Should Free Republic become a paid subscription service?

Vanity | 6/23/2006 | Berlin_Freeper

[Berlin_Freeper]

I am not certain what the legal ramifications would be in changing Free Republic from donations to a subscription service. It seems to me the switch may be detrimental to legal issues such as copyrights. If that is true I'd appreciate if someone could briefly explain that to me. However if that is not the case here is my suggestion:

I have been wondering about this for some time now and have not seen any discussions about it. So I would like to ask: Is it time for Free Republic to become an online subscription service?

Currently, the site is very antiquated. People can easily abuse the "add a keyword" feature and there seems to be a growing number of liberal trolls, foreigners and even pro-homosexual agenda-driven people infecting the site. In order to cut down on the undesirables and enhance FR at the same time, would it be advisable to start charging a monthly fee of about 15-30 bucks to be able to log into the site and post? There could also be different subscription levels like Basic, Premium or Platinum. That way, the more you pay the more features you have access to. Some of these extra-services could include storing photos or FR could be a conservative search engine for the web.

I have seen online sites where people can still read the boards for free. FR could do something like that so it would still be accessible to the Conservative public even if they are not paying members with posting priviledges.

Websites that rely heavily on banner and pop-up ads need as many hits as possible so for them restricting posting rights to subscribers might not be so desirable. However, Free Republic does not work like that. There are no ads other than some book links on the home page so the number of hits is not as crucial to the bottom line which is currently being paid for by donations.

Donations seem to be working well, but I am sure the cashflow could be improved. How many of you people honestly are put off donating money to FR because it is not what it should be? Especially in regards to the undesirable element that can be found throughout many of the threads. Wouldn't this change in format go a long way in eliminating the undesirables? I think so. Plus it would be neat to experience an upgraded more modern version of Free Republic.

Note: If you are a democrat troll, foreigner or pro-homosexual/lesbian then I am really not interested in your opinion and you should not be posting it to me (just the fact that I have to add this note is proof that something is not right).

[Impeach98]

Nothing personal against you but I *despise* the idea of hiding Free Republic's content behind a subscription wall.

As someone who started participating in FR in its early days, I'd have to say that such a move would undermine what I thought the whole point in launching it was in the first place!

[frogjerk]

It would then be called FEEREPUBLIC

[evets]

[Former MSM Viewer]

One of the beauties of the internet is the massive amount of info available...unfiltered...makes being somewhat cynical/skeptical necessary.

Free sites bring out the best ( and worst in us all)

Since the purpose of your plan is to reduce the number of people who post here, I dont see any advantage in your idea.

[John Lenin]

If it ain't broke why fix it ?

[don-o]

It ain't broke. Don't try fix it. Thanks for the thoughtful post. See ya at the next Freepathon??

Monthly donors rock!!

[frogjerk]

Currently, the site is very antiquated. People can easily abuse the "add a keyword" feature and there seems to be a growing number of liberal trolls, foreigners and even pro-homosexual agenda-driven people infecting the site.

You have been here for about 1 1/2 years and you are calling for taxes? Are you sure you are not a Democrat?

[dawn53]

With a name like "Berlin Freeper"...I don't think you should be dissing foreigners. (end/sarcasm)

[Mazda3Fan]

I'm new but I can't agree with you on this. I see your point, but I think it would only lead to group think. I think we need to have different opinions in order to discuss issues. I don't want everyone agreeing with everyone happily around here, there wouldn't be any point in me coming here then.

[AntiGovernment]

And shut out the 80-90% who may want to donate, but not pay for a subscription? No thank you.

[don-o]

7 seconds - GMTA moment!

[toddlintown]

Have too much time on your hands or are you just one of those "Big Thinkers?"

I'll hang up and wait for my answer.

[Impeach98]

"If it ain't broke why fix it ?"

AMEN!

[cripplecreek]

Especially in regards to the undesirable element that can be found throughout many of the threads.

I'm sure there are people who would consider me an "undesirable element" just as there are people who look at you the same way. I could never be a moderator simply because I would ban people who irritate me.

[American Quilter]

Nothing personal against you but I *despise* the idea of hiding Free Republic's content behind a subscription wall.

I agree. And I like having the enemy trying to infiltrate. We find 'em sooner or later, and it's fun to watch them get zotted.

[AntiGovernment]

With a name like "Berlin Freeper"...I don't think you should be dissing foreigners. (end/sarcasm)

LOL!!! Hadn't noticed that. It's strange indeed, might this post be a troll?

[AxelPaulsenJr]

[Impeach98]

"aint broke" AMEN to you too :)

[Berlin_Freeper]

I understand your sentiment however it could be designed so that people can still read threads, just not post or respond in threads unless they are a paying member.

[frogjerk]

Donations seem to be working well, but I am sure the cashflow could be improved.

CORZINE: "Cashflow always needs improving"

[JDoutrider]

Pssst! Over here!

[sissyjane]

Undesirable elements??

Are you the hall monitor for that?

[Red Badger]

You've been haveing a few too many Grappas down at the restaurant in Alt-Spandau...........

[super7man]

To be honest, I think a troll once and a while for a nice ZOT is fun.

[loreldan]

Foreigners that post here normally are an asset to FR.

[Dave S]

Since this is not your site and is not run by majority rule I suggest you contact Jim first and get his view. It's the only one that counts. He might even consider this meddling. If you want your own little site where you and similarly minded people can talk (just like DU) then maybe you ought to start your own site and add all the little bells and whistles you want. Maybe you could call it "Idiots are us".

[don-o]

Get off it - poster is OK. But one thing that really sucks here, is people shooting off mouth w/o knowing jack about what they are talking about!!

[Al Gator]

Yea, sure, right.

Then it would shrivel up and die.

Maybe you want that?

[Berlin_Freeper]

As my FReeper homepage makes clear I am an American.

I picked the name "Berlin_Freeper" to be honest about my living overseas status.

[Jeff Head]

One of FR's great strengths is precisely that anyone can come here, and as long as they post within the guidlelines (for the most part) they can not only read what others are saying and posting, but the can interact. This is the spice and fuel that drives FR, coupled with its posted misson statement regarding basic consevative, constitutional, American principles.

If you require a subscription to allow for the interaction...you will destroy that spice and fire IMHO.

As it is, people voluntarily donate and FR stays alive based on its own strengths and benefits from the legal status all at the same time.

Hope that helps, but having been here since mid 1998 and having been very involved with any number of conservative/constitutional activities...those are my thoughts on the matter.

[stinkerpot65]

I agree. What's the problem with "foreigners"? We have lots of great "foreigners" here. Mad Ivan for one. As long as you are convervative, why be a small-minded bigot?

[dakine]

Only for out of country users...

[i_dont_chat]

The Dems would LOVE for Free Republic to become a subscription service.

[don-o]

It is not a troll. You, however are a 2006 newb. Go sit in the corner, now.

Coach, get over here and help me out!

[Smokin' Joe]

In a word, no.

Free Republic permits the free exchange of ideas, and even the trolls and moles are good for verbal target practice. Besides, it is fun to peel their 'arguments' apart.

Otherwise, we end up preaching to the choir.

[Mo1]

I guess you missed this part

It's the free and independent thinking that makes FR the best on the web

http://www.freerepublic.com/home.htm

Welcome to Free Republic!
Free Republic is the premier online gathering place for independent, grass-roots conservatism on the web. We're working to roll back decades of governmental largesse, to root out political fraud and corruption, and to champion causes which further conservatism in America. And we always have fun doing it. Hoo-yah!

[FrankR]

Go away.

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

I agree wholeheartedly. we might as well call it democrats.com if we start a subscription. also, we'd lose members if we made people pay. they'd just start their own blog. we need to keep our efforts together.

[beltfed308]

People can easily abuse the "add a keyword"

There goes my fun :>(

[DManA]

Is this what they call a "trial balloon"?

[nuconvert]

"foreigner" ?
What's wrong with foreigners?

[mc6809e]

You have been here for about 1 1/2 years and you are calling for taxes? Are you sure you are not a Democrat?

Conservatives don't mind paying taxes for services they consume.

It's Democrats that want something for nothing.

[zarf]

FR is a blog. /s

[AxelPaulsenJr]

Is this what they call a "trial balloon"?

I think we have a winner!

[ctdonath2]

The owner will do with this site what he will.
You're not the owner, and somehow I don't think you've discussed your idea with him first.

[Indy Pendance]

This site is way easier to navigate than the new stuff out there. Try following a discussion on yahoo or whatever forum, here, all you have to do is hit view replies. It's not antiquated. But, you're new....

[frogjerk]

Donations are in line with Free REPUBLIC. You have the right to donate or not to donate. A subscription fee would be a mandatory taxation without representation.

I think a better idea would be to sell stock in Free Republic and make it part of the capitalist system.

[MEGoody]

If it does, I'll drop it. I can post for free elsewhere.

[Al Gator]

Exactly right.

Without sparing partners, the arguments get old and stale. Over time you turn into putty.

I say, let em in, bring em on!

FreeRepublic, where the slow and liberal are shaken, stirred and eaten! BWAHAHAHAHA