Making ATS the Best It Can Be...You Can Help!!!

What do we need to do to make ATS the best place to discuss conspiracy topics, world events, and other items of great interest?

Contribute quality posts. It's just that simple. When you read a thread, instead of just jumping in with your opinion, how about a google search first on the topic? See what you can find. Bring in new links that help the topic or offer another viewpoint. And although the ATS search engine has its problems, it still works for the most part. Maybe there is another thread on a related topic already here.

I strongly suggest to star posts that offer new links in threads, and show that the member has done more than just read the thread and offer an opinion. I can't emphasize this enough. Now think about this. If all of us started a concerted effort to do this, and really went out of our way to star those kind of posts, we will end up with better threads. More informed threads, offering greater, more insightful, more far-reaching content that will make our readers want to come here more often and get the real scoop on things. Just because we know ahead of time that because of the system, we are all going to be predisposed to reward those who really dig for more in-depth content.

I am not suggesting to stop what you are doing, or how you are doing it- or what posts you star. But I am merely making a plea to the membership to seek out those posts, and make a concerted effort in the future to push the button when you see a member has contributed something valuable to a thread.

And thread starters, more than ever, this REALLY applies to you. So often I see great posts that really contribute to a thread, only to see the next guy's one liner getting all the stars. Now this is just not right, no matter how you slice it. The member that does all the work gets nothing, while the drive-by poster gets the rewards. If you start a lot of threads, and are not paying attention to this, and starring those that really contribute- you for all intents and purposes are not really helping to develop ATS at all.

Why reward posts that offer nothing more than a cutesy remark? WHY? Seek out the work. Seek out the quality, and most of all if you have a member that has clearly contributed to your thread, then star them.

But wait. Why not go beyond that? Why not show some serious appreciation and submit an alert to a post like that recommending applause? It is rare that when I do this, the mods do not respond with an applause. But then again, it is rare when I do this at all, and make such a request.

Perhaps I need to follow my own advice and do this more. The mods can't be everywhere, but with you, the member's help, they can be more informed of good posts that really contribute to the topic at hand. And with your recommendation, even if they have seen the post, they might just reconsider. After all, if a member has taken the time to recommend a post for applause, why WOULDN'T the mods consider it?

This topic is not ground-breaking, or even new. It is a gentle reminder that yes we can have the best, if we build it ourselves, with members acutely aware and on the lookout for posts that really contribute to threads.

When everyone makes this concerted effort, trite posts will automatically start to diminish, and members will be more driven to go the extra mile, do some searches, and bring more into threads. If you know that your one liner is automatically not going to gain anything, not even replies, then you are going to be less likely to post it. At least that is the premise. But I think it is a good premise.

But we ALL have to help. We ALL have to be aware of this intent. We ALL must say yes to good contributions, and no to poor or trite contributions. Just a few short months of this will bring increased quality and less tripe to the boards. I really believe this. I hope you do too!

We can do this. Let's do this. For the sake of this great site!

reply to post by TrueAmerican

Star & Flag for you sir, I couldn't agree more, this is exactly why I decided to join ATS in the first place (it's my third day). It's together that we can achieve 'The Truth' by sharing and updating all relevant sources and information. I recieved this reply only today...

Your are telling me how to interpret threads, how to read them and so on I have been about hear longer than you. The reason I only read the OP during my first post is to avoid being influenced by the other posts I do it with every thread with experience you will learn that can be very useful.

I found this to be astonishing...you don't just read the first and last chapter of a book then claim to understand it, this is just obsurde to me.

If people took the time to read/skim through all the of the posts then their understanding of that particular topic should evolve, as the thread does naturally. If you read the OP then make your comment on page 5 you could have posted what someone else has said or your question might have been answered or more sources added to improve the overall topic.

The information revolution will never happen if we just argue about certain details, we need as individuals to start to work together...if the OP is a little rough around the edges, it doen't make it invalid, it's up to all of us to add and improve...just my 2 cents

reply to post by TrueAmerican

It is a gentle reminder

It is in a gentle reply that I say thanks for the reminder and your consideration TA. Always good to have some positive interjection applied. I think that ATS is moving in the right direction as we continue to grow and maintain a decorum. I am relieved that much of the bickering and personal attacks(compared to this summer) have subsided somewhat, and when members as yourself offer up reminders, it is another testament to the strength of our tribe and conscientiousness amongst the members.
So yes, let's assert ourselves a little more in the quality of posts we contribute, and I will do my part to maintain constructive communication and take another step in thinking about what I post, assigning more depth and distinctness to my perspective. Still though, sometimes a 1 or 2 liner can speak volumes and other times a simple message of support or gratitude has it's place too. Thanks...

Peace,
spec

This is exactly why I have backed off from posting on the threads any more. I haven't felt like I contribute to the true essence of what ATS is and offers.
It seemed like the more I posted, the less I gave to the community and myself. I began not to like the "me" who post's on here;
My "time" to contribute to this great site will come, until then, I have a hell of a lot to feast on.

I sincerely feel ATS is unique, a bottomless treasure box that should be guarded so it can continue to naturally appreciate in value and quality.

Gentle reminders and suggestions are a good thing

Thanks,
SL

reply to post by TrueAmerican


I recently noticed myself slipping into a pattern of "unnecessary posting" just for the sake of posting. For example: less content quality replies and a greater number of drive-by, quick replies. I was just thinking that I should back off the frequent contributions and contribute only to those threads which intrigue me and to which I think I'm adding depth or quality to. Reading this thread has reinforced my intent to begin doing just that.

Hey you guys, all nice replies, thanks. But please don't miss the forest by staring at trees. And I don't mean that in a bad way whatsoever.

I am suggesting a targeted, specific effort with the rewards you give out- and again, just wanted to emphasize that point. It's about the kinds of posts you star, in addition to the general plea for better posts. Please think on that. This specific effort will become a self-perpetuating quality inducer- if only the membership could see this.

Because I really believe a specific effort with simple starring will make this a better site. And of course to a degree this happens already, but it has gotten out of hand, and moved away from the original intent of the starring system. I think a lot of the older members already get it. You might say this is more directed at newer members, but really it is a cattle call to reign in and specifically place your rewards on those posts which really contribute to the topic.

Off-topic remarks are also a problem, and I'm not sure that will ever be solved. But a simple look at the topic title and the material, and a look at your response will tell the tale. Did your response address the real issues in the thread, on topic and to the point? Or did it deflect the thread in another direction entirely?

reply to post by TrueAmerican

Originally posted by TrueAmerican
Hey you guys, all nice replies, thanks. But please don't miss the forest by staring at trees. And I don't mean that in a bad way whatsoever.

I get it...I'm looking but not seeing. Don't worry I hadn't taken offense at all. It's these gentle nudges that makes me re-read the OP and my particular comments and makes me more self-aware...I thank-you. The reason I have put...

I get it...I'm looking but not seeing.

...is because I feel this was directed (if not intentionally) at me...

Originally posted by TrueAmerican
I think a lot of the older members already get it. You might say this is more directed at newer members.

...since I'm the newest member on this thread. Anyways thanks for the gentle reminder on the preferred staring system it is duely noted

I star posts for lots of different reasons. I like starring, it's a nice gesture. Thanks for the interesting read.

Indeed a great concept. I joined ATS for actual conspiracies, and for the great folks here that keep an open alert eye out for conspiracy in the making. For myself it is about watching our great federal government here in the US and trying to keep them honest, losing proposition it may be, and educating myself about the cover-ups of the past. In short, keeping it real.

reply to post by LadySkadi


Hey, quick replies are fine- especially when they make salient points.

I am by no means bashing them! It's just as a team effort, if we place more emphasis in rewarding thread contributions that have additional info, and many times, UPDATED info- then I am saying that we all stand to gain. And the first person I am holding responsible if I see these starless good posts is the thread starter!

ETA: Also, the reason this is in SW, is because this post is speculative in the sense of the effort I am proposing. So far I don't see too many arguing against my perceived effects of this effort.

Originally posted by LadySkadi
reply to post by TrueAmerican

 

I recently noticed myself slipping into a pattern of "unnecessary posting" just for the sake of posting. For example: less content quality replies and a greater number of drive-by, quick replies. I was just thinking that I should back off the frequent contributions and contribute only to those threads which intrigue me and to which I think I'm adding depth or quality to. Reading this thread has reinforced my intent to begin doing just that.

edit on 31-10-2010 by LadySkadi because: (no reason given)

Yeah I've found that I've been doing that a lot as well lately.
Two line posts...with nothing really to add...that's probably one of the reasons why I've toned down my posting 'cause usually by the time I want to post a comment/idea...it's already been posted.

I do I do agree with the OP...I prefer to only flag/star threads which truly deserve it...not just ‘cause it’s funny...but if there’s some ACTUAL thought behind it.

They’re the ones I want on the front page.

I wonder about all of our different reasons for flagging or starring posts.

There seems to be a lot of different, yet completely valid reasons for doing so. But since they depend on the person, the flags and stars tend to lose their meaning. Flagging to agree, to say "Check this out!", or "This is important within this topic!" or maybe "this is a well written OP." aren't exactly equivalent. Starring because you agree, it's funny, well written, or something worth considering is another variable. I can't imagine how many 'reasons' I may have missed.

It is possible to make a good thread or post without it having to be multiple paragraphs though. So asking yourself whether or not to post may be a good thing, for various reasons, but I would rather hear from you all, than not.

Bored? try this.... www.abovetopsecret.com...

It is an open discussion about why people post, and what experiences of community membership we all share... or not... not everyone thought it was noteworthy, but you all seem like you may find it interesting (although it is a long OP and rather obtusely verbose....)

Please think about putting a ^^top^^ link at the bottom of the "recent posts" page.

I really want to compliment you on this thread TrueAmerican it was an exceptional effort.

What was exceptional about it, is typically threads like this start out with:

Is ATS Going Down Hill?

What's Wrong with ATS Lately?

Tired of all the Crap Posts That Waste My Time!

You did two things few people are doing anymore, you put it forth all in positive ways. You engouraged people to try harder in positive ways.

This is what makes the site better. Positive posts, supporting and empowering people, through encouragement, example, and doing it all in a pleasant and encouraging upbeat way.

Helping people out and encouraging people, instead of just complaining and trying to deminish people.

Excellent effort and attitude, well worth the read, well worth the flag!

Kudos for you.

Originally posted by ProtoplasmicTraveler
This is what makes the site better. Positive posts, supporting and empowering people, through encouragement, example, and doing it all in a pleasant and encouraging upbeat way.

Helping people out and encouraging people, instead of just complaining and trying to deminish people.

Heh thanks, but I can't claim that I practice my own preach all the time either. Can you?

Even so, it should not be overlooked that just because a person doesn't follow their own plan all the time- doesn't mean it's not a good plan to shoot for.

Originally posted by TrueAmerican

Originally posted by ProtoplasmicTraveler
This is what makes the site better. Positive posts, supporting and empowering people, through encouragement, example, and doing it all in a pleasant and encouraging upbeat way.

Helping people out and encouraging people, instead of just complaining and trying to deminish people.

Heh thanks, but I can't claim that I practice my own preach all the time either.

Can you?

Even so, it should not be overlooked that just because a person doesn't follow their own plan all the time- doesn't mean it's not a good plan to shoot for.

You know what I say, shoot for the moon and fall short at the stars. Of course I never practice what I preach, but if I can get everyone else too, hey it all works for me!

Great efforts need to be recognized though, and praised, because that is what encourages us to keep trying.

Thats kind of my point, we do often have a tendency to single out someone who is failing a little more than we are to make us look better by extension, to put our selves up a little higher by making the other guy look a little lower.

Yet by encouraging and praising something instead, by focusing on the positive, the excellent, they we reinforce all those things and encourage those things, we start aspiring to the highest common denominator by focusing on it, instead of the lowest common denominator by focusing on that.

So yeah my friend, what you are doing is positively encouraging people to strive for the highest common denominator by showing us all how to and encouraging us to do just that, which is really saying you believe that we all could do that, and well that's a exceptional thing to do.

Exceptional things do deserve praise and recognition, and far too often because we didn't think of it our selves, or someone else does think it's exceptional and praises us, it just makes us jealous and we try to deminish it because hey you can't be better than me, so I need to make you look worse than me, I don't have to try any harder to do that, I just have to convince you that by you trying harder you aren't impressing anyone.

Why not try a radical change and built people up, by praising their good efforts and encouraging them to do more.

That's what you have done.

Great job my friend.

I really feel for those members out there that are contributing their time to make threads making suggestion's on how ALL of us can make this site better. To me its a way of maybe going back in time, when this site was "different". Personally I dont think that the "old ATS' will be back anytime soon.

What I am happy about, even though I lost belief in the site temporarily a while ago, is that it will have to take the older members to help out the advancement to this site, it just cant be Skeptic Overlord, or the mods. We have to all come together, and not shun the newer members but, show the way. The way it used to be, and the reason that this site is #1 in the first place.

We are the "minority" as it is, but can you imagine if we can include newer members into the ways of "old" ? We are a very special group, even if its in the thousands, but that doesn't mean that we have to lose our way.

So thank you so much for this thread, as it has given me NEW hope, to ATS!

Its about patience, learning, research, and knowledge. So, ATS lets get it together and not only make ATS #1-10, but make it a place that old and new can come together, and make people out there realize that we are soon to be the majority, there's no other way around it

S+F

Peace, NRE.

Originally posted by TrueAmerican
What do we need to do to make ATS the best place to discuss conspiracy topics, world events, and other items of great interest?

I am not suggesting to stop what you are doing, or how you are doing it- or what posts you star. But I am merely making a plea to the membership to seek out those posts, and make a concerted effort in the future to push the button when you see a member has contributed something valuable to a thread.

This is the way it should work, but after reading the thread, "Why do you star posts", I don't think I will feel the same about the "stars".

It affected me in 2 ways. First off, I don't post much and when I received a star it made me feel really good. Like I had said something worth reading. Now, I understand some of the reasons people give stars, is quite the opposite. Some seem to be the "star" fairy. Everyone gets stars. Some seem to be actually sorry for the poor slob that writes such a lousy post, and so they give a star to the make him/her feel better. Or, one member has 5 stars so the other members must get stars to catch up.

And second, in the last few days I have not been giving stars. Several threads have shown great posts in adding to the OP. There doesn't seem to be any point to giving stars.

But wait. Why not go beyond that? Why not show some serious appreciation and submit an alert to a post like that recommending applause? It is rare that when I do this, the mods do not respond with an applause. But then again, it is rare when I do this at all, and make such a request.

I did not realize what that "alert" button was. I thought it was for alerting the Mods because of someone causing trouble. But, now that I do know, thanks to you, I will use it.

This topic is not ground-breaking, or even new. It is a gentle reminder that yes we can have the best, if we build it ourselves, with members acutely aware and on the lookout for posts that really contribute to threads.

When everyone makes this concerted effort, trite posts will automatically start to diminish, and members will be more driven to go the extra mile, do some searches, and bring more into threads.

This is really something to work toward. I believe this is what made ats the reputable site that it is.

Interesting topic. I'm actually stingy with stars and flags. Some say that they're nothing but I only use them when a post, or thread, knocks me out of my socks. THEN they mean something. As to posting, I think that there are some that would prefer that I was as stingy posting as I am with the peripherals. What can I say, you have a topic, I have an opinion.