What's Happening to Conservative Websites?

vanity | 3-7-07 | Bob J

[Bob J]

I have diligently watched the rise in size and influence of conservative websites, including Free Republic, over the last 7-8 years. I have been shocked and concerned over the drop in traffic at the most popular ones over the last year or so. There was good growth up until 2006 but since then there has been a steady downtrend that would crash any other market.

Anyone have any ideas as to what is happening? I'm out of explanations. The deficiencies in alexa.com are noted, but even if the numbers aren't accurate you're still comparing off numbers to off numbers so the decline is consistent.

[carolinalivin]

I still see some libertarians here. I consider myself a hybrid. I can't take their narrow definition on national defense or the position on abortion.

I still think it's more entertaining to have disagreement. The owner's statement of his beliefs limits the views one may espouse without having to risk being called a troll.

I see you have a very low member number and are on the board. How does one check her member number?

Thanx for listening.

[Anti-Bubba182]

"Who has an Alexa toolbar?"

People who do not mind sypware or don't know any better.

[Pelham]

Don't forget to include yourself.

[MaryFromMichigan]

You gotten many freeper's attention.
175 replies · 2,516+ views

I think it's a question that's crossed many minds.

[carolinalivin]

Thank you. Sometimes I have to correct him too. : ).

[CWOJackson]

You are a classic example of what most folks are talking about.

[carolinalivin]

Thanx, Bob J was trying to tell me that, but I just now understand.

[proud American in Canada]

Has Art Bell been informed?

LOL!

[somemoreequalthanothers]

It's that awkward time when it's too late to work within the system and too early to start shooting.

Beautiful. You ought to sell that on bumper stickers. I'll buy the first dozen.

[rockrr]

I for one have grown weary of the former, and the latter is like an itch I long to scratch...

[EEDUDE]

**Now you have people who feel used and angry - just throwing in the towel.**

That is EXACTLY how I feel.

I'm tired of having to ask if "Will you still respect me in the morning?"

Don't count me among the true believers anymore.

I really don't give a damn.

[ozarkgirl]

I wish we could all stick to issues and what is good for America instead of being "fans" of politicians are partisan party folks..

You are right. Let's go for issues and work to make FR a forum discussing back and forth rather than slamming each other if they don't agree.

[Enosh]

"I think you're one of the moveon spikes."

LOL!

Oh, such wisdom.

Perhaps you would be better served if you did bother to read my opinions before saying something like that.

[La Enchiladita]

This is my home..........screw the others : )

I feel the same way. I don't follow any other conservative forums except for occasional glances; this is the best.

So, to offer my answer to the title question, I would say, "Ego."

I've seen many individuals trying to "make a name" for themselves, putting themselves above the issues. Many have broken away and started other blogs and forums. Some come here pimping their blogs. Some develop a following here and then take those people to their blog.

Funny thing about that they're bashing the mods here and bitching about FR all the while. I'd rather have this as my conversation place. The versatility is unmatched. And one can build some great friendships over time, even with other posters who differ on issues.

Lately, people here have forgotten that we conservatives are all going to need each other as the country slides leftward. I hope we start remembering soon.

HUGS to all.

[cgk]

It's an alternate universe, I tell you.

[garbanzo]

A lot of the thoughtful veteran posters who contributed so much to a well-reasoned back and forth don't show up much anymore. It's not the same place it used to be. A lot more bitterness, a lot less intellect.

Seconded.

[COEXERJ145]

It's worse than both. Terri Schiavo was bad but rarely did I see members threatening to kill each other over it. Immigration has people calling for violence, against both illegals and any member that doesn't agree with the border bots.

[Interesting Times]

Beats the heck out of me.

I mean, it's not like our priorities have gotten out of whack or anything.

Anna Nicole Smith has died according to ABC News
	Posted by kcvl On General/Chat 02/08/2007 3:39:03 PM EST · 23,597 replies · 362,218+ views

[nickcarraway]

The conservative movement has lost steam and is depressed.

[chasio649]

I can say that i have never clicked on that thread...proudly i guess.