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Sunday, August 30, 2009

TZM members against global bans



Forum Rules


Summary
These rules were written in an effort to help everyone to discuss the specified subject areas, to allow everyone to participate without prejudice or intimidation, and encourage everyone to address debate points to the topics, not to the people.

General Rules

1. Treat everyone with respect. Do not use insulting, derogatory, or any other disrespectful language, even if you disagree strongly, and even if another person has used such language or violated the rules first.

2. Do not engage in ad hominem attacks (arguing by attacking the person instead of addressing a topic), and try not to respond to such attacks, except to redirect the conversation to the topic.

3. Respect the  category deginations such as forum categories, irc channels, Ventrilo rooms, and their descriptions. If you cannot find an appropriate category for something, and you feel that it relates to The Zeitgeist Movement, post a thread in the "Using the Forum Software" category, in the thread "New Category Suggestions - Submit Here," suggesting that a new category be created, here.  For IRC and Ventrilo, contact an operator or admin.

4. Respect a moderator's decision to lock a topic, move a topic, delete a topic, prohibit further chat or move to another room in IRC or Ventrilo. If a moderator moves a topic, it is usually because they feel that the discussion is not relevant to the category in which it was started. If you disagree, take your discussion to the "Using the Forum Software" category, and present your argument for creating an appropriate category for the topic, or contact an operator or admin in IRC or Ventrilo. Moderators lock a topic, rather than deleting it, out of respect for users. Deleting causes confusion, and removes valid content as well as the discussion that they locked. Always remember that the moderator could have just as easily deleted the topic, and may do so if people continue to bring it back. If a topic is deleted, the administrator felt that it was way out of bounds, and it should not be re-introduced. When topics are deleted, a placeholder will usually be left with the same or a modified title, and a note stating that it was deleted (so if you cannot find a topic, that usually does not mean it was deleted).

5. Do not "bump" threads (adding a word at the end to update the time), or repeat posts in IRC or Ventrilo. Users check the "Recent Discussions" to see recent topics, not the topics that you want them to see. If you feel a topic deserves to remain visible, either post a suggestion to the "Using the Forum Software" category, or create a page for it in the wiki. Threads that are bumped may be locked. Similarly, try not to duplicate threads.

6. Use the forum's feedback system only for signifying that you feel that a post is relevant or irrelevant, and only in extremes. If a post if obviously spam or completely inappropriate, use the thumbs down button. If a post is unusually helpful and relevant, use the thumbs up.

7. Do not post individual's contact information unless it is publicly available (such as for elected officials), or you have explicit permission from the person to do so. Use caution before posting your own contact information such as phone numbers. The private messaging system is the best way to allow people to contact you.

General Advice

1. If there is a "sticky" thread at the top of a category, read it before posting any new threads to that category.

2. Before starting a new topic, search the forum for previous threads on the same topic

3. Avoid "hijacking" another user's thread. Hijacking is taking their thread, and posting your own unrelated reply to it. If you have a new topic, then create your own thread. Similarly, if you create a thread, and decide to introduce a new subject, create a new thread. Doing to will make it easier for others to find relevant topics.

4. Before you ask general questions about The Zeitgeist Movement, the movies, Peter Joseph, or The Venus Project, please read all of the Q&A; content on the main website, www.thezeitgeistmovement.com, and zeitgeistmovie.com.

5. Many other websites have been created, some of which claim official connection to us. The only web entities produced by us are zeitgeistmovie.com, and thezeitgeistmovement.com.

Enforcement
These rules apply to posts, chats, emails, and any other activity conducted on thezeitgeistmovement.com web site, IRC chat, Ventrilo, the BlogTalk radio chat, and any other medium designated in the future as an "official" platform.

When a user is believed to be in violation of these rules, they will first be warned, publicly, in the platform on which the violation occurred, when the nature of the violation does not require immediate action, and when the violation does not appear to be intentional.  They may also be warned privately, by personal message, chat, or other means.  If violations are repeated after an initial warning, the user will be suspended.  Any suspension on any official platform will result in suspension from all platforms.  The length and requirements of a suspension are at the disgression of the administrator acting.  Reinstatement will generally be granted when the user acknowledges the nature of the infraction, makes an necessary amends, and agrees not to repeat the violation.  Repeated violations and suspensions, which are deemed to indicate an unwillingness to respect the rules, will result in indefinite suspension.

In cases where a user believes that a suspension has occurred due to a misinterpretation, or when a user requests reinstatement, the standard contact form on the main page should be used.  Creation of additional accounts for the purpose of disputing or avoiding enforcement of the rules will be considered intentional violation, and may result in indefinite suspension.

Notices of action taken will be posted here


Rules updated 30 August 2009

Global Communication Site Rules [Forum/Wiki/IRC/Teamspeak]

Purpose:
The Zeitgeist Movement's free Forum/IRC/Voice Chat is made available for Members of The Movement to share ideas. The term "Member" is defined as: "One of the persons who supports a social group and shares common values and initiatives." Please understand that this is not an "open-forum" environment, and that these communication mediums are not intended for the expressions of any persons other than those who support The Movement and communicate in the context of issues related. While constructive criticism with positive intent is always welcome, it is to be "respectful" of The Movement and its Users at all times. The definition of "respectful" lies with the judgment of the Moderators and Administrators in the interpretation of our rules (see below).

We make this explicitly clear because since the inception of this Website and its communication mediums, a relatively large degree of hostile opposition, harassment and spam has occurred. In order to stop our members/users from being abused and their time wasted, we must make it clear that anyone acting in an outright negative capacity against the social direction denoted in our materials will be removed. If you are new to The Movement's ideas and are unclear; have questions or curiosities- then these communication mediums are not provided for your interaction until you agree to “Membership/User” status; this means you have read the materials - watched the videos - and honestly support The Zeitgeist Movement overall, and you would describe yourself as a “Member” to others.

Once again, these services are provided free of charge to those who have positive and supportive intents. They are tools for The Movement Members, not the public at large. Those using these services, which do not reflect this basic disposition, will have access removed.

Overview:
These rules were written in an effort to assist/protect members in our communication mediums, to allow everyone to participate without prejudice or intimidation, and encourage everyone to focus on civil communication methods.

Please note that all communications may be logged for reference.

Information Flow:
Information flow within The Movement's communication mediums ( IRC, TeamSpeak, Forum,Wiki) works in a Tier System, moving in responsibility from the USER, to the general MODERATORS, to the GLOBAL MODERATION TEAM. The Global Mod team's central role is in navigating/applying administrative issues related to policy.  This team is trusted with the privileged Administrative Access
required to work with problems such as User Suspensions.

Moderator Enforcement Protocol:
The above rules apply to posts, chats, emails, and any other activity conducted on The Zeitgeist Movement's website, IRC chat; Teamspeak.

Summary:
When a general user is believed to be in violation of these rules, and the user has an honest record of prior use, they will first be warned, publicly, in the platform on which the violation occurred, when the nature of the violation does not require immediate action, and when the violation does not appear to be intentional. They may also be warned privately, by personal message, chat, or other means.

(See below - “Type 2 User”- regarding malicious users, or “trolls”.)
If violations are repeated after an initial warning, the user will be suspended. Any suspension on any official platform will result in suspension from all platforms. The length and requirements of a suspension are decided by the administrator/mod acting.  Reinstatement will generally be granted when the user acknowledges the nature of the infraction, makes all  necessary amends, and agrees not to repeat the violation.  Repeated violations and suspensions, which are deemed to indicate an unwillingness to respect the rules, will result in indefinite suspension.

In cases where a user believes that a suspension has occurred due to a misinterpretation, or when a user requests reinstatement, email globalmods@thezeitgeistmovement.com
*The creation of additional accounts for the purpose of disputing or avoiding enforcement of the rules will be considered intentional violation, and may result in indefinite suspension. See below for more specifics.

Regarding Suspensions:
The following is to show how Moderator decisions are made as far as suspensions. There are typically three types of Users who becomes suspended either permanently or temporarily:

Type 1”: A seemingly well meaning User who has a “bad day” and becomes abusive. This type of action can be considered a temporal emotional response and likewise a temporary suspension can be initialed. Very often, based upon the discretion of a Moderator, a warning is given in advance, privately or publicly. If this given warning is thus violated, then a suspension will then occur. The length and requirements of a suspension are at the discretion of the Global Moderation Team.  Reinstatement will generally be granted when the user acknowledges the nature of the infraction, makes  necessary amends, and agrees not to repeat the violation.  Repeated violations and suspensions, which are deemed to indicate an unwillingness to respect the rules, will result in indefinite suspension. Also, the creation of additional accounts for the purpose of disputing or avoiding enforcement of the rules, will be considered intentional violation, and may result in indefinite suspension.

In cases where a user believes that a suspension has occurred due to a misinterpretation, or when a user requests reinstatement, they can email globalmods@thezeitgeistmovement.com for review.

“Type 2”: This is often a New User who registers and immediately posts anti-movement rhetoric, spam or insults. This type of user is suspended immediately. The obviousness of this type of offense is typically very clear and requires little review. An example of such a post/statement would be “The Venus Project is Garbage”. Anyone posting such biased rhetoric will be suspended immediately, without warning, based upon the judgment of the Moderator/Global Mod Team.

“Type 3”: This user is simply a more clever version of Type 2. This type of User works to establish credibility for a given period of time, claiming to agree with The Movement, only to later start undermining affairs that alienating others. This type of user is often difficult to diagnose, so the protocol is the same as with the Type 1 User (above).

Public Notice:
All Suspended users are listed in the Moderator's  “Public Moderation Discussion” Category
in the sticky thread called “List of Suspended Users “.
Each entry will give an explanation/example of the violation/action taken.
In some cases, multiple suspensions which are believed to involve the same person may be summarized into one entry.

Conflict Resolution/Reporting:
-USER to USER: Report the user to the Moderator of the medium. For the forum, this can be done by selecting the “report to mod” button at the bottom right of each thread post.
-USER to MODERATOR: Send any complains about such issues to globalmods@thezeitgeistmovement.com This team will review your issue and work to resolve it.

General Advice:
1. If there is a "sticky" thread at the top of a category, read it before posting any new threads to that category.

2. Before starting a new topic, search the forum for previous threads on the same topic

3. Avoid "hijacking" another user's thread. Hijacking is taking their thread, and posting your own unrelated reply to it. If you have a new topic, then create your own thread. Similarly, if you create a thread, and decide to introduce a new subject, create a new thread. Doing to will make it easier for others to find relevant topics.

4. Before you ask general questions about The Zeitgeist Movement, or The Venus Project, please read all of the Q&A; content on the main website, www.thezeitgeistmovement.com.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

VTV tries to create his own RBE

User:VTV115

From Wikipedia

Anarcho-Virtualism

Anarcho-Virtualism advocates the abolishment of the monetary system of exchange in favor of a resource based economy, wherein all of the resources of a given community are declared as the common heritage of all of it's people. Like Anarcho-Communism and Anarcho-Syndicalism, Anarcho-Virtualism advocates the abolition of the state, private property and capitalism in favor of common ownership of the means of production. Where it differs from these systems, is that rather then focusing on labor as a means of exchange, Anarcho-Virtualists feel that the need for labor can eventually be eliminated entirely through automation. This school holds to the idea that almost all functions previously held by government can be placed into the hands of machines in a manner similar to Cyberocracy. With computer networks that are designed with sensors to gather data on the status of the earth and the communities on it and react accordingly. This cybernated system would facilitate the rapid transmission of relevant information from the source of a problem to the people or automated machines in a position able to fix said problem, via a system of interconnected computer networks and automated information sorting software, with human decision makers only be called into use in the case of unusual problems, problem trends, or through an appeal process pursued by an individual.
Anarcho-Virtualists disagree with the notion that many Anarcho-Communists hold to that people will spontaneously commit themselves to labor for the betterment of the community, and instead seek to use technology to automate menial labor. Allowing mankind to instead focus on researching and developing better technology to improve the standard of living of all people. Education, housing, food and all the other necessities of life through the intelligent management of resources could be easily provided with the proper application of technology. It is egalitarian in it's approach, utilizing the scientific method to find the best possible standard of living for all of the people in a given society. Anarcho-Virtualists reject any form of social class or social stratification.
In addition, Anarcho-Virtualists believe that the environment must be protected through the use of sustainable and recyclable forms of energy and production. That all goods produced should be produced with sustainability and efficiency in mind to minimize waste and maximize quality. That all communities should be as self-sufficient as possible.
Anarcho-Virtualists feel that capitalism and the motive to make profit that comes with it too often leads to corruption and the creation of social class. Leading to pollution, war, and the exploitation of the workforce. They also point to technological unemployment, that is unemployment created by innovations in automation technology is eliminating jobs at an ever accelerating rate. As corporate entities seek to minimize their workforce and therefore the wages they must pay out of their profits. Free Market advocates have long argued that technological unemployment is a fallacy, stating that any unemployment created by machines will be absorbed by the production of the machines themselves. However Anarcho-Virtualists believe that most of those arguments were made in a time when technology was no where near as advanced as it is today, where machines make machines. Anarcho-Virtualists point out that the only labor force that can effectively compete with an automated machine is slave labor. And that this conclusion has already been reached by profit motivated businessmen who buy their products from factories in the third world where working conditions are extremely profitable but equally inhumane.
Anarcho-Virtualists also feel that laws, force and coercion are not an effective means to effect social change. Challenging instead that all behavior comes from the environment of the person in question. The circumstances in which people currently defined as criminals would be examined closely to determine the root cause of the behavior so as to prevent that behavior in the future. As well as determining how best to help that individual. This school of anarchy holds to the idea that crime is generally a direct reaction to the scarcity of the necessities of life, or through neurosis caused by the stress of that situation. This they feel can be overcome through creating abundance.
Personal choice is absolutely respected in this school of thought, and rather then attempting to forbid certain modes of behavior such as eating unhealthy food or the use of dangerous drugs, research into the effects of such behavior that is untainted by the motive to make profit in selling these items would be made public to discourage these choices.
Education would be centered on the cultivation of creative and analytical thinking, empowering people to be able to solve problems and provide solutions.
Anarcho-Virtualism values the use of the scientific method and logic in all decision making. Stating that the best way for all of mankind to live the best life possible will only be clear through rational thinking that has been tested for it's validity.

History

This school of anarchy was founded by Neil Kiernan Stephenson, based entirely on the work of industrial designer and social engineer Jacque Fresco of The Venus Project. Fresco has worked as both designer and inventor in a wide range of fields spanning from biomedical innovations to totally integrated social systems. He believes his ideas would maximally benefit the greatest number of people and he states some of his ideas stem from his formative years during the Great Depression.
The Venus Project was started in the mid-1970s by Fresco and his partner, Roxanne Meadows. The film Future by Design was produced in 2006 describing his life and work. To this day he writes and lectures extensively on subjects ranging from the holistic design of sustainable cities, energy efficiencynatural resource management and advanced automation, focusing on the benefits it will bring to society. Recently Mr. Fresco and the Venus Project along with it's solutions for mankind's ills were featured in the film Zeitgeist Addendum.
Mr. Fresco was compelled by his childhood experiences during the great depression to find a sustainable society for all people. In pursuit of this he traveled to an island in the Pacific where there was little to no conflict between the native peoples present due to an abundance of food and shelter. What he witnessed there was a society with an environment that rendered it almost completely free of conflict. With all of the people's needs in abundance, there was no need for competition. Mr. Fresco then went on to research ways to recreate this effect in a modern world through the use of technology to create the same circumstances of abundance.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Peter Joseph was a fan of Ray Kurzweil

VTV tries to takeover the Boston Tea Party

Formation of the Resource-Based Economy Caucus.

Due to the recent changes in my political ideology, I have decided to form a caucus that is in line with my ideas. This caucus still is in line with the platform of the Boston Tea Party, but suggests a different solution to getting us to the goals presented. The Boston Tea Party platform states:

"The Boston Tea Party supports reducing the size, scope and power of government at all levels and on all issues, and opposes increasing the size, scope and power of government at any level, for any purpose."

This caucus would actually propose suggestions about how to remove the need for government entirely through the use of technology as a final goal.

The Resource-Based economy caucus:

The Resource-Based economy caucus is a caucus that seeks to bring about awareness of the advantages of implementing a Resource-Based economy. And to work towards that implementation. The definition of a Resource-Based economy as defined by Jacque Fresco of the Venus Project is as follows:

“A Resource-Based Economy is a system in which all goods and services are available without the use of money, credits, barter or any other system of debt or servitude. All resources become the common heritage of all of the inhabitants, not just a select few. The premise upon which this system is based is that the Earth is abundant with plentiful resource; our practice of rationing resources through monetary methods is irrelevant and counter productive to our survival.

Modern society has access to highly advanced technology and can make available food, clothing, housing and medical care; update our educational system; and develop a limitless supply of renewable, non-contaminating energy. By supplying an efficiently designed economy, everyone can enjoy a very high standard of living with all of the amenities of a high technological society.

We must emphasize that this approach to global governance has nothing whatever in common with the present aims of an elite to form a world government with themselves and large corporations at the helm, and the vast majority of the world's population subservient to them. Our vision of globalization empowers each and every person on the planet to be the best they can be, not to live in abject subjugation to a corporate governing body.

Our proposals would not only add to the well being of people, but they would also provide the necessary information that would enable them to participate in any area of their competence. The measure of success would be based on the fulfillment of one's individual pursuits rather than the acquisition of wealth, property and power.

At present, we have enough material resources to provide a very high standard of living for all of Earth's inhabitants. Only when population exceeds the carrying capacity of the land do many problems such as greed, crime and violence emerge. By overcoming scarcity, most of the crimes and even the prisons of today's society would no longer be necessary.

A resource-based economy would make it possible to use technology to overcome scarce resources by applying renewable sources of energy, computerizing and automating manufacturing and inventory, designing safe energy-efficient cities and advanced transportation systems, providing universal health care and more relevant education, and most of all by generating a new incentive system based on human and environmental concern.

Many people believe that there is too much technology in the world today, and that technology is the major cause of our environmental pollution. This is not the case. It is the abuse and misuse of technology that should be our major concern. In a more humane civilization, instead of machines displacing people they would shorten the workday, increase the availability of goods and services, and lengthen vacation time. If we utilize new technology to raise the standard of living for all people, then the infusion of machine technology would no longer be a threat.

A resource-based world economy would also involve all-out efforts to develop new, clean, and renewable sources of energy: geothermal; controlled fusion; solar; photovoltaic; wind, wave, and tidal power; and even fuel from the oceans. We would eventually be able to have energy in unlimited quantity that could propel civilization for thousands of years. A resource-based economy must also be committed to the redesign of our cities, transportation systems, and industrial plants, allowing them to be energy efficient, clean, and conveniently serve the needs of all people.

What else would a resource-based economy mean? Technology intelligently and efficiently applied, conserves energy, reduces waste, and provides more leisure time. With automated inventory on a global scale, we can maintain a balance between production and distribution. Only nutritious and healthy food would be available and planned obsolescence would be unnecessary and non-existent in a resource-based economy.

As we outgrow the need for professions based on the monetary system, for instance lawyers, bankers, insurance agents, marketing and advertising personnel, salespersons, and stockbrokers, a considerable amount of waste will be eliminated. Considerable amounts of energy would also be saved by eliminating the duplication of competitive products such as tools, eating utensils, pots, pans and vacuum cleaners. Choice is good. But instead of hundreds of different manufacturing plants and all the paperwork and personnel required to turn out similar products, only a few of the highest quality would be needed to serve the entire population. Our only shortage is the lack of creative thought and intelligence in ourselves and our elected leaders to solve these problems. The most valuable, untapped resource today is human ingenuity.

With the elimination of debt, the fear of losing one's job will no longer be a threat This assurance, combined with education on how to relate to one another in a much more meaningful way, could considerably reduce both mental and physical stress and leave us free to explore and develop our abilities.

If the thought of eliminating money still troubles you, consider this: If a group of people with gold, diamonds and money were stranded on an island that had no resources such as food, clean air and water, their wealth would be irrelevant to their survival. It is only when resources are scarce that money can be used to control their distribution. One could not, for example, sell the air we breathe or water abundantly flowing down from a mountain stream. Although air and water are valuable, in abundance they cannot be sold.

Money is only important in a society when certain resources for survival must be rationed and the people accept money as an exchange medium for the scarce resources. Money is a social convention, an agreement if you will. It is neither a natural resource nor does it represent one. It is not necessary for survival unless we have been conditioned to accept it as such.”

Key points of the caucus:

  1. We intend to offer alternatives to the current outdated solutions that are simply not working.
  2. We will work to expose the dangers of a profit motivated monetary system, and spread awareness of the various ways this system is corrupted.
  3. We will work to spread awareness of the technology that could liberate mankind from the monetary system and the profit motive.
  4. We will offer dialogue as to the flaws of Socialism, Communism, and Capitalism and why none of these solutions will solve the problems of mankind. And offer the research of the Venus Project as data of an alternative to any of these outdated failed systems.
  5. We do not advocate the use of force or coercion, but seek to demonstrate our ideas to bring understanding of why we feel this is the best direction for mankind.
I am sure this will be somewhat controversial. But I have thought long and hard on this direction.

You can get more information on this subject by visiting the website for the Venus Project:

http://thevenusproject.com/

Saturday, August 8, 2009

The Venus Project Jenga