September 1, 2012 will forever be known as Founders' Day for Members of The Free Press. All who have joined the Organization prior to that date will celebrate the beginnings of a new kind of publication dedicated to news, news commentary and the establishment of a Community of Newsviners who care about their neighbors, fellow Newsviners, and quality of security, friendliness, kindness and willingness to share within its borders. Newsviners who join through the 31st of August will possess certain powers or privileges not available to later arrivals.

Founding Members will all be designated as Authors under a proposed system which will designate Authors among a general membership. Approximately 6 Founding Members will be Administrators under that same system. Administrators will be authorized to accept new members, sit on a Committee to administer sanctions when discipline becomes necessary, and award the Author designation to members who meet certain criteria. To be announced.

Authors may post articles to The Free Press and comment in threads. Members will not be allowed to publish articles but may comment within The Free Press threads. Those desiring to move up within the Organization will have to achieve some to be announced goal. Possible example: A member wanting to move to Author must post a bio of 300 words or more on their column.

If you are a Newsviner who loves the Community/Social side of this site I urge you to consider joining The Free Press. This will not be a place to hide. We will not be locked into any one method of operation. We will be open to suggestion and guidance from all members. We will endeavor to insure a safe, friendly environment for all Members and will expect all to abide by the Newsvine CoH and Users Agreement. Members who attain Author status or above will be tasked to complete assignments as designated by various Editorial Desks. -30-