COMMAND OVER THE GROUP IN INTIMATE MATTERS: In order to become an Atlas Forum mod, an oath to devote oneself to a sexless and homosexual lifestyle is demanded. Sexual impurity, especially among the leaders, can be common and promoted. Doctrinal deception is more than often displayed by moral deception. (Pedophilia and kinky German/Austrian BDSM is acceptable).
INCONSISTENT DISCIPLINED LIFE: Atlas Forum mods have very strict rules in some areas and completely loose in others. Will make up extra rules to either forbid things normally done or will allow total freedom to the extreme such as in Tender's ability to rape and torture many young women in his basement.
PICTURED: Longtime Atlas Forum Moderator Tender Branson
GROUP TRUST: Confession Sessions are used in the Modcave to build relationships. Full disclosure of all secret sins, thoughts, temptations, desires are expressed with those you know and may not know to build up your trusting them with your life. These can become a powerful tools to emotionally bond you to Dave/Nym or the group. They later can be used to manipulate, or blackmail some one if and when they decide to leave.
A DOUBLE STANDARD: There is one standard for the followers and another for the leaders can do almost anything wrong while others will be rebuked and made examples of if they do the same things, such as in the case of Sawx.
TAKES LICENSE WITH DAVE'S WORD: Torie, et al. often rule vested with the authority imparted by Dave however bastardize his precedent.
MISPLACED LOYALTY: Someone involved in an abusive system finds their of loyalty is nurtured and even demanded. Loyalty for Dave is replaced by the mod hierarchy. Because authority is usually from an individual or a group one is asked if they will be loyal to Dave confusing the member that to be loyal to a person or group means the same.
ISOLATION: Mods are encouraged only to leave the Modcave to cast down judgement on The Unworthy, and are not encouraged to "go native" and sympathize with regular forum-goers. The Modcave harbors the personal lives and commands for members. Use of AAD is highly discouraged.
TOTAL COMMITMENT: is expected of the followers to Nym and Torie.
AN "US AGAINST THEM" ATTITUDE AND PHILOSOPHY: Anyone who challenges Torie's doctrine is automatically branded as an enemy which is usually anyone who disagrees. The mods feel that they are being persecuted unfairly by the forum at-large and that they are only doing right, despite the overwhelming disapproval of their actions.
FOCUS ON AN IMAGINED ENEMY: The enemy for the mods is often seen to be clever sock-masters, trolls, and AAD. The focus shifts from inside and instead of Dave's truth and purpose, it keeps the adherents busy towards something outside. It also stops them from looking in and really thinking things through (ie. is deleting this thread really worth it?)
RULES OF SILENCE: There are rules that govern the Atlas Forum which are often not stated or made public. They say the only statement we have is Dave's Word. Since the rules are not spoken verbally, you don't find out that the rules exist until you've broken one. It is taken for granted that you should know them. Or you taught them after you have access to the Modcave. these are all red lights to the group.
CURSES and THREATS: Are put on those who leave the Moderator position or oppose them afterwards. They are told there is no where else to go and that if they speak out they will lose all their friends.
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