Thanks Teddy.

This post reminds me that I’ve given thanks to all the front page writers often, and IMO deservedly so, they are journalists, in an age where that adjective is rare, and I’m so thankful for them.

But it’s not just them. It’s all the regular contributors, the diarists and the commenters, that truly separate this site from anything else IMO. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank you Teddy (from the Prop H8 liveblogging to every one of your comments) AND thank ALL the pups. I am always so much in awe of the intelligence, the compassion, the humanity, that I see here. All traits missing in our bigger world it seems.

Thank you Teddy, and thank you all, each and every firepup. You’re truly special peopele. And I mean that in the good sense.

Thanks Teddy.

For years I’ve kicked in $20/month and that means I’m just flat out stealing from you, Jane, Marcy and all the other great FDL authors. What price does one put on getting accurate information? That’s what FDL provides.

Nobody would cover Plame until Jane, Marcy, and Christy started busting it open with scoop after scoop.

In January 2006, Jane started talking about someone no one had heard of, Ned Lamont. Suddenly in August 2006, he upset JoeLie in the CT Democratic primary.

FDL has always led on GLBT and re-productive rights.

Except for FDL, left and right abandoned civil liberties and they were crushed.

When the rest of the left caved on the public option, FDL held firm.

Wish I was in a position to go Gosprey.

Oh, and consider this if you’re still on the fence about becoming a member.

The more members we get here, the more pissed off the assholes that represent TPTB become.

I can’t think of a better reason to join.

The advocacy here is awesome! I intend to join as soon as I am financially able to do so. FDL is like no other place on the net. Truth, advocacy, real facts, and also have to say they routinely scoop the traditional media. It has become comical how MSM fails in comparison.

ZOOM!

I got so excited I managed to sign up twice. Hope the good folks in the business end can help me out.

I echo the appreciation for the superb FDL reporting as well as one place in the blogs where good people with good sense gather.

Thanks to you all.

count me in.
what else do I do daily, and look forward to, that costs me less than 12.5 cents a day?
atrios!

Teddeh!

I guess we’ll just have to kick in more to keep Teddy’s Lexus in perfect condition. :)

already have an efficient response from Ryan fixing my screw ups. Thanks!

Or even upgrade it. What colors do you want Teddy?

Thank you so much OFG! It was great to finally get to talk to you yesterday.

I’ve been calling people who join the membership program. Many are lurkers, but I got OFG on the phone yesterday and went “I know you!”

It’s been a lot of fun. This is such a great step for us, it’s going to be so wonderful to bring the members more closely into the process of how we determine the path for FDL going forward.

And I am SO sending you a tshirt/tote bag and a membership card, Boo. You’ve been a tireless supporter for so long.

Why would you begrudge any of the authors here a Lexus? Or Jane herself, for that matter? Where the money goes should be of no concern if the site continues to offer better and better journalism, a wide range of paid contributors, a thought-provoking conversation theater, and a MyFDL feature where you can author your own diaries.

The site performs in every way you could ask, so who gives a damn where the money goes? It’s when things start going south, or getting shifty, that the money trail should be sniffed out. As there is no evidence of any impropriety by anyone here, I think your request is a bit offensive.

It’s coming over the Twitter machine .. but it’s being reported that David Broder has passed away … yes .. you heard that right

Yep, Post confirms it.

a major “progressive” org is out today touting President Obama’s new and improved Indefinite Detention policy . . .

imagine where you might stand had you never heard the words “veal pen”

JOIN !

(((((Jane)))))

The PAC revenue report is filed quarterly and every dime is accounted for. And we have a chart of “where the money goes” on the FDL membership page.

But because HB Gary emails indicate that the #1 tactic of anonymous professional corporate trolls is to cast aspersions on the finances of progressive groups they want to attack, you can feel free to send us verification of who you are in the form of an established facebook page or some other acceptable way to establish your identity if you’d like to comment here further. We’re sorry to have to take this step, but that is the only alternative that the defense contractors and corporate hit squads have left us.

Felt a little guilty not deferring the t-shirt offer.

Be assured that I will wear it proudly as often as laundry will allow and continue to tell everyone I know -and some that I don’t- where on the web the Truth resides.

(((Jane))) (((Teddy)))

Really? Sorry to hear that but he was a bitter old man. I wish he’d been able to find some serenity in the end but I guess not.

Or more plainly put, Booyah!

Ooo. Ouch! Glad I’m on your side.

You’re implying that there’s something to hide. People have to live and eat and pay their bills. You have become really hostile lately and I don’t get it.

GO JANE!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!

Do you generally review the finances of your local newspaper?
Yeah, I thought not.

Ya don’t mess with teh Jane.

Or FOX NEWS???? Or your friendly local conservative think tank?????

I’m in for $45. It’s only fitting — I get all my news from lurkin’ here.

Teh Jane is da bosslady!!!

Have a nice life. Bye.

I was all set to join but before I did the final click I notice that this is an automatic annual renewal. I do not EVER automatically renew ANYTHING. Is there another option for me?

How do incessant personal attacks on Jane’s character by you, (evidence of which is just a click away), “contribute to the dialogue”? You never miss an opportunity to badmouth Jane or the community she’s built. Is it jealousy? Why are you so pissed off at Jane Hamsher?

It is a recurring charge, but there is a system in place to send 30 day notice before the recurrence. You can opt out at any time.

They’re welcome to comment, you just can’t use HB Gary tactics and do it anonymously. If they’re really the brave truth tellers they claim to be, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Boom! They’re gone & I was here: I *saw* it! Way cool.

I wonder how much anonymous corporate trolls make?

Yes, poor conservatives are the victims, their views simply don’t get enough exposure. What they have to say is vital, or rather, the conversation the rest of us are having must be disrupted by the same talking points, long debunked.

Nice try.

It’s like seeing a black hole…

Jane you were only asking them to be half as transparent as you are yourself. And speaking the truth of what the HB Gary revelations really mean is so sane! That’s the world we live in. Love ya.

Beautiful, yes!!!

$250 an hour, according to HB Gary/Palantir/Berico/Hunton & Williams. On a contract they were charging $2 million a month for.

I wonder why they won’t offer me a job? People at Daily Kos already think I’m a troll because I don’t fawn over Obama.

Yes. Let’s *see* THOSE financials. :-)

Most trolls aren’t worth $250. Maybe minimum wage with coffee breaks.

See? An hour a day a couple of times a week and I could be very comfortable.

That would be what the suckers clients are charged. The actually amount paid to the trolls would be much closer to $25 per hour most likely. Without benefits.

Win/win – the consultants get “billable hours” and the partners got profits.

Wear it with pride! Good to talk to you yesterday, too.

If they really want some *quality* commenting, they should hire you, Margaret. It would make it tough on us, though. Tee Hee.

FDL mods have many way boss-a skills.

I did not see that on the form but went back and joined. I trust your word.

Generally speaking that’s true. I used to get paid seven dollars an hour in 1996 and every hour I billed was worth 136 dollars. Somebody was very well off.

Fuckin’ A Ditty Bag!!!

We went through this shit trying to raise money for Marcy and front pagers. These corporate motherfuckers will not only suck up every dime everybody has they’ll suck the very soul out of us.

Well, then: Margaret should go independent ~ no skimming for the contractors.

“For some people, $1,000 per year — the Gosprey level of membership that will entitle you to an exclusive face-to-face meetup with the blog’s central players as well as participation in planning and setting direction — won’t even be a stretch.”

As a dedicated lurker, occasional commenter and sporadic donor, I find the “exclusive” donor segmenting offensive. To subject this Gosprey feature to the same level of verbal dissection for which we read FDL: “If you’ve got enough dough, and you give us some, we’ll meet with you and exclude the prole members so they don’t get in your way.”

As a non-profit administrator with significant responsibility for fundraising, I understand the accepted wisdom of the NP marketing types is that ya gotta stroke the swells. But, IMHO, an organization with a mission based on principles cannot afford to contradict those principles in its fundraising message. I also understand the many ways that marketing rationalizes its messages. “No margin, no mission.”

As a donor to liberal causes, I have dropped a number of them when invited to “exclusive” events contrary to my explicit request.

I offer this comment with sincere appreciation and admiration for, and sometimes astonishment at, the work you do.

think of how many times you’ve been asked

“Where’d you hear that ?”

JOIN !

They won’t hire me for the same reason I’d make a good troll. I have integrity that I can’t just turn off. I’ve always said I was blessed with a criminal mind and cursed with a conscience.

Fuckin’ A Ditty Bag!!!

LMAO! So Jarheads say that too! Good to know I suppose.

I got that direct from RBG on the phone this morning, one of the site administrators. We discussed some Membership Scholarship programs, to help out those who can’t afford it right now :)

This is all very exciting stuff. Fun times for FDL.

I would so rock that job.

As I implied, they don’t really want *quality* so they are doomed to lose the battle. I know you wouldn’t go to the “dark side.” I understand ~ I’m like that myself, with the conscience, anyway.

Thanks!! And I love the idea of membership scholarship programs…

You’re not mistakin’ me for a jarhead now, are ya?

in perfect cbl world, various members of Anonymous would be hired ;D

Dear Jane and fellow FDL’rs

I have every intention to join with my meager resources, because FDL is akin to daily sustenance. Even though it might be difficult to scrape up the dough, it would be agonizing for me not to get a daily dose of the best there is in current journalism and perspectives for living in the madness this world has become!

To add; the community here is one of many diverse tastes and beliefs, as well as talents, but all comes together as a powerful force for positive change and lively exchanges that not only inform but educate. On top of that I have made many acquaintances and friends here that are just ‘salt of the earth’ good people trying to share our experiences while we still can.

Candidly, $45 bucks is a lot for me at this time, but I will find a way to get it and sign up promptly. I do wish Jane, that there was a way I could contribute some of my graphical and design skills to add along with my $45, with no other reason than to feel I am doing more than simply handing over some bucks, although I am glad to do so.

THANK YOU for all you do Jane and THANK YOU dear FireLake pups. Blessings!

That’s dreadful. In subcontracting in these parts, people complain if they get less than 75% to take home for themselves! I stopped being an employee years ago because I hated the way 50% of my billings were being spent by the company.

lolllllllllllzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Yeah, Margaret got it wrong. Swab-jockey, as I recall.

Methinks Peg is still swooning over the very real possibility of being gainfully employed soon.

Were you a squid SD? Oops! Sorry. My bad.

Blue Texan’s regularly scheduled post is available: Everything NPR Executive Said about Tea Party is Backed by Lots of Objective Polling

…with Gulf-of-Tonkinish on his resume, as I recall.

The wonders of a “right to work” state. This is the kind of thing Republicans want nationwide.

I sure don’t know many grunts who rode destroyers or manned river patrol boats. *g* Petty Officer First Class when I got out. Passed the Chief’s exam and told them to put it where the sun didn’t shine.

Good memory.

Well you’re from my former military environs. Spent eighteen months at Belvoir.

That’s right! Sorry, I was confusing you with somebody else I know, (who shares your first name). It’s hard to keep it all straight sometimes. He was a tunnel rat.

Yeah I was gonna get the first class chev but I left the service instead.

Now there’s a job I never wanted. River Rat was bad enough.

Yeah, I shudder at the very thought.

DaMN DAMN I missed the paid TROLL. But all the rebuttals are great!! Don’t mess with the FirePups….

Jane you are a breath of fresh air with all the Truth brought to the Sunshine here at the Lake..
I signed up yesterday at the $10 a month but hoping to wing BoxTurtles contest to get to the Gosprey level… Would love to meet more of the people behind the words..
If I can get enough local Pups Bay Area I hope to host a Meetup sometime this spring… Tried twice last year but poor response made it undoable… Now that most of the local have signed up (you have haven’t you?) Maybe we can get the ten or more to show up to put more faces with the online persona that have become friends… Especially LLN Pups!!!

Go Jane! Teddy, Suz, EG and the many more who make this place what it is!

Jane,

Does this mean that only people who pay up can comment? I was hoping this isn’t the case, as there will always be lurkers who get started by dipping a big toe in the water before taking the plunge, and some of these will turn out to be valuable contributors in the long run.

Nope, commenting, diaries, etc., will all go on as before. You can sign up and get a few perks, or not sign up and continue on just like before.

I’m not any way “in the know” here at FDL, but IMO this is exactly right Knut. At least that’s the way I’ve read everything to mean.

And I hope that’s the case too. I would hate to lose some of the very good voices here because they chose not to join. I would urge everyone to join, but reality is that not everyone will, or can. The commenters and diarists here are just as important as the journalists, so I hope this is the correct answer.

and without a much wealthier sugar person (who would impose opinions and views while probably also staking out No-Go areas)

Ya know, I really reject this line, ’cause ya know, no one forces FDL to accept money from anyone who would do this. Jus’ sayin.

I signed up yesterday to be in the first 10 (or at least first 25). Was just wondering.

{ black snarky humor toggled on but the persons mentioned therein are quite kindly addressed }

Dear Tejano Azul Fabulouso, as The Marc-inator has pointed out, only Piggly Wiggly at the top of the Ponzi Scheme gets the mega lion’s share of the cut. As I detect that your sterling ethics would never allow you to stoop that low, even if you did suspend them for that effort, I really doubt it will be worth your while as for all we know that initiative is based on a prison call center somewhere.

{ black snarky humor toggled off }

Coda: “Bedazzled – My Stables?“

EPU land at last.

This place is where I spend most of my computer time. I have been here since wordpress Reddhead days and am finally putting my money where my heart is…with the firepups who sustain me and keep me wanting to struggle against this nightmare our country has become.

I type like crap and have lousy eyesight so do not comment often.

$45 to me is a big deal yet I’ll sacrifice for this most worthy of causes.

Just a teaser … if curiosity compels, the rest of that sequence within the satire is choice.

Thank you.

I really appreciate that.

I came for Plame, and stayed. I finally got up the courage to delurk in the fall of ’06 on one of TRex’s LLN posts, and became addicted to LLN snark.

FDL is worth more than dead-tree subscriptions and NicePoliteRepublicans broadcasts to me, so i gladly joined up yesterday.

Sorry to be late to this thread, it seems like it was a lively one, with only remnants of scraps of attackers left on the field. You all did a superlative job of answering questions and fielding the dodgeballs.

Here’s what I find remarkable about this community: there’s been lots of planning, lots of discussion, lots of hard work at FDL World Headquarters and on conference calls, literally for years, about this program. And yet it took our own commenting community to organically generate the idea of Member Scholarships, for folks who really deserve a membership but can’t afford one (more here).

This is a wonderful community and it is very exciting to see how Membership has given us a new way to respond and organize.

Was yours a case of trying to re-up, but the line was too long? :)

This is in response to Margaret at 77.

I came here late and missed the fun. Who — which troll — got bounced? Feel like maybe we should have a “Boot Hill” with tombstones for deceased trolls.

I am seriously thinking about joining but, exactly how does this effect change? With all due respect, the powers that be don’t care about blogs or on-line petitions. They only pay attention when people are in the streets, such as Wisconsin. Will FDL help to fund peaceful street protests or support boycotts? I don’t need another t-shirt, I need a concrete way to express my disapproval. Obama has shown himself to be absolutely tone deaf to progressive blogging. I’d rather see the money go to busing people to Wisconsin, or organizing protests at the offices of Citibank, Chase, etc.I’m not trying to be contrary–I honestly wonder what this will accomplish in the long run.I welcome responses.

I don’t care much for the varying types of memberships based on amount donated. $1,000 will get you into *exclusive* FDL dinners, but the rest of you no money having peons can piss off. Why should I donate any fucking money at all, just to be looked down on by those with a grand to blow on a membership.

I think I am finally understanding this thread, and Jane’s comment at 18, now that I’ve read the whole thing. I seriously thought Jane was responding to TWain and MArgaret’s “Lexus” jokes with her #18 comment, because obviously the trolls are no longer even shown with tombstone comment space fillers!

I am so glad to see that Jane was not reacting to Twain or Margaret! When Twain said, “Bye, have a nice life” I really thought Twain was saying He/She was out of here! And I thought Twain’s comment about “You’re being so hostile” was directed at Jane!

OMG! I feel like I’ve really watched a bad case of indigestion slowly play out over 94 comments, until I finally realized that the sources of this animus are actually no longer viewable. Is there a way to keep a placeholder, with a tombstone that sayd “Troll was here, but is no more”? That way latecomers like me don’t COMPLETELY zonk out with confusion?!?

It was a big scare for me. I was going to sob if Twain and Margaret were gone. I kept checking my friends list and saw they were still on there.

Thanks for all the great work everybody! I’m glad I joined last night. This will be a fun ride!

If you’ll come out for 9/11 Truth, I’ll go the Gosprey level.

Agreed. See my comment above (@54) similar to yours. I object to “exclusive” events.

Another reason is that I would be as interested in meeting some of the more colorful and insightful (impecunious) commenters as I would be in meeting the blogging “superstars.”