First I applaud your honesty. I am sad to read that you feel that way. But, frankly you are not the only one and perhaps this situation is no longer the minority.
When I first came to Free Republic it was at the time where the threads were White Water and about Clinton and his well worthless being on this earth.
I found a common good on FR. Dave and I even went down to DC for the rally, held on Halloween, I believe. After a while life got hectic and I drifted from FR, I followed the threads regarding the news but not really having time to respond so a few years past and I found that I was in need of a common good fix and returned to Free Republic.
While I was welcomed with open arms. I seemed to get into trouble more than one would having been with FR as long as I had. I would forget to post the exact link, only the link to the publication. I would search for a duplicate and would not find one and pray tell there it was already posted. During the holidays the White House Museum writes an essay creates the annual ornament. I thought it was great, the essay, I posted it and it was removed for solicitation.
Nobody intends to post a duplicate but when it is pulled, there are many good ideas that go down the drain. I do not know how to remedy that but I do know I feel bad when a thread is pulled.
Thread hijacking. I thought it was one of those rules, that said to not go off topic on a thread and to go to one that is offering the discussion you are interested in. The Schiavo case comes to mind. I posted about other's at the Hospice and nothing about Terri and there it was going to Terri land. Even worse when a soldier was found guilty facing 10 years folks were posting Terri comments.
Then of course there are the excerpts that drive all of us crazy. I failed there a couple of times but not intentionally. I am sure someone reading this is now saying blah blah blah ... go away Former Military Chick.
I wont, but I wonder why cannot make this the place on the net to come and share common goals, debate current issues and when there is disagreement that you respectfully agree to disagree. That we have updated excerpt pages, duplicate instruction, a thread that perhaps is on the welcome page, on the posting page? Not that we are not capable of searching but it is tough at times and there are new folks everyday that seem unaware of where the rules and regs are for Free Republic.
We can leave or make things better. Perhaps your thread will open up that discussion. I know there are many who thank JR for creating a forum for us to gather and discuss openly, honestly and loudly, I hope that will continue to be the mandate.
Heat... kitchen... I think you know the drill. This WPPFF has an awful lot of thin skins in it, feel free to follow The Coven into obscurity. I think "euthanasiapost.com" is still available, if you hurry.
Second that. . .and well stated.
C'mon, why are you being so nice? We need to have another "chick fight" to entertain the masses, lol!
Bravo on your post #490..