I Want My Flag Back!

Ok, so you stumble upon a thread that you like. It has a good topic and message that you agree with. But later down the road, the OP edits his post and it conflicts with the original message or you completely disagree with it and it detracts from the reasons used to precipitate that flag.

Well, I want my flag back! I gave it to the OP based on their original post and ideology, but additions after the "flagging" would have made a difference whether or not the OP was flagged.

Is this something other people encounter?

Does ATS have the ability to grant me the power to "de-flag" a thread?

reply to post by sheepslayer247

Is this something other people encounter?

Not to the extent where It would change my entire view of the thread..
That would take quite an edit but I guess it could happen..
What was the thread??

Does ATS have the ability to grant me the power to "de-flag" a thread?

I don't believe so but you could always show your displeasure via a well worded reply in the thread..

This why I only issue flags after OP edit time has expired.

why does it matter?

our world is so focused on such petty, trifling, meaningless things. Fiddling while Rome burns.

Originally posted by bigfatfurrytexan
why does it matter?

It matters to OP. You do not need to know why.

Originally posted by bigfatfurrytexan
our world is so focused on such petty, trifling, meaningless things.
Fiddling while Rome burns.

Wonderful speech. Do you have a link about Rome burning at this very moment.

Why would it matter?

Sounds like a case of premature Eflagulation. Happens all the time here.

Before you get excited about the pretty girl, lift the skirt a little.

No regrets either, plenty of other threads to pin your approval on.

I actually like the idea of having a Deflag and Destar option - even if you didn't give a flag or a star in the first place

I see a lot of people running around with massive numbers of stars and flags - and I see some of those same people getting a star for "one liners"

I think the ability to take away stars and flags would level out the .... I'm failing with words at the moment.... "overall" helpfulness of said member

let me put it in an example
X gives a thorough awesome post in one thread and receives 3 stars for it.
X then runs over to another thread and spews irrelevant comments or rude remarks or is just condescending and nasty altogether - but not enough to get him into trouble or to have the post removed - readers who are bothered can take away one star

And don't think I haven't witnessed this by some of the really "high star" people.

it would be more like a real overall rating system - rather than just being rated on a single post

reply to post by keepureye2thesky



Oh, well then i suppose the posting of the question in an open forum was not an invitation to question and debate?

I will agree I don't need to know why. It is more of a want...but that isn't accurate either. I actually do know why. My point was to possibly promote some inner reflection on the need to associate ones ego to trivial things. Bad enough we crave things in the "real world". But to waste despair on the e-world...let's just say that my input on this debate is to ask yourself why it matters.

BTW...the Rome burning thing, you know that is a metaphor based on a popular saying, right?

Hi!
I just flagged your thread, so essentially I gave you your flag back.

By the way I approve this message.

I second the de-star, de-flag suggestion. A dangerous message could be created under false pretenses, and could get hundreds of stars and flags making it look like a good idea, when in fact people don't realize that the consequences of the idea are catastrophic.

Would ATS want that on their conscience?

reply to post by bigfatfurrytexan


I suppose you're correct, BFFT.

In the end, it does not matter. The most important thing is that people are able to express their opinion and for people to digest it in any way they so choose.

Stars and flags hold no meaning for me, nor does it detract from the messages I wish to convey, but I do believe that S and F's can give readers a false sense of "quality" within a thread based on the popularity it generates.

Have you noticed that many of the most popular or flagged threads are complete garbage? Many times the threads that generate the most attention are threads that spread ignorance, hate or are written to spread political bias not based on fact.

But you are right, it doesn't matter. I should just be thankful I have a forum on which I can at least ask for my flag back.

reply to post by sheepslayer247



Yeah, i have noticed it. Been that way for years, but it has gotten progressively worse. I am just thankful the "Indigo Child' threads aren't posted any more.

Anonymous members have claimed to be on ATS attempting to troll us by "ruining our good time". Perhaps this is the source of what you describe? With user generated content they can definitely damage the site and member reputation by promoting the garbage that comes through this site.

reply to post by sheepslayer247


then I suggest next time you jump on ATS.....you'll bring a box of tissues

Originally posted by sheepslayer247
Ok, so you stumble upon a thread that you like. It has a good topic and message that you agree with. But later down the road, the OP edits his post and it conflicts with the original message or you completely disagree with it and it detracts from the reasons used to precipitate that flag.

The best thing you can do in this situation is to logically argue your stance against whatever it is you are disagreeing with

But no, flags are not removed because one does not agree.

reply to post by sheepslayer247
From one of the many threads on this same topic... I think it sums it up, no?

By awarding a star or flag, you made a decision. It's out there like a fart or a bad joke...Here

Originally posted by bigfatfurrytexan
why does it matter?

our world is so focused on such petty, trifling, meaningless things. Fiddling while Rome burns.

I agree. What happens if you accidentally flag the wrong thread? Or star someone who edits later and changes the post so you no longer agree?

Is it like the butterfly flapping its wings causing a typhoon in Japan? If you flag the wrong thread Yellowstone erupts and kills off the North American continent?

Originally posted by sheepslayer247


Have you noticed that many of the most popular or flagged threads are complete garbage? Many times the threads that generate the most attention are threads that spread ignorance, hate or are written to spread political bias not based on fact.

Bravo.

Im proud of you for noticing and admitting that. I have gotten more stars on this site for stupid little comments I have popped off than I have for serious, well thought out, well argued posts. Popularity and real quality have nothing to do with one another, and stars and flags measure popularity. Anyone who uses them (or borders around a posters post) to judge whether or not what that person is saying has merit is a fool.

I might have 5 stars after a post, but how do YOU know five morons did not just star it? You dont. You dont have any idea if the people giving stars were smart, or even if they were real people at all. They could be my own five dummy accounts I drag around to star my own posts to make myself look good for all you know.

In short yes just happened today as a matter of fact. Not going to point out who but it had me wondering how the hell do I take off that flag and star?! so cheers to you for bringing it up.

reply to post by bigfatfurrytexan


In the name of pedantry, I have to point out that there is no way for anyone to have been playing a fiddle while Rome burned. The fire in Rome that is referenced there happened in 64AD but the first bowed, stringed instruments were not created until the 9th centuary AD.

Although I agree that it would have to be one HELL of an edit, to change the entire messege of a thread to the point where I would wish to remove a flag, I also feel that despite that,a persons flag should remain thiers to give and take until the thread is either closed, or has had no action on it for some time, several weeks at least.

reply to post by TrueBrit



I like pedantry.

However, will point out for anyone who does not know, "Nero fiddled while Rome burned" is a phrase:

www.phrases.org.uk...

Meaning

To occupy oneself with unimportant matters and neglect priorities during a crisis.
Origin

neroThe source of this phrase is the story that Nero played the fiddle (violin) while Rome burned, during the great fire in AD 64.

There are two major flaws with the story. Firstly, there was no such instrument as the fiddle (violin) in first century Rome. There's no definitive date for the invention of the violin, or of its synonym as fiddle, but it certainly wasn't until at least the 16th century. If Nero played anything during the Rome fire, it was probably the lyre.

Secondly, the story may be completely false and Nero may very well not have neglected his duty at all. Nero died four years later, and we should remember that history is written by the victors. The historian Suetonius records the Nero was responsible for the fire and that he watched it from a tower while playing an instrument and singing about the destruction of Troy. Others record this story merely as a rumour.

By modern-day standards Nero certainly appears a bizarre character, but that doesn't make this story true. Roman scholars differ over interpretations of events surrounding the fire. The rivalries and conflicting accounts, even those in contemporary reports, make the 'fiddling' story uncertain.

The actual allegation was that he was strumming a lyre, or something along those lines.

I forget that globally regional differences can make what some see as common expressions completely illogical to others without a context.