WHOA!!! Did you see that????

[FlyingClayDisk]

I had recently come of the opinion that I was going to avoid talking about ATS.  The reasons are a bit complicated, but in essence, I cannot opine without risking the 'image' of ATS to my own strictly personal feelings. Please bear that in mind, out of respect to ATS and those still working hard to keep it from falling apart.

FCD's experience is not unique.  (As a matter of fact, I have felt more than once or twice, certain that what was on the screen was not what I originally stated.  Granted, I considered that any sinister manipulation of my words would be unlikely... after all, what's changing one post actually going to achieve?  And also granted, that my single opinion is not a defining factor of ATS as a whole.  But I won't dismiss the perception... especially now...)

I may never speak so bluntly about ATS again, so let me assure you that regardless of "interface" programming, regardless of the diligence and dedication of a loyal moderator core, regardless of all 'honest' intentions... there are no guarantees that this kind of thing doesn't happen everywhere... this is a 'digital' environment, which means anything can be spoofed by someone with access.

I had a certain reserved pride in ATS because I felt I was part of a group of moderators who didn't see any value in 'screwing around' with members' statements.  None of them - in my estimation - were inclined to misrepresent anyone or anything as offered to the dialogue.

However, I am no longer part of that site.  And I have many friends who still 'live' there... many of them are moderators, who I am inclined to respect.  I can't imagine any of them saying... "let me do this" and just editing someone else's thoughts and statements for ANY reason.  That, at least in part, leads me towards concluding that it was done by an outsider, an abusive element not of the ATS community (or at least thinking themselves 'above' the community in general.)

ATS is a beloved predecessor to Deny Ignorance, so we will always be inclined to at least monitor the goings on there...  But I recommend dispassion, a clinical detachment, as it were, because things are changing in a way which the community has zero control over (a common peril of 'commerce' and 'marketing.')

I know that some of the appeal of ATS was in it's relatively huge membership and the artful application of well-conceived terms and conditions which was respected and honored by most every member.  But now, "new" community members will be filtered in, some real, some artificial, some true seekers, and some 'sellers' of answers... some builders of dialogue, and others only "users" of data. 

The fence is down, the perimeter no longer secure, and the moderators are hobbled and suppressed by decisions from which they have been disempowered.  The reasons for this are irrelevant... it has happened.

In time, our 'Deny Ignorance' will grow and mature, and a simplistic view would offer that the ATS community (which has more to do with "community" than ATS) will simply migrate elsewhere... I am hoping they come here.  I am trying to help provide that what the community needs, it can get that here... there needn't be any contorting or writhing in discomfort...  We are already here... waiting.

Max,  Thanks for your reply.  I have an important update which I feel is important to pass along to the community here regarding this event.

I received a DM from a member of ATS who explained that the edited text in my post was in fact their reply to me.  Their reply had somehow been added INTO my post.  This was not the member's intention; their intention was to 'reply' to me in the normal fashion (per their explanation).  I have no reason to doubt this person at this point.  As I noted, it appeared the added text looked like a 'reply' to my post.  This is why it was obvious the text wasn't my own.  I didn't have a problem with the reply's content (other than it being a different viewpoint from mine, which is perfectly fine); it just wasn't my words.  And that was my issue more than anything.

These should have been completely separate fields in the database, but for some reason they got merged.  Not having the DB to examine, I have no way of doing any further forensics on what happened beyond this explanation (which seems at least plausible).

I wanted to send this explanation out before this discussion proceeds further.

Lastly, and likely most importantly...yes, Deny Ignorance is very much shaping up to be "the" saving grace to the once great ATS.  I want to extend my most heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the creators here for creating such a valuable and well put together site!  Thanks!!