Posted on 11/11/2008 10:17:33 AM PST by Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus
I'm interested in commentarians who would like to contribute to a new conservative weekly (for the time being) outlet called the "Conservative Union" that would operate on a "viral" email model, would be free of charge to those receiving it, and would primarily serve as a means of firming up what conservatives believe and WHY, as well as applying these principles to the issues of the day. There are a lot of conservatives out there who don't really know why they believe what they believe, and would be strengthened by seeing a sound articulation of what they believe and why they should believe it. I believe we have to firm up our own side, so that we can see an increased ideological commitment to conservativism within the GOP. This then allows rank-and-file conservatives to be able to explain to the moderates and the undecideds and the don't-pay-attention types in our families and our workplaces what conservatism is really all about. This will (hopefully) engender a real grassroots swelling of those who understand what conservatism is really about and why it must triumph, and add to our numbers. It works, when we know enough to tell others what and why we believe what we do. It's time to stop letting the MSM and even so-called "conservative" sites muddy the waters and hinder us from getting our message out. Remember - one of the most important contributions made to the political debate in this country by Rush Limbaugh and other talk-radio hosts has been the fact that they have clearly and reasonably articulated what conservatism is. Ronald Reagan brought conservatism to the country again, but Rush Limbaugh explained to many of us why we needed it.
The model I propose is "viral" - there won't be a website, per se, it will operate by word of mouth and email advertisement, for the time being at least. This will minimise operating costs and web design/maintenance issues until it gets off the ground.
A basic outline for the CU:
- Weekly distribution through email.
- Adobe Acrobat .PDF format, converted from MS Word after editorial layout
- Content should deal primarily with the philosophical and moral underpinnings of American conservatism. Some latitude will certainly be allowed for differences of opinion, especially in the areas of theoretical suggestions for future directions of conservatism.
- Enhanced level of intellectual content (i.e. not looking for quick screeds, but well-reasoned, well-thought out propositions).
- If (or when, thinking optimistically here!) it gets off the ground and we begin thinking about advertising revenue, there'll always be a spot for free advertising for Free Republic, LLC!
If anyone is interesting in further information, would like to join up, or would just like to be on the mailing list to receive the Conservative Union once it begins publishing, please FReepmail me your email address and what you'd like.
Thanks, TQC
Ping - interested?
Another FReeper and I where discussing this the other day, why not a FreeRepublic magazine to compete with TNR, TownHall, etc..
This sounds very good!
I’d be interested.
Sounds like a great idea, but I’m more interested in setting up a truly Conservative PAC. A really big one, too.
Can’t hurt. But until we are ready to hit the streets and inform those not on the internet, the outcome will be the same.
Printing cost for a 10k run of 16 page newspapers, 11 x 17 format, including spot color on four pages, runs about a grand. As much as we mock the printed word around here, mostly for their biased viewpoints, having something in print makes your viewpoint have more impact, and you have something to send legislators that might actually be read by a staffer.
And while I know a lot love the magazine format, my honest opinion is that there’s no way to come to a realized profit using that vehicle, whereas recovering the costs on a newsprint run is far easier.
A streaming Internet 24/7 radio station might also be a good idea. Rush, Laura, Sean, Mark, etc. might donate their audio royalty-free.
I’d be interested too.
This is also a very good idea....and is there some technology that would allow us to listen to this in our cars? (thinking ahead)
satellite radio
bump for later
I would, especially since the electronic/broadcast versions might not be available much longer.
Cost for satellite radio...an estimate?
What I want is a party that cares about the things I care about. The Republicans kicked us conservatives to the curb and I am frankly done with them.
I’d go Libertarian but I have an issue with the drug thing they got going on.
If we are going to see change in this country that is beneficial for the nation and the citizens, the conservatives need a party that supports conservative values.
Mike
Your idea must be shared by many conservatives who are frustrated after 11/4/08; that if only we had one more voice to influence and educate - that our special idealogy would at last be heard and better understood.
I encourage you to use your talent and energy to support the already conservative formed vehicles. If they are not enough to the right for you,, work to influence them.
Too many cooks can spoil the pot. Let’s be stronger though consolidating, not deluting easily understood history which has proved that conservative principals have more sucess in the world than Solistism.
Does anyone know who owns the remaining satellite radio provider: friend or foe?
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