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
It won't be my last either.
It is nice to stop by and enjoy the fresh air. Good luck!
Let's Roll!
But most of the posts on that thread were from Arator and I doubt he is in for $20 x all of his posts. : )
Really...... 20 X 2000 = 40,000 .. I think you all are dropping a zero
If that last thread didn't show people what Free Republic IS are compared to what it MIGHT be if the AFers are allowed to have their way with us, nothing EVER will!
I personally was glad to see them exposed for the bottom feeders they are.
May God continue to bless you, Jim, Free Republic and America.
Oops, I meant monthlies which is the only way to go imo. Btw, my guess is that if we continue to gain monthlies over the next few freepathons at the pace we have in the past all of the funding issues will go away. I don't know the numbers but I bet we are up to 20% pre-funded as we speak.
God bless FReepers everywhere!
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Can't do it. Charging a fee would make it a commercial site. Voluntary donations are the only way we can help pay the bills here while staying clean with the fair-use laws.
Jim,
Thanks for all you do. You have stood up to the dragons. You are a patriot and one hell of an inspiration.
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