Mod Lecture Series- Freeper Community Update

[Admin Moderator]

This is a public service announcement from your friendly neighborhood Admin Moderators (Sidebar gave us some attitude so we shoved him in the closet for a while. He never recovered from the Yacht incident) For a while, we have noticed some things happening that we need your help with. The Free Republic community is strong; we are almost a family, albeit very dysfunctional at times. Like any community, we have new members joining us daily. Unfortunately, the air of suspicion and the desire to keep things “the way they are” has fostered a feeling of distrust with new members. Almost every day, we see new members join, then, because of comments of suspicion, they often don’t return. For any community to thrive, it must grow. Because of this, we are asking for your help. Here are some important things you should know:

The Internet has changed greatly since Free Republic first started. When we formed, few people had their own websites, now, everyone has their own blog. With this, there is an attitude change where someone who doesn’t understand how our community works may be more interested in self-promotion than we have been used to in the past. We don’t want to change the overall feel of this site- it is about our shared values, not about self promotion, however, we don’t want to drive people away simply because they link to their own blog. There are blog “pimps” who want nothing more than to promote their own sites, but for most people, it is simply how they start out sharing their thoughts on a matter. Encourage these members to take part in existing discussions.

Many new members may not communicate well what they believe and it gives the appearance they are not 100% kosher in their Conservative beliefs. This may have nothing to do with their Conservative credentials but simply how they are communicating their beliefs or how the media/pop culture has told them what to think. Be an example and discuss what you think is wrong. A liberal troll’s true colors will reveal themselves while a new member who is honest, but may not communicate well, may learn from the conversation.

Remember, how you respond to a topic not only reflects your thoughts, but also is a reflection of the community and Conservative values. We need to be an example of positive conservative values when responding to members, especially new ones. As mods, we make a strong attempt to screen all new members. Every new sign-up goes through a period where their posts are reviewed. This helps us eliminate most trolls, porn and commercial spammers, and those who don’t fit in with our Conservative values. This isn’t a perfect system, but it does help us make sure that by the time a new member reaches the community, there is a greater chance this person is the type we want around. Some slip through, yes, and you can always help us by hitting the abuse button. (of course, we do let some world class morons through every once in a while as “Live Chow”- after all, the kitties have to have toys.)

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With all that said, we need to grow. We need to be far more welcoming to new members and guide them into how to use our community best. With this said, we are issuing a challenge to our long time Freeper family. We would like to start up a ‘welcome wagon’ type of ping list or group whose job it is to welcome new members, show them the ropes, and guide them through our community. This could be as simply as giving new members a kind welcome, guiding them to how to post topics or replies, or just making the experience pleasant.

As this is your community, we would like your thoughts, ideas, and most importantly, for some of you to step up and help us with this.

We are passing the ball to you. What do you think?

[NicknamedBob]

Lilli Marlene

Underneath the lantern by the barrack gate,
Darling I remember the way you used to wait;
'Twas there that you whispered tenderly,
That you lov'd me, you'd always be,
My Lilli of the lamplight,
My own Lilli Marlene.

Time would come for roll call time for us to part
Darling I'd carress you and press you to my heart.
And there 'neath that far off lantern light
I'd hold you tight we'd kiss goodnight,
My Lillie of the lamplight,
My own Lilli Marlene.

Orders came for sailing somewhere over there,
All confined to barracks was more than I could bear;
I knew you were waiting in the street,
I heard your feet, but could not meet,
My Lillie of the lamplight,
My own Lilli Marlene.

Resting in a billet just behind the line
Even tho' we're parted your lips are close to mine,
You wait where that lantern softly gleams
Your sweet face seems to haunt my dreams,
My Lillie of the lamplight,
My own Lilli Marlene.

[Darksheare]

Wood floors work well, but need that modern acrylic coating to get that true slippery horror to it.

[Tax-chick]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO0lUXnAs-U&feature=related

Marlene Dietrich, not Lale Andersen

[Tax-chick]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL0KniirXHM&feature=related

original

[Tax-chick]

Well, good night, all! The Sleeps are coming to get Frank, and we’re going to the other room to watch the DVD about Navy SEALS training.

Merry Christmas, everybody!!!

[Darksheare]

The sleeps, creeping stealthily along walls, ceiling and floor to drop suddenly into the eyes of the drowsy.
Bringing with them strange visions and images from beyond the veil of thought.

[sionnsar]

Good night! Dinner is still in the makings.

[sionnsar]

Dinner is still in the makings.

I repeat: Dinner is still in the makings.

[NicknamedBob]

I would definitely starve on Pacific Time.

I have plenty to read, so I’m not doing it. Instead, I’m plunking away at a stale old story, trying to figure out where it’s going.

It’s quiet here.

I like it.

[sionnsar]

I would definitely starve on Pacific Time.

It's for living, not eating, NnBob.

Dinner is still in the makings.
I repeat: Dinner is still in the makings.

[sionnsar]

Belay that, update follows:

Dinner is about to be eaten.
Dinner is about to be eaten.

[ThomasThomas]

In the right light a neutral-tone faux-Berber carpet looks very much like a ripe field of cotton.

[sionnsar]

Dinner is done.

So am I.

[Anoreth]

If I recall correctly, the one at home is brown with small black spots. I suppose it’s so one can’t see dog footprints on it.

[NicknamedBob]

"If I recall correctly, the one at home is brown with small black spots. I suppose it’s so one can’t see dog footprints on it."

That wouldn't help me. My dogs are small black spots.

[Tax-chick]

[stephenjohnbanker]

I had 7 members of my church over. Turkey, Spiral ham, mashed pot, wild rice, yam something(good). Too full to eat dessert.

[stephenjohnbanker]

Cue ominous music here........

[Monkey Face]

Merry Christmas!! (Late, but heartfelt!)

[Tax-chick]

Hi, y’all. We’re headed out to the mall in the county seat to check the sales!