Posted on 11/28/2001 7:31:29 PM PST by Jim Robinson
First, let me state that I have no problem with your site management per se. In fact, I am in broad agreement with the management of this site in terms of banning posters for racism, kookery, etc. I would include most of Arator's crowd in that category. This is well known to those that post on the Reformation site. I have Arator on ignore. I would ban Arator. He knows that.
In fact, I have Eschoir on ignore over there. This has been posted over there. Several times. Why? Because I have come to believe that he is simply seeking attention, and really not worth the listening to because of that fact. He seems to be the foci of many of the disputes that arise on the "anti" boards. One has to ask oneself if there's a fire where a lot of smoke exists. I've found it interesting that he felt it necessary to create over 250 screen names to try and draw attention to himself. This shows the character of the man, and what he's about.
Let's face it, the guy is an underemployed lawyer. No better. No worse. I don't even trust his legal opinion on the lawsuit. If he were busy with clients, he would not post 24/7. I like him, but nevertheless, the truth must be spoken.
Having said that, I feel strongly that some sort of accounting should be made for the monies raised by Free Republic. This is ultimately best for the conservative movement which you claim to hold so dear. The conservative movement cannot get into a Clintonesque type situation in which we are not holding accountable those that represent us, whether on the net, or in political operations. Sadly, I've come to the conclusion that your refusal to account in a real way for the monies raised represent a lack of accountability that I simply am not willing to tolerate in conservative circles.
I would like to see the following accounting tools posted:
Chart of Accounts complete - specifically, monies paid to employees and representatives of Free Republic
Statement of Cash Flows
Balance Sheet
Income Statement
Specifically, I would like to see the documents that the Accountants are producing, NOT a raw posting of said documents worked up by Bob J or someone else. Why is this so hard to do? Sure, people are suing you. But these documents were not posted here prior to the lawsuit. Bob J said when I raised this issue earlier this year that I had seen them. I haven't. You know dang well that these documents are required to conduct business operations. You and I know they exist for Free Republic. Just post them. Give them to us. I posted on Reformation that the anti sites would go away if this issue could be resolved.
The lawsuit exists because you refused to quit posting full text documents. How can you admit otherwise? Your posts on this matter exist on the anti sites. Does Drudge do this? Other sites? I don't believe this constitutes "fair use," regardless of what you think.
Ultimately, this lawsuit issue will shut down Free Republic. Already your "pro bono" lawyer has agreed to 1 million dollars regarding this. I'm not a lawyer, but have worked for some of the high powered ones. Upon questioning, they think you're wrong on this issue.
The other problem I have is with your original position regarding George W. Bush and his alleged involvement in the "coke running conspiracy." It appears that you've changed your views to stay with the main ideological and political flow of the FReepers. If Bush was such a criminal, then why vote for him? Honestly, your original views on a number of issues appear to be minor league Bircher. I can understand changing views, but to this extent?
I also deeply resent some of the powers that be calling on the carpet those that ask for accountability, and the fact that one of the PTB used a vulgar word in a thread that was flushed, calling a member of this forum a C##T. If you need documentation of this, I can certainly post a link. You know who and what I'm talking about. And this person would represent themself as a fine upstanding Christian. Give me a break.
In summation, all I ask for is the accounting tools. Nothing more, nothing less. Should you do so, I will pony up $500 over the next year, well within my financial means. All else is minor, and can be easily forgotten and forgiven for the cause. I would say failure to do so ultimately hurts the conservative cause in the sense that it gives our opponents such as Eschoir cause to whine and moan. And I'm not even that conservative. My views are well known here.
Finally, will this thread be flushed? Will my account be deleted for raising these points?
In an effort to keep the thread alive, I will not post here again this evening (heck, it is almost 2am on the East Coast), but will return to answer your and others' replies later tomorrow.
If FR shut down, I might actually have to get a life. You wouldn't want that on your conscience, would you?
Maybe you should take some more time away from here.
FOCUS!
They are somewhat like Afgans screwing you over.
I would like to see YOU banned again.
As for the AFers, let them cry in their beer. Who cares what they say? They are bugs on the windshield of the freeper SUV.
Your expenses seem quite reasonable for an operation this size.
You're a liar and a fraud.
I never realized how much this place cost. Too much success (and litigation) can be a bad thing. I think that is the law of diminishing returns, but it has been a long time since I took economics. Never have I thought you a fraud. Instead, I have marvelled at your abilities.
Would I like to see Free Republic continue? The answer is Aye. At what cost? Ah, there's the rub. Count me in the lower economic tier at FR. It is easy to say that to have access to JohnHaung2 and Kattracks postings $2/mo (paid annually) would be money well spent. But do I really want to pay $2/mo to have people "cover" their profanity by changing one letter (or not covering it at all); or to hear all the women bashers come out; or the ones who make racist remarks; or the anti-Christians?
One the one hand Free Republic is one of the most intelligent sites on the internet; but the other hand of Free Republic is ignorant (if you accept the argument that one swears because he hasn't the vocabulary to otherwise express himself) and un-American (if you accept the idea that this country was founded for all people who seek freedom, liberty, life...). I do not refer anyone to Free Republic for just that reason: I don't want their sensibilities shocked or attacked.
Already my tax dollars support art which I would not classify as art and which would not exist without subsidy and a multitude of other wastes. Do I make a donation that is similiarly compromised? What to do, Jim, what to do? Would I mind seeing the site scaled back some? I think it might be a healthy thing, but I don't use a lot of bells and whistles. When a final choice is given I will have lots of mental weighing to accomplish in order to make my choice.
Again, I thank you. Best wishes in your own decision.
I want Jim's last five 1040, Schedules A & C, and his most recent cholesterol test, and all will be warm and fuzzy. <\sarcasm>
Checks in the mail. FR FoRever!!!
Jimbo, you better not give it up, otherwise I will be a really pissed off customer. The way you are running this big ol' ship is just fine, so don't you dare to change anything.Remember the ol' say "you can not please all the people all the time",and you should not try it, it is impossible, so grow some elephant skin and keep on going. Forget about whiners and moaners, they allways will be there...so what!
They all should get a life and move on.Feelings will be hurt, but guess what...life's tough and they better get a grip.It is not your problem they can not get their act togheter. The only thing you should care is to how, get the finances in, to keep on freeping. Thats all you should care about...period.
I have to tilt my hat to you, your son and everybody helping out to make this site the way it is. Sir you have my admiration for your resilience and devotion in creating this forum and sticking to it from day one. Just do not give up...I am damn sure that we can find a way to resolve this little pesky monetary issue.
Thank you JIM ROBINSON
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