ATS Censorship through Moderation (Civil Discussion, Right or Wrong) Your opinion and

This thread is created due to my experience here, and the following text is my intellectual property.

I would like to ask for a few rules to be followed when replying to this post.
1) No derogatory remarks should be made to or about anyone. We are all equal in life, and opinion.
2) No foul language of any kind.
3) Post your own thoughts in reply to this original post, without reading the replies first.
4) Suggest something that reduces censorship while addressing this problem if you can.
5) Only discuss facts.
6) Users only need apply.

Fact #1
ATS completely removes replies and posts without offering the user to make corrections to the text, thus nullifying the intent of the text and insulting the user with no explanation required by the moderator responsible for the censorship.

my opinion
I see this as a bad thing in itself, worse than anything anyone might say to another person.
I see this as totally against the values we are tying to protect, and really feel the need to discuss this

I do agree that some things break the ATS T&C and must be adjusted to conform with said terms and conditions.
I would like to ask that this practice stop right here and now.
I would like to propose that ATS moderation is just that. I would ask for objectionable text to be masked, bleeped, or anything other than deleted thoughts. I would suggest that a polite way to handle this problem would be for the moderator to lead by example, and re-phrase the text in question, then ask the user to rephrase it in their own words in accordance with the ATS T&C rule broken. Reference to the rule and related text would certainly help curtail this problem in a humane manor.

Moderator workload does not come into account on a right or wrong issue.
I am aware of previous related discussions.

Hopefully there is a solution to this problem that could be a good thing for all.
Hopefully we can exhibit our most diplomatic skills regarding this sensitive issue.
Hopefully I did not break my own rules

1/27/2010 C.H.E.D.

What you are proposing will only dump more of a workload on the mods. It would be easier to just tell everyone to follow the rules.

Originally posted by CHEDwick
Fact #1
ATS completely removes replies and posts without offering the user to make corrections to the text, thus nullifying the intent of the text and insulting the user with no explanation required by the moderator responsible for the censorship.

When you join, our Terms & Conditions warn you that entire posts containing T&C infractions may be removed.

I would like to propose that ATS moderation is just that. I would ask for objectionable text to be masked, bleeped, or anything other than deleted thoughts.

Sorry. If your entire post is in danger of being removed for a few statements that break the rules, that's a proper incentive not to break the rules.

Originally posted by CHEDwick
I would like to ask for a few rules to be followed when replying to this post.
1) No derogatory remarks should be made to or about anyone. We are all equal in life, and opinion.
2) No foul language of any kind.
3) Post your own thoughts in reply to this original post, without reading the replies first.
4) Suggest something that reduces censorship while addressing this problem if you can.
5) Only discuss facts.
6) Users only need apply.

#1) Reasonable. No ad hominem attacks. Gets in the way.
#2) The use of filters can change this. Replace one word for another or simple censor it (eg. instead of "F--- you" you'll see: ...)
#3) Doubt this in enforceable. Also, it's necessary. Imagine if we couldn't see what other members have already posted. Say in a certain thread you get 10 people posting the same link in response to something. Or you get essentially the same reply to the OP. I try to read through most responses before posting so I can avoid any repetition (by simply saying that I agree with so-and-so) or I can work off of another member's idea. It's pointless not to be able to read other responses before posting a response yourself. I think your point is: be original and genuine.
#4) #1-3 areforms of censorship
#5) Sure, that would be nice if everyone could do that, since cleary not everyone uses logic. But humans are emotional beings and you're bound to encounter that on any forum.
#6) Agreed.

Originally posted by SkepticOverlord

Originally posted by CHEDwick
Fact #1
ATS completely removes replies and posts without offering the user to make corrections to the text, thus nullifying the intent of the text and insulting the user with no explanation required by the moderator responsible for the censorship.

When you join, our Terms & Conditions warn you that entire posts containing T&C infractions may be removed.

I would like to propose that ATS moderation is just that. I would ask for objectionable text to be masked, bleeped, or anything other than deleted thoughts.

Sorry. If your entire post is in danger of being removed for a few statements that break the rules, that's a proper incentive not to break the rules.

Understood, in that you don't agree with me somehow, but I have no idea what rule I have broken, so I can not honestly apologize to you at this point.
I ask if this is the right thing to do to people?

To the O.P. The Mods do a great job if everyone follows the posted rules. All of our comments are our own Intellectual Properties. As a published author and owner of 300+ musical copyrights, I thought it strange you stated your point (well made)...but included the implication that no-one is to use it. If I am mistaken, I will stand corrected.

Take it from me.NOTHING will keep one from cutting and pasting your thoughts here to their own means and ends.My music and writing have been taken and upped to YouTube and elsewhere by folks who think it ok...which it is not...but still persists.

If you were implying they are just your own observations and comments and no one elses...it perhaps should have been worded that way. No offense meant! Good luck!

reply to post by mysterioustranger

I know what you mean, but actually, I was stating my ownership primarily, in the event I deem to publish my property elsewhere, should this thread find an untimely demise.

Originally posted by buster2010
What you are proposing will only dump more of a workload on the mods. It would be easier to just tell everyone to follow the rules.

I appreciate your contribution, and I believe you agree with the way things are from your statement.
Judging by the stars you are getting, I must assume this is the preferred way around here.

I myself, find the deleted text followed by an automated reply without even a one liner from the mod to be very insulting, and feels very controlling. I have been insulted, and replied to said insult with 5X the insult power, yet, the original insult remains locked in a closed thread, however my reply to this insult was removed.

This is an ethics question folks.

reply to post by CHEDwick


I think that just like you feel offended or insulted by getting your post removed it's the same way the moderators feel when the rules are broken. Rules you've obviously agreed upon, because you have an account, so it's not like they didn't tell you what those rules were.

In the T&C it clearly explains what you're not supposed to do and what the consequences are. If a member doesn't want their post deleted, then they should follow the rules, they exist to maintain order in the forums. Juts like you presented your rules for this discussion.

Sorry if it sounds harsh, that wasn't my intention. I just wanted to write my opinion

Originally posted by CHEDwick
I was stating my ownership primarily, in the event I deem to publish my property elsewhere

There's no need to state the obvious.

...and replied to said insult with 5X the insult power...
This is an ethics question folks.

Seems the "ethics" issue is one of your own. Deliberately posting an insult (against the rules), then crying when action is taken?

Odd.

reply to post by CHEDwick


I believe the answer is quite simple. Start your own forum with your own rules and you're golden. I have my issues with some of the things here but it is my choice to remain. For me to complain about them makes no sense since I agreed to them upon joining.

If you want to play in my sandbox, you'll play by my rules or you'll not play. The same is expected of ATS or any other forum for that matter.

Familiarise yourself with the T&C then you will not face having your posts removed, it is a simple rule to follow, it took me some time to get the hang of it, but I feel I am getting to be a better poster for it (debatable at another time, lol).

Don’t insult people back; if they insult or offend you then alert a mod, appropriate action, if necessary, will be taken.

To quote yourself from another one of your threads:

I will be nasty when nasty rares it's ugly head...without anyones permission...got it?
I did not ask anyone for negative comments, but here you are.
I'm just rising to the occasion.
Please note, that I could care less what anyone thinks of my comments. I don't have much respect for the thought process that most members exhibit.

That is not the way to make friends or gain respect from your fellow posters.

Part of being able to make a contribution to ATS is to know that people are going to take you seriously.

At the end of the day anyone throwing insults around is not worth bothering with and to retaliate is just dropping yourself to their immature level…..don’t get me wrong, some things that are said are very hard to ignore, I know, I am guilty of retaliating, but I am finding myself reporting to mods more as time goes by.
Besides, reporting a post that is out of line is helping the mods to do their job in a way.

You’ll get the hang of it.

Good luck.

The mods are only human, just like the rest of us. They have to make judgement calls all the time. Even when I think some things are silly, they have to do it with a huge number of posters. How many mods are there and how many regular members are there? Like everything else, no system is perfect, but its the best we got.

I am confused as to what the beef here is. I have more than a few people here complain of censorship on this board in the short time I've been here and I simply don't believe it.

While in a sense you are being censored, you aren't being censored in a manner that truly matters. By that I mean you're ideas and thoughts aren't being censored but your presentation is being censored.

I appreciate this very much; you are being forced to be polite, use your brain, and form well thought out arguments. In a debate when you keep your cool and respond to cursing with a well thought out reply you win. This is why I am on this site it encourages people to think and be winners, not like so many other mindless loser places!

If anyone can show me even one example of an idea or thought that is intelligently and thoughtfully presented being censored I will eat my words.

Originally posted by SkepticOverlord

Originally posted by CHEDwick
I was stating my ownership primarily, in the event I deem to publish my property elsewhere

There's no need to state the obvious.

...and replied to said insult with 5X the insult power...
This is an ethics question folks.

Seems the "ethics" issue is one of your own. Deliberately posting an insult (against the rules), then crying when action is taken?

Odd.

How can you be contributing in a positive way if you avoid the question. Right or Wrong?
Please tell me about me "crying". (that was not a fact was it?)
I think you will find me pointing out a recent problem without anything resembling tears .
What I find odd is to ignore the instigation post being the source of the problem, yet be so unforgiving of a righteous reaction.

You can say bad things if you like, I'm just pointing out the facts here.
You can not change facts, by acting negative here or anytime.

Originally posted by CHEDwick
How can you be contributing in a positive way if you avoid the question. Right or Wrong?

There's an unanswered question? I may have missed it... please point it out.

Originally posted by SkepticOverlord

Originally posted by CHEDwick
How can you be contributing in a positive way if you avoid the question. Right or Wrong?

There's an unanswered question? I may have missed it... please point it out.

I did not ask a question directly. Perhaps I could have, but I don't see the need given the information in the OP.
I did present a fact, and stated my opinion based on the presented fact.
It is a question of right or wrong, and has nothing to do with my obedience of the terms here.

Originally posted by SkepticOverlord

Originally posted by CHEDwick
How can you be contributing in a positive way if you avoid the question. Right or Wrong?

There's an unanswered question? I may have missed it... please point it out.

Is it within the terms for everyone to reply in one line posts now?
You don't need to answer this question unless it's actually ok to follow your example. I know better, you make the rules, so you can break them at your leisure.
This fact does not bother me though, the OP one does.

Originally posted by Jinglelord
I am confused as to what the beef here is. I have more than a few people here complain of censorship on this board in the short time I've been here and I simply don't believe it.

Exactly. OP seems agitated and disgruntled. Not sure how our answers are not satisfactory. If it's really so bad, there are many free forum sites where you can make your own forum, invite your friends or whoever, set your own rules. But when you signed up, you had to accept the rules of THIS forum.

Just know that this isn't the GLP forum where you REALLY get banned for nothing! hah.

Originally posted by CHEDwick

Originally posted by SkepticOverlord

Originally posted by CHEDwick
How can you be contributing in a positive way if you avoid the question. Right or Wrong?

There's an unanswered question? I may have missed it... please point it out.

Is it within the terms for everyone to reply in one line posts now?
You don't need to answer this question unless it's actually ok to follow your example. I know better, you make the rules, so you can break them at your leisure.
This fact does not bother me though, the OP one does.

You're one of those guys who pees in the pool and then gets mad when someone catches you and points it out. If you find things so intolerable at ATS, why stay?