Posted on 07/21/2016 8:44:47 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist
Free Republic traditionally frowns on vanities. I know, I've been a member here since 1999. I too have had my knuckles cracked by the Moderator's ruler and my posts promptly yanked or locked because I could have easily responded on an existing thread.
Vanities crowd out the real news. They're too numerous to count, and most vanities do nothing but stoke the poster's ego (ME! ME! ME! I WANNA BE THE NEXT GEORGE WILL!). And most of them are frankly, quite boring.
However, some vanities do serve a legitimate purpose. Breaking news, for example is one. When FReepers hear about breaking news and there is no immediate link, it's good to post a vanity and the poster (or another FReeper) will add the link later on. Another one is when a FReeper post something in which a current issue is violating the Constitution. After all, we're here to defend our Constitution, and these types of vanities are not only tolerated by FR, it's encouraged.
So, the following is a short list of rules of following FR vanity etiquette:
(1) Always, ALWAYS write in the Body of Thread. This is my biggest pet peeve. If you are going to write a vanity, at least write it entirely in the Body of Thread. Far too often, there is a one or two run-on sentence in the Body of Thread and then the main points are in the Body of Comment, and unfortunately it's usually not formatted. The Body of Comment is just that, the box below the Body of Thread to leave your opinion, not the post itself.
(2) Proper grammar is key. There have been vanities that makes even 3rd-grade scribbling look like War and Peace. Please use proper grammar and spelling when you post your vanity.
(3) Vanities should be relevant to the issues, and it should go into detail discussing what other columnists or articles missed. Please don't post vanities about mundane stuff, like who has the best pizza, New York or Chicago (Chicago, hands down). I have to concede though, the greatest vanity is Unngghh, a completely nonsensical vanity (Sorry, I Googled my ass off and can't find the link) that somehow managed to generate over 25,000 replies.
(4) Links to YouTube music artists. OK, I've been guilty of posting links to YouTube music videos, but I've stopped because I think it has gotten out of control and goes back to my concern of vanities crowding out the issues. Do we really want FR to turn into a poor-man's MTV? (Anybody remember "Headbangers Ball?" Didn't that show kick ass?)
(5) Bloggers. Another one of my pet peeves. Bloggers who post the obligatory 1-2 run-on sentence and then link to their blog should be shot with a virtual AR-15. Please post the article in its entirety, it's OK, most blogs don't violate the excerpt rules.
Can I post a vanity thread about vanity threads that discuss vanity threads, or have we achieved equilibrium?
I post vanities about cats and firearms. Both are big draws on FR. Besides, FR has a social function too. It always has.
CC
I post vanities about cats and firearms. Both are big draws on FR. Besides, FR has a social function too. It always has.
CC
I’m sorry we have to use the word vanity.
Posting from the biased media is seen as fine, but posting our conservative opinions is just “vanity.” But we are used to revering the media so that is how we still function.
There are many different kinds of “vanity” posts. Some bring us closer to our fellow humans, and some provide real help and support.
I received so many supportive posts to my thread while my cat was very sick and then died a week ago. It made that dark week bearable. I even donated double to FR in the memory of my kitty and for all the FReepers who were true friends to me at that time.
I’m grateful we aren’t just railing at mainstream media articles like an impotent, caged bear.
AND DOUBLE POSTS ARE DISALLOWED! LOL
Aw crap.
CC
Like I said, I value FR peoples opinions over most of the press. Vanity threads can be awesome or in a pinch serve as actual news stories when a freeper is posting about a personal experience. Like attending the RNC as a delegate for example.
I would entreaty, with some small amount of entropy, you to properly speil Entiquette.
Although I luv me sumb Entenmann’s ...
Yes, the ruthless, biased media are “sourced,” whereas our opinions and pleas for help are not, hence ours are “vanities” for lack of a better word.
You are gracious and very thoughtful because you are a loyal donor and supporter of Free Republic and you have never abused “vanities,” whereas a notorious few do so regularly until they’re stopped.
Yes, I do have a kitty and guns :)
No.
Thank you.
Can you kindly provide the source of that obligation, and the source of its authority?
Hey, everybody. I’m looking for a vanity thread about Megyn Kelly’s dress. Oh, never mind—found one.
Common courtesy;)
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