It's been a blast but it's time to say goodbye (GOPcap's opus)

4/20/04 | me

[GOPcapitalist]

I'll keep this short and simple. After six years of membership on FR I've decided to resign from the forum today. I'll keep checking my freepmail for a few days and wind down my posts here, so if any of you wish to contact me please do so there and I will provide you with a means to do so. I hope to continue future posting activities elsewhere - perhaps a blog - but only time will tell.

It's truly been a blast and left me with many fond memories, but all good things had to come to an end. My favorites comprise a long list, the most noted being the exposition of Rathergate, leading freeps of Algore in the 2000 recounts, protesting Hildebeast's book tour, and giving her impeached husband a freeper's welcome to Texas on several of his visits. Thank you to all who made these events fun and entertaining. Unfortunately the past few months have made it clear to me that FR and I are drifting apart on key issues of conservatism. I'll spare the details, pausing only to state that it isn't just the usuals like illegal immigration, but also things like religion, the culture of political correctness, an overall decline in reasoned civil conversation that used to flourish here, and the purposes and uses of the site in general. More concerning, for the past few months I have been unable to even obtain rational discourse and commentary on many routine threads and issues without being personally maligned and attacked - many times out of the blue and on topics unrelated to the given thread - by a small, petty-minded, and vitriolic group of posters who conduct themselves in a manner unbefitting of what this forum used to be when I joined in 1999, and do so with apparent impunity.

I also find that I simply don't have the time to post as much as I once did, and regrettably so.

I'll leave it at that, as my fond memories outweigh the unpleasant ones. A time arises when parting courses on friendly terms is best before something less desirable arises. Therefore I have volunteered my resignation. To everyone who has made my FR experience enjoyable, I thank you and wish you only the best.

[RushCrush]

Actually you're right, people in general, even in real life! are nastier to each other. Sigh/longing for the 50s

[altura]

I wondered what happened to those pants I used to have.

[tiamat]

There is that!

Thanks, RC!

:-)

[buckleyfan]

I think an old-timer has a right to pen an opus and discuss their departure. Furthermore, I think it is meaningful and informative for those who care, and lets them know that someone is leaving and why... rather than having them wonder, "where did (so and so) go?"

Those of you taking shots or saying "who are you" or "who cares- " - well, exactly - why do you care? Just as he didn't have to write it, you don't have to read it - or post to it. Consider it a message to friends, and if it is meaningless to you, then you're not a friend - and not the target audience.

We're all entitled to a rant once in awhile. Jeez, that's what message boards are for. Especially this message board, I might add... (grin)

[OKIEDOC]

Poster number one sounds like an old hard shell union dues paying member.


The post also sounds like comments made by some selfish senior citizens down in those private communities of Floriduh.


Many people think that longevity or seniority gives them special rights.

[wtc911]

Well then, welcome aboard, bring friends because frankly, with rare exception, the new crop sucks.

[Smogger]

I agree with you. And the debates were really great on here a few years back (There is nothing more brutal then interideological warfare.) There are still some pretty good ones now and then, but they overwhelmed by poorly articulated posts filled with logical fallacies (ad hominem's and the like).

[metesky]

a manner unbefitting of what this forum used to be when I joined in 1999

Funniest line of the day! Stay! We need comedians...

[Skooz]

I can think of one right now who behaves like a complete screaming banshee, attacking without warning or provocation. I ignore him/her/it.

I can think of one, too. I wonder if it's the same guy/gal/thing.

[saminfl]

What? Willie Green's gone? Man, am I out of the loop...

Me to. When did this happen?

[RushCrush]

Thanks, that's very cool of you. THe interesting thing is, when I posted my opinion that the profanity was wrong, I got TONS of FReepmail in support of my opinion from folks who were too scared, or unwilling, to speak up openly on the thread. So you have to wonder how many people out there really agree with you/me but are afraid to speak up.

That's why I hate it when the good guys leave- it really makes me angry. Oh well. Time for lunch!

[Ranxerox]

Yes. That's been my experience as well. It's unfortunate, but the FR crowd that I joined six years ago is a different group of people from the ones today. Some of the old liners are still around and I thank them for the memories as well as welcoming new participation, but the general clientel of the site has changed since the heydeys I remember.

Hate to see you go, but I wanted to mention that six years ago FR didn't have the public visibility it has now. There are definitely people who see FR as a threat, and since anybody can join...well I think you can see where that would lead. Some trolls are obvious, some not. What better way to disrupt a group that prides itself on intelligent discussion than to join up and act like an intolerable asshole?

[John Lenin]

My aunt used to wear a pair of those pants in the 70's. How can you forget someone wearing those things ?

[Skooz]

Willie Green isn't gone. I saw a post of his this morning.

[Diver Dave]

I'm just a rookie around here :), but have always enjoyed reading your take on issues.
Stay Well.

[RushCrush]

We should call them the Moby crop of newbies. I sure hope I'm not one of them! Not sure how I prove that.

[Fiddlstix]

I was talking about Annie J

BTW, CGEB is still here J
(Click above for her profile)

[ken21]

try this thread:





http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1385440/posts?q=1&&page=1#1

[Liberty Valance]

Sorry to see you go GOPcap. Always enjoy your posts on the Texas Board. Come back when you can.

[ContraryMary]

I certainly understand and sympathize. All the best to you.