An “Intelligence Aggregator” indeed.
Multiple people looking at a problem, picking it apart, contributing some piece of personal acumen, helping some see the problem, while giving everyone the opportunity to see an issue from a different angle.
Not that we all grasp that opportunity to see things differently, but it is available.
Discourse can be stupid, inappropriate, impolite, uncivil, and downright offensive. I have unfortunately participated in all those negative aspects at one point or another, but thankfully with one exception, I have been able to patch up those disagreeable interactions and remain on speaking terms with most other Freepers.
When I enter the Internet each day, Free Republic is my first stop.
I use it to see what issues exist in the world each day. I used it as my jumping off point for everything non-sports and non-retail related in the world.
If I need accurate information on military matters, I can get it on FR.
If I need to see all aspects of a political issue, I can hear it on FR.
If I need an opinion on energy related issues, we have people on FR who know the industry.
If I need humor, I can get in on FR, everything from sweetly cute humor to grossly off-color humor. Both quality humor and bad humor.
I have personally met dozens of quality people due to FR (HT to the DC Chapter of FR) and been able to be a personal participant face to face with the Left in some of the most divisive issues of the last two decades.
I have become personal friends with many Freepers.
To me, if Free Republic is down, the Internet is far less interesting, usable, and informative.
Thank you very much, rlmorel!