Posted on 06/23/2006 12:27:30 PM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
I am not certain what the legal ramifications would be in changing Free Republic from donations to a subscription service. It seems to me the switch may be detrimental to legal issues such as copyrights. If that is true I'd appreciate if someone could briefly explain that to me. However if that is not the case here is my suggestion:
I have been wondering about this for some time now and have not seen any discussions about it. So I would like to ask: Is it time for Free Republic to become an online subscription service?
Currently, the site is very antiquated. People can easily abuse the "add a keyword" feature and there seems to be a growing number of liberal trolls, foreigners and even pro-homosexual agenda-driven people infecting the site. In order to cut down on the undesirables and enhance FR at the same time, would it be advisable to start charging a monthly fee of about 15-30 bucks to be able to log into the site and post? There could also be different subscription levels like Basic, Premium or Platinum. That way, the more you pay the more features you have access to. Some of these extra-services could include storing photos or FR could be a conservative search engine for the web.
I have seen online sites where people can still read the boards for free. FR could do something like that so it would still be accessible to the Conservative public even if they are not paying members with posting priviledges.
Websites that rely heavily on banner and pop-up ads need as many hits as possible so for them restricting posting rights to subscribers might not be so desirable. However, Free Republic does not work like that. There are no ads other than some book links on the home page so the number of hits is not as crucial to the bottom line which is currently being paid for by donations.
Donations seem to be working well, but I am sure the cashflow could be improved. How many of you people honestly are put off donating money to FR because it is not what it should be? Especially in regards to the undesirable element that can be found throughout many of the threads. Wouldn't this change in format go a long way in eliminating the undesirables? I think so. Plus it would be neat to experience an upgraded more modern version of Free Republic.
Note: If you are a democrat troll, foreigner or pro-homosexual/lesbian then I am really not interested in your opinion and you should not be posting it to me (just the fact that I have to add this note is proof that something is not right).
I hadn't thought about that one. Imagine if Irving Berlin_Freeper's dream came true. Knowing how twisted the thought processes are on the Left, you'd have a bunch of lefties sign up, go over the top, get banned, then sue not so much to be allowed back on as to shut down the site.
Then stop this chitchat please.
"My idea is trying to enhance the intended audience and thus function for Free Republic."
Enhance huh? I think not...
"So yes, there are people who do need to go as their go as their ideas and opinions are detrimental to the Conservative cause. to the Conservative cause."
LOL... On this we agree! So long as I get to pick which "ideas and opinions" are deemed detrimental, you and I will get along just fine. Of course, in that situation, only one of might be here...
Yes, we deserve it!!
Sounds like you're looking for a "final solution".
Check his home page for his reasons.
Oh, wow, I didn't know that - I read Ivan's page, I understand the sentiment - you know the problem I have with IRA trolls!!
Yeah. I can understand that.
I think you type a lot, lot, LOT better than that!
Amen! The part where he said "the site is very antiquated" really chaps me. It's easy to navigate and straight forward with minimal graphics. Don't go gilding the lily.
This is what makes FR really great, it's the wild west of the internet.
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Have always agreed with that. The amazing diversity even amongst Conservatives hereon makes for a wonderfully volitile mix of . . . roiling, boiling creative thought, imho. . . perhaps like atomic structures getting increasingly excited with more and more interchange and creativity.
. . . . and fierce humor.
Thankfully, usually, also, with fierce caring and mutual support.
"It would then be called FEEREPUBLIC"
LOL. This may be the best post of the day.
With the caveat that those foreigners who post ABnormally here are not necessarily assets...;)
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Are you saying that some are ARSnormally UNassets?
The graphics and clunkiness of even the best other sites are more likely to induce a headache than satisfaction, imho.
"Is this what they call a "trial balloon"?
Naw. JR doesn't work like this. He's honest
and above-board and says what he thinks.
If you don't believe me, read one of his
vanity posts. They are classics and makes
me want to stand up and cheer every time
he writes one.
Figured we could count on you!
Hate to break the news but that makes you a foreigner.
No more than some 'domestic' FReeper signup;)
Trolls are useful. Part of being effective means enhancing critical thinking and defending your position logically. The libs preach to the choir constantly, and consequently have lost any ability to reason clearly.
The wonderful secret about FR is that it reaches everyone...some by accident, some through word of mouth and reputation. If made into subscription service, you'd cut the influence by at least half. Think of all the young heads full of mush we wouldn't influence! Hillary would be thrilled.
Ah well . . . some of us have just not made the
Saint AppyPappy level of . . . wonderfulness.
Always love seeing you around whether I agree or not. I think I tend to agree with you more often than not. Been a while.
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