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Should Free Republic become a paid subscription service?
Vanity | 6/23/2006 | Berlin_Freeper

Posted on 06/23/2006 12:27:30 PM PDT by Berlin_Freeper

I am not certain what the legal ramifications would be in changing Free Republic from donations to a subscription service. It seems to me the switch may be detrimental to legal issues such as copyrights. If that is true I'd appreciate if someone could briefly explain that to me. However if that is not the case here is my suggestion:

I have been wondering about this for some time now and have not seen any discussions about it. So I would like to ask: Is it time for Free Republic to become an online subscription service?

Currently, the site is very antiquated. People can easily abuse the "add a keyword" feature and there seems to be a growing number of liberal trolls, foreigners and even pro-homosexual agenda-driven people infecting the site. In order to cut down on the undesirables and enhance FR at the same time, would it be advisable to start charging a monthly fee of about 15-30 bucks to be able to log into the site and post? There could also be different subscription levels like Basic, Premium or Platinum. That way, the more you pay the more features you have access to. Some of these extra-services could include storing photos or FR could be a conservative search engine for the web.

I have seen online sites where people can still read the boards for free. FR could do something like that so it would still be accessible to the Conservative public even if they are not paying members with posting priviledges.

Websites that rely heavily on banner and pop-up ads need as many hits as possible so for them restricting posting rights to subscribers might not be so desirable. However, Free Republic does not work like that. There are no ads other than some book links on the home page so the number of hits is not as crucial to the bottom line which is currently being paid for by donations.

Donations seem to be working well, but I am sure the cashflow could be improved. How many of you people honestly are put off donating money to FR because it is not what it should be? Especially in regards to the undesirable element that can be found throughout many of the threads. Wouldn't this change in format go a long way in eliminating the undesirables? I think so. Plus it would be neat to experience an upgraded more modern version of Free Republic.

Note: If you are a democrat troll, foreigner or pro-homosexual/lesbian then I am really not interested in your opinion and you should not be posting it to me (just the fact that I have to add this note is proof that something is not right).


TOPICS: Your Opinion/Questions
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1 posted on 06/23/2006 12:27:33 PM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
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To: Berlin_Freeper
Nothing personal against you but I *despise* the idea of hiding Free Republic's content behind a subscription wall.

As someone who started participating in FR in its early days, I'd have to say that such a move would undermine what I thought the whole point in launching it was in the first place!

2 posted on 06/23/2006 12:28:56 PM PDT by Impeach98 (Anti-war protestors should try holding rallies in Damascus and Tehran!)
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To: Berlin_Freeper
It would then be called FEEREPUBLIC
3 posted on 06/23/2006 12:29:18 PM PDT by frogjerk (LIBERALISM: The perpetual insulting of common sense.)
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4 posted on 06/23/2006 12:29:40 PM PDT by evets (beer)
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To: Berlin_Freeper

One of the beauties of the internet is the massive amount of info available...unfiltered...makes being somewhat cynical/skeptical necessary.

Free sites bring out the best ( and worst in us all)

Since the purpose of your plan is to reduce the number of people who post here, I dont see any advantage in your idea.


5 posted on 06/23/2006 12:30:19 PM PDT by Former MSM Viewer ("We will hunt the terrorists in every dark corner of the earth. We will be relentless." W 2001)
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To: Berlin_Freeper

If it ain't broke why fix it ?


6 posted on 06/23/2006 12:30:20 PM PDT by John Lenin (The RAT party is still Stuck on Stupid)
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To: Berlin_Freeper; Jim Robinson
It ain't broke. Don't try fix it. Thanks for the thoughtful post. See ya at the next Freepathon??

Monthly donors rock!!

7 posted on 06/23/2006 12:30:27 PM PDT by don-o
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To: Berlin_Freeper
Currently, the site is very antiquated. People can easily abuse the "add a keyword" feature and there seems to be a growing number of liberal trolls, foreigners and even pro-homosexual agenda-driven people infecting the site.

You have been here for about 1 1/2 years and you are calling for taxes? Are you sure you are not a Democrat?

8 posted on 06/23/2006 12:30:51 PM PDT by frogjerk (LIBERALISM: The perpetual insulting of common sense.)
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To: Berlin_Freeper

With a name like "Berlin Freeper"...I don't think you should be dissing foreigners. (end/sarcasm)


9 posted on 06/23/2006 12:30:52 PM PDT by dawn53
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To: Berlin_Freeper

I'm new but I can't agree with you on this. I see your point, but I think it would only lead to group think. I think we need to have different opinions in order to discuss issues. I don't want everyone agreeing with everyone happily around here, there wouldn't be any point in me coming here then.


10 posted on 06/23/2006 12:31:03 PM PDT by Mazda3Fan
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To: Berlin_Freeper

And shut out the 80-90% who may want to donate, but not pay for a subscription? No thank you.


11 posted on 06/23/2006 12:31:13 PM PDT by AntiGovernment (A government that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away.)
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To: John Lenin

7 seconds - GMTA moment!


12 posted on 06/23/2006 12:31:15 PM PDT by don-o
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To: Berlin_Freeper

Have too much time on your hands or are you just one of those "Big Thinkers?"

I'll hang up and wait for my answer.


13 posted on 06/23/2006 12:31:18 PM PDT by toddlintown
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To: John Lenin
"If it ain't broke why fix it ?"

AMEN!

14 posted on 06/23/2006 12:31:22 PM PDT by Impeach98 (Anti-war protestors should try holding rallies in Damascus and Tehran!)
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To: Berlin_Freeper
Especially in regards to the undesirable element that can be found throughout many of the threads.

I'm sure there are people who would consider me an "undesirable element" just as there are people who look at you the same way. I could never be a moderator simply because I would ban people who irritate me.
15 posted on 06/23/2006 12:31:59 PM PDT by cripplecreek (I'm trying to think but nothing happens)
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To: Impeach98
Nothing personal against you but I *despise* the idea of hiding Free Republic's content behind a subscription wall.

I agree. And I like having the enemy trying to infiltrate. We find 'em sooner or later, and it's fun to watch them get zotted.

16 posted on 06/23/2006 12:32:04 PM PDT by American Quilter (Equal laws protecting equal rights...the best guarantee of loyalty and love of country. -- Madison)
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To: dawn53
With a name like "Berlin Freeper"...I don't think you should be dissing foreigners. (end/sarcasm)

LOL!!! Hadn't noticed that. It's strange indeed, might this post be a troll?
17 posted on 06/23/2006 12:32:04 PM PDT by AntiGovernment (A government that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away.)
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To: Berlin_Freeper

18 posted on 06/23/2006 12:32:37 PM PDT by AxelPaulsenJr (Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.)
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To: don-o

"aint broke" AMEN to you too :)


19 posted on 06/23/2006 12:32:41 PM PDT by Impeach98 (Anti-war protestors should try holding rallies in Damascus and Tehran!)
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To: Impeach98

I understand your sentiment however it could be designed so that people can still read threads, just not post or respond in threads unless they are a paying member.


20 posted on 06/23/2006 12:32:44 PM PDT by Berlin_Freeper (ETERNAL SHAME on the Treasonous and Immoral Democrats!)
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