1. They hog up FreeRepublic disk space. Each duplicate posting doubles, triples, quadruples... the amount of space needed to present a topic.
2. They interfere with the development of discussion on a topic.
a. When a topic is first posted, people link other resources. Comments are made. The issue is fully developed.
b. Second post comes along, fewer people participate. Fewer informative links. The discussion lags.
c. People coming across the second, third, fourth... thread don't know there are additional resources. They don't get the full scoop.
d. People visit the thread on a certain topic. They think they've seen "the thread" on the topic. The people who post duplicate threads are the ones
who are the least informed. Fourth and fifth postings are generally pathetic threads.
What can you do to prevent this:
1. Always use the exact title as it appeared in the source. Inside you can add your comments.
2. Pick out key words and do a search for them.
Ex: India says Pakistan is Blowing it in Kashmir Search for India or Pakistan or Kashmir
a. If you do not find an article with the same title, check out those with titles close to yours. If you don't find a duplicate, post yours.
b. If you do find an article with the same title, check the source. If it's the same don't past yours.
If the source is different, check the first two sentences. If they are the same don't post yours.
Folks, please help by not double posting.
Amen, bro. I hate it when someone says "Yo Momma !" at the end of a thread and I have to search for the new thread to see the snappy comeback.