Periodic Table of Swearing

[Notung]

Yep, Punch and Judy is one of those things you take for granted. It's fine, of course! But when you think about it...

[Tigzy]

In addition at least Rebecca Watson referred to and discussed several screen shots of various “threatening emails” she has received, for example as in this YouTube video @ about 6:30.

From what I saw - and I had to stop after about 15 mins, owing to the fact that I find Watson's voice extremely grating - putting 'threatening emails' in quote marks is quite right. Aside from the first one she mentioned, which was indeed nasty and apparently written by someone who identifies as an Atheist/Skeptic, she then goes on to list a series of unsavoury comments inspired from her Youtube videos - which is a problem, but not one confined to the Atheist/Skeptic circles. Unless Watson was in the unique position of having the majority of her Youtube trolls sign their missives with something along the lines of, 'regards, an atheist.' After that she starts moobling on about Elevatorgate, by which time I couldn't be arsed anymore.

So unless the bulk of the remaining talk does indeed contain emails etc. containing threats from atheists, I'd say the jury's still out on the amount of 'threats and harassment' Watson claims to receive from the Atheist community.

[cunt]

I don't expect Atheism+ to be around much longer. If it remains, it's going to be quite a small group. As I said in the video, "the death of Atheism+ is upon us."

The forum itself seems to always have less users and lurkers than this place. The FTB lot would rather talk about what a good idea it is than actually participate in it.

Anyway, its a tinder-box, just waiting for a well researched vegan thread.

[Scented Nectar]

Geoff, I see on your blog that you were into Flash in the Pan in high school too! I figure you must know this one too. :)

[youtube]3-q1H9N_u10[/youtube]

[The Pelagic Argosy]

I don't expect Atheism+ to be around much longer. If it remains, it's going to be quite a small group. As I said in the video, "the death of Atheism+ is upon us."

The forum itself seems to always have less users and lurkers than this place. The FTB lot would rather talk about what a good idea it is than actually participate in it.

Anyway, its a tinder-box, just waiting for a well researched vegan thread.

It's walking a tightrope, walking on eggshells, painted oneself into a corner, throwing out the baby with the bathwater—every damn cliched metaphor you can think of.

[cunt]

I don't expect Atheism+ to be around much longer. If it remains, it's going to be quite a small group. As I said in the video, "the death of Atheism+ is upon us."

The forum itself seems to always have less users and lurkers than this place. The FTB lot would rather talk about what a good idea it is than actually participate in it.

Anyway, its a tinder-box, just waiting for a well researched vegan thread.

It's walking a tightrope, walking on eggshells, painted oneself into a corner, throwing out the baby with the bathwater—every damn cliched metaphor you can think of.

Plus its shit.

[AndrewV69]

Dal n'Ariade

o arse. araide.

Ahahah!

Ah ken Scotti and was having a bit of fun. Now the Welsh, thas a breed apart (except between southwest Wales and northern England). I had a link once, now lost, on the whole business about Scotland/Ireland from a historical point of view, and pretty snarky it was.

This will have to do I suppose, though Razib indulges in a bit of snark himself:
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/ ... s-of-alba/

I am aware that modern Scotland does emerge from a rather patchwork ethno-cultural background. That is, it is the fusion of Gaels (the Scots), Picts, the Norse, the Strathclyde Britons, and of course the German speaking Anglo-Saxon populations migrating up from Northumbria. But the “astonishing and unique” genetic heritage of the Scots seems as plausible as the culinary delights of haggis.

And I draw attention to two comments there:

8. Headbutter of the Gods Says:
April 19th, 2012 at 8:29 am

Do you think if they study the Scots enough they will locate a gene for moaning?

9. Charlie Says:
April 20th, 2012 at 8:05 am

#8, No! Nor, should they survey the rest of the island south of the border, do I belive they will find a gene for smuggness!

[Steersman]

In addition at least Rebecca Watson referred to and discussed several screen shots of various “threatening emails” she has received, for example as in this YouTube video @ about 6:30.

....
Aside from the first one she mentioned, which was indeed nasty and apparently written by someone who identifies as an Atheist/Skeptic, she then goes on to list a series of unsavoury comments inspired from her Youtube videos - which is a problem, but not one confined to the Atheist/Skeptic circles. Unless Watson was in the unique position of having the majority of her Youtube trolls sign their missives with something along the lines of, 'regards, an atheist.' ....

Yes, that – identifying the philosophical positions of those commenting – is a bit of a problem. As well as deciding whether the sources are people just “stirring up the controversy” for one reason or another.

But I’ll tend to agree with you on the jury still being out as to the precise amount and sources of it. However, for a little bit more factual evidence – screen shots and the like – you might want to take a look at these two posts of hers – one of her own experiences as well as those of a young woman on Reddit/Atheism ...

While the jury might still be out, I tend to think there is more than a little justification for the claims. Although I’m still a little skeptical about some of the conclusions and recommendations and solutions offered in consequence – as well as the motives of some of those behind them ...

[Geoffrey Falk]

Geoff, I see on your blog that you were into Flash in the Pan in high school too! I figure you must know this one too. :)

Thanks for that, SN. I actually don't think I had ever heard it before--must have never made it onto the CITI FM playlist in Winnipeg, back in the day.

Also had no idea, prior to today, that half of the duo behind that band (George Young) is literally the older brother to two of the guys in AC/DC (Angus and Malcolm), and co-produced their early albums!

[Scented Nectar]

Geoff, I see on your blog that you were into Flash in the Pan in high school too! I figure you must know this one too. :)

Thanks for that, SN. I actually don't think I had ever heard it before--must have never made it onto the CITI FM playlist in Winnipeg, back in the day.

Also had no idea, prior to today, that half of the duo behind that band (George Young) is literally the older brother to two of the guys in AC/DC (Angus and Malcolm), and co-produced their early albums!

Which one of two Flash in the Pan guys is Young, and which is Vanda? Wiki doesn't have a picture at the article. :)

[Dilurk]

Atheism+ has found its way onto google+ from an old foe


[quote="Mika Luoma-aho"
15:50 -
+1'd on www.guardian.co.uk
- Public
"St Paul would be laughing his head off, had a Roman soldier not already deprived him of it. "See," he might now write after reading those modern epistles, the blogs, comments and tweets around the birth of Atheism+, "how these atheists love one another.""

[/quote]

Atheismplus is not helping guys.

[rayshul]

I can't tell on him either. He's acting like an adorable old crotchety grandpa and I just keep thinking... if he really was, surely he wouldn't be able to use a computer...

Catching up from another week away, but couldn't let this pass until I am caught up... I AM old (well 54 as of Friday) and a grandpa (3 times so far) and I can mostly use a computer... don't ask me to do the twitter, though.

Hah, I thought someone would comment on that. AGEISM!!! I'm thinking more of the stereotypical movie-grandpa who spends a lot of time telling people things were better in the good ol' days. I really adore them - there are a couple who take my morning bus. XD



On other notes:

The black Americans from the atheism community I know go to see the big names (Dawkins, Hitchens, Ali) but I can't see what interest they'd have in a bunch of women whining about emails or wanking about white supremacists. I can't really fault 'em on that. However they're not really the "poor underprivileged" types that I believe Atheism+ is trying to appeal to (I assume?) as they're more of the 1%-ers.

I wonder if Hemant was attending a better class of conference when he wrote his original remarks?

[justinvacula]

Anna responds to the kerfuffle on Greta's blog:

http://asystemofrandomtangents.wordpres ... e-with-it/

I’m all for positive action to achieve REAL social equality but we cannot expect everyone to jump to and support every cause and project around especially if there is a ‘by fair means, or foul‘ clause attached to it. THAT does not sit right with me. It should be ‘by fair means, or not at all‘. If we cannot do it honestly, then how are we fit to criticise other injustices? Just because an individual does not support our chosen project or cause, it does not mean they are lacking in empathy or necessarily ‘against’ us, or any number of negative connotations someone might dream up and hurl at someone else in order to defend their own position. That is NOT debate. That is NOT discussion. That IS browbeating and guilt tripping and those who engage in the practice should feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Character is judged through action, and actions like that, I find sickening and I will not be a party to them. Nor will I be tricked through, omission of information, into putting my name to a project which cannot live by its own standards of behaviour. People will have their own reasons for joining in or not joining in: none of us are accountable to any but the laws of the lands we live in, and our own consciences. We give to charity and volunteer our time in other ways but must we therefore leap on the A+ bandwagon? No. It’s up to the individual and nobody has the right to guilt anyone else out of following their own conscience in favour of some hair-brained agenda or other.

[Darren]

Atheismplus is not helping guys.

Well, no shit. It's a feminist movement.

[The Pelagic Argosy]

Atheism+ has found its way onto google+ from an old foe


[quote="Mika Luoma-aho"
15:50 -
+1'd on http://www.guardian.co.uk
- Public
"St Paul would be laughing his head off, had a Roman soldier not already deprived him of it. "See," he might now write after reading those modern epistles, the blogs, comments and tweets around the birth of Atheism+, "how these atheists love one another.""

Atheismplus is not helping guys.[/quote]
Who the fuck is he? I'm getting "theologian". I'm also getting lulz out of the "aho" part of his name—"aho" (阿呆) pretty much means "dunce" in Japanese—particularly as it's hyphenated at the end, which makes it look like an honorific (like -san). I know, it's really cheap making fun of people's names, but lulz is lulz.

[AndrewV69]

In other news, from the more things change the more they remain the same department:

https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/02/us/i ... laims.html

A senior official at the Department of Homeland Security resigned on Saturday after accusations that she had created a sexualized office culture that was hostile to men.

The lawsuit also accused Ms. Barr of creating “a frat-house-type atmosphere that is targeted to humiliate and intimidate male employees.”

Now where was I? Oh yes! Have to keep a close eye on those gender-traitor sister-hater tools of the the patriarchy infesting the slime pit, before they start opressing the pure simple peacful menzfolk, who just want to join hands, sit in a circle and sing kumbaya (or is it polly wolly doodle) all day.

Have to watch out for the Gynofacists! They are everywhere!
[youtube]Ew8KPNeEds8[/youtube]

[Tigzy]

Yes, that – identifying the philosophical positions of those commenting – is a bit of a problem. As well as deciding whether the sources are people just “stirring up the controversy” for one reason or another.

But I’ll tend to agree with you on the jury still being out as to the precise amount and sources of it. However, for a little bit more factual evidence – screen shots and the like – you might want to take a look at these two posts of hers – one of her own experiences as well as those of a young woman on Reddit/Atheism ...

While the jury might still be out, I tend to think there is more than a little justification for the claims. Although I’m still a little skeptical about some of the conclusions and recommendations and solutions offered in consequence – as well as the motives of some of those behind them ...

I've read about what happened to that girl on Reddit - and yes, it was appalling, without a doubt. But Reddit has long been a magnet for trolls and gobshites, and given that Atheism - like any other 'ism' one might care to mention - is not magically immune from having an asshole contingent, then they are gonna be there. I'd say that it was more to the point that it's Reddit that has a particular asshole problem, rather than Atheism per se. If one is going to draw such a conclusion from the activities of an internet micro-culture, then one must also reasonably suppose that Atheism is crawling with vociferous Social Justice Warriors, if the complaints I've heard from Tumblr atheists are anything to go by - along with our old friends, Freethoughtblogs, Skepchicks and more recently, A+.

Obviously, it can't be both: that Atheism has both an overwhelming misogyny problem, and an overwhelming SJA contingent. Unless it's near enough a 50/50 split, or - as I suspect is very much the case - that the problematic subcultures which exist in the atheism/skeptical movement are no more particular to that realm that say, various religious, political or hobbyist analogues. In other words, that the amount of misogynists within the Atheism/Skeptical movement are on a par with the amount of misogynists in general society. A problem, admittedly - to an extent. But the problem with Watson, Comic Jenni, Myers et al, is that they continually insist that misogyny is somehow so pervasive in this community as to suggest it's a problem particular to this community. Now it could be that they're right - but the lack of evidence at this time to suggest it is so pervasive means that for the time being, I have to remain skeptical about what they say.

And besides, if we leave the various internet trolls, psychos and nitwits behind - where any data about the extent of the mysogyny within the online atheist community has to take account of those who are just in it for the lulz, be they sick lulz or otherwise - what do we find when atheists have gotten together in real life? After all, with the amount of genuinely serious harassment, invective and bullying that could come from the misogynists in meatspace, one would expect the conference scene in particular to be filled almost entirely with oafish dimbulb males incapable of any interaction with a woman other than to comment on her breasts and her purported cooking skills.

Yet what have we found so far? Well, one monopole camera guy who was falsely accused of using his camera to take upskirt photos. One strange couple handing out invites for some swinging thing. Harassing t-shirts. Harassing fake jewelry. Oh, and a guy who asked a woman for coffee (wink wink) in an elevator. I think there might be a few more minor things, but that's about it as far as I can see. Though there's no reason at all to suspect that the inverse is true, and that Atheism/skepticism must be magically immune from having a misogynistic contingent, I nevertheless can't help but quote Dawkins on this one - to wit: Problem?

As for Rebecca's whine: again, attempting to make a case for harassment on the basis that she should be one of those rare public figures who insist on the magical privilige of not being questioned, criticised, called out for anything or parodied. Good luck with that one, sweetheart!

[Steersman]

Anna responds to the kerfuffle on Greta's blog:

http://asystemofrandomtangents.wordpres ... e-with-it/

I’m all for positive action to achieve REAL social equality but we cannot expect everyone to jump to and support every cause and project around especially if there is a ‘by fair means, or foul‘ clause attached to it. THAT does not sit right with me. It should be ‘by fair means, or not at all‘. If we cannot do it honestly, then how are we fit to criticise other injustices? .... No. It’s up to the individual and nobody has the right to guilt anyone else out of following their own conscience in favour of some hair-brained agenda or other.

From Greta’s blog:

25 Greta Christina:

Anna Johnstone: Dial it back. Now. Read my comment policy. Take particular note of #10.

I am wielding the ban hammer with much more alacrity and much less guilt these days. I no longer feel any obligation to provide a home for people who want to spew venom. Especially when the venom is being spewed on a project like this one. Dial it back, or leave. Period.

Un-fucking believable. I think more than a few over there are going in ever-diminishing circles and are about to disappear up their own arseholes ...

[rayshul]

Interesting watching the A+ accessibility wank. Am I right in thinking that they want to transcribe information and put it on their own site without asking permission from the owner? Is this another way to milk people for cash... in this instance, through ad revenue?

I love these guys. :D They're my heroes. AHAHHAHAHA.

[rayshul]

My deaf husband has a theory that they won't be transcribing any parts of conferences that they don't like or don't agree with their dogma. So you'll have transcription parts that read: "Richard Dawkins stands up and says: I am a privileged white man and I have seen my faults and NOW I THINK ATHEISM PLUS IS GREAT and then everyone cheered."

I REALLY WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED

[AndrewV69]

Anna responds to the kerfuffle on Greta's blog:

http://asystemofrandomtangents.wordpres ... e-with-it/

I’m all for positive action to achieve REAL social equality but we cannot expect everyone to jump to and support every cause and project around especially if there is a ‘by fair means, or foul‘ clause attached to it. THAT does not sit right with me. It should be ‘by fair means, or not at all‘. If we cannot do it honestly, then how are we fit to criticise other injustices? Just because an individual does not support our chosen project or cause, it does not mean they are lacking in empathy or necessarily ‘against’ us, or any number of negative connotations someone might dream up and hurl at someone else in order to defend their own position. That is NOT debate. That is NOT discussion. That IS browbeating and guilt tripping and those who engage in the practice should feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Character is judged through action, and actions like that, I find sickening and I will not be a party to them. Nor will I be tricked through, omission of information, into putting my name to a project which cannot live by its own standards of behaviour. People will have their own reasons for joining in or not joining in: none of us are accountable to any but the laws of the lands we live in, and our own consciences. We give to charity and volunteer our time in other ways but must we therefore leap on the A+ bandwagon? No. It’s up to the individual and nobody has the right to guilt anyone else out of following their own conscience in favour of some hair-brained agenda or other.

A couple more points:

The people orchestrating the project seem to disagree with the importance of a private person’s authority over their work. They ‘won’t let the project be bullied like that’ (because producers objections to their work being co-opted without their prior knowledge or against their wishes is obviously ‘bullying’ behaviour, isn’t it. The same way objecting to having bogus religions (tautology, I know) down our throats is ‘persecution’). By that they mean they aren’t planning on giving people even the opportunity to refuse participation, but instead to just charge ahead regardless and impose it on people whether they like it or not. Besides any legal considerations, asking first is just a basic common courtesy that any of us would expect to be treated with. What is so heinous about asking for some simple good manners to be exercised? Do they cost anything? No. Do they hurt? Not the last time I checked.

They have decided that their project is for such a good cause that it trumps the rights of any objectors and that this web-page has given them a legal free-pass to transcribe the work of private individuals with or without their permission. Never mind that the site refers to in-video closed-captioning* (rather than full and separate transcription located elsewhere and out of their control) of commercially produced video media, and says nothing at all regarding podcasts or radio broadcasts. Add to this the fact that those, referred to in the article, who objected to the legislation were registered entertainment companies. They were not private individuals expressing their own views on blogs on the internet.

[Dilurk]

Interesting watching the A+ accessibility wank. Am I right in thinking that they want to transcribe information and put it on their own site without asking permission from the owner?

The sad thing is, the blind people I have known online are using screen readers. Provided you properly use ALT tags in your graphics and a simple layout there is no problem 'reading' material from the web. Books are another matter. But I see the "God Delusion" is available in braille for starters.
http://www.rnib.org.uk/shop/Pages/Produ ... 2146950301

Also as a kobo edition
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-God- ... page1.html

And there are readers for the blind
http://goodereader.com/blog/electronic- ... the-blind/

And http://www.rnib.org.uk/livingwithsightl ... pared.aspx

Is this another way to milk people for cash... in this instance, through ad revenue?

Possibly. Though I am of the "don't ascribe to maliciousness what can be adequately explained by stupidity"

I doubt these people did any study at all before diving in.

I love these guys. :D They're my heroes. AHAHHAHAHA.

[cunt]

My deaf husband has a theory that they won't be transcribing any parts of conferences that they don't like or don't agree with their dogma. So you'll have transcription parts that read: "Richard Dawkins stands up and says: I am a privileged white man and I have seen my faults and NOW I THINK ATHEISM PLUS IS GREAT and then everyone cheered."

I REALLY WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED

Richard Dawkins swaggers up to the podium, drunk off of his sense of self importance. His mouth is shaped like a swastika and he looks really stupid.

Richard Dawkins: DURRRRRRR

[franc]

Those of us who do not wish to extend our atheism into someone else's definition of progressive politics may take rather unkindly to being described as immoral scum, useful but unsavoury body parts, and outdated contraceptive devices.

The author of the Guardian article actually gets it!

Glad of the distinction American atheism. If it can be fucked up, Merkins will fuck it up. Thanks Myers, you fat stupid prick.

[masakari2012]

Anna Johnstone's blog response to the attacks from Greta and her religious followers.

http://asystemofrandomtangents.wordpres ... e-with-it/

[rayshul]

My deaf husband has a theory that they won't be transcribing any parts of conferences that they don't like or don't agree with their dogma. So you'll have transcription parts that read: "Richard Dawkins stands up and says: I am a privileged white man and I have seen my faults and NOW I THINK ATHEISM PLUS IS GREAT and then everyone cheered."

I REALLY WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED

Richard Dawkins swaggers up to the podium, drunk off of his sense of self importance. His mouth is shaped like a swastika and he looks really stupid.

Richard Dawkins: DURRRRRRR

cannoot stop laughing omfg

[AndrewV69]

In other news:

http://freethoughtblogs.com/greta/2012/ ... ment-93059

One Thousand Needles says:
September 1, 2012 at 3:40 pm

@ EllenBeth,

After Anna expressed her concerns yesterday, I updated the A+Scribe Code of Conduct to indicate that members should only transcribe material that has been made publicly available for free.

I probably should have mentioned the change when it was made.

Also, for each transcript, a prominent link to the original source media will always be included.

I hope that these measures address any fears about breach of copyright.

[Git]

"The trouble with you, PZ^H^HSpode, is that just because you have succeeded in inducing a handful of half-wits to disfigure the Internet^H^H^HLondon scene by going about in black shorts, you think you're someone. You hear them shouting "Heil, PZ^H^HSpode!" and you imagine it is the Voice of the People. That is where you make your bloomer. What the Voice of the People is saying is: "Look at that frightful ass PZ^H^HSpode swanking about in footer bags! Did you ever in your puff see such a perfect perisher?"

—P. G. Wodehouse, Bertie Wooster in The Code of the Woosters (1938)

[JAB]

I can't tell on him either. He's acting like an adorable old crotchety grandpa and I just keep thinking... if he really was, surely he wouldn't be able to use a computer...

Catching up from another week away, but couldn't let this pass until I am caught up... I AM old (well 54 as of Friday) and a grandpa (3 times so far) and I can mostly use a computer... don't ask me to do the twitter, though.

Hah, I thought someone would comment on that. AGEISM!!! I'm thinking more of the stereotypical movie-grandpa who spends a lot of time telling people things were better in the good ol' days. I really adore them - there are a couple who take my morning bus. XD



On other notes:

And on another note... you kids get off my lawn! ;)

[Steersman]

Those of us who do not wish to extend our atheism into someone else's definition of progressive politics may take rather unkindly to being described as immoral scum, useful but unsavoury body parts, and outdated contraceptive devices.

The author of the Guardian article actually gets it!

Glad of the distinction American atheism. If it can be fucked up, Merkins will fuck it up. Thanks Myers, you fat stupid prick.

You missed "old" - he seems to be particularly sensitive to that one ...

[Steersman]

...
But I’ll tend to agree with you on the jury still being out as to the precise amount and sources of it. However, for a little bit more factual evidence – screen shots and the like – you might want to take a look at these two posts of hers – one of her own experiences as well as those of a young woman on Reddit/Atheism ....

But Reddit has long been a magnet for trolls and gobshites, and given that Atheism - like any other 'ism' one might care to mention - is not magically immune from having an asshole contingent, then they are gonna be there. I'd say that it was more to the point that it's Reddit that has a particular asshole problem, rather than Atheism per se.

Certainly a lot of assholes about – I’ve heard on good evidence that there’s one for every real person ...

But I think that the point – and quite a good one – is that just because the incidence of assholes in the larger community as well as the atheist one is, say, 1 in 50 that doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be any efforts to deal with the incidence in either case.

In other words, that the amount of misogynists within the Atheism/Skeptical movement are on a par with the amount of misogynists in general society. A problem, admittedly - to an extent. But the problem with Watson, Comic Jenni, Myers et al, is that they continually insist that misogyny is somehow so pervasive in this community as to suggest it's a problem particular to this community.

Yes, again I would agree that the incidence is likely to be about the same in both cases. Although I don’t get the impression that they are claiming that it is particular to the atheism community. Only that it is one that they/we have direct control over and so one which some have attempted to do so. For instance Massimo Pigliucci had an interesting post on The Misogyny Wars [aka The Uncivil Wars; starring Richard Dawkins as Rhett Butler and Rebecca Watson as Scarlett O’Hara ...] which linked to a post by Russell Blackford which had a comment by Jean Kazez pointing to the CFI harassment policy on which, IIRC, even Ophelia Benson gave her blessing ... [one has to be a Philadelphia lawyer to keep track of all this crap ...]

So everyone seems to acknowledge that the problem exists and have a general consensus on the solution, even if only a partial one. The wicket gets sticky in deciding on the details. And it certainly seems that many were of the opinion that the one recommended or insisted upon by Skepchicks and Company wasn’t going to fly. Not that the one finally implemented for TAM 2012 was any better.

But it seems that one might reasonably argue that the problem with the former, as with the subsequent “discussions”, is that it manifests some similarities with McCarthyist witch hunts. Some indications that hysteria – as with “Monopod Man” and, maybe to a lesser extent, the “What is your name” fiasco – has supplanted rationality.

As for Rebecca's whine: again, attempting to make a case for harassment on the basis that she should be one of those rare public figures who insist on the magical privilege of not being questioned, criticised, called out for anything or parodied. Good luck with that one, sweetheart!

Definitely some over-reaction there I think, although maybe at least somewhat understandable. There is a post or two by Rebecca along with several responses by Massimo and others in that post which seem indicative of that ....

[masakari2012]

In other news:

http://freethoughtblogs.com/greta/2012/ ... ment-93059

One Thousand Needles says:
September 1, 2012 at 3:40 pm

@ EllenBeth,

After Anna expressed her concerns yesterday, I updated the A+Scribe Code of Conduct to indicate that members should only transcribe material that has been made publicly available for free.

I probably should have mentioned the change when it was made.

Also, for each transcript, a prominent link to the original source media will always be included.

I hope that these measures address any fears about breach of copyright.

So they tarred and feathered Anna for valid objections which was taken into consideration? Reminds me of a scene from Schindler's List. (I rarely "Godwin", lol!)

[Steersman]

In other news:

http://freethoughtblogs.com/greta/2012/ ... ment-93059

One Thousand Needles says:
September 1, 2012 at 3:40 pm

@ EllenBeth,

After Anna expressed her concerns yesterday, I updated the A+Scribe Code of Conduct to indicate that members should only transcribe material that has been made publicly available for free. I probably should have mentioned the change when it was made. Also, for each transcript, a prominent link to the original source media will always be included.

I hope that these measures address any fears about breach of copyright.

So they tarred and feathered Anna for valid objections which was taken into consideration? Reminds me of a scene from Schindler's List. (I rarely "Godwin", lol!)

Exactly.

Although I think that “only transcribe material that has been made publicly available for free” is likely to be a can of worms and cover a multitude of sins – to coin a phrase . Seems that everything on the Internet is “publicly available for free” but I would say that doesn’t mean that the owners relinquish any copyright .... but that’s a guess ...

[AndrewV69]

So they tarred and feathered Anna for valid objections which was taken into consideration? Reminds me of a scene from Schindler's List. (I rarely "Godwin", lol!)

Well, I did see some people I identify as baboons attacking her. I do not know the others and not everyone attacked.

But yes, it was a typical baboon thing, and they failed to adress the point, that some people may not want to be associated in any way with something tained with baboonology whatever the merits of the case.

*shrug*

I know I would never get involved with them and I actually do real life volunteer work with the blind. Specifically tech support, which means from time to time I get a support call at inconvient hours.

(Some of the vision impaired I help are also mentally challenged with very poor future time orientation skills).

[AndrewV69]

(Some of the vision impaired I help are also mentally challenged with very poor future time orientation skills).

Quoting myself to add that I have on the rare occasion, come across mentally challenged people with some very good future time orientation and discipline.

It is a delight and a pleasure to work with them.

[JackRayner]

My deaf husband has a theory that they won't be transcribing any parts of conferences that they don't like or don't agree with their dogma. So you'll have transcription parts that read: "Richard Dawkins stands up and says: I am a privileged white man and I have seen my faults and NOW I THINK ATHEISM PLUS IS GREAT and then everyone cheered."

I REALLY WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED

Richard Dawkins swaggers up to the podium, drunk off of his sense of self importance. His mouth is shaped like a swastika and he looks really stupid.

Richard Dawkins: DURRRRRRR

Just that part is enough to have me laughing for the rest of the week! Awesome!

[franc]

feed them -



http://i.imgur.com/ddhAo.png

[jmtz]

The Guardian story has been picked up here in the US by The Raw Story and is currently running on the front page....

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/09/02/a ... sults-fly/

[justinvacula]

http://i.imgur.com/wAPw1.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/fSZE5.jpg

Lol.

...and since when in the 'pit an MRA website? ...oh, yah, they're just making stuff up.

...and lol at my video being called 'nasty.'

[Saint N.]

Hemant chimes in on the Guardian article about the "atheist schism", http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyat ... sm-schism/

He makes some diplomatic points I disagree with, but nothing that's worthy of condemnation in my book. I think from his pov he is trying to be as fair to all sides in the argument as he can, which I normally don't have a problem with in the great scheme of things. But I have to ask, is it just me or does it always seem as if Hemant's underlying motive is to protect the public image of the "atheist" brand more than anything else? This is understandable since the a/s movement is something he has dedicated a lot of time and effort to, but it just comes across to me like he is more worried about saving face with all sides for the sake of preserving some greater solidarity, than actually trying to get to the core of a major disagreement in the "community" (which is why I think he is trying to downplay it as irrelevant, despite the fact that this topic has dominated so many a/s venues for over a year now). All this is just my perception of his last few articles on the subject, and I'm willing to accept the possibility that I'm completely wrong here, but its a thought that keeps popping up whenever I read his commentary.

[rayshul]

In every group of people there's always that one dude who really wants to see the best in people and to keep everyone happy.

It's a thankless job but hey, it looks like Hemant is the dude.

[rayshul]

Lol.

...and since when in the 'pit an MRA website? ...oh, yah, they're just making stuff up.

...and lol at my video being called 'nasty.'

JUSTIN YOU'RE A VERY NAUGHTY MAN

You know, it's so amazing they've decided to choose you to vilify. You're the least aggressive, placid person I've seen in this whole thing. In fact I'm amazed at how you do it, hahaha.

[jmtz]

Some of the comments over at The Raw Story seem to show that even folks who have only been thinking about the A+ stuff for about ten minutes have already got it pretty well figured out. Here's one...

"JohnnyMorales • 5 hours ago −
Atheism in terms of group behavior is Godless religion.

They adopt the exact same methodology that are standard in religions to decide who is good or bad, smart or stupid Etc., and the punishment is you guessed it, exclusion from the group.

While few see it so simply, religion is just another form of "in group/out group" behavior we humans have developed in our cultures.

As atheism plus shows you can keep all the negative things about religion that make it so vile and repugnant while completely eschewing any role for or need to believe in any God in order to justify doing so."

[rayshul]

Have I shared recently how much I love atheism plus?

I fucking love Atheism Plus.

[Darren]

Have I shared recently how much I love atheism plus?

I fucking love Atheism Plus.

It's the new gift that keeps on giving.

[DownThunder]

...and since when in the 'pit an MRA website? ...oh, yah, they're just making stuff up.

...and lol at my video being called 'nasty.'

Who knows what passes for MRA now. If veganism is still a requirement for A+, then Im going to go have an MRA dinner.

[Notung]

Atheism+ is a massive own goal, I think. They've increased their exposure and you just know the general public are going to think they're nuts when they read their stuff. If they're doing it for hits then that's great. They're the new conservapedia. Take the order of the letters in "GLBT" for instance. It was quite funny seeing noelplum99's expression as he was talking about those comments. I don't know about other countries, but I suspect almost ALL British people will think that's crazy. 'Atheism Plus' sounds like something the Onion would dream up.

The FTB SJWs are making themselves into a bit of a laughing stock, and the laughs are spreading further and further afield. I'm starting to think the same thing I do about Scientology: "WHY are they doing it like that? Don't they know it makes them look crazy and scary? Are they doing it on purpose?!"

It has been said before, but Atheism+ is the Tea Party of Atheism, and FTB is their Fox News.

[Notung]

Who knows what passes for MRA now. If veganism is still a requirement for A+, then Im going to go have an MRA dinner.

I don't think it's a requirement. Why not? Because some of the A+ clergy eat meat. What a brilliant reason.

[Notung]

Just saw this quoted by someone on noelplum99's video. It's a quote from the comments of that Guardian article.

But then again, this is what happens when a movement that was previously the domain of intellectuals and thinkers becomes thumping popular with people who don't fully understand it.

Perfect.

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

It has been said before, but Atheism+ is the Tea Party of Atheism, and FTB is their Fox News.

Then the Slymepit is Comedy Central and we are the Daily Show :)

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

Or maybe the Slymepit is the Atheism's Daily Show's Rob Riggle. Fun, entertaining, but won't hesitate to get in the fray...

[James Onen]

John the Other, Girl Writes What, and Typhon Blue discuss, among other things, the on going shenanigans with regards to the gender politics of the atheist-skeptic community in their most recent 'A Voice for Men' podcast. Integralmath (a.k.a. Justicar) calls in. Very interesting.

[James Onen]

I bet you guys didn't know that there's also MRA+ :lol:

[youtube]zmQky7pfR1Y [/youtube]

[sacha]

I can't tell on him either. He's acting like an adorable old crotchety grandpa and I just keep thinking... if he really was, surely he wouldn't be able to use a computer...

Catching up from another week away, but couldn't let this pass until I am caught up... I AM old (well 54 as of Friday) and a grandpa (3 times so far) and I can mostly use a computer... don't ask me to do the twitter, though.

54 is not what I think of when someone says "an adorable old crotchety grandpa". I should hope you can mostly use a computer at 54.

[rayshul]

John the Other, Girl Writes What, and Typhon Blue discuss, among other things, the on going shenanigans with regards to the gender politics of the atheist-skeptic community in their most recent 'A Voice for Men' podcast. Integralmath (a.k.a. Justicar) calls in. Very interesting.

Listening. This is a great podcast. I think I'm becoming an MRA. -.-

[dustbubble]

Oh, and a guy who asked a woman for coffee (wink wink) in an elevator.

Did.
Not.
Happen.

End of.

[Philip of Tealand]

I've just been reading about this -

Hilarious.

Anna Johnstone: Hey guys, great idea, really like it, oh yes, before I forget- you might just want to check with people before you post their work, thats all

FtB: YOU ARE SO AGGRESSIVE!! BANHAMMER TIME!! YOU TROLL!

[dustbubble]

Interesting ... they want to transcribe information and put it on their own site without asking permission from the owner? Is this another way to milk people for cash... in this instance, through ad revenue?

I love these guys. :D They're my heroes. AHAHHAHAHA.

WTF have I got a window in my cranium? Stop reading my mind!
One-hundred-and-eighteee!
That'll be cash on the barrelhead son. Crazy for gravy.

[DownThunder]

John the Other, Girl Writes What, and Typhon Blue discuss, among other things, the on going shenanigans with regards to the gender politics of the atheist-skeptic community in their most recent 'A Voice for Men' podcast. Integralmath (a.k.a. Justicar) calls in. Very interesting.

Listening. This is a great podcast. I think I'm becoming an MRA. -.-

I agree, I like listening to JTO GWW and TB, plus Justicar talk off the cuff like that.

[Phil_Giordana_FCD]

Blu posted this on FB, and I have to admit I lolled:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos- ... 9173_n.jpg