Topics about "Anonymous" on ATS

From our perspective, behind the scenes, the ebb-and-flow of topical evolution on ATS can be fascinating at times, inspiring sometimes, and downright frustrating on occasion. This is one of those occasions.

First, before I get to the issue at hand, a little stroll back in history, a video we produced in September of 2007:

That's right. Before "Anonymous" exploded into the meme-filled psyche of the Internet, we at ATS embraced the same revolutionary ideas of the importance of a like-minded crowed of people. And the notion that a modern-day "Gunpowder Conspiracy" of Guy Fawkes is being reinvigorated by the Internet.


The frustrating ebb/flow of the day is the sudden influx of topics and comments that somehow propose we (ATS Staff) are censoring or somehow limiting discussion of the Internet movement known as "Anonymous." A minor amount of research clearly indicates no such restriction has happened, or is happening. What has happened, over the past few days, is the removal of posts or threads that reference "Anonymous," that have run afoul of our Terms & Conditions in a number of ways: 1) recruitment links, 2) vulgarities, 3) multiple threads on the same topic, etc.


As mentioned here, and repeatedly elsewhere, there is no desire to limit discussion of events and issues related to the movement. However, we all need to do so maturely and responsibly -- just like any of the other thousands of topics on ATS. If members still have some odd desire to see what happens when ATS is spammed with an inordinate number of new threads on the subject, we'll be forced to take some kind of action that will likely include limiting the discussion to a few existing threads. I don't want that, nor does our staff, since it would prevent important new developments from potentially rising to our site home.

So please, feel free to examine and discuss the movement, but do so as you would any other topic on ATS.

I'd like to follow up with a bit of opinion, that doesn't necessarily belong in the opening announcement post.

While I can appreciate the apparent long-term goals of the movement -- meaningful social change for the betterment of all -- I can't necessarily condone some of the more extreme methods, or some of the more recent commercial/consumer "targets." But still, that's all open for discussion.

However, I have a serious concern that the movement has been polluted in the same way the "Tea Party" has been polluted. Individuals with less than noble ideals are claiming association with the movement, diluting the original message, and causing significant confusion. And, even more recently, those with seemingly no ideals are just clinging to the moniker because it's currently "fashionable" for those who aspire to be subversive. I can't but think (and hope) that the originators of the movement are stepping back and shaking their heads in bewilderment.

I have some rather serious concerns that, like what happened with the Tea Party, the original ideals of the "Anonymous" movement will be marginalized because of this.

Respect to ya Skeptic O.

Hope this clears up a few things. Although i was quite happy with the dialogue we had last night, this will hopefully alleviate some of the crazy discussions we've all been having in the forums and behind the scenes.

Ats is hopefully safe - let's just keep going as we always have. Although I said it was not you I had a problem with in the first place Skeptic, it was the odd member and the odd mod.

Let's keep searching for the truth. Whatever way we can

Couldn't have agreed more. Glad this was addressed!

Anonymous is a very touchy subject, ESPECIALLY to America. ATS is showing their ungloved hands here, and should be commended for their unbaised continuance to uphold Freedom of Speech!

I applaud ATS, and its staff and membership in continuing Constitutionally sound practices!

Incidently, I absolutely love the new 404 "thought police removed this topic" message...actually had me laugh out loud when I first seen it.

Yes, repeated, redundant, and recruitment threads are lame and should die...if people want to get recruited...google is your friend, (not like its hard to figure out and you need ATS to guide you through the confusing world of chans to get to the proper irc channel...if that confused you, then chances are you wouldn't be very helpful anyhow)

reply to post by SkepticOverlord


Being a conspiracy theorist now since 1979 I have to say I disagree with Anonymous.

Not the idea of the group but their behavior, tending to lead towards criminal action, and terrorism.

I most certainly want people to have rights but I do not condone criminal negligence to attain it.

We as a society can keep our rights if we fight for them legally and non-violently.

Without absurd behavior because the law, funding, and perspective is on societies side.

Not on those who cannot stand up for their beliefs legally, non-violently, and without criminality.

For those who decry not voting due to fixed voting, elite power structures, or Secret Societies?

There is an easy fix to bypass the criminality of those within power.

It is called getting involved, personally, and actually forcing the change, legally and non-violently.

Voting fraud?

Volunteer to work in your voting precinct.

Lobbyist and special interest groups tying up your local politician?

Form a non-profit, a think-tank, and put your own politician in office.

Secret Society to blame?

Find a public organization which counters it and join it.

Simply said, no matter what, your whining, complaining,and bitching will do little.

And criminal, terrorist, and or illegal activities will do nothing but tighten the noose around you neck.

Rhetoric without actions behind it is but a hollow gesture especially with no legs to stand upon.

Make an honorable decision to do something about the problems you see.

Without allowing those laws you want changed to be the ones that hang you upon a gibbet.

Well, its' like the bible. While good is intended, the perceptions are the responsibility of the people. Look how bad the message of the bible got screwed up.

Hopefully, it will take less than 2000 or so years, to obtain their original goal, message.

I've seen no censorship on your site. Merely an enforcement of rules to maintain a calm and clear arena of which to employ the freedoms of speech.

I have to say that though appreciated, I dont always see a reason for ATS to have to "explain" yourselves. This is still the internet, we still have a wonderful site, but for the tons of complaints that come in about the most ridiculous things at some point has to be ignored.

This site is getting larger by the day, and if at some point ATS decides that the site has taken a weird turn, they have the right to make the decisions, that benefit most... not ALL! We have to be concerned with the collective, and stop worry about the accusations, and worries of a few.

I get a U2U with new info about the site. I read it. Then follow the new rules. That's it. For this one site there are hundreds of smaller ones that are more then willing to take anyone, at anytime. At some point we will have to remind some that there are 2 options on ATS.

1. Take it. or 2 leave it.
Sorry just my opinion, I really look forward to hearing from the owners and their conspiracy contributions as opposed to always having to see that yet again, a group is unhappy. I vote (not that anyone asked) that we hear more from mod's and even the owners about subjects discussed here.

Peace, NRE.

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic cords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” - A. Lincoln.


There is no conflict that we ourselves do not create.

Peace,
Be well.

Thank you for the explanation. We're good then...ATS is not conspiring against us and has not been infiltrated.

reply to post by SkepticOverlord
I consider them as being one of the few meaningful subversive elements in Western society. At the very least, they represent a dissenting view that many people share and I hope they keep trying to shine a light in the hidden cracks of corporate and government entities. A lot of those SOBs need to be kept on their toes and be aware that accountability won't always come from friends and associates. Anonymous can be the ironic instrument of transparency.

T&Cs still apply to us all.

reply to post by SkepticOverlord


Yes, I had read about the threads being removed by the poster and saw exactly why. It was not the content about free speech but he named other sites, which is considered somewhat of recruiting. I'm happy this isnt allowed here. Those other places have no T&C rules and I also find them vulgar. I'm also glad you dont allow the beginning of turf wars here and put a stop to them before they take off. That is what I saw coming. No place here for that stuff,, thankfully!

I have that on the back of a T-shirt.

I wear it proudly out in public.
People ask where I got it, I just tell them about this site, and that it was custom made.

Ever And Anon

I think the biggest problem I've seen with discussing Anonymous on ATS is failing to distinguish between talking about Anonymous, what it is and does, and claiming to be some sort of spokesman for Anonymous (usually including some sort of "We are the Borg" catchphrase ripoff).

In some cases, that includes claiming responsibility for previous hacks or upcoming hacks, overt or implied threats of such attacks, and methods for executing attacks. That's the sort of stuff that doesn't belong on ATS, and that's what's getting yanked.

Well, that and the nth thread on exact same topic, or OPs consisting of "Anonymous. Discuss." and similar emptiness.

Leave out the self-incrimination, which is the kind of heat nobody on ATS needs, or other T&C violations, and the topic of Anonymous is as wide open as any other.

Yes, it's okay to express support for Anonymous, if you want. It's also okay to express opposition. Differing viewpoints are the spice of ATS.

But let's please keep it clean and legal, and not give ammunition or pretext to anyone who opposes what ATS is about and would try to shut us down.

At least, that's my tuppence on the matter. YMMV.

This proves the adolescent age of Anon and their supporters, whining to the brass here (TPTB of ATS) to not touch their topics, this is classic hypocricy at its best.

Originally posted by ADVISOR




I have that on the back of a T-shirt.

I wear it proudly out in public.
People ask where I got it, I just tell them about this site, and that it was custom made.

Love that Advisor. Ive had that printed out and hangin on my desk cube for years... ;-)

I think Skeptic Overlord's way of handling the problem is simple and elegant, and appeals to root ATS values in both spirit and letter. So once again, the board quality has been preserved. If the issue grows in significance, might the board consider a "Cyberwars" Subforum? That strikes me as another possible solution to thread proliferation. At some point the issue might warrant it...or perhaps it will all blow over soon. Stay tuned to find out...

I'm here to say anon seems
very suspicious.

Something fishy, think about this,
they proclaim their standing up for internet freedoms while
their actions will give the government a reason
to take more control over the internet...

It is a double edged sword..
This is a situation that has both positive and negative aspects.
Partly good and partly bad. It is mixed and patchy .

Be careful who you give your whole support to.
Especially when
when you don't know who your really supporting.

I do not think anon threads should be eliminated.
this solution seems like a strike 1.

This is why I love ATS. Because even though we disagree with each other on a lot of things and our debates can get pretty heated, it still seems like we can all be friends. Or if not that we can at least deny ignorance together.

- Drew

and we are the most popular message board on these topics. Now that's something to be proud of.

Thanks ATS staff.