Deej, there would be some value to learning how the next generation uses internet content. My offspring gave up wire line phones altogether in favor of cell phones, and next gave up desktop internet service in favor of iPhones, and this is people in their late 20s-early 30s approaching the peak of career. We do not want to make FR a geriatric-only site, but also have appeal to the coming generation of conservatives who will not only have to carry the ball, but also repair the grave damage of the postwar generations.
Since everyone is touting their creds, I might as well add that I made my living for several years as a consultant to a global hi-tech company researching and predicting the short- and long-term future of the technology marketplace, including likely user behavior when certain innovations moved from the pipeline into user's hands. The speed with which an older business model can collapse is one of the primary dangers of today's rapid development cycle. As one example, you can see how big-box stores like Home Depot and WalMart wiped out mom'n'pop businesses within a decade or so. As another, you can see how quickly Netflix and RedBox decimated Blockbuster, which is now in bankruptcy after having been a major recreational destination a decade ago. And the collapse rate for online destinations can be even faster.
Emoticons are not the important issue; timely technological innovation to retain market share is the issue. And the market for conservatism is going to shrink unless we can attract and hold the last generation who grew up under Reagan. There's been little but cultural Marxism ever since.
Content is king. You seem to know your stuff, AW.
I still have a cord phone landline. During a storm when we lose power it's the ONLY phone that works. Cordless and cellphone batteries need to be charged.
I understand what you are saying but not every "new" thing is as good as what it purports to replace. Kids and young people latch on to it because it's new and "Fabulooouuus!" not because it works better. Honestly I think young people need to learn that new isn't always better.
Let's say for the sake of argument that society collapses. How will kids survive? They won't unless they have an old geezer at hand. The young need to learn what is truly valuable.
OT, back to FR. I don't know any younger people that cruise the net on their phones etc. Text? Yes. Check weather? Yes. GPS? Yes. Post online? Nope. They have a laptop for that.