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FredBugle is launched with CD, comic book, other merchandise slamming Fredericksburg City Council Date published: 12/16/2003 By ELIZABETH PEZZULLO Politics may be a serious business for the members of the Fredericksburg City Council, but not for a new sharp-elbowed Web site about city leaders. A business, yes. Serious, no. At least, not at first glance. Launched a few months ago, Fred Bugle.com is the alleged brainchild of a Roanoke-based group that uses parody and wit to expose the perceived misdoings of elected officials. Alleged because the founder of the Web site and its self-identified spokesman prefer to remain in the shadows and could not be tracked down through local phone or voting records. According to the Web site, the group swoops into towns with a fair share of divisive issues, sets up a site, then sells advertising and merchandise in the hope of turning a profit. "[The group] has made some substantial money opening Web sites like this in two or three other towns," said a man who identified himself as Peter Parker and claimed to be the local spokesman. According to Parker, a man named Harry Ripley came up with the idea after scanning statewide newspapers and talking to people with links to Fredericksburg. "We contacted a few local political consultants to see if they'd contribute," Parker said. "But they weren't interested in helping. They said it was a hot potato and didn't want to touch it." So, instead, FredBugle.com found willing participants through postings on a message board, Parker said. "We got an overwhelming response," he said. "There was no shortage of people to comment. Fredericksburg really keeps itself in the news." Responders were asked to submit articles, essays, editorials and artwork for the site--and were paid a few dollars for their contributions, Parker said. The site primarily takes swipes at Fredericksburg Mayor Bill Beck and City Councilman Scott Howson, although it's not above characterizing Councilmen Matt Kelly, Billy Withers and Dr. Tom Fortune as "The Three Stooges." Online stories include the city's controversial purchase of riverfront land from the Silver Cos., for silt deposit, the search for a new homeless shelter site, taxes, schools and a host of other issues. Along with text, the site offers a slew of items for sale, including pens, bumper stickers, a comic book and compact disc. The CD is probably getting the most buzz around town.
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