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

Free Republic | 11/28/01 | Jim Robinson

[Arator]

(Note to newbies: Harrowup is very possibly insane. Approach him at your own risk.)

[Liberal Classic]

I'm no expert on corporation law, but I think the whole corporate route might be a mistake. In the end FR would turn into a PAC. :) I think it would be better for the time being for it to remain as it is.

[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

If JimRob kept all the money gathered from this venture and he and JohnRob used it on lavish vacations in Tahiti every year or to keep a dozen mistresses quiet, I'm frankly not bothered by it. 1) He's not supported by tax money. 2) He's not running a church. 3) He is providing a service to thousands absolutely free of charge. I'm getting more than a full return on my investment in Free Republic. What they used my money for isn't really my concern, any more than I'd be bothered with how my car mechanic spent the money I paid him to fix my car. The car is fixed. His side of the deal is honored. He's now free to use the money as he sees fit.

That works for me! Uhh... except for the 12 mistresses part. Jim is a married man. However, John can have 12, if he likes. ;-)

[philman_36]

Are you giving free critiques today? Can you give me one too?

[uglybiker]

I, being of limited wit, usually just call 'em "Stupid as a box o' rocks."

I'd risk getting banned if I posted what I usually call 'em!

[Arator]

So whats the point of banning a poster? None. If anyone is really hated on FR they should be ignored. I dont think anyone should ever be BANNED from any discussion forum.

That's my take.

Nice take, Gasshog!

[diotima]

You know, I'll do just that when I get some time.

You mean your flying monkeys couldn't cough up the link? Even Mojoke? I'm shocked.

Or maybe I'll bump it over at our place and you can drop in and discuss it with us.

You mean you would let me post at your presently closed website...I'm flattered, really I am.

It will probably be right after Jim gets around to answering all the questions I've posed for him to enable the FReepers to evaluate his credibility. That was a generous invitation that grew into quite a fundraising opportunity!

Boy did you sure get everyone here to question Jim's credibility..I don't see any support for him here...none...no siree... Thank G-d you were here to tell everyone the truth... < / sarcasm >

[alcuin]

Is it time for these Republican flacks to go away? Yes.

Even the ones born before 1969? Who know the moon landing was faked?

Cut the flacks some slack, Jack. They know THE TRUTH ABOUT STUFF, but practice benign neglect.

[Cyber Liberty]

'Bout time you showed up, UB....

[Z2]

Website's open, sugar plum. Drop in any time. You still have an account there, which I noticed while I was repeatedly banning Eschoir last night.

We'll put the affidavit up for you. Right now, we're kinda busy asking questions that (as yet) aren't being answered.

[Silly]

Free Silly!

[Arator]

Let me know if you do, I'd like to check it out.

I would advise all FReepers to exchange email addys. This enables you to stay plugged in to the FReeper grapevine even after banishment. And, since arbitrary banishment could befall anyone at anytime, the sooner you are plugged into the FReeper email grapevine, the better.

I would invite anyone to email me at aratorfr@yahoo.com. Once you do, I can then pass information of FReeper interest on to you as the need arises.

[diotima]

Thanks dumpling!

I'll keep that in mind.

[Quix]

I think more is to be gained from keeping it as free as possibl $-wise--as long as possible. Many people with good ideas and inputs--at least energy--for THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM do not have great incomes or $-management skills. The diversity is good for our goals.

But personally I'd be for products etc. and for Jim and John living as high on the hog as was remotely good horse sense. . . uhhh, welll, anyway . . . they deserve to have fun and live very comfortably. The service to the Nation alone is worth that. . . their help and value to us well worth it also.

I do wonder about bank charges on checks. Have been told that most banks charge $10+ to process a check. A $5.00 donation could hurt. Maybe the options need to be listed and the minimum donation for each listed. Is PayPal an option?

[Just another Joe]

I say keep it going any way you can.
If it comes down to it, I would say have a sliding scale for subscriptions.
One fee to post comments, another entirely seperate fee to post articles and comments, no fee at all to lurk.
I don't know if it would work or not.

This is the first website forum I have ever seen that makes even CLOSE to any sense. As a matter of fact, this is the only website forum I have EVER posted on.
The articles have been insightful, the commentaries, for the most part, intelligent, and the discussions illuminating.

If FR goes away, I head back to the desert.
Count me in on any more fundraisers, and if I HAVE to pay a fee I will.

[flamefront]

Lawyers and bandwidth -- those are the costs here.

FreeRepublic needs a shield against lawsuits. Perhaps the implications of this will partially help:
California Appeals Court Upholds Free Speech Right to Criticize Public Companies on the Internet

[uglybiker]

Been followin' this thread all day since JH2 flagged me.

I'm just sittin' back with a cup o' java and watchin' the sparks fly!

[Cyber Liberty]

"Dumpling?"

Geesh....it's nice to see you two kiss and make up, but this is nauseating...

;^)

[Cyber Liberty]

I miss those days...we had so much fun before the principal came out and made us stop it....I should look up some of my old "Free Silly!" pictures.