread about evolution where the people posting actually managed a civilized debate about the topic and largely stayed on topic.

I havent posted on any threads recently because most threads i have read recently end up either with 2 people arguing or name calling, or general demonisation of certain groups of people, religions, countries etc etc

WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE ADULT DISCUSSION I CRAVED WHEN I JOINED ATS.

rant over

MooseVernel

Originally posted by Stormdancer777
I think we are to quick to rush to judgment...

Storm, I think that little snippet explains exactly what's wrong here. TOO QUICK! Everyone doesn't even take the time to think of what's been said before a post, probably already in one's head and has been repeated ad nauseum, is thrown out there. Offense/defense. Wow, what did we learn from that? Nothing.

reply to post by moosevernel

Exactly. Exactly. Exactly.

Even though I try to debunk certain conspiracies, I don't bash people for thinking with an alternative mindset. However, those threads I provided have nothing to do with researching a conspiracy. They were used as a means to bash someone's country, military, or belief system. No debate. Just 'this has to be correct', so to hell with 'xyz'.

It is similar to baiting for a response.

[edit on 17-8-2010 by Section31]