Posted on 10/26/2009 4:32:01 PM PDT by Admin Moderator
This is a public service announcement from your friendly neighborhood Admin Moderators (Sidebar gave us some attitude so we shoved him in the closet for a while. He never recovered from the Yacht incident) For a while, we have noticed some things happening that we need your help with. The Free Republic community is strong; we are almost a family, albeit very dysfunctional at times. Like any community, we have new members joining us daily. Unfortunately, the air of suspicion and the desire to keep things “the way they are” has fostered a feeling of distrust with new members. Almost every day, we see new members join, then, because of comments of suspicion, they often don’t return. For any community to thrive, it must grow. Because of this, we are asking for your help. Here are some important things you should know:
The Internet has changed greatly since Free Republic first started. When we formed, few people had their own websites, now, everyone has their own blog. With this, there is an attitude change where someone who doesn’t understand how our community works may be more interested in self-promotion than we have been used to in the past. We don’t want to change the overall feel of this site- it is about our shared values, not about self promotion, however, we don’t want to drive people away simply because they link to their own blog. There are blog “pimps” who want nothing more than to promote their own sites, but for most people, it is simply how they start out sharing their thoughts on a matter. Encourage these members to take part in existing discussions.
Many new members may not communicate well what they believe and it gives the appearance they are not 100% kosher in their Conservative beliefs. This may have nothing to do with their Conservative credentials but simply how they are communicating their beliefs or how the media/pop culture has told them what to think. Be an example and discuss what you think is wrong. A liberal troll’s true colors will reveal themselves while a new member who is honest, but may not communicate well, may learn from the conversation.
Remember, how you respond to a topic not only reflects your thoughts, but also is a reflection of the community and Conservative values. We need to be an example of positive conservative values when responding to members, especially new ones. As mods, we make a strong attempt to screen all new members. Every new sign-up goes through a period where their posts are reviewed. This helps us eliminate most trolls, porn and commercial spammers, and those who don’t fit in with our Conservative values. This isn’t a perfect system, but it does help us make sure that by the time a new member reaches the community, there is a greater chance this person is the type we want around. Some slip through, yes, and you can always help us by hitting the abuse button. (of course, we do let some world class morons through every once in a while as “Live Chow”- after all, the kitties have to have toys.)
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With all that said, we need to grow. We need to be far more welcoming to new members and guide them into how to use our community best. With this said, we are issuing a challenge to our long time Freeper family. We would like to start up a ‘welcome wagon’ type of ping list or group whose job it is to welcome new members, show them the ropes, and guide them through our community. This could be as simply as giving new members a kind welcome, guiding them to how to post topics or replies, or just making the experience pleasant.
As this is your community, we would like your thoughts, ideas, and most importantly, for some of you to step up and help us with this.
We are passing the ball to you. What do you think?
Are we gonna require a sprinkling of custard or full immersion?
You know, there are a good many people here who don’t understand this concept. There are times when I am guilty of this infraction, but I try to have a good reason and do it very seldom.
I know folks who support guys like McCain mean well. I can understand where they are coming from. It’s just sad to see what length’s they’ll go to to support a guy with an (R).
I once asked someone if there was a political race between Satan’s Lt. and the devil himself, who should we vote for. The obvious answer was neither. Oh I was assured that Satan’s top Lt. was the go to guy. Nevermind he would be implementing Satan’s plan 100%. He was better...
I Think that a really good hosing down will work.
I didn't join right away, mostly just "feeling out" this place, but I get almost all my good information, (and laughs), in the replies to posts.
Give the "newbies" a chance, we were all one once.
But if they're a troll, call out the Viking Kitties!
LOL
Some people still use blink, I can see the blink command works on this blackerry. Wierd!
Thanks.
9/11/98? NOOB!
Can we get a time out donation process here ?
Sort of like if I donate 50 bucks I can choose a freeper that gets suspended for 24 hours ?
I’d be willing to piss off any number of new or old freepers to promote such a fund raising effort !.........:o)
One thing I like is it is easy to freep on an iPhone. It is tough to post on forums that have wysiwyg editors, and impossible to use Flash based forums on it. Simplicity has it’s advantages (freeping on iPhone now).
You must have standards of some sort to determine if you support such a person or not, right? The same is true of the posters you criticize. They see the wrong in what an otherwise “stand up” guy is doing and pillory the guy for claiming they are the “conservative standard bearer” (as McCain did at the Conservative Union meeting last year) or for not following general conservative principals (like Romney with "RomneyCare" (who I had donated money to, along with McCain, both at key times to help)). I held my nose and did the best that I could at that time.
However, I always stood against the wrong in both people and their positions. You should support that berating of those who support wrong.
I assume you would say that you would not, in any palpable way support such a rabbi and would, in fact, seek to have him put in jail.
What was worse than blink was
Font Color = white
Yep, you are just the type “they” are looking for... lol
Bump and a comment:
Please Freepers, new and old, we don’t need to start a thread for every thought that passes through your brain.
Vanities & Freep This Poll threads are as out of control as 0-bammy’s spending.
I’ve been here for years....very seldom post a thread....By the time I get things filled out and downloaded....The story has already been posted....SO just limit to useful information.
“Do you really think that is a meaningful and realistic example to make your point?”
Look at the NY House race and ask that question again. We have the GOP party backing a pro abortion, pro homosexual Obama lover as the “future of the party.”
The example given is not far off.
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