Should Free Republic become a paid subscription service?

Vanity | 6/23/2006 | Berlin_Freeper

[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).

[Indy Pendance]

Why don't you do a market study, you know, start a thread and ask who would support a subscription site, you seem to know a lot about how this place works, and apparently, you have experience in internet marketing and who should be allowed to be a conservative. So your input would be valuable. Oh, wait, you tried that, and the resounding majority said no. Not every conservative has extra money, some can't contribute, but enjoy the forum. Just because we don't tow your idea of conservatism doesn't mean your idea work. Start your own pay per view site, see what happens. Why do you want to mess with Jim's business plan, it's been working for almost 10 years. Oh, by the way, have you seen Jim give his two cents to your idea? Face it, your idea was dead before you posted your thread. Sorry. But, it has been an interesting and somewhat fun thread.

[Turtleman]

Another NO vote from a FR old timer

[OKIEDOC]

Berlin_Freeper wrote
Donations seem to be working well, but I am sure the cash-flow could be improved.

Comment:

Absolutely crazy idea in my lowly opinion.

I thought the sole purpose of FREE REPUBLIC was an outlet for conservatives.

I didn't know that Free Republic was a business needing to post a quarterly profit.

[AppyPappy]

I came here in 1998 and I have never been suspended

[Berlin_Freeper]

"Nice checkup that. I disagree with the original post. But, the quality of a lot of the response, sadly, reveals a lack of actual reading and thinking - before firing off a one liner."

True but at least the one liners make it easier to get to the end of the thread. I thought I was gonna be watching soccer in about 15 minutes, lol!

[MagnoliaB]

"start charging a monthly fee of about 15-30 bucks to be able to log into the site and post?"

I love FR and support the freepathons but I can't afford that.

[WestVirginiaRebel]

What is your obsession with foreigners? I mean, I know the Reform Party thing didn't work out, but you and the other two guys who hang out with Pat Buchanan really need to get over it.

[ozarkgirl]

Did you used to post under the name "German business". He had a buy a Russian woman web site, lived in Germany, was American, wrote as though he was extremely intelligent (but proved it wrong by owning a sell a Russian woman site). Your writing style is frighteningly similar.

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Maybe he thinks Jim Robinson will give him a cut if Jim somehow falls for this lunatic scheme.

[Thumper1960]

Define: "Undesirable".

[JenB]

Nope. I joined this site as a young college student, surrounded by lib'rals, looking for somewhere that thought my way. I didn't have $15 a month for pizza, let alone internet sites. Now that I am more financially secure I am in a position where I can donate more to the site. Just as soon as I'm done with wedding expenses. Oh yeah I met my husband-to-be on this site too, that wouldn't have happened if I'd had to pay to post way back when.

[Berlin_Freeper]

A.

[Thumper1960]

Congrats!

[GregoryFul]

I think that it should remain a "free for all". I donate frequently, and hope that others who understand the value of this forum to do so as well.

[Berlin_Freeper]

"And who, pray-tell, determines what a "true conservative" is?

I would really like to know!"

Those who are willing to pay a subscription for a Conservative website will for the most part be Conservatives. It's hard to imagine there is going to be many Democrats signing up at 30 or even 15 Dollars a month. That is one of the beauties of the idea actually. We don't have to go around with some kind of lithmus test, we will let the money sort them out.

[deport]

In your opinion what would be needed in funding to put this site up to the expections you expressed?

[Thumper1960]

I do believe your idea has been debated, and defeated, in the marketplace of ideas.

However, I am sure that a detailed business plan, submitted to a financier, may get you your own pay site. There, you may hobnob with the *right kind of Conservatives*. Since I do detect a certain 'tude about those who'd rather donate.

[ansel12]

"In case you're interested you can find one right here in this thread. Just look for the abusive flame with personal attacks. I'm sure you can't miss it."




Identify which one, and I'll check it out.

[SE Mom]

I love happy endings:) Congratulations to you both!

I occasionally go to other sites. But that's because I'm clicking on a link from an article I've read at FR!

Bar none- this is the BEST place for finding information on the internet. I lurked for 2 years before I joined - it took me awhile to get the hang of it :)

This is an interesting discussion- and funny too..which is one of the qualities I cherish about FR.

Change "keywords" function? So we can become stuffy and serious intellectuals? Naahhhh...

[Caipirabob]

I pay because I feel it's a noble cause. That being said, I want to hear the thoughts of fellows FReepers who might not be able to pay or have vested interests elsewhere yet contribute to the cause any time they post here.

But I'll stay monthly. The Doctor says if it keeps me off the streets it's worth every penny. :P