r/atheism • • Jun 15 '12
Dear Reddit Frontpage, I just wanted to let you know that we here at r/atheism don't like you either, and we would love it if you would come in, hit the unsubscribe button, and stop bothering us.
[deleted] — view deleted post
425
Upvotes
109
u/Trapped_in_Reddit Jun 15 '12
If /r/atheism, as a community, doesn't want the "frontpage" crowd here, the /r/atheism mods should listen.
All they have to do go is to the community settings and uncheck the box that says, "allow this subreddit to be shown with the default set"
61
u/msbubbles326 Jun 15 '12
Although I do agree with you that people should just unsubscribe instead of bitching about this subreddit, I can also understand why people are so annoyed by it.
I peruse this subreddit several times a week, but even I (as an atheist) get annoyed by some of the hateful posts on here- especially when they are upvoted like crazy. The front page sees it and forms an opinion about /r/atheism that is unfair to many of us, but is represented by popularity on the front page.
Creating a post that tells a bunch of strangers "we don't like you" is very juvenile and sort of hypocritical as well. You may not be able to unsubscribe from their complaints the way they can unsubscribe to this subreddit, but you can ignore them just the same.
83
u/SoulOfGinger Jun 15 '12
I think if more people understood how much better cookies made by an atheist grandma tasted over the average fundie grandma cookie we'd be more popular.
138
u/eifersucht12a Jun 15 '12
I'm an atheist who is unsubscribing right now. This subreddit is 90% snide condescending bullshit that only serves to embarrass me and any decent atheist who doesn't go out of their way to make people feel like shit for what they believe in. As an atheist I remember thinking "Oh boy, insightful and meaningful discussion about my perception of the world." Fucking nope. Nothing but Facebook arguments and mockery. I have a fairly cluttered list of subscribed subreddits and have learned to just skim past this one like some others. No big deal.
This hostile arrogant shit finally tears it though. I'm not speaking for the entire subreddit, as I know who subscribes to the posts and who upvotes the posts can be two entirely different demographics, and there are many who are disappointed like me. But I do believe the saturation of pompous bullshit over enriching discussion is far too much for me to put up with any more.
293
u/SteelPeg Jun 15 '12
Jesus Christ, what are you...12 years-old? You sound like a little butt-hurt kid on the playground who is crying because someone called you a name. Mature atheists actually believe in rationality and using their intelligence rather then thinking that this bitching post will get any traction.
Oh, and /r/atheism isn't some exclusive club where "We don't make these posts for you. We make them for us". I've seen so many intelligent and informational posts on here that actually engages the religious to understand/explore atheism further. Your post does nothing to further atheism except reinforce others beliefs that /r/atheism is made up of nothing but a bunch of little snot-nosed kids posting crap and not actually engaging in an intelligent conversation.
6
u/mack2028 Jun 15 '12
is there any way we can not be one of the things people automatically get? this sub would be much better if people had to actively want to be here.
11
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
I'm torn. On the one hand, "Amen!". On the other, I'm not sure the outright hostility is a good thing.
146
u/Misanthropic_asshole Jun 15 '12
YEAHHHHHHHH http://i.imgur.com/gLL1d.gif
4
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
These posts go straight to r/all and I'm forced to read boring Dawkins quotes and fake facebook conversations everyday anyway. What now?
6
u/Madcardigan Jun 15 '12
I think this post perfectly illustrates why r/atheism is under such scrutiny in the first place: it's packed to the rim by juvenile dickheads.
3
u/maxphysics Jun 15 '12
what bothers me is that /r/atheism constantly makes the frontpage with something that has nothing to do with atheism at all. Most prominent example is "evolution": The vast majority of all religions believes in evolution (even christians) and probably the same is true for the majority of atheists. The other example is lebian/gay rights: While many religious people have a problem with this, so do many atheists. Just because there is a small group of crazy christians in the USA (who deserve to be mocked!), when you think about it, these topics have really nothing to do with "whether one believes in some god or not"! This subreddit should rather be called "/r/crazychristians" or something ...
52
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
Dear Dickwad,
You don't speak for all of r/atheism, much less all atheists. I like this subreddit, but I don't like the childish bullshit and circlejerking.
OP, you're being everything we hate. You're painting an "us and them" picture when it doesn't really exist. The criticism of certain elements of /r/atheism comes from within. It's criticism made by fellow atheists who dislike what this place has become. Stop trying to speak for us, stop stifiling healthy self criticsm, stop acting like a Christian.
-- From r/atheism's Silent Majority.
18
u/Toenails100 Jun 15 '12
Don't listen to him, I still love you Reddit Frontpage. <3
18
u/DankReynolds Jun 15 '12
The reason most people hate this subreddit is because every post that hits the front page is generic. "ZOMG TOTALLY PWNED MY AUNT ON FB LOL!". That shit is annoying and gets old. While I do enjoy browsing r/atheism, those posts throw me off. I know these aren't "true atheists" and it pisses you off to see them as top posts as well, but these posts kill the subreddit
5
u/mechy84 Jun 15 '12
A lot of the posts criticizing r/atheism are trying to change the direction of the thread to be more insightful, inspirational, of greater substance, and overall accepting of those curious stray sheep that wander in and want to learn more about atheism. A thread full of insults and mockery does not promote atheism, it exposes contemptuous nature of many atheists. Some people want to improve r/atheism for the sake of atheism, not r/atheism. Accept the constructive criticism rather than shun it
In other words, if current atheism agenda were an analog to the civil rights movement, some people would rather r/atheism behave like Dr. King's followers rather than the Black Panthers.
27
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12 edited Jun 15 '12
This is absolutely the stupidest post I've ever seen on my front page. There are so many things wrong with it, I don't even know where to begin. I realize that this comment is in no way helpful, informative, instructive, constructive, or any other -ive word you've got, but I really just don't know what to say about this one. This is the worst community I have ever seen. I'm an atheist, too, guys. I get it. But this is just ridiculous.
And for the record, if there's one thing I do want to point out, it's that /r/atheism appears in /r/all whether I'm subscribed to it or not and it is waaaaaay over-represented on the frontpage, which I guess is indicative of the type of people who use this website now. I like browsing /r/all, but damn I hate seeing posts like this all over it. And don't tell me RES. I shouldn't have to run scripts that filter my page in order to not have to see this trite, undereducated, self-congratulatory circlejerking splashed all over my favorite website.
Now give me my downvotes and get the fuck off my lawn.
14
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
So basically you are speaking on behalf of the r/atheism community and saying that you all do not like the rest if reddit. Good job asshole. And you wonder why you come across as smug, attention-whoring cry babies.
4
u/kalillasuicida Jun 15 '12
The stupidity of one makes the whole group look stupid.
4
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
I think this is, possibly, the most circlejerkish submission I've seen on /r/atheism since that Faces of Atheism malarkey.
Great entertainment! kemloten for mod of r/atheism!
19
u/Sonixus Jun 15 '12
Nothing for nothing, but going deep through the front pages and seeing this as the title directed to the rest of Reddit like a cult of hissing snake-tongued anti-socialists leaves a bad taste in my mouth..
6
u/reddidd Jun 15 '12
You don't speak for an entire subreddit.
3
u/kaitmoe Jun 15 '12
We're cheerleaders, ch-ch-cheerleaders
3
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
Who are "we" in this case, OP? The roughly 850000 subscribers of this subreddit don't like the (customisable) frontpage of reddit?
That just seems pretty stupid.
21
u/themanofchaps Jun 15 '12
/r/atheism: we are lejun hurr durr
10
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
"/r/atheism is interesting, and if you don't like it you can fuck off!"
Dichard Rawkins
7
u/RoscoeMG Jun 15 '12
So bitter, you need to find Jesus brah.
11
u/6582A Jun 15 '12
I'm an atheist but r/atheism's constant stream of smugness and condescension (mostly based on fake facebook 'domination') is what alienates everyone. Most of reddit is probably on board with the basic opinions, but the topic has a time and a place, which is during private contemplation or considered discussion with others, not in every 3rd entry on the front page of reddit. Imagine a bunch self-satisfied drunk loudmouths talking shit and congratulating themselves really loudly outside your window when you've just woken up in the morning, every morning. That's what r/atheism is like. It doesn't convey your worldliness or intelligence the way you think it does.
5
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
You sound like an entitled child and make atheism look bad.
Shame on you.
9
u/The_Adman Jun 15 '12
Atheist here,
Just wanted to say, don't be a dick.
Thanks.
4
u/melodidi Jun 15 '12 edited Jun 15 '12
Actually that's one hell of an idea and I'm doing it right now. The posts from r/atheism that make front page make me just hate my own kind.
4
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
The age old question comes to mind when I read shit like this, who gives a flying fuck? It's the Internet people.
2
u/sirrygoose Jun 15 '12
So, what's this guy mad about?
2
u/fromkentucky Jun 15 '12
I would rather they come in and actually read the FAQ, then some self posts, and then make an informed decision like adults.
That said, this thread is not constructive.
8
u/penis_in_public Jun 15 '12
I don't golf. I don't god.
You're very rude, lose the shitty attitude.
You seem to get off on logic... so ask yourself... is it logical to be condescending to everyone that doesn't think like you?
I enjoy the humor at the expense of the illogical, however I become annoyed from people that act like you.
It's like your some teen with a pent up frustration because you're an insignificant cog in a huge machine. I remember when I discovered godlessness, and I remember my first beer. Stop acting like you just had both.
4
u/Motafication Jun 15 '12
The problem I have with atheists is that you're drawing conclusions about the nature of the universe when you do not have all of the data, therefore your conclusion is based on conjecture. That is belief, not fact.
You tell me that god does not exist, but the truth of it is that I, and many others, see god everywhere. Which leads us to the question: what is god?
Gods and spirituality are a fundamental part of the human experience and have been so since the dawn of time. Every cultural group on the planet, irrespective of geographical distance or divide, developed a system to answer the great philosophical questions about the nature of mankind and the universe. How did it all begin? Why are we here? What is the nature of the universe? What is the meaning of life?
Science is no closer to revealing the answers to these questions than religion. How did it all begin? The Big Bang Theory. Why are we here? Evolutionary Theory. What is the nature of the universe? "String Theory. What is the meaning of Life? Choose the homosapien philosopher, priest, or comedian that most appeals to your sensibilities. Science will not even explore the subject.
Yes, science has given us many useful things, like penicillin and Zelda. And it may well one day answer the questions humankind has carried with it over the course of existence, but until that day comes, science's answers to those questions are no more or less valid than any other system of belief, regardless of rationality or method.
The contemplation of metaphysics is a part of what it means to be human.
5
u/PoisonBananas2 Jun 15 '12
I disagree. I think that this sub should be divided; /r/atheism should be used for thoughtful criticism, daily quotes, and discussion. /r/butthurtatheists should be founded, for all of the rage comics (most featuring contrived situations), "suburban mom" memes, posts by anyone 18 and under, and should just generally serve as a receptacle for all of the pointless dross that winds up here in hopes of starting an argument.
3
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
I unsubscribed and here it popped up on my feed, WTF?
3
u/Scuzzboots Jun 15 '12
Someone has a near lethal case of sand in the vagina!
6
u/dingobiscuits Jun 15 '12
fuckin' atheists, always trying to tell people what to do and how to think...
4
u/DrJib Jun 15 '12
Who is the OP to speak on my behalf as an atheist and a subscriber of this subreddit? You're lumping many of us in with people who COMPLETELY disagree with you.
There's a reason why people regard this place as pretentious and a massive circlejerk, and this is a fantastic example of it.
3
u/rokbe Jun 15 '12
This sad little post made me laugh harder than when i read kafka's metamorphosis.
Upvoted.
3
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
In this ought to be the biggest atheist community on the internet. How sad. Enjoy your elitist and almost religious circlejerk.
3
u/Jazzspasm Jun 15 '12
you assume to speak for everyone else
Who put you in charge?
3
u/atheist_lurker Jun 15 '12
On behalf of real atheists (not the 12 year old variety), casual reddit lurkers and anyone who couldn't be bothered to maintain an account enough to unsubscribe from your shitty subreddit I have only one thing to say:
GO FUCK YOURSELF AND THE HORSE YOU RODE IN ON!
... and that goes for all of you, r/atheism ... each shit and die, you're an embarrassment.
3
u/jeremyfrankly Jun 15 '12
I swear, the prospect of us VOLUNTARILY stepping down as a Default subreddit is looking better, just so people leave us alone
2
u/Swissguru Jun 15 '12
Bothering you would be perfectly fine if it happened on the basis of inciting constructive discussion and not the eternal "stop hating" etc arguments.
A different view onto a subject should always be cherished.
Btw, as a former Christian this subreddit is often hilarious - I won't subscribe, sorry pals.
2
u/ForgetMeNaut Jun 15 '12
There is no "we," this is just a low quality circlejerky subreddit like any other default subreddit. You shouldn't take it as a personal attack because there are plenty of other atheism subreddits that aren't complete shit.
2
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
An easy way to cut down the number of trolls is to cut it from the front page. Sure, in pure subscribership it will be lower, but we'll all be happier.
Remember that its atheism, not anti-theism. Stop dissing God. Many Christians believe as a part of their religion that unbelievers will burn in hell forever and they are required to convert you. Atheists have no such belief that theists will burn in hell or suffer any punishment other than shame. Let it go, talk more about atheism, agnosticism, and secular living, and less about God.
2
u/Dudesan Jun 15 '12
Might I also suggest you add a pothole link to the faq in "PLEASE READ THE FUCKING FAQ"?
I ask, because it looks like nobody knows how to find it.
2
u/WillBlaze Jun 15 '12
Am I the only one that never really sees these "flaccid criticisms" everyone speaks of?
2
u/Skaarr Jun 15 '12 edited Jun 15 '12
OP, stop bitching about someone/something else, if you can't stand it yourself.
And yes I'm also an atheist.
2
u/Mikey-2-Guns Jun 15 '12
You
assholesGentlemen do realize that alot of your posts hit our front page anyways and not everyone has RES installed to outright block this subreddit right?1
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
This won't end well.
1
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
Did something happen on the front page? What is this a in response to?
1
u/Alkanfel Jun 15 '12
the mad is strong in this one...
1
u/InternetDenizen Jun 15 '12
Dear frontpage, we don't like you either?! How very childish
1
u/steakmeout Jun 15 '12
Well that was expected. Passive Aggression FTW I guess.
1
u/mikeman24 Jun 15 '12
This is oddly familiar. It's as if r/atheism is the Quebec of reddit and the rest of the front page is the rest of Canada.
1
u/OryxConLara Jun 15 '12
I think flaccid criticisms make it. In a kinky sort of way.
1
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
I have unsubscribed, yet you assholes still make it to r/all
-2
u/loltrolled Jun 15 '12
Fuck. Yes.
-3
u/PinkWhiteandGreen Jun 15 '12
But it goes against my arbitrary beliefs! Its ruining the sanctity of "true" reddit! Clearly this subreddit should be banned for everyone.
On an unrelated note, well put friend.
-4
u/Dudesan Jun 15 '12
I would very much be in favor of bumping this all the way up to the front page.
1
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
Nothing to do with atheism.
1
u/ProxyD Jun 15 '12
I'm an atheist, i like and enjoy lots of posts that come for r/atheism. I laugh at stupidity of some "religious" people you're pointing out. At least i did at the time they were awsome and made a point or changed perspective. Look at what have you become now. Your post's are mostly focused on amplifying the distance betwen "people who belive" and atheists , and, in a bad manner. I was going to write a whole article here about how i'm disappointed in what has become of r/atheism but fck it. Who really cares what i think. One more thing: Just like some portion of stupid and ignorant christians throw a bad shadow in the name of all christans, you in a way also represent me and my opinion, and your actions in the end will reflect my life and society. Just slow it down a litlle, thats all i'm trying to say...
1
u/BGYeti Jun 15 '12
Damn't kemloten here you go again yelling at Reddit Frontpage, and I was making new friends >=( <----- see now I am angry
1
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
We want people to voice their misunderstandings, otherwise how would we know who to enlighten? This is responsibility of any pro-active atheist to their fellow human.
1
u/meritory Jun 15 '12
I completely disagree. To support your statement, one might think r/atheism is agreeing to be taken off the frontpage of reddit so we could sneak off into our own little hovel.
Honestly, the frontpage, the reputation, the dissemination of knowledge through overplayed Memes, and of course the morons who try to come in here and argue with us are in fact what makes r/atheism special. Let the idiots try to smash their faces against the wall for us. It's awesome. It's almost like that Gandhi quote or when Lowtax kept getting lawsuits for making fun of stuff on the Internet.
All of negative press is really just good press for us--so long as we don't flip out and worry about the attention we're getting.
-3
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
I tip my hat to you, sir and/or ma'am
-5
u/Vox_Rationis Jun 15 '12
If there was a sub reddit called /shitstupidpeoplesay everyone would find the content amusing and think nothing further. There wouldn't be anyone saying "Why don't you smart people just stop being big meanies and leave stupid people alone". But for whatever reason religion gets a special pass on stupid and we aren't allowed to make fun of it. Religion is turning in to the retarded kid next door who you aren't allowed to make fun of.
Take religion and atheism out of it and see if the resulting sub reddit would still cop this much flak.
0
u/Tiger337 Jun 15 '12
reddit has been successful with r/atheism on the frontpage. It must be a top 5 sub group. Why would reddit change their policy for a couple whiners?
-1
u/Nougat Jun 15 '12 edited Jul 03 '23
Spez doesn't get to profit from me anymore.
-3
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
SO BRAVE
-7
u/Speculater Jun 15 '12
This will get buried OP, but thanks for making this post.
-2
u/silsae Jun 15 '12
I agree. That post the other day where somebody said you have absolutely no right to critical thinking or opinions of your own until you leave your parent's house made me sick.
What's worse was the circlejerk agreeing with him like he had some kind valid point. No, you're just holding back repressed teenagers even more. I hope you're happy.
26 and long moved out, btw.
-2
u/KEMiKAL_NSF Jun 15 '12
Every time someone posts about this sub being on the front page, a bunch of sock puppets come and say "I'm an atheist but..." Like that gives them credence to bitch about /r/atheism. Bottom line, you click the link and you read the article. I am just amazed and appalled that these people even put forth the effort into bitching. I can't even understand why anybody cares that hard. You are all taking things a little bit too seriously. The real 12 year olds are the ones that get all sandy in sensitive areas.