? about this boards purpose

I'm curious. I have seen a several post of people asking how do you have an OOBE or other type of paranormal something. While I understand that this is a board of knowledge.....I thought it was more for debate and discussion, to learn of "truths" not a board for learning Wicca, or "how to" type procedures....I posted something similar to this in a post and was hit with a resounding "BS if this isn't the site for that", with a following u2u about my interests.........there are literally thousands of sites on the net for those things, but no other site quite like this one, certainly not as good as this one....I'm now a bit confused on this, is this an "anything" type baord? I would like to hear from the moderators on this.....not personal opinion
Thank you.

Hi LadyV,

Well...I've been a member of ATS for some 4 years now, and have seen it go through numerous changes. Originally it was focussed pretty much exclusively on Conspiracy based topics, Aliens, UFOs, that kind of subject matter.

I guess as ATS expanded it varied the initial 'core subject' matter to include other subjects its members seemed interested in discussing. So...as a matter of simple evolution the board was divided into specific sections to give its members a more 'suitable' space to discuss topics that otherwise had little to do with essentially Conspiracy Based issues.

Is this an 'anything' type of board?? Well, I wouldn't go so far as to claim it as that...but it has certainly become more adaptive and flexible in what can/can't be discussed here. Conspiracy Based subjects are STILL the most encouraged material...which can be seen by the allocation of ATS Points - for instance you gain greater points per posts *and replies* for/to threads within the 'Conspiracy-Related Subject' section...posts within other sections like 'Mysterious Subjects' section attract less ATS Points....so too posts within sections on BTS attract no points, as BTS is essential for non-related discussion.

BTS was another expansion that seemed/was deemed necessary. Like any community, eventually you may wish to get to know your fellow members a little better...so rather than have Conspiracy posts etc getting choked up with *not meaning to be harsh* needless banter between members, BTS was designed as a place for people to just be basic people...to share a bit of themselves and just have a bit of a laugh or basic conversation/discussion without it being so *coughformalcough* as may be expected within some 'truth seeking' conspiracy post.

Other expansion of course followed suit...again...just natural progression to include more 'devoted' sections/off-shoots like ATSNN for news, or TerrorAnalysis to help people keep up with the play in that arena as well.

Guess its all about being adaptive and recognising we all have different interests...guess its also a bit of a balancing act as well...try to keep focus on the initial Core Subjects, but also provide open space for other discussion.



Peace,
ALIEN

[edit on 7-8-2004 by alien]

Thank you. I would imagine if there were a lot of "how to" here it would indeed become a different "type" of baord and I would hate that!