Posted on 11/29/2001 11:32:06 PM PST by Jim Robinson
Very sorry if the thread I posted yesterday entitled "Is Free Republic a Fraud? Is it time for Free Republic to go away?" startled some of you. The thread was posted simply to allow the people who are criticizing Free Republic and accusing us of fraud to have a place to post their charges, and also to allow those who support FR a place to voice their opinions on whether we should continue or fold up. The anti-FReepers have long held that if only the FReepers knew the truth about me and the fraud of FR, then they would all go away. Well, time will tell if many people have been swayed by their tales of horror, but no one can say that I did not give them a chance to get it all out into the open.
Now I'm happy to say that I have absolutely no intent of ever shutting down Free Republic. The only reason that was in my title was because of the AFers claim. I have stated on many occasions that Free Republic will be on the air as long as the FReepers feel it is needed and viable. If the WP/LAT is successful in bankrupting me or the corporation, then we will find another way to keep our discussion site running. There is absolutely no way that they can shutdown our right to assemble on the internet and voice our opinions and criticisms of the government and or of the so-called free press. In that, we will persevere, I guarantee you!
I want to thank all of you who have suggested various ways to change our operating model to one profiting by selling subscriptions, or advertising, or merchandise or other commercial ventures, but have to say that we cannot do any of those things at this time. We are restricted from engaging in any commercial business because of the fair use laws. Now, some of this might change in the future depending on clarification from the court if we win on appeal or at the Supreme Court level, but I wouldn't bet on it. As long as we are posting full text articles we will probably have to remain non commercial.
I also want to thank all of you who have posted your supporting comments. I'd like to reply to all of them, but looks like the count is now running to 2,000 and beyond and there is no way that I can respond to each one individually. I thank each and every one of you and I thank God that you are on our team. Same goes for all of you who are donating to keep FR on the air. We would not be here without your support and we all appreciate it very much.
Thanks again and God Bless America!
Regards,
Jim Robinson
You gave them their say, I have no need to read Eschoir's prattling or Mojo and the other malcontents for that matter. Time for them to move on.
I'm proud to be a FReeper.
Jen
So it is ok to make 250K/ year by posting articles as long as you make it through donations, but if you charge a monthly fee then it is not ok to make 250K/ year?
from the point of view of the copyright owner, someone else is making money off of their work. It really does not matter to the owner of the material if the money is received through a subscription fee or through donations. It could be argued that without the articles posted here the way that they are that the donations would stop or at least be diminished.
I am not saying I agree with the courts ruling about fair use, but Free Republic has gone through a law suit that makes the matter very clear from a legal point of view.
I agree, but it also showed me that Jim is human (gasp!) after all, and that maybe he needed some reassurance and encouragement from people as well. We all do when we are feeling down, don't we.
Sounds like Jim is re-charged now... :-) Good Day!
Jen
Absolutely. I certainly wouldn't be surprised if occasionally the weight of this site and the pressures that come with didn't get Jim and John down. I know I couldn't deal with it.
All Jim has to do is hint that he is becoming discouraged and we'll charge him back up, for sure. LOL!
Good to see you around, Chong. God bless. :-)
I seldom post........mostly lurk......but I am a SERIOUS lurker. FR is one of my main sources of news. Rush is the other.
Buy WHY haven't I contributed lately? Because, being Mr. Average, I am very busy earning a living, suporting my family, paying taxes etc......
THAT'S NO EXCUSE.......you say. And you're right.
But as every sucessful business knows.......in order to reach Mr. Average, you have to make it as easy as possible.
That...you have not done. I have looked everywhere (except of course, the right place) for a way to contribute MONEY to FreeRepublic.
No luck.
I've looked under "Help"...and just about everywhere else that Mr. Average would think was obvious.....and can't find a thing.
My lack of computer smarts combined with my penchant for sometimes overlooking the obvious may make some (more blessed mentally than I) feel warm and fuzzy. That's fine.
But I sincerely want to help you with this forum that has become such an important part of my life. Although my contribution will be modest. My mostly silent brothers and sisters in Mr. and Mrs. Averagedom...may surprise you.
Bottom line: "Ask," (in some obvious place that Klutzes like me can't miss) "and ye shall receive."
Good luck Jim, checks in the mail.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.