They've been FREEPED!

HutchinsonLeader ^ | May 18, 2003 | Doug Hanneman

[dsmatuska]

http://www.hutchinsonleader.com/Main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=11&ArticleID=7933

[hole_n_one]

FROM THE EDITOR: We were 'FReeped'
By Doug Hanneman
Editor
Thursday, May 15, 2003

The early results from last week's online poll were suspicious. Last Thursday we were asking: Why would more than 100 people respond within the first 24 hours to our reader poll at hutchinsonleader.com, when our typical poll generates fewer than 200 votes all weeklong?

By Monday, we were growing even more suspicious. More than 500 votes had been tallied. And those votes were not following the pattern of people responding to a similar Minnesota Poll question, conducted a week earlier by the Minneapolis-based Star Tribune.

Indeed, our question of the week was controversial, and we expected it

to result in a larger-than-usual vote. The question was: "What do you think of Minnesota's new conceal-and-carry gun law?" By a 3:1 margin, most people told the Minnesota Poll that they don't like the new law, and added they will feel less safe when it takes effect May 28. The law will allow almost any adult to obtain a permit to carry a handgun almost anywhere in public.

The trouble is, our poll was showing that more than 80 percent of hutchinsonleader.com readers liked the new law, and said they will feel more safe. By Tuesday, more than 800 people had voted.

Then the truth arrived, via e-mail.

A woman from San Francisco informed us that we had been "FReeped." "The results will not reflect those of your readers," the woman told us. We replied with our thanks and began to look more into this "FReeping" business.

Ends up that "FReeping" takes its name from a right-wing Web site, Free Republic, founded by a Fresno, Calif., Republican. The site is visited by thousands of conservatives every day, and some of the people who hang out on the site call themselves "FReepers."

One of FReepers' favorite pastimes is to vote on Internet polls, such as the one at hutchinsonleader.com. In our case, a FReeper named "Terriergal" posted our entire editorial and told other FReepers that our Web site "also has a poll to FReep!" Terriergal included a link to our poll.

We were in good company on the Free Republic Web site. Among the numerous polls being FReeped on Tuesday included those operated by Fox TV's Bill O'Reilly, CNBC, Newsweek and MSN.

Of course, there's nothing legally wrong with encouraging a group to vote in a poll. It might be morally wrong, but let's face it, online polls are intended to generate discussion, not measure public opinion in any scientific fashion.

Nevertheless, we're disappointed that our poll question was FReeped because now we don't know what our community thinks of the new gun law. We are working to resolve this problem, however. In the near future, we will ask hutchinsonleader.com readers to register the first time they log onto our Web site. If we notice that we're getting abnormal levels of nonlocal traffic on our Web site, we might suspect that we're being FReeped again.

One last item about the FReep poll: Free Republic was sued by the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times a few years ago because it had posted full text articles from those two companies' publications. The Post and Times settled the matter with Free Republic, which agreed to pay nominal damages to the plaintiffs -- $10,000 -- and agreed to not post anymore material from Times and Post publications.

Free Republic doesn't think much of our nation's copyright laws. Terriergal, the FReeper who posted our editorial online, apparently concurs with Free Republic's position. We believe Terriergal and Free Republic violated a law that protects all Americans involved in publishing newspapers, music, literature and similar works.

Some say FReepers are harmless. But Joyce Slayton, in a column for the San Francisco Chronical's Web Site, sfgate.com, writes that FReepers have their dark side. She's tried to talk with FReepers, but most have been unwilling to talk to her. And she's talked to the group's observers, including one who described FReepers as having tapped into a "certain cultural zeitgeist, an angry streak running through conservatives pushed to their limits during the Clinton years."

Slayton says she admires the group for their passionate political views and their willingness to express them. We can agree with that. Most Free Republic followers are probably law-abiding and civic conscious.

But when a lunatic fringe of this politically motivated group covertly drowns out the views of a community that they never heard of, it does matter. In future instances like this, their views won't merit any attention.

[sine_nomine]

The editorial seems to be saying that terriergal is a -----! The editorial reveals a neurotic, pompous ass who is deeply offended that an Internet poll is used by hundreds of people. Was this moral? Egads!

I found the complaint about republishing the material from the paper a bit odd. Most writers like to see their work spread around. Fair use seems to allow the quoting of sources. No one is trying to horn in on the market of the Hutchinson paper, I think. No one would, I think.

[Spiff]

Nevertheless, we're disappointed that our poll question was FReeped because now we don't know what our community thinks of the new gun law.

Oh no! They posted a poll on the Internet and people actually voted in the poll!!? How terrible!! And then people from ALL over Internet actually voted in this poll that was available over the global Internet!! There should be a law...

[hole_n_one]

In our case, a FReeper named "Terriergal" posted our entire editorial and told other FReepers that our Web site "also has a poll to FReep!" Terriergal included a link to our poll.

*ping*

[Bogey78O]

'Free Republic doesn't think much of our nation's copyright laws.'

Idiots. The standard copyright laws gave a pass on what FR does on a daily basis for years. The only problem is that it's not beneficial to leftists to have their words remembered.

And the fact that FR edits itself and abides by the WP/LAT ruling shows that we're honest.

To the editor: Hell man, be honest about your dislike of conservatives and don't foist a strawman to attack.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I think the Hutchison Leader and its online polls should be placed on permanent FReep status.

[Bogey78O]

And what;s immoral about spreading out a poll for people to vote in?

I guess he's going to slam the NAACP for their "get out the vote" drives next.

[tubebender]

But when a lunatic fringe of this politically motivated group covertly drowns out the views of a community

That is not true...I did not vote in that pole.

[Allegra]

But when a lunatic fringe of this politically motivated group covertly drowns out the views of a community that they never heard of, it does matter. In future instances like this, their views won't merit any attention.

Lunatic fringe?? Well, I never!

Hey, kettle? This is the pot. You're BLACK!

[ALS]

Inet polls are fair game.

Are the lib goons looking for a new way to prevent free speech?

methinks so, again.

[Bogey78O]

Yea, if he'll kindly reference the case of Pot vs Kettle it'll all be made clear.

[hole_n_one]

Free Republic doesn't think much of our nation's copyright laws. Terriergal, the FReeper who posted our editorial online, apparently concurs with Free Republic's position. We believe Terriergal and Free Republic violated a law that protects all Americans involved in publishing newspapers, music, literature and similar works.

FYI

[Sloth]

It might be morally wrong, but let's face it, online polls are intended to generate discussion, not measure public opinion in any scientific fashion.

Repent, sinner! LOL... Whoever wrote this really is full of himself. Or full of something, at least.

[potlatch]

Oh Brother!! A lunatic fringe!! It might be morally wrong!?? This is hilarious!! Don't we have the RIGHT to vote on things, even if we don't live there we can express our opinion.

[lowbridge]

Some say FReepers are harmless. But Joyce Slayton, in a column for the San Francisco Chronical's Web Site, sfgate.com, writes that FReepers have their dark side.

Muwhahahahahaha........

She's tried to talk with FReepers, but most have been unwilling to talk to her.

I'll bet this is baloney. I dont know of any FReepers that wouldnt like to be mentioned in a column. Even in one by the liberal media.

[Sloth]

But when a lunatic fringe of this politically motivated group covertly drowns out the views of a community

You were involved? :-P

[Timesink]

The editor has accomplished precisely one thing: He's sold out his newspaper's credibility forever. His hatred for nonliberals is oozing out of every pore.

[ladyinred]

LOL! I wonder how the tattletail knew the poll was being freeped? Hmmm, she must be a closet lurker eh? :-) Funny how they brought up the lawsuit. To say we infringed on their copywrite laws is ludicrous. The internet is public domain. Telling us we have to register is stupid, we get around those things too whistleblower lurker! Better go and tell the King!

[baseballfanjm]

LOL, what a stupid response by the editor. BTW, I wasn't around when that lawsuit he mentioned was filed. What happened then?

[potlatch]

She's tried to talk with FReepers, but most have been unwilling to talk to her.

That can't possibly be true! FReepers are ready to talk any time, any where, LOL.

[Timesink]

Say, where's the part of the article where the editor notes he was tipped off by a DUer, an explanation of how they do the same thing and and of all they stand for?

Oh, that's right. That part of the article doesn't exist.

[Sloth]

Protesters assemble outside editor Doug Hanneman's house.

[SkyPilot]

Of course, there's nothing legally wrong with encouraging a group to vote in a poll. It might be morally wrong,

Suddenly a liberal shill discovers morality. Interesting, when homosexuality, late-term abortion, and adultery are discussed in moral terms, liberals go bonkers:

"How DARE you push your version of MORALITY on ME!

When convenient, liberals use terms for their own benefit without caring about truth--because Truth gets in the way of their aims and schemes.

[Allegra]

Let's all give the Editor, Doug Hanneman a good FReeping.

[Timesink]

LOL, what a stupid response by the editor. BTW, I wasn't around when that lawsuit he mentioned was filed. What happened then?

Settled out of court. We agreed to only post excerpts from Washington Post/LA Times web sites, and they dropped the suit.

[sackofcatfood]

"One of FReepers' favorite pastimes is to vote on Internet polls, such as the one at hutchinsonleader.com."
ROTFL! Yes, when other people are playing board games, we spend family night voting on internet polls.

"Of course, there's nothing legally wrong with encouraging a group to vote in a poll. It might be morally wrong. . ."
MORALLY WRONG?

"Free Republic doesn't think much of our nation's copyright laws. Terriergal, the FReeper who posted our editorial online, apparently concurs with Free Republic's position. We believe Terriergal and Free Republic violated a law that protects all Americans involved in publishing newspapers, music, literature and similar works."
Huh? They got *more* traffic because terriergal posted it!

"Some say FReepers are harmless. But Joyce Slayton, in a column for the San Francisco Chronical's Web Site, sfgate.com, writes that FReepers have their dark side. She's tried to talk with FReepers, but most have been unwilling to talk to her. And she's talked to the group's observers, including one who described FReepers as having tapped into a "certain cultural zeitgeist, an angry streak running through conservatives pushed to their limits during the Clinton years."
The smear campaign begins. . .
At the end of the article she calls us the "lunatic fringe"! :-D

[katz]

Right. And if you are on line, you are open to opinion. Perhaps voters plan someday to move to Minn. Too bad they didn't like the results.

[hole_n_one]

Terriergal Thread

[ChadGore]

1)Online polls are intended to generate discussion, not measure public opinion in any scientific fashion.

2)We're disappointed that our poll question was FReeped because now we don't know what our community thinks of the new gun law.

If 1 is true, 2 can not be.
If 2 is true, 1 can not be.

[Restorer]

I'll bet this is baloney. I dont know of any FReepers that wouldnt like to be mentioned in a column. Even in one by the liberal media.

Personal experience leads me to believe that it's much harder to get Freepers to shut up.

[Timesink]

A little info on the darling Hutchinson Leader:

Published: Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Circulation: 5,558.

BWA-HAA! We get more readers in an hour than they get all week. No wonder it took us three days to even realize the twit had gotten his panties in a knot.

[potlatch]

You were involved? :-P

That's FUNNY!

[Sloth]

Notice how he spells it, 'Chronical'?

Him heap good editor!

[fish hawk]

We are going to run another poll but please, this time, only anti-gun leftist can vote.

[katz]

I'm proud to be a member of "The lunatic fringe"!

[Bogey78O]

Yea, I liked this part...

"67% I like it — I'll feel safer when it takes effect.
24% I don't like it — I'll feel less safe when it takes effect.
1% I have no opinion about the new law.
7% I will feel neither less safe nor more safe with the new law.
Total Voters: 380 "

The resulkts condemned them to failure before the thread was posted.

The jerk lied here and passed off his readers response in support of the law as being a fringe group.

His 2nd amendment hatred is too huge to be contained.

[Petruchio]

Most Free Republic followers are probably law-abiding and civic conscious.

Why thankyou. That is why we vote in your polls.

[Timesink]

Well, well, well.

Poll Results
Please see the column by Editor Doug Hanneman regarding this week's poll results. Click here.

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---

They're actively soliciting comments!

[katz]

May I add...Should I put on my tin foil hat?

[TLBSHOW]

She wrote the same story which William (DU) Pitt really wrote for her a few months ago.

but rest assured Joyce was freeped but good.

[nutmeg]

ping!

Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent ping list.

[Allegra]

They're actively soliciting comments!

I know. I tried to post the link to this thread in the comment section, but the format wouldn't take the link. Heeeeheeeee

[lowbridge]

Personal experience leads me to believe that it's much harder to get Freepers to shut up.

Not me I know when to shut up when its time to shut up. I'm not the type to go on talking when I can just shut up. There are more important things in life than just talking on and on. But I digress, to shut up or not to shut up, that is the question. It is apparent that we are different in that some like to talk, and others prefer to remain quiet. But as for me, I know when to shut up. It's against my nature to go on talking when I can do other things. Dont you just hate it when people dont know when to shut up? Of course, they just dont know when to shut up...

[hole_n_one]

btw.....nice find!

[Libertina]

sputter sputter... a lunatic fringe? nothing legally wrong with encouraging a group to vote in a poll. It might be morally wrong
Let me get this straight, only votes they like count? I only voted once (certainly more moral than the Dems who vote multiple times, register the dead, and ply homeless with soda and smokes)- so what makes my vote wrong? Doug Hanneman, IF he could read, would find out that people are safer when they have guns than when the population has been disarmed. Since criminals will break any and all laws, that leaves only law abiding citizens without protection. There is so much error in the (non) thinking process of Mr. Hanneman that nothing but a total re-education would do the trick. Good going fellow FReepers, next time Mr. Hanneman et al will design a site which allows only registered Minn voters to cast their opinions and save all the whining... Hmmm, didn't hear him complain about "outside" anti-CC sympathies, nor about student votes etc. What a twit liberal.

[JustPiper]

Ping!

Uh-Oh!You've Been Freeped ;)

Original post:

Here

[Davea]

"Most Free Republic followers are probably law-abiding and civic conscious."

Gee thanks. What a moron.

[lowbridge]

Some say FReepers are harmless. But Joyce Slayton, in a column for the San Francisco Chronical's Web Site, sfgate.com, writes that FReepers have their dark side. She's tried to talk with FReepers, but most have been unwilling to talk to her. And she's talked to the group's observers, including one who described FReepers as having tapped into a "certain cultural zeitgeist, an angry streak running through conservatives pushed to their limits during the Clinton years."