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The easy part is creating the concept of an alternative. The problem is funding it.

You are correct to an extent.

The concept is not that easy, at least not the way I mentioned in my original post above.

The concept for an alternative has to be one that is not already out there, and I think I have the formula.

The funding is another good question, but, there have been many websites which have been started with minimum funding or no funding at all, and which have existed for months and sometimes years, without monetizing. In the end, if it's going to be as large as I envision it, it's going to have to be monetized sooner or later, and preferably sooner. Advertising will keep the site "free", or at least create the perception of it being "for free". Funding through private sources tends to politicize the process, and it might be less desirable than through regular advertising.

Promoting of the service doesn't have to start with large funding, or even any funding. Perhaps a few links here and there, and word-of-mouth will get people into the site, and hopefully, the popularity builds from there.

Like I hinted in my prior post, the website idea is not very difficult, and it could serve as an alternative to all other news/information/opinion sites. I already have a working model, but, like any other website, it's never finished and will need changes and improvements as it goes, but, for the most part, it's fairly "complete".

The problem there is that it becomes just another Blog in the public eye.

Look at FR itself and imagine what it could be if JR was an insanely wealthy man or partnered with one for the venture.

I see what you’re saying, but the days of that kind of groundswell site are gone. The current political climate demands $$$ for credibility. Where FR has a legacy, an upstart with no funding has nothing but a prayer.

And I say this having been one of the founding members of what was once a monster ‘ground up” website - www.off-road.com