Is Free Republic a Fraud? Is it time for Free Republic to go away?

Free Republic | 11/28/01 | Jim Robinson

[SCalGal]

You know, most enterprises keep their books private. If you walked into your favorite bar, store, etc, and asked to see their books, you'd be told to go pound sand. I seems reasonable to me that Jim does not share this information. If FR were to reorganize as a not-for-profit, then the books would be required to be available to the public. That does NOT mean that they'd have to be posted, only that you can go see them.

I don't see why on earth Jim or anyone else would bother with something like this and NOT try to make a profit. In view of the legal stuff, which sounds like a major pain in the a**, he certainly deserves a profit!!

[Lazamataz]

This thread is hilarious and actually a very clever fund raiser. It reminds me of that TV preacher a couple of years ago who told his congregation that God told him if he did not collect millions of dollars from them very soon, that he would be "called home" (killed). Keep up the comedy.

Mojo! You *DID* show up! Great!

No, you see, my unsuccessful screen-writer friend, it is a classic double-back 180-degree spinaround psyche-out. He wants you to THINK that's what he's doing, so when you write this, people will think O! So THAT'S what JimRob's up to then decide to write a check just to prove you wrong!

[Paulus Invictus]

No, no! Don't go! Hang in there Jim! You have done a great service and keep up the good work!

[ChadGore]

I LOVE FR

[AppyPappy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/profile?u=337

[Constitution Day]

I agree: he does deserve a profit.

He has created a popular, engaging, marketable site and should be rewarded for it.

[colorado tanker]

I lurked here for quite a while before finally signing up. This site is simply the best. People who claim mismanagement don't know what a site like this costs. I've donated before and will again because the value here is better than almost any pay news site. The answer to your question is don't close; keep up the great work in support of the Constitution and our country.

[Protagoras]

Well, If you should decide to do an IPO.... Put Me down for 1000 shares..... (for starters)

Ok, I'll help Jim out and run it for him. Here's the terms.

Total float= 1000 shrs
Offering price= $100,000
Allocation= one holder
One holder= You

I will act as transfer agent and I'll let you know where to send payment after consulting with Jim. :-)

[BADJOE]

Hi Harry; It is good to see you back.

[Vermonter]

There are over 70,000 registered members on FReerepublic. If every one of them contributed $1 per month, we'd be in good shape. Of course, not all 70,000 are still active and not all will contribute, so that drives the contribution needed per member up.

Not everyone can afford to contribute and not everyone wants to, so the amount contributed is really up to the individual. Those who choose to contribute pick the amount they are comfortable with and it has managed to keep FR afloat so far.

There are many who get frustrated seeing the seeminly endless fundraising threads each quarter, but until we have sufficient monthly donations to pay the bills, they are a necessary fact of life.

[eureka!]

The fraud is/are those that make these accusations Jim. Frankly, I would not mind seeing you and John make $$ on this great place--you earn it. Keep steady and damn the detractors....e!

[1 FELLOW FREEPER]

Anyone remember "DAN'S BAKE SALE"?? Why couldn't we do our own rendition of this?? Once a year.Possibly include an auction of valuable stuff.

[contessa machiaveli]

no, please don't close down the site. with today's insane world i need a place to communicate with intelligent, like-minded people. FR is a fantastic service and i sign in to FR and drudge first thing in the AM to get news and opinions.

[Jackie222]

see post #1216...I meant to ping you.

[Inspector Harry Callahan]

LOL!! You're funny. Jim is the victim here, right?

I'm just "Howlin" with laughter over here.

ROFLMAO!!! Good one!

[Cultural Jihad]

it is a classic double-back 180-degree spinaround psyche-out.

LOL! Had to do a double-take when I read that line!

[KC Burke]

Jim,
The tension and hand-to-mouth that you have had to endure will this provisional judgement hangs over your head has been more than a lesser man could bear, IMHO. The dedication to keep it going during this time is nothing but admirable.

Once the sword that hangs over your head passes or falls, the knowledge that from that point forward the money will go to you and the site, will open up the contributions. Donations will always be limited, as they are now, by the thought that LAT/WP and their attorneys will grab the assets and equipment. When that sword passes or hits, and we can put you on solid footing with little and big contributions and donations...watchout world...FreeRepublic.com will really be on the map.

Keep faith in the worthyness of your creation and toil until then. We will stand by you during that bitter or happy time and then, even if shut down due to judgement...one e-mail to each will be the trigger to put make this whole if I am any judge of my fellows.

[WomanofStandard]

I'd be lost without this site now! I rely on it for information and educate myself on a daily basis.

[Fiddlstix]

Sounds Good to me

Looking at your profile, I see you're a stock trader.

Good to meet you.
Maybe we can do some business.
I'm always buying or selling something or the other :)
God Bless

[Z2]

Hi Harry,

Gosh, there are SO many questions and so few chances to seek answers, I couldn't pass on the opportunity.

I have no idea about Chuck, but I'm pleased that his efforts were the catalyst for this dialogue. And to think, it sort of naturally morphed into a fundraiser, like Vermonter said!