Free ISPs? How about the NRA getting into the act?

[Oatka]

A poster on the FreeRepublic board has come up with an interesting suggestion that the NRA ought to take advantage of, IMHO.

There was a discussion on ISPs who provided free access to the Internet in return for displaying ads in a window on your screen.

Could not the NRA set up free ISPs, displaying ads from those companies who were pro-gun or at least neutral? The extra kick to the advertisers would be that you had a motivated group that would be interested in their products or at least eager to support those who were on our side.

It's too late to ramp up for this election, but even so, I think it is a worthwhile issue to pursue. It seems to me that to have a nationwide network of NRA-supported free ISPs would be nothing but a plus for the organization and a "bully pulpit" to reach more people.

Yeah, I know, the NRA has warts, but it's still the 800-lb gorilla, and probably the only one with the bucks to pull this off.

And yeah, I've already written them. If you agree this idea has merit, why not do so yourself. I'd also like to hear any downside to this, as so far, I don't see anything but pluses.

 

[Monkeyleg]

Oatka, that sounds like a very good idea. Who at the NRA did you write to? It's probably best if all of the emails go to the same person.

Dick
Want to send a message to Bush? Sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/monk/petition.html and forward the link to every gun owner you know.

 

[CindyH]

Oatka, that's an excellent idea. I'd also like to know who you contacted.

 

[ICBentley]

Though it is not exactly what you propose, there is a pro RKBA ISP:
http://www.keepandbeararms.com/webservices/access/default.asp

Just in case you are interested.

Bentley

"I will keep my promise... I'll come back."
-- Benjamin Martin
When, Ben? When?

 

[Flaim]

While that sounds like and is a great Idea it is not feasable. An ISP costs a lot of money to start up. Equipment alone will run you a few mil. PRI's (phone lines) are a lot of money. THen you have people to run it. IF you can find a Network engieneer he will cost you near 6 digit. Techs are not as much but will still run you 30-40k per year. an analyst, Network security people. etc, etc. plus lets not forget that it would be a prime hacker target. Great Idea.. but there is a lot in the way. I would rather they take my money and use it differently.

 

[kjm]

Maybe the NRA board of directors could take a cut in pay, and stop sending all those annoying "emergency" requests for more funds. I'm kinda upset that the board has the audacity to collect such huge salaries, and perqs, yet beg me to give more and more. They even want me to put my own stamp on the envelopes to save money.
I don't object to the President pulling down a six figure income, but increases should be put before the voting membership, not the board. Whenever there is a request for a higher salary, it should also be accompanied by a mandatory option to reduce salaries.
The NRA could save a couple million a year by doing this, and use the money to set up their ISP.
Armed with my new life membership, I will be giddy come NRA election time.

 

[Oatka]

I sent the request to: membership@nrahq.org
and received a "Thank you for taking the time to contact us." reply.

Still, it wouldn't hurt. Yes, it is expensive, but if keepandbeararms can do it, so can the NRA, although I'd hate to see two pro-gun outfits competing with each other. Maybe each would handle different areas.