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.
If you had worded your response differently, I wouldn't have objected.
IMHO, anyone starting a thread should lead off the discussion. Give us some idea about some of these things: what you’re posting; why you think we should be interested; what you think about it; what you think should be done about it; etc.
Suggesting someone needs to lead off a discussion isn't the same as asking someone to provide a proper title and a brief description of the subject matter.
BreezyDog didn't need to give his opinion. He just needed to explain what the subject matter was. He didn't do that. And with regard to the need for that, I do agree with you.
It was a faux snit...it was my 1st post for a poll to be Freep’d. I think. I consider it a success...when I go to Freep a poll I generally don’t care to research what the poster has to say, I just go and do it. There hasn’t been a poll here yet that I didn’t agree needed to be Freep’d.