[anymouse]

Sean knows that there is no such thing as bad publicity.

Not only did he plug his own version of FR, but he promoted FreeRepublic.com as well. Rush does the same thing occasionally. I'll bet that FR's hit counter goes through the roof today and we gain quite a few new FReepers and lurkers from Hanity's backhanded plug.

That said, there is some truth in Sean's criticism of FR. As we've grown, the bomb-throwers, trolls and hair-trigger moderators have made FR a less friendly place for infrequent users and lurkers.

The shear volume of posts and the quirky navigation structure makes it a challenge for beginning FReepers to enjoy FR the way veteran FReepers take for granted.

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery and FR has been "faltered" by some of the bests (Drudge, Rush, Lucianne/Trixie, Mike Reagan, Savage, etc.) when they think they can do it better. Those of us that stick around despite the occasional rough edge, know that FR is in a class by itself and is unlikely to be overshadowed by any of it's "bastich" children. ;)

[zip]

hair-trigger moderators

I'm on the ZOT ping lists and fail to see any "hair trigger moderators". Must have been before my time (lurker/FReeper for 8 years) If anything, I think they let some of the useful idiots stay around too long.