Posted on 05/02/2012 5:23:35 AM PDT by xzins
We are the Free Republic Pre-War on Terror Class of Freepers.
Having been a freeper for over a decade, and having experienced both a pre 9/11 presence here and a post 9/11 presence, having experienced the Hanging Chad Wars of GW's first election, Sore Loserman and all, what stands out for you regarding the growth of Free Republic over the years.
What are your thoughts on the independence of Free Republic, and Jim Robinson's decision to go advertisement free all these years. My first thought is that his financial independence is what has freed him to tell the GOP-E to stick it in their ear this year.
If he had to worry about sponsors dropping him, or well-heeled pubbies supporting him, that might have intimidated a lesser man.
We've been blessed these many years. What stands out for you in your decades plus experience on Free Republic?
Fatima and Kathy in Alaska's music/theme threads.
I was introduced to Free Republic during the Sore Loserman fiasco by a Navy shipmate. I used to get here every day. Lately I’m lucky to get here once a week.
I miss debating with The Cruiser, Non-Sequiter and WhiskyPapa.
No ads please.
I lurked back then, but didn’t join until 2004.
A lot of useful stuff about Saddam Hussein, OBL, and other emerging threats were posted here.
JMJJR
Since Oct 17, 2000
I was turned on to FR by the late Freeper and co-founder of the TRT, labgrade (RIP Al), I lurked 98,99 and signed up just before the 2000 election.
Got my monthlies coffee cup !
So many moments like this.
Not sure how I found it, but WhiteWater was my initial guide here. I found a good group interested in something that had nailed me in Upstate NY - the unelected stakeholders who had more say in my town and property than I did - the UN and Agenda 21 through the EPA.
Disagree on accepting ads. Several have said it would make no difference, but it would and the tone would change. Also for those in Rio Linda - NPR and PBS are not ad free - they advertize repeatedly in favor of the great Goliath FEDGOV and the funding it provides from our tax dollars. No thanks!
If anything, some type of optional recognition on threads and posts of those willing to put their money where their mouth is, or make it like the news sites where anyone can comment but only Contributors can initiate threads. JMHO.
Many thanks to you and the rest of the knowledgeable FReepers for your clarity and wisdom. Blessings.
They're gone in the misty recesses of time now, but anyone who thinks the forum is less genteel these days probably doesn't remember the Toiletman threads. Trolling was an art in its infancy in those days. Flaming wasn't. If he didn't need therapy after that it's because he didn't read them all.
Class of 98 here.
I like ad-less site and do think it gives Jim freedom.
I miss a lot of the people who are gone.
I love the passion that was brought to bear fruit and win some big issues, such as sore/loserman, Rather lies, chads, lies on election night TV, and the fact that we have been a burr on the bottoms of the political class. We have spawned dozens of independent sites and have helped the conservative cause immensely.
I still miss a lot of the people who are gone.
n00b here. I miss that guy like I miss a boil on my butt.
Tet68 checking in since 1998.
I don’t miss the flame wars a bit although some of
them were entertaining. Still the stimulating place
for Conservative thought and conversation and the
best all around place for news of the web.
I would not like to see advertising just because
I’m used to the way this site has always been run.
It’s Jim’s site and you play by Jim’s rules and
everyone is happy except for trolls and DUmmies.
Looking ahead to another ten years if we survive
2012.
FUBO
ABO
T.
NO...I do Not! Did you say something really bad to me??? lol
Besides the serious threads, I've especially enjoyed the fun ones, in particular, PJ-Comix's DUmmie FUnnies (of which I am the co-host), as well as the ongoing give-and-take with martin_fierro and mikrofon.
I fully support FR's "pro-life, pro-family, pro-limited government" conservative philosophy. At the same time, I recognize how good conservatives, equally holding to that same philosophy, may differ on strategy when it comes to the presidential election this fall. I believe it's a difference in strategy, not philosophy, that is at the heart of the recent difficulties here.
=========
Thanks for the nod, CH ... besides the superb Conservative commentary, the fun stuff helps keep things in balance, and sharpens my wit vs. Mrs. Mik (who's a far better punster than I ;).
I had originally joined under a different nom-de-plume in Feb. 2000 via Drudge, after a local radio host (Tom Bauerle) got into a highly-publicized row with the Hildabeast. Once we finally got broadband, I re-upped only two weeks prior to 9-11, and the rest is history.
Strategies and subtle philosophical hair-splitting aside, I'm proud to be a member & contributor with so many fine and talented individuals.
Wow. A name from the past.
I'm saddened to see so many otherwise good conservatives pushed out or leave over the Republican primary battle. I think it is far more important to get the liberals out of power than the particular shade or hue of a person's conservatism.
It's not my site but fewer people make the quarterly pledges drag on forever. I remember pledge drives taking less than a week.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
By definition it's impossible to get in before oldbie delusions of self importance. |
long time
Whoops, that was to Charlie, too.
That troll lasted quite a spell before the inevitable zot.
The campaign in 2000.
I signed up that year; having FreeRepublic to go to was a godsend.
Now that there is another important election coming up, I find myself back here again.
Kudos to Jim and John Robinson for the best conservative website on the ‘net.
Classy green-eyed blonde...lol
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