All aboard the atheist bus

nozzferrahhtoo

Well I have just pledged by 5gbp to this quite funny little idea.

Politically and intellectually is probabaly (likely) quite a useless move. But its damn funny and thats enough for me

Do you ever get annoyed by those religious ads you see? TV comedy writer Ariane Sherine does, so she wrote an amusing article for The Guardian suggesting that atheists club together and pay for their own.

She worked out if 4,680 atheists contribute £5 that would pay for an ad on a London bendy bus for a two weeks. The slogan: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and get on with your life."

Original idea here: Freethinker

Facebook pledge point here for those on facebook: Facebook apps

And I beleive pledges can also be made: here

pH

nozzferrahhtoo wrote: »

She worked out if 4,680 atheists contribute £5 that would pay for an ad on a London bendy bus for a two weeks. The slogan: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and get on with your life."

Bloody militant agnostics.

Dades

pH wrote: »

Bloody militant agnostics.

LOL!

I am highly amused by this idea! It's a totally innocuous statement, but can you just imagine the kerfuffle when the more conservative religious get wind of the intention?

Perhaps we should post our own suggestions for what to go on the side of a CIE bus (though I think the one they have is great)!

nozzferrahhtoo

What do they have already?

Anyone happen to know the costs of advertising on a CIE?

Dades

nozzferrahhtoo wrote: »

What do they have already?

Sorry - I meant the freethinker slogan they already have in the UK.

Tim Robbins

nozzferrahhtoo wrote: »

Well I have just pledged by 5gbp to this quite funny little idea.

Politically and intellectually is probabaly (likely) quite a useless move. But its damn funny and thats enough for me

Do you ever get annoyed by those religious ads you see? TV comedy writer Ariane Sherine does, so she wrote an amusing article for The Guardian suggesting that atheists club together and pay for their own.

She worked out if 4,680 atheists contribute £5 that would pay for an ad on a London bendy bus for a two weeks. The slogan: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and get on with your life."

Original idea here: Freethinker

Facebook pledge point here for those on facebook: Facebook apps

And I beleive pledges can also be made: here

I'd prefer a question rather than a statement. e.g. What's the difference between faith and logic? Is it a coincidence most people believe in a God, it is the same God as their parents?

Run_to_da_hills

nozzferrahhtoo wrote: »

Anyone happen to know the costs of advertising on a CIE?

Why don't you just go out and buy your own bus, paint it up and and drive it around,:rolleyes:
Circle lines they have few going handy.

eoin5

nozzferrahhtoo wrote: »

What do they have already?

Anyone happen to know the costs of advertising on a CIE?

10 euro for a can of halfords matt black

Zombrex

Considering a lot of people would be far more worried if their wasn't a God than if there is one this bill board probably missing the mark some what.

Dave!

hah, deadly idea I'd be up for it

nozzferrahhtoo

Wicknight wrote: »

Considering a lot of people would be far more worried if their wasn't a God than if there is one this bill board probably missing the mark some what.

Erm.... it would be pointless to tell them to STOP worrying if the concept DIDNT worry them so I think its hit the mark perfectly. If there being no god DIDNT worry them and you were telling them to STOP worrying then I think youd be missing a mark completely.

This of course is not to say that I wouldnt put a slightly different message on if it was actually up to me. Im sure we all would. But this one will suffice I feel.

Dave!

I'm confused

Dades

I'd say wicknight means the average believer doesn't particularly fear God, and in fact would be more scared of a world without God.

On reflection I think maybe I'd like this displayed:

You don't need religion if you have faith in yourself.

Dave!

ooooh, that's deep! Ever consider a career in motivational speaking? :pac:

robindch

Borrowing from the RRS:

Believe in God? We can help!

Visit http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=614!

(ok, maybe the url needs a bit of work...)

Pompey Magnus

I don't really get the idea. What exactly are they trying to achieve, do they want a load Christian nuts phoning London Bus to complain thereby proving to themselves that some Christians are intolerant of atheism? We know this already so I think I will keep my fiver.

nozzferrahhtoo

It is a political statement that needs to be made. After they get anooyed, which they will, it will maybe "raise their consciousness" to use a dawkinism about how their ads are viewed by us.

However I am more interested in the flip side of the motivation. I just find it plain funny. Simple as that

Dades

Dades wrote: »

Perhaps we should post our own suggestions for what to go on the side of a CIE bus (though I think the one they have is great)!

A classic bait and switch:
"Questioning your Faith?
Visit Catholic.ie"

stannis

Atheists working together to promote their own unproven ideals. Yep, sounds like a religion to me. Except rather than being based on a blind faith in God(s), it's based on the blind belief that there can be no god.

Hivemind187

I'm in. Screw the over-analyzing of the concept, it's a bit of fun and would make a point.

Personally though, I think the banner ad sections on the DART should be first choice. The Christians have had control of those for way too long.

And Robindch, you are a genius

Dades

stannis wrote: »

Atheists working together to promote their own unproven ideals. Yep, sounds like a religion to me.

I suppose vegetarianism is a religion too, then?

CerebralCortex

rolfkopterz.

Tar.Aldarion

Two weeks on one bus is almost 30, 000e, wtf! Expensive business.
Wonder how much it would be here to get this stuff on buses.

Bottle_of_Smoke

wonder how many british embassys in the middle east get firebombed

eoin5

I think they should print one of these: http://www.scriptoriumdaily.com/2007/10/09/i-can-has-theololgians/

limerick_woody

stannis wrote: »

Atheists working together to promote their own unproven ideals. Yep, sounds like a religion to me. Except rather than being based on a blind faith in God(s), it's based on the blind belief that there can be no god.

so Atheists share a blind belief in, well, nothing at all - i just can't get my head around that concept - whereas a blind faith in a big-daddy in the sky is just dandy... how does the religious brain handle logic?

MooseJam

someone's gotta be lining their pockets here, no way one week on one bus costs 30k

bogwalrus

i studied advertising for 2 years. If the bus is going around london and passes through the major bus stops (trafalgar square) it could possibly be even more than 30k for 2 weeks. Only major businesses and big brands usually advertise in these locations.

If the atheists did get their add on for two weeks it would make a huge statement and def get around with possible media coverage.

Instead of doing it on a bus in ireland get a big huge banner on the side of a building in a busy location. A deal could be worked out with building owner (if he is atheist) and would be much cheaper.

Tar.Aldarion

Dades wrote: »

I suppose vegetarianism is a religion too, then?

It is if I can get tax exemption.

PDN

Tara Le d'Arion wrote: »

Two weeks on one bus is almost 30, 000e, wtf! Expensive business.
Wonder how much it would be here to get this stuff on buses.

That shouldn't be a problem if you're committed to getting your message out. Just ask your guys to pony up 10% of their income for the cause. It works for us.

robindch

PDN wrote: »

Just ask your guys to pony up 10% of their income for the cause. It works for us.

And tax-free too? Hmm..., not a bad business to be in

PDN

robindch wrote: »

And tax-free too? Hmm..., not a bad business to be in

Yes, if you're spending the money on getting your message out then that should keep it under the heading of non-profit and so no tax involved. For example, the Humanist Association of Ireland has charitable status with the Revenue Commissioners.

pH

robindch wrote: »

And tax-free too? Hmm..., not a bad business to be in

Not bad indeed. PDN posts here in A&A, essentially boasting about how easy he finds it to take 10% of his congregation's income and he gets thanked! Am I missing something?

robindch

PDN wrote: »

if you're spending the money on getting your message out then that should keep it under the heading of non-profit and so no tax involved.

The assumption being, of course, that there's some benefit which accrues to the public from "getting the message out there". A point which is arguable, to say the very least.

PDN wrote: »

For example, the Humanist Association of Ireland has charitable status with the Revenue Commissioners.

I can't imagine anybody handing over 10% of their earnings (wow!) to the humanists. And it's debatable that if religion didn't have charitable status and the financial clout which that permits, then there'd be no need to have the humanists getting their own message out there either.

Perhaps it's time to revoke charitable status from both? I'd certainly be in favour of that.

PDN

pH wrote: »

Not bad indeed. PDN posts here in A&A, essentially boasting about how easy he finds it to take 10% of his congregation's income and he gets thanked! Am I missing something?

Yes, you're missing the point that I boasted about nothing, and you're missing the fact that I don't take any portion of my congregation's income.

I pointed out that those who are committed to a cause will stump up the funds to get their message out - so the cost of advertising on a bus is hardly prohibitive.

My congregation, or at least some of them, put 10% of their income into a registered charity that then applies that finance to its stated charitable aims.

PDN

robindch wrote: »

And it's debatable that if religion didn't have charitable status and the financial clout which that permits, then there'd be no need to have the humanists getting their own message out there either.

Debatable indeed. In societies where religion receives no charitable status or financial clout it seems to thrive very well indeed - so presumably the humanists would still feel the need to get their message out.

robindch

PDN wrote: »

In societies where religion receives no charitable status or financial clout it seems to thrive very well indeed

Out of interest, in what countries/societies does religion receive no tax breaks? I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I'm sure there must be a few.

PDN

robindch wrote: »

Out of interest, in what countries/societies does religion receive no tax breaks? I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I'm sure there must be a few.

Currently, China, Cuba, & Vietnam spring to mind.

Historically, in the former Soviet Union and its various satellites in Eastern Europe.

pH

PDN wrote: »

Yes, you're missing the point that I boasted about nothing, and you're missing the fact that I don't take any portion of my congregation's income.

Thanks for clearing that up. So you are saying that you have a source of income for you and your family entirely separate from monies extracted from your congregation? Also you pay for your "Air-miles lifestyle" you previously boasted about from your own pocket (and not from these donations)?

Also how would you classify these donors from and economic and educational perspective? Are they primarily wealthy people or are they primarily less well off, poorly educated migrant peoples who could be doing something far more beneficial with 10% of their income than giving it to you?

Zombrex

The Humanists could start by getting a better website .. what is this, 1993?

robindch

PDN wrote: »

Currently, China, Cuba, & Vietnam spring to mind

Each one with relatively high levels of atheism.

Point made.

Dades

PDN wrote: »

My congregation, or at least some of them, put 10% of their income into a registered charity that then applies that finance to its stated charitable aims.

And of course they can claim a tax deduction on that donation, making the net cost to them closer to 5%.
Everyone's a winner! Kinda.

PDN

pH wrote: »

Thanks for clearing that up. So you are saying that you have a source of income for you and your family entirely separate from monies extracted from your congregation? Also you pay for your "Air-miles lifestyle" you previously boasted about from your own pocket (and not from these donations)?

I had thought the subject under discussion was getting the message out and how committed we are to that. Also, I am unaware of having 'boasted' about anything - but I guess things appear different to those who are mean-minded or prone to jealousy. However, I am happy to answer questions.

Our legal advice is that it is against the Revenue Commissioners' rules for a trustee or officer of a charity to receive an income from that charity. Therefore I receive no income or remuneration from the 10% of income which many of the members of our congregation choose to give.

My salary, which is none of your business, comes from an entirely different source altogether.

As for my air travel, hotels etc. Often a conference or institution that engage me as a speaker will cover my travel and accommodation. If I travel on a missions trip then I cover all my expenses from my own funds. My wife and I have always operated on the principle that as well as giving 10% of our income to our local church that we set aside a further 10% to cover missions activities or to donate to missionary organisations. So, none of my travel is paid for from people's tithes (the 10%).

Also how would you classify these donors from and economic and educational perspective? Are they primarily wealthy people or are they primarily less well off, poorly educated migrant peoples who could be doing something far more beneficial with 10% of their income than giving it to you?

Our congregation has a mix of different nationalities and social groups. I would say, based on the number of doctors and college lecturers, that on average we have a higher level of educational achievement than the general population. A considerable number of our congregation also own their own businesses. We also do have some less well off and poorly educated people - although these tend more to be Irish than to be migrants.

I don't think any of these people, myself included, could find anything better to do with the 10% of our income that we choose to give to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, once again, they don't give it to me.

PDN

Dades wrote: »

And of course they can claim a tax deduction on that donation, making the net cost to them closer to 5%.
Everyone's a winner! Kinda.

If they are self employed then donors to a charity can indeed claim a tax deduction. With PAYE workers the charity itself can claim the tax relief direct from the Revenue Commissioners.

Dave!

Just got this email

Thank you for supporting the original Atheist Bus Campaign back
in the
summer, and being one of the 877 people who pledged £5. Even
though we
didn't meet the target, you gave us the encouragement to carry
on with the
idea, and we're very pleased to let you know that the campaign
is
relaunching today with the support of Professor Richard Dawkins
and the
British Humanist Association.

Professor Dawkins has generously offered to match all donations
to the
Atheist Bus Campaign up to a maximum of £5,500, giving us a
total of £11,000
if we raise the full amount – which we now know is enough for
30 buses to
carry the slogan “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying
and enjoy your
life” across London for eight weeks!

The British Humanist Association will administer all donations.
The campaign
website is at http://www.atheistcampaign.org Please visit the
link below to
donate:

http://www.justgiving.com/atheistbus

With your help, we can counter the religious ads currently
running on London
buses, make people feel a bit brighter on the way to work,
raise the profile
of atheism in the UK, and hopefully encourage more people to
come out as
atheists.

Richard Dawkins says: "This campaign to put alternative slogans
on London
buses will make people think - and thinking is anathema to
religion."

Many thanks for your support!

Zillah

That's awesome. Nice of Dawkins to do that too. Really hope this gets done.

Dave!

Yah it would be sweet! I shall make my donation in the morrow :cool:

studiorat

Should there be billboard advertising for Religion or Humansism at all?

What's the advertising standards crowd have to say about claims that are made?

nozzferrahhtoo

Wohoo thanks for reanimating my thread. I just came on to do it and you beat me to it

My donation is made.

nozzferrahhtoo

Someone called TimS just threw in 500GBP. Wonder who he is.

Dades

What the heck, I'm in for a few quid! The idea just warms that cold, empty space where my soul should be.

studiorat wrote: »

Should there be billboard advertising for Religion or Humansism at all?

What's the advertising standards crowd have to say about claims that are made?

There's loads of posters about promoting 'Jesus as the path to salvation' or whatnot, and I suspect no independent group verified that claim.