Well, IMHO folks should be able to read what’s presented and come to their own conclusions.
Thanks for the post BreezyDog. You don’t need to explain to me why I should be over at the WP site, moving that poll back in the right direction.
So, I second the idea of you posting this thread here.
There’s virtually an unlimited amount of stuff to read on the internet. It’s not too much to ask a poster to make some effort to “sell” his or her post — to tell us why, of the infinite number of things we could be looking at, we should look at that particular article.
Sure, the fact that it’s posted on Freerepublic.com greatly increases the probability that it’s worth reading — but, even FReerepublic has too many articles to read.
Similarly, it’s not only reasonable (IMHO) for a poster to lead the discussion — it’s also an opportunity for the poster. Don’t leave us all hanging here — tell us what you think about what you posted, and why we should care. Point out what’s debatable. Suggest some actions. Whatever — the poster gets first comment, you should make it count.
BTW, regarding your post #9, you needn’t go off in a snit. Asking for a smidgen of info is not the same as defeatism. FWIW, I did click through, and FReeped the poll.