"If FR dies, that’s that." - Jim Robinson [Jim's reply at post # 588]

freerepublic.com ^ | 1/11/11 | paulycy

[paulycy]

FYI -

Here are statements from Jim about the future of FreeRepublic.com for those who missed them. They are quite serious.

===

"Well, I can say that there are definitely two things that will never happen. 1) Banner ads. 2) Oracle [a completely new database system.] And a third is a total replacement [of the current damaged system.] Don’t have the financial wherewithal."

"To those who wish to leave because of it, see ya."

"If FR dies, that’s that."

===

[To: paulycy]

Hey, you want us to get an all new system with all new software and add a few more pricey techs, system programmers and database administrators to keep it all working 100% of the time 24/7/365? Well, start coughing up the big bucks.

It’s going to take tens of thousands of donations and many with at least three zeros each after the comma to accomplish the task. And that would be EVERY month like clock work to make the payroll. Once you take on a big load of expensive overhead, there’s no going back. As it is, we get a couple thousand donations per quarter averaging about $30 bucks each and there’s no guarantees we can cover this quarter’s expenses much less next quarter. We’re on a pay as we go system and we have zero employees.We just ask for enough to pay the bills.

Throwing more money at the problem won’t solve it. [This latest glitch] was a technical issue and we just had to keep troubleshooting until we found it. And no, we’re not going to invite a bunch of strangers in to get their hands on our secure systems. John has been programming since he was 14 and he’s pushing 40 now. He built these systems and he’s an expert in them.

And no, we are not going to throw out our software and rewrite it and no we’re not going to move on to some other database system. There are no guarantees that any other system can do a better job and not without hiring a staff to build and maintain it and that’s for sure. And we don’t have the financial wherewithal to do any of that anyway. Maybe if we had a couple million bucks at our disposal and a couple years to do it in we could build an iron-clad system. And maybe not.

All I can say is, if someone else can do it better and cheaper, then please step right on up and get ‘er done!! I’ll bow out and retire. Thankyouverymuch.

Hit it boys:

https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/

And no, we have no plans of taking FR commercial. I like it the way it is. Not sure I could handle getting rich.

===

- Jim Robinson

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2653583/posts?page=168#168

[Mashood]

JimR should consider a 501c(4) not-for-profit model. With a little tweaking... its a natural...

[paulycy]

Lesson: Adapt or die.

Many are rightfully worried that the clean FR interface, if rewritten (not likely very soon if at all) would become a gaudy, animated wreck.

It's difficult to explain on a forum like this that "form follows function" and that new, useful functionality can be added without falling into the trap of bouncing animated clown-face avatars and such that add no informational value to the interface and simply serve to waste resources and make the whole experience trivial.

[paulycy]

I, and quite a number of other FReepers, view & post to FR, and other sites, via our 'cell phones.'

I do, too, on occasion. I really like being able to FReep while my wife drives the car...

[arderkrag]

As a rule I never look at sign up dates. I read and judge on the merit of the post. Going by seniority reminds me too much of a union I used to have to belong to.

Same here. How long someone has been taking up digital space - or real space, for that matter - is irrelevant.

[DJ MacWoW]

Thank you for your reply. I agree that technology can be very useful. But I also think that some is simply glitz and not needed. I truly see FR as streamlined and clean. This is an informational and activist site. I really really don't like clutter. And some technology is simply clutter. And quite frankly GPS would be dangerous on a political board.

Jim has said FR is due for some upgrades but he didn't say what.

[DJ MacWoW]

The big difference between posting from in-depth factual research and posting from personal opinion and preferences is a big difference, indeed.

Yes but you gave both whereas I only have one view to share.

in my world both youths and adults post content online from a hand-held.

I have a 25 yr old D-i-L that won't use her phone for online stuff. Neither do her friends. They all use laptops for FB and games.

[Quix]

Jim has well reasoned points to avoid such a model.

There are horrendous restraints in place and worse looming regarding political activism with such orgs.

[DJ MacWoW]

Oh DO catch up, will you!

[arderkrag]

They also use other kiddie stuff with icons and ease of use features like iPads, iPhones, Androids, GPS, FLIR HUD devices, etc.

From personal experience, iPads, iPhones, Android OS (Phones & Nook), and the Blackberry OS all work FAR better with FR than with several other, more up-to-date sites that I regularly frequent.

[DJ MacWoW]

I, and quite a number of other FReepers, view & post to FR, and other sites, via our 'cell phones.'

I take it that you're a "business type" and travel. That makes sense for you. But the 20 somethings that I know use phones for texting and cameras and laptops for online.

Do you have any issues getting on FR?

[DJ MacWoW]

Wow! Thanks for that bit of info. Interesting.

[arderkrag]

No prob. I regularly post (or lurk, as is the case more often) from the Nook or the Blackberry at work or over at the in-laws.

[pt17]

They also use other kiddie stuff with icons and ease of use features like iPads, iPhones, Androids, GPS, FLIR HUD devices, etc.

From personal experience, iPads, iPhones, Android OS (Phones & Nook), and the Blackberry OS all work FAR better with FR than with several other, more up-to-date sites that I regularly frequent.

The point I was trying to make was not how well these devices worked with FR but how icons and ease of use made them popular. Even the "old farts" in my biker community gravitate to these devices, as well as forums that have similar ease-of-use features.

[Mashood]

Political activism can be part of a c(4) dependent upon how you define your social welfare organization.

[bert]

.....Lets all whine cause iPhone doesn’t work on FR and we can’t PLAY when we WANT to!.....

For the record, Me, the Geezer, an old timer, wrote Jim Robinson a note several weeks ago indicating that a Free Republic ap would be well received. Further it was a note in the basket understanding that the limitations of time and money were recognized constraints.

Consider FReeping in the Doctor’s office or in the Florida Keys campground or ........ on the john.

[bert]

One more thought. Free Republic is available on the IPhone but is difficult to read. The main problem though is that FR is so rich with links, it is difficult to not inadvertently be off somewhere you didn’t want to go.

Never the less, as is, it is good to have around while waiting or off somewhere in the boondocks

[paulycy]

Do you have any issues getting on FR?

I travel occasionally but being disabled alas I am not a business type. I have no problems accessing FR and that is a huge plus and is why I bring it up. It is a current strength, but there are problems when trying to post that could be addressed in a rewrite. That is where the forward-looking discussions come in handy.

There are also new features, such as the integration of the facebook "Like" button that Jim has tested a few times, that could be implemented.

[DJ MacWoW]

Thanks for the info!

[DJ MacWoW]

Actually there are posters stating that their iPhones, Nooks and Blackberry's work well on FR.

Consider FReeping in the Doctor’s office or in the Florida Keys campground or ........ on the john.

I'll pass on the last one. ;-)

[DJ MacWoW]

Free Republic is available on the IPhone but is difficult to read.

That's my problem with some of the new stuff. I just can't see on it.