~George S. Patton
please click the pic
Thank you for your support!
Posted on 05/02/2012 5:23:35 AM PDT by xzins
We are the Free Republic Pre-War on Terror Class of Freepers.
Having been a freeper for over a decade, and having experienced both a pre 9/11 presence here and a post 9/11 presence, having experienced the Hanging Chad Wars of GW's first election, Sore Loserman and all, what stands out for you regarding the growth of Free Republic over the years.
What are your thoughts on the independence of Free Republic, and Jim Robinson's decision to go advertisement free all these years. My first thought is that his financial independence is what has freed him to tell the GOP-E to stick it in their ear this year.
If he had to worry about sponsors dropping him, or well-heeled pubbies supporting him, that might have intimidated a lesser man.
We've been blessed these many years. What stands out for you in your decades plus experience on Free Republic?
I had originally joined under a different nom-de-plume in Feb. 2000 via Drudge, after a local radio host (Tom Bauerle) got into a highly-publicized row with the Hildabeast. Once we finally got broadband, I re-upped only two weeks prior to 9-11, and the rest is “history”.
Strategies and subtle philosophical hair-splitting aside, I'm proud to be a member & contributor with so many fine and talented individuals.
That's 'cause FR has the best discussion software in the known universe. Like you, I've used the others, too, and they just don't measure up. In fact, they're annoying they're so bad.
FR's software makes community possible.
Personally, I'm convinced he could get rich many times over selling it, but he's kept it exclusively for FR.
And we're the beneficiaries.
Thanks for the stroll down memory lane. :-)
I had to look up my date May 8, 1998. Hard to believe it has been that long. I miss the protests and get togethers from the olds days. When clinton came to dallas I was holding a sign “Clinton stained more than a dress”.
I had to look up my date May 8, 1998. Hard to believe it has been that long. I miss the protests and get togethers from the olds days. When clinton came to dallas I was holding a sign “Clinton stained more than a dress”.
~George S. Patton
please click the pic
Thank you for your support!
In Florida I was witness to all the goings on and as a result had a firsthand view of the political machines behind the candidates. Back then as now, the left was intent on gaining power REGARDLESS the founding fundamental principles of our country that it would have to compromise doing so. At the time I was sure I was on the right side.
Today I remain on the right side; however, feel the GOP has left the right side and like the left is more interested in gaining power and willing to compromise fundamental principles to gain it.
I see nothing noble in a hollow political victory premised upon compromising fundamental principles. I see no victory in electing and empowering a man with no principles when the power comes at the expense of the fundamental principles that established the very country whose fundamental principles he should be sworn to uphold and protect.
FR was the conservative resistance then and remains the conservative resistance now.
I agree with Jim completely.
I remember OWK...
...and a few others.
And we're the beneficiaries. And grateful I am!
November 6, 2000.
-PJ
Fatima and Kathy in Alaska's music/theme threads.
I was introduced to Free Republic during the Sore Loserman fiasco by a Navy shipmate. I used to get here every day. Lately I’m lucky to get here once a week.
I miss debating with The Cruiser, Non-Sequiter and WhiskyPapa.
No ads please.
I lurked back then, but didn’t join until 2004.
A lot of useful stuff about Saddam Hussein, OBL, and other emerging threats were posted here.
JMJJR
Since Oct 17, 2000
I was turned on to FR by the late Freeper and co-founder of the TRT, labgrade (RIP Al), I lurked 98,99 and signed up just before the 2000 election.
Got my monthlies coffee cup !
So many moments like this.
Not sure how I found it, but WhiteWater was my initial guide here. I found a good group interested in something that had nailed me in Upstate NY - the unelected stakeholders who had more say in my town and property than I did - the UN and Agenda 21 through the EPA.
Disagree on accepting ads. Several have said it would make no difference, but it would and the tone would change. Also for those in Rio Linda - NPR and PBS are not ad free - they advertize repeatedly in favor of the great Goliath FEDGOV and the funding it provides from our tax dollars. No thanks!
If anything, some type of optional recognition on threads and posts of those willing to put their money where their mouth is, or make it like the news sites where anyone can comment but only Contributors can initiate threads. JMHO.
Many thanks to you and the rest of the knowledgeable FReepers for your clarity and wisdom. Blessings.
They're gone in the misty recesses of time now, but anyone who thinks the forum is less genteel these days probably doesn't remember the Toiletman threads. Trolling was an art in its infancy in those days. Flaming wasn't. If he didn't need therapy after that it's because he didn't read them all.
Class of 98 here.
I like ad-less site and do think it gives Jim freedom.
I miss a lot of the people who are gone.
I love the passion that was brought to bear fruit and win some big issues, such as sore/loserman, Rather lies, chads, lies on election night TV, and the fact that we have been a burr on the bottoms of the political class. We have spawned dozens of independent sites and have helped the conservative cause immensely.
I still miss a lot of the people who are gone.
n00b here. I miss that guy like I miss a boil on my butt.
Tet68 checking in since 1998.
I don’t miss the flame wars a bit although some of
them were entertaining. Still the stimulating place
for Conservative thought and conversation and the
best all around place for news of the web.
I would not like to see advertising just because
I’m used to the way this site has always been run.
It’s Jim’s site and you play by Jim’s rules and
everyone is happy except for trolls and DUmmies.
Looking ahead to another ten years if we survive
2012.
FUBO
ABO
T.
NO...I do Not! Did you say something really bad to me??? lol
Besides the serious threads, I've especially enjoyed the fun ones, in particular, PJ-Comix's DUmmie FUnnies (of which I am the co-host), as well as the ongoing give-and-take with martin_fierro and mikrofon.
I fully support FR's "pro-life, pro-family, pro-limited government" conservative philosophy. At the same time, I recognize how good conservatives, equally holding to that same philosophy, may differ on strategy when it comes to the presidential election this fall. I believe it's a difference in strategy, not philosophy, that is at the heart of the recent difficulties here.
=========
Thanks for the nod, CH ... besides the superb Conservative commentary, the fun stuff helps keep things in balance, and sharpens my wit vs. Mrs. Mik (who's a far better punster than I ;).
I had originally joined under a different nom-de-plume in Feb. 2000 via Drudge, after a local radio host (Tom Bauerle) got into a highly-publicized row with the Hildabeast. Once we finally got broadband, I re-upped only two weeks prior to 9-11, and the rest is “history”.
Strategies and subtle philosophical hair-splitting aside, I'm proud to be a member & contributor with so many fine and talented individuals.
Wow. A name from the past.
I'm saddened to see so many otherwise good conservatives pushed out or leave over the Republican primary battle. I think it is far more important to get the liberals out of power than the particular shade or hue of a person's conservatism.
It's not my site but fewer people make the quarterly pledges drag on forever. I remember pledge drives taking less than a week.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
|
By definition it's impossible to get in before oldbie delusions of self importance. |
long time
Whoops, that was to Charlie, too.
That troll lasted quite a spell before the inevitable zot.
The campaign in 2000.
I signed up that year; having FreeRepublic to go to was a godsend.
Now that there is another important election coming up, I find myself back here again.
Kudos to Jim and John Robinson for the best conservative website on the ‘net.
Classy green-eyed blonde...lol
I tied my wagon to FreeRepublic when it was discussing the presidential election that included Ross Perot. Have used it ever since for pros and cons. Many thanks to JR for keeping FreeRepublic up for the survival of the USA.
The Thailand reference was in regard to a thread about a suspect being arrested for the murder ofJonBennet Ramseys death. They nabbed him in Thailand. The first three or four posts within 5 seconds of the thread being submitted were exactly the same, Thailand?????
What about Snow Bunny ?
I have wanted to go back and "undo" a few posts now and then, (and who hasnt), but Im glad you cant.
I havent been to the home page in over 3 years, and as long as my cookies hold out I shouldnt have to go there.
Only been put in the corner twice, but those reasons have been long outdone by changing dynamics. Im still way out on the right wing but society is growing more vulgar by the second, so I dont worry too much any more.
THANKS JIM !!!! YOU ARE DOIN IT RIGHT !!!
EAGLES UP !!!
I signed up 12/04/2000, I don’t know how I knew about this wonderful place, but somehow I did.
I wanted to find a pro-Bush rally to attend in those days of the Florida Fiasco and I did find one.
I LOVE Free Republic, it is the greatest site on the RIGHT side of the internet.
I have been on her so long Jim thinks I came with the “Soft Ware” but what do I think of the Free Republic/ I can tell you I get more “Bang for the Buck” from Free Republic than any other thing I support. I really admire Jim and his wife and all of the other people that keep Free Republic going 24/7
...and keep it private! I dont know about you, but it gives me a warm fuzzy being able to tell whoever needs it to pack sand and GTFO.
As if I didn't feel old enough already!
I recall the story slowly coming out about how Condit would visit a San Francisco SOMA spa in a disguise and use an assumed name so that he could get all of his body hair shaved off.
I recall how Condit was also dating an airline attendant who reported how he always had neckties tied to the bedposts for kinky sex games.
And I also recall when FR went wild when it was erroneously reported that Condit's wife had lost her thumbs.
-PJ
.....and please dont forget to CLOSE YOUR ITALIANS !!!
That was some funny $hit there.
I think we should take in ads from groups we support, as opposed to liberal conglomorates that go into hiding when the SHTF, which it will. We also should keep the donation option and let people give as they feel led. Romney has some money he needs to spend on courting we conservatives. Why not have him spend it here :-)
I began lurking FR back at the beginning of Clinton’s second term. I registered at the beginning of Bush’s first term. I found my way here from Drudge links as the Lewinsky scandal broke. Anyone remember quidum? quidum was Olsterman before Olsternman. Quite intriguing.
Been a fun run. Viva La Liberte’!
Early 1998 here (I think.) I got a home PC at Thanksgiving 97, gravitated to conservative sites and news and in short order I had found Free Republic.
It was the time of “DRUDGE has the siren up!!” posts for some Clinton-Lewinsky info, like the blue dress. Lucianne Goldberg and her son Jonah dropping tidbits. Ann Coulter was hott!
Anyway, after poking around for a while, I signed up and come here quite often. Most times it’s on a daily basis. Occasionally, I ‘drop out’ for a few weeks or months and only stop by occasionally.
But I always know where to come when something is going on or at election time, which these days seems to never end. There are opinions aplenty on Free Republic. Some I agree with, some I don’t but the discourse and reading is always stimulating and interesting. And you will find threads on most anything, which in itself is a real treasure.
Hats off to JimRob, JohnRob and everyone that keeps this forum running and to all the patriots and thinking, caring people that contribute on a daily basis.
Carry on FReepers!
PS...I don’t think I’m making an impression if, on a weekly basis at least, I don’t get chastised or called some name or other ;)
The Turtle on a Fence Post guy? Ya, I remember him. He got lots of hits, but also lots of slams.
It was a wild an woolly place back then especially before Jim started the registration. But it was always fun and educational.
Navigator, Socks The Cat, Clinton's a Liar, Roger Schultz... great posters and lots of 'entertainment when they got going.
I really miss Socks The Cat. Very funny stuff. Professional writing talent -- seriously up there with Mark Steyn kind of satire. (Maybe Socks was Mark Steyn????)
July 3, 1998. I have seen a lot of changes here.
My 5 year old daughter sang at the House Impeachment Rally in 1999.
She graduates high school this year and will be attending James Madison University.
Since 4/98, keep it functioning from dondtions!!
This is a great site, and has had tremendous influence, far beyond the posts and comments on the site.
It has certainly led me to be more involved, and to talk to others knowledgably about political issues. I pass along links to friends and make sure they are aware of key issues. On busy days, I don’t have to go to multiple sites to find out what the main news is.
Thanks, Jim Robinson, or is it Thompson?
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