OK So It's Time for a Pseudo Vanity

FreeRepublic ^ | 03/13/2007 | Self

[Woodman]

It’s been a long time since I last posted an article, but John Robinson’s latest version of FreeRepublic has me inspired. I have seen so many compliments and complain about the latest and greatest forum software, that I thought it might be a good time to take a look back.

The Smithsonian Institute has been archiving the WEB since 1996. The enormous project has at least some value as it provides snapshots in time of various FreeRepublic incarnations.

Here is the oldest version of the site archived December 21st 1996. Take note of the very fashionable black and white motif of the internet at that time. I am pretty sure that JimRob himself coded this one and set a long running tradition of Frames and Black and White colors…

Next we have the Left hand Topics List I have provided a link to one of many present on June 17th 1997 The whitewater List which eventually made FR what it is today. At this point in Histsory, we did not have to even log in to post, so the left side navigation quickly got out of hand (as well as the comments and occasional flame wars). This must be version 1.?

The next version Came as quite a shock, colors and logging in was required to post (we even lost posters who wanted to remain anonymous). I think this is version 2.0 and here is the fist example I can find on April 19th 1998 HERE

Here is a Gem from October 19th 1999 that gave me heart palpitations HERE

Although version 2 went through many iterations, I think version 3, may have been the first John Robinson version. Feb 29th 2000.

Just for good measure I will put up one more of no particular historic significance (3 years ago today) , and if you want to play yourselves, hammer the link after this one:

Here is the entire Web Archive List for Freerepublice.Com

God Bless you Jim for what you have done for me and all of the other Freepers.

[Woodman]

Have fun!

[Balding_Eagle]

Can anyone tell me how to get rid of the sidebar entirely?

I’ve never used it and don’t like it.

[mdittmar]

I thought your last article was fine.

[Woodman]

When the hell was that, I don’t remember. I used to post early in the morning before CA was awake by transcription of NY Post Wall Street Journal and such before the lawsuit.

[Billthedrill]

A BTT. Ah, for the days of the “Ash Alert!”

[Woodman]

How about A+ Bert?

[Billthedrill]

If you could dig up the thread where Deb called him a "urine-soaked old rummy" I'd love you for it. People think FR is tough these days... ;-)

[tioga]

John Robinson? mmm (scratching head) ...I knew there was Jim Robinson, but there is a John, too?

[Woodman]

I thought that was an accurate description, not a flame. I wonder what happened to Murry Mom? what Quidams screen name is today? Many others that are gone (although I'm sure some lurk)and the FReeper's that have silently passed away.

[Woodman]

Yes, he is Jim’s son and the author of today’s code.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

John Robinson you ask:

[Woodman]

I would like to find the thread of the Harvard Sociology Study of FR. I think it had many insightful comments about Freerepublic, and I wanted to review the predictions of our metamorphosis.

[tioga]

Cool. I learn something new everyday.

[Woodman]

I’d like to thank the Sidebar Moderator for fixing whatever I broke. To be honest, I found the new posting software a little difficult to use. Too many years, too many changes catch up with you.

[stylin19a]

whoa...that 1st one is the one I remember seeing first. I must have been lurking here longer than I thought...though I hung out at MSNBC chat.

[Woodman]

I found this place on a link from the Progressive Review. They despised Clinton and linked to the Whitewater Files.

[gorush]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane...from escoir(sp) to OneWhoKnows, aka OWK, it has covered the spectrum.

[Sidebar Moderator]

My pleasure.

[mowowie]

I guess we don’t have to worry about unseating Tom Lantos anymore.

[Inyo-Mono]

How about A+ Bert?

He has only be gone for two or three years now, but I miss him and Mia T (what happened to her?).