"If FR dies, that’s that." - Jim Robinson [Jim's reply at post # 588]

freerepublic.com ^ | 1/11/11 | paulycy

[Mashood]

JimR should consider a 501c(4) not-for-profit model. With a little tweaking... its a natural...

[paulycy]

Lesson: Adapt or die.

Many are rightfully worried that the clean FR interface, if rewritten (not likely very soon if at all) would become a gaudy, animated wreck.

It's difficult to explain on a forum like this that "form follows function" and that new, useful functionality can be added without falling into the trap of bouncing animated clown-face avatars and such that add no informational value to the interface and simply serve to waste resources and make the whole experience trivial.

[paulycy]

I, and quite a number of other FReepers, view & post to FR, and other sites, via our 'cell phones.'

I do, too, on occasion. I really like being able to FReep while my wife drives the car...

[arderkrag]

As a rule I never look at sign up dates. I read and judge on the merit of the post. Going by seniority reminds me too much of a union I used to have to belong to.

Same here. How long someone has been taking up digital space - or real space, for that matter - is irrelevant.

[DJ MacWoW]

Thank you for your reply. I agree that technology can be very useful. But I also think that some is simply glitz and not needed. I truly see FR as streamlined and clean. This is an informational and activist site. I really really don't like clutter. And some technology is simply clutter. And quite frankly GPS would be dangerous on a political board.

Jim has said FR is due for some upgrades but he didn't say what.

[DJ MacWoW]

The big difference between posting from in-depth factual research and posting from personal opinion and preferences is a big difference, indeed.

Yes but you gave both whereas I only have one view to share.

in my world both youths and adults post content online from a hand-held.

I have a 25 yr old D-i-L that won't use her phone for online stuff. Neither do her friends. They all use laptops for FB and games.

[Quix]

Jim has well reasoned points to avoid such a model.

There are horrendous restraints in place and worse looming regarding political activism with such orgs.

[DJ MacWoW]

Oh DO catch up, will you!

[arderkrag]

They also use other kiddie stuff with icons and ease of use features like iPads, iPhones, Androids, GPS, FLIR HUD devices, etc.

From personal experience, iPads, iPhones, Android OS (Phones & Nook), and the Blackberry OS all work FAR better with FR than with several other, more up-to-date sites that I regularly frequent.

[DJ MacWoW]

I, and quite a number of other FReepers, view & post to FR, and other sites, via our 'cell phones.'

I take it that you're a "business type" and travel. That makes sense for you. But the 20 somethings that I know use phones for texting and cameras and laptops for online.

Do you have any issues getting on FR?

[DJ MacWoW]

Wow! Thanks for that bit of info. Interesting.

[arderkrag]

No prob. I regularly post (or lurk, as is the case more often) from the Nook or the Blackberry at work or over at the in-laws.

[pt17]

They also use other kiddie stuff with icons and ease of use features like iPads, iPhones, Androids, GPS, FLIR HUD devices, etc.

From personal experience, iPads, iPhones, Android OS (Phones & Nook), and the Blackberry OS all work FAR better with FR than with several other, more up-to-date sites that I regularly frequent.

The point I was trying to make was not how well these devices worked with FR but how icons and ease of use made them popular. Even the "old farts" in my biker community gravitate to these devices, as well as forums that have similar ease-of-use features.

[Mashood]

Political activism can be part of a c(4) dependent upon how you define your social welfare organization.

[bert]

.....Lets all whine cause iPhone doesn’t work on FR and we can’t PLAY when we WANT to!.....

For the record, Me, the Geezer, an old timer, wrote Jim Robinson a note several weeks ago indicating that a Free Republic ap would be well received. Further it was a note in the basket understanding that the limitations of time and money were recognized constraints.

Consider FReeping in the Doctor’s office or in the Florida Keys campground or ........ on the john.

[bert]

One more thought. Free Republic is available on the IPhone but is difficult to read. The main problem though is that FR is so rich with links, it is difficult to not inadvertently be off somewhere you didn’t want to go.

Never the less, as is, it is good to have around while waiting or off somewhere in the boondocks

[paulycy]

Do you have any issues getting on FR?

I travel occasionally but being disabled alas I am not a business type. I have no problems accessing FR and that is a huge plus and is why I bring it up. It is a current strength, but there are problems when trying to post that could be addressed in a rewrite. That is where the forward-looking discussions come in handy.

There are also new features, such as the integration of the facebook "Like" button that Jim has tested a few times, that could be implemented.

[DJ MacWoW]

Thanks for the info!

[DJ MacWoW]

Actually there are posters stating that their iPhones, Nooks and Blackberry's work well on FR.

Consider FReeping in the Doctor’s office or in the Florida Keys campground or ........ on the john.

I'll pass on the last one. ;-)

[DJ MacWoW]

Free Republic is available on the IPhone but is difficult to read.

That's my problem with some of the new stuff. I just can't see on it.