Why no links to petitions on ATS?

This may have been discussed here before, did not go through all the search results queries..

Just noticed a post that I had posted a link to a petition had the link deleted with a note, saying not to link to petitions..

So, if someone could clarify and maybe explain why we are not allowed, as I see petitions are mentioned quiet frequently here and blocking and preventing tactics to keep members from going to sites to view and possibly sign, is something that not sure understand, unless it is for our members safety or something and if that is the case, still not sure understand it, as seems like ATS would be supporting members getting involved, i.e., creating and signing petitions, however not the first time, that I am wrong and doubtful it is the last....

Just like to discuss it, as don't see it in the notes on rules when posting, and like to go over motivations on why we cannot link and reason ATS has for denying this, what I would deem, essential element of liberty, a tool, that have seen great changes come about from, as petitions speak words that can bring about change, in situations where it is needed, imho and thwarting efforts to gather and sign seems counter productive, for finding solutions....

15e.) Recruitment/Solicitation:

i) You will not use your membership in the Websites for any type of recruitment to any causes whatsoever. You will not Post, use the chat feature, use videos, or use the private message system to disseminate advertisements, chain letters, petitions, pyramid schemes, or any kind of solicitation for political action, social action, letter campaigns, or related online and/or offline coordinated actions of any kind.

Basically,
ATS is a venue for discussion, Not a platform from which to launch or draw support for any given cause, purpose or agenda.

reply to post by earthinhabitant

In addition to what 12m8keall2c posted, you might wonder "why?".

Here is an explanation from Springer (site owner):

It is the courteous discussion and debate of ALL sides of EVERY issue important to humanity. AboveTopSecret will never endorse a specific "side" or position on any issue by allowing those whose agenda needs attention or support to recruit that support on this site PERIOD.

Much more on the thread Why doesn't ATS allow "Activist" Recruiting?.

OiO

reply to post by earthinhabitant

reason ATS has for denying this, what I would deem, essential element of liberty

ATS is a privately owned forum. Therefore, they get to make the rules, and apply them. There's a good reason for the T&Cs, and they stem from many years of careful experience dealing with the topics discussed here.

Imagine if I wanted to "Save the Snails", and brought forth said petition. The membership in France would probably go bonkers. Someone would counter with a "Save the Cows" petition, of which most meat-eaters (myself included) would vehemently protest. Such are absurd examples, but they do much to help realize that ATS is a discussion forum, and not a pulpit for advocating a particular stance.

Besides, this is a world-wide forum, and what I think is relevant and acceptable in my opinion may in fact be offensive to another. It's a smart move on the owner's behalf to take the stance they do.

I thought you were allowed to link to petitions.
www.abovetopsecret.com...

reply to post by DavidWillts


When the board's existence itself is threatened, I think the board owners are free to act as they see fit.

Originally posted by neformore
reply to post by DavidWillts

 

When the board's existence itself is threatened, I think the board owners are free to act as they see fit.

I know, that is why I said what i said? Did you read my post or just click the link?

reply to post by DavidWillts


I'm pretty sure Nef is smart enough to have read between the lines of what you were trying to get at.



No, members and staff are not allowed to start petitions for all the reasons already given. They have also been used in the past to obtain personal information from our members. Not cool. To be safe, we don't allow them.

The owners did make an exception for a very important cause, though. That's understandable.

Spend more time reading the lines and less time trying to read what's between them ***Spoiler Alert***** there is nothing in between the lines, just space.
I posted that because that was the most recent one i could think of.

www.abovetopsecret.com...
www.abovetopsecret.com...
www.abovetopsecret.com...
www.abovetopsecret.com...
www.abovetopsecret.com...

So if we "read between the lines" we can see that linking to petitions IS permitted so long as the poster is liked?

reply to post by DavidWillts


some of those are from almost ten years ago, prior to those rules being written and, presumably, grandfathered in.

others, obviously, slipped through the cracks.

they will now all be sent to the bin.

everyone grab one and get cracking



thanks for alerting us to them. in the future, please use the compaints forum to alert staff of these things.

I was not complaining... I said "i thought we were allowed to post links to petitions" then the team decided to deny reading and start coming up with nonsensical replies.

As far back as 2004? Scraping the barrel?

Some seep through, as always. Just like we don't allow personal attacks but that doesn't mean the staff catches every single one of them. We don't allow a lot of things but I'm sure you'd find 10,000's of T&C violations floating around ATS' 10+ million posts.

In the end: We don't allow petitions.

reply to post by earthinhabitant


I agree with your inquiry During the 2008 Beijing Olympics the threads on the subject here had provided many links and information that spurred involvement. I could see the heightened awareness and active involvement that those links provided any one interested in helping, including petition drives.

reply to post by earthinhabitant


So basically ATS is a place for an endless cycle of argument and pointless discussion where progress and action is looked down upon.
Makes sense, and really backs up what I have heard about this site.

For a site that depends on its members it doesn't really take much consideration for them. But then if we actually sorted stuff out people wouldn't have much reason to come here.

i remember creating an extentive tread regarding GMOS/monsanto

BUT because i included a link to a petition, the whole topic/thread was immediately DELETED.

Originally posted by neformore
reply to post by DavidWillts

 

When the board's existence itself is threatened, I think the board owners are free to act as they see fit.

Is your response your personal opinion or is ATS protocol...

Does that means you think its ok to post petitions on earth sustainability issue. For without the earth the boards existence would be threatened.

reply to post by purplemer


Its a personal opinion.

And so is this...

Splitting hairs over the issue and being "smart", coming up with all kinds of examples to the point of downright obtuseness is not going to change a damn thing.

Obvious troll is obvious.

The rules are there. Its as simple as that.

And if anyone posting on ATS wants to suggest that the board was wrong in highlighting an issue that potentially threatened its own existence - and the net as a whole - I would simply ask why are you still taking up the privilege of posting here when you obviously don't give a damn about the place to the degree that you wouldn't want it to take action against its own potential demise?

Well, I have a worthy cause that I would like to share here.

It is to save the Rhino in South Africa.

But because of the rules on ATS, I am not allowed to link it?

I would think the more exposure this issue gets, the better.

Alas...

vvv

reply to post by neformore


Thank you for your reply.

No I was not splitting hairs, being obtuse or trolling. Such comments are usually projection of the pointers inner ego. Evidently I dont really know you so it would be rude to make such accusation in your case. I was simply highlighting ATS is a reflection of many other systems in place. Same rules for most and a different rules for a few..

As for SOPA threatening the existence of the board.. You are possibly correct. If you want to think that clicking on a link saved you from SOPA fair enough maybe it did.

If all you did was click on a petition link to save us from SOPA may I ask you the same question you asked me. Why are you still taking up the privilege of posting here. Many people did a lot more than clicking on a petition button.

As for me not giving a dam about the place or the internet you are incorrect. I enjoy the boards of ATS. Would you like it if I accused you of not giving a dang about the boards or internet freedom if all you have managed to do is click a petition button. That sounds like the facebook crowd. Lets take down an African warlord (kony) by clicking the [like] button.

I am not being critical of you. If the glove fits wear it. Do as thy will. Certainly your remarks about me in your last posting were over reactive. I shared my point of view and I get called obtuse and a troll. Maybe you are a reactive person, maybe your budgie just died. I dont know. I will try not to judge.

Yes ATS can stand there and bend the rules to protect itself in the arena when it wishes. But it is short term thinking... I shall leave you with this to ponder

First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me

Pastor Martin Niemoller

Being silent can be complicit in crime..

happy days.. kx)

As the original question has been answered, this thread is closed.

Why doesn't ATS allow "Activist" Recruiting?