The internet in general was a much more valuable tool than the phone system during the crisis period, but the quality of information has been much higher here as well.
I will never forget the simultaneous Breaking News posts of BKO being on Flight 77, even if they were redundant and initially wasted bandwidth. It's a testament to the number of fans and supporters that she had that her passing would have resulted in such a spontaneous outpouring of shock and horror.
But I digress, long live FR!
The number of small contributors is way up this time.
The number of Freepers and Lurkers particpating is way up this time.
The number of new monthlies is outstanding ( thanks to Grampa dave)
The rapidity of incoming donations versus last time is amazing.
We are on the verge of a massive break out (stock mkt. term) on the up side.