Welcome to FR, and some quick comments on the general structure. You’ve probably picked up on much of this already, but just to make it explicit:
What typically happens on FR is that someone posts a news item. People then post comments on the news items, and then comments on the comments. BS in the news items, and the comments, usually gets picked apart pretty quickly, typically in the first dozen or so posts.
A new thread written by a FReeper (i.e. not a news item from elsewhere) is called a Vanity. Vanities are generally discouraged unless there is some serious content.
Because the site has been around for a good while, there are a lot of inside jokes and terminology. Taking a look at a couple of the Free Republic Lexicon threads will help you understand some of that.
Ping lists on various topics are a way to get alerted to new threads on topics of interest. There are a number of ping list holders identified on my FR home page.
Speaking of which, many FReepers have interesting FR home pages. Click on a username below a post, to see that FReeper’s home page.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most of us don’t bite.
Oh most dont bite huh? Yes I have had to look up a few different abbreviations. I have been online since 97 but still ya’ll use some things I am not used to. It is really awesome to be able to discuss situations intelligently (for the most part) with people on the boards.
I am very upset with the lack of information the police have let out. It took 13 and 1/2 hrs for the police to notify at least one family I know for a fact. The family called every 30 mins until 10 to 5pm when they were finally notified and the shooting happend at 3am.
That is beyond ridiculous. There is definitely something going on that they are trying to cover up. Who knows if we will ever find out what it is, but I have no doubt at all that there is something.
I nibble...