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
How about donating a few dollars to keep Freee Republic going!!!
Tomorrow BadJoe will start a thread for contributions if you want to wait. Either way, thanks for being a FReeper.
Jen
I'd hate to be your kid coming home from a beer bash. El toasto!
Now my more immediate concern is whether @Home will bite the dust tonight.
This site, your efforts to educate us and get us concerned about the conservative agenda
and how we can support it is greatly needed and appreciated. Keep Rolling!
Cheers! CC :)
Hi, old friend.
I'd like to keep these guys around for a little while.
I tried my new flame thrower yesterday, and it works great!
I'd like a chance to scorch their bootie!
Yesterday's thread was a scary experience. I did not drudge throught the 2000+ replies (the count the last time I looked). I was depressed enough just reading your post. I'm glad to see you have no intention of giving up the fight. I'm with ya....and so will be my checkbook!!! Thank you so much for all you do.
P.S. As a capitalist at heart, I hope you can find a way to make a fortune from FR. Make it a members only paying site (or pay-to-post), I think you and John and anyone else in the organization, deserve to be rewarded for developing one of the best sites on the net. (Judging by my habits, it is the best!!!)
It's already tomorrow in China. I think I'll warm up a little.
Btw, I missed seeing you in Dallas. Everything went OK with the flight?
Thank you Jim. For all you do this "Let's Roll" is for you!
Eaker
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