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I like it, but to be honest I don't want to pay for it. Kind of the same reason you use linux. It's *free*.

Not to get on my soapbox about Linux not really being free, but the same arguments apply.

I like it, but to be honest I don't want to pay for it.

Hope that isn't the same as "I don't want to contribute to it." How much is it worth to you other than $0.00????

Free is a word that has grown to be meaningless. There is no such thing. All of our planet has a cost associated with it and if that cost is not born by those using the asset the asset dies.

Far too many people believe they are getting something for free. Ultimately, if the asset they are using is not paid for by the users, it is paid for by someone else. Those doing the paying will have an agenda. It may or may not be the agenda you want. It may not be the agenda you believe you are getting.

I contribute $10 per month now out of a very meager income. In addition I have contributed additional sums when Jim (backed up by others whom I trust) have called for it. To foolishly think I shoud have the services free is silly. I recommend that we push hard to get at least 3000 members to contribute $10 per month by credit card or check. Larger contributions can be made if one wishes to support even greater programs.

If that does not work, Jim will have only three choices - close down - sell to someone with their agenda - reduce services and charge per month anyway.

Some on this thread have offered to buy the business from Jim. Why? They have a vision they think it can be made into a moneymaker. Why else would anyone give the time and effort that Jim has done unless he had a real mission. This is not a money making prospect. And it never will be.

I vote for keeping Free Republic and helping Jim fund the endeavor. If it goes any other way I shall drop out because it will be a dead option.