Morgan, it's not the articles or information gathered I enjoy; I could get that at hundred's of different places. It's the individual commentary I enjoy. FReepers are a breed apart, in that they can consistently cut through the bullshit and get to the real meaning of an article, speech, story, etc. And no matter what's posted, there'll be a real, bona fide expert on the subject who can further explain or skewer the storyline. It's like having thousands of teachers teaching at the same time.
I used to get Time, Newsweek, etc, just to read the "Letters to the Editor". Not anymore. FR is Letters to the Editor, Speaker, Reporter, Essayer, Opinionator, etc, etc a thousand times over!
That pretty much explains why I come here.. I scan/read the articles, but I'm more interested in reading the debate on the subject at hand.
I enjoy the banter and comments on many articles. Still, I have to admit I use FR for the links more than comments. No other source has as many "eyes" looking at everything around the world and posting it. FR was my source, linking me to Clinton cheating at golf in Australia. Drudge reported on Monica but it was FR that dissected all the information that was coming out.
Yes, I like the comments and commentary too. Freepers provide insight that no news source has, or if they do they fail to report it. If I have the time I'll read more comments. But otherwise I concentrate on getting the news that I can use.