What are your plans for 2011 on ATS? Here's a few of mine...

Greetings, and a Happy New Year to all at ATS!


Wow - 2010 was an interesting one for me. Much of the inspiration I was blessed with in 2010 came from the hallowed halls of ATS, so this thread is in part a 'thank-you' from me, and in part a statement of my 'ATS resolutions' for the coming year. I hope to give back in the way that ATS has given to me. A collaborative online community like this deserves the very best that we can give, considering how much we all benefit from being a part of it.

A quick quote from the Hebrew book of Proverbs:

"Above all things, get wisdom and understanding".


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ATS is a 'place of sanctuary' where we can (for the most part) retreat from the lies and disinformation prevalent in the wider world around us, to gather with other 'seekers', for the purpose of sharing and exploring the very cutting edge of modern knowledge in a wide range of fields. In sharing our sources, reflections and moments of inspiration, we turn that knowledge into a substantial and highly detailed route-map, showing the way to Wisdom; making ATS a potential guidebook to 'Life, the Universe and Everything'.

The pursuit of 'Wisdom and Understanding' joins us all with a common bond, to some degree or other.

By debating topics we disagree on, we can sharpen our critical thinking skills - and by observing the positive and contributive actions of others, we can improve our own actions & behavior in our future interactions with others. Life is a progression from ignorance (bliss) to confusion (becoming aware) to a 'tentative understanding' and a greater level of assurance in our outlook (ATS)


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So anyway - what are my intentions for ATS in 2011..???

Firstly - I'm going to select a few fields of study and stick with them.. I may well lurk on other forums from time to time, but I'll be focusing my input in a few key areas.

In this way I hope to develop a 'readable' outlook, so that from my input over time people will be able to gauge where my loyalties and interest are to be found. I hope to use my work at ATS to support possible further education in a single (or combined set of) discipline/s; as yet I'm a little undecided as to what that should be, though archaeology, ancient history, the study of human origins & anthropology interest me the most.

Secondly - I'm going to limit my time here. I tend to overdo my sessions on ATS, simply because there's so much to go at. I guess I'm not alone in this...

Thirdly - I'm going to be careful not to get embroiled in circular arguments or heated exchanges based on subjective opinion. I'm quite often guilty of letting my emotions rule my typing.


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My core goal in 2011 here on ATS will be to give back to the community, supporting and upholding whichever area of 'alternative research' I'm inputting into. Hopefully I'll be able to present 'scholarly' articles penned by myself, with my own original conclusions wherever possible, raising interesting debate and real information exchange/ knowledge building projects. And hopefully, I'll make some good online friends through what I'm doing.

Best Wishes to you all, and a Happy New Year - no matter what you may find yourself doing during 2011!

Well we're only a week in, and I managed to fail in one of my resolutions.

I ended up with a warning on a 9-11 thread (not linked as it's not worth rehashing the problem) for getting embroiled in a pointless argument with a debunker. The trouble is, it was plain as day that the person with whom I was arguing was deliberately seeking to incite the kind of reaction I ultimately gave out. When a person sets their mind against the pursuit of truth and instead focuses on derailing the efforts of those who are seeking the truth, we can get somewhat heated - and in fact, downright angry - which is precisely what happened.

This lesson, so early on in 2011 has taught me a couple of things. Firstly, the 9-11 debate is now beyond the scope of reason and considered argument, balanced evaluation of evidence etc. It now rests squarely on a foundation of discrediting, ridiculing and calling into question the integrity of just about every person involved in the 'question of 9-11'. There is no hope of collating a proper research thread here on ATS without someone interjecting, and filling page upon page with circular rhetoric, inciting argument from those who should be focusing on discerning the truth. As a result, I cannot reasonably commit to working through the 9-11 conspiracy here on ATS. The forum has been hijacked, good and proper.

Secondly - here's the personal commitment - I will most definitely carefully avoid getting embroiled in such arguments from here onwards. I feel stupid for allowing myself to be wound up to the point that I got a 'warn' for an extreme T&C violation (calling names, albeit in a semi-intellectual and pertinent way).

So there we go. One week in, resolution broken, and a 500 point deduction. Epic fail!

reply to post by FlyInTheOintment


Don't beat yourself up about points and failing at your goals.

Just start again.

I like your style. Keep it up bro!

reply to post by atlasastro


Thank you, that's very kind! I figured that even if I end up talking to myself in this thread it's worth keeping track of "where I'm up to" in terms of my goals and whatnot. I definitely appreciate the feedback.

All the best!

My main resolution this year is to buy property in Wyoming. Don't live there, but that's where I want to retire.
Plus I plan on smoking more, drinking more and eating more.

I only do resolutions that I can keep.

reply to post by beezzer


lol. I like your resolutions. Don't forget "never exercise".

OP, you have very noble aspirations, and worthy of sharing. My best to you. And me. And all of us.

Originally posted by ladyinwaiting
reply to post by beezzer

 

lol. I like your resolutions. Don't forget "never exercise".

OP, you have very noble aspirations, and worthy of sharing. My best to you. And me. And all of us.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I have a young son. Got to exercise by default.

reply to post by beezzer


Thanks for the comments - and I hear you with the 'forced exercise' thing.

Plus, I managed to quit smoking at the tail-end of 2010, and started up again on New Year's Day - how whack is that?!

Thanks to you all for the interest and nice comments - it's great to see a shared enthusiasm for the New Year's opportunities!

My resolution is to never post in the 9/11 conspiracy forum again lol. Sure, it brought my post count up an insane amount, but all it did was frustrate me and make people think I was paid to debunk things.

My other resolution is to get buff and post avidly on other parts of ATS.

reply to post by FlyInTheOintment


I wanna get my old job back. Right now they say to me "Oh no, Ronnie, you aint' allowed within 500 feet of the property!' I'll show them who gets the last laugh this year.