Replies

With its ease of use and effectiveness, the original FR format far surpassed this new-fangled one. The new format does not seem to add anything to the FR experience; rather, it takes much away. This judgement is not based on the normal human compulsion to be uncomfortable with "change." But "change" for the sake of "change" is simply unnecessaary. Why fix something that is not broken? It was a cinch -- before the changes -- to scan the posts and see what was what. Now, the new format will create longer scanning times and even then, it seems we will miss many meritorious posts; and most of us do not have the extra time. As it was, we enjoyed FR and spent a significant amount of time on it because the posts were interesting -- but they were also better organized before you made the changes! No breaking news side bar? That is nuts. That alone simplified the scanning process. I don't mind spending 2 hours on FR to read the posts that I want to -- but to spend 2 hours scanning to see what I "may want to read" is fruitless. What was the purpose and intent of the change? If it was to keep FR popular and improve it, I do not believe the goal was met.

"But "change" for the sake of "change" is simply unnecessaary. Why fix something that is not broken?"

This is exactly what I think has been going on, there have been some improvements I've appreciated (like how you can no longer screw up with html - leaving all posts to follow yours in BOLD, or Italics etc)

But basically they have made this site much more difficult to navigate, people don't have the time to be clicking through all diff screens to see whats important and what everyone's talking about.....

I forgot to add that, with the former FR format, I never ever added myself to any of the "bump" lists and for good reason. I am interested in everything, so imagine having to weed through so many resulting "bump" posts! I do not want to add myself to "bump" lists for the new format either. I preferred to scan through all topics posted and I found that process most manageable under the previous -- since FR's inception -- format. Does this new format allow that with the same ease and speed? It doesn't seem to. So, using "bump" lists for me did not -- and will not under the new format -- make FR any more usable. Why did you go and make FR just like every other discussion site? It was unique and it was good. My only beef is the way you changed how topics and posts and breaking news is listed for scanning. Unfortunately, this one content factor made up the heart and soul of Free Republic!

In a related vein...You know, I just love classic rock. Rock when it was pure and simple and heart-felt with no bells and whistles getting in the way. I like modern rock much less because it is synthesized; humanly "perfected" in studios; performed with stage antics and overpowering light shows that -- to me -- detract from the main music. This is the same way I feel about the "good ol'" vs the "new" FR. Please help!