Tips to help when using Freecycle

Aeshna

Hi Alan

I wasn't aware of this rule, so I think you'll find that it is wholly dependant upon your local freecycle group and their personal rules. I give away anything and everything on freecycle, and have never had an qualms about posting wanted ads, nor any problems doing so.

I don't see why you couldn't use a second account, although if you get 'found out' the local group mods may delete you altogether, I know from experience that some can be ridiculously picky (not mine thankfully).

Good luck! I don't see why there should be a restriction on wanted ads - either folks will not have what you want, or they'll be glad to offer you to get it recycled without having to do any work!

Aeshna x

Alan_Cross

Yes, it's a local group edict. I can understand the alleged need for it (presumably to prevent commercial use of the site) but it penalises people like me who would like to make Freecycle a bigger part of their lives.

I think they have come up against a contradiction between this rule and the site's stated aims.

It's pointless 'saving up' requests to put them all in one wanted ad because people only look at the headline title where you can't squeeze it all in!

Valli

Why not suggest that your group change their rules and you can only put up a wanted ad with an offer ad. This would stop those who only ever ask too.

Alan_Cross

Valli wrote: »

Why not suggest that your group change their rules and you can only put up a wanted ad with an offer ad. This would stop those who only ever ask too.

Good idea. You then come up against the 'can't be bothered' syndrome, dressed up as other things, sadly.

wildbri

I have tried to join freecycle has I hate taking good stuff to the tip, but found it very complicated , time consuming, difficult just to join, never mind posting, in fact I didnt like the attitude of the site so I put my free stuff on ASDA notice board.. regards bri

geordie_joe

Valli wrote: »

Why not suggest that your group change their rules and you can only put up a wanted ad with an offer ad. This would stop those who only ever ask too.

What about those who have nothing to offer? Young people just starting out and living on a budget.

Women who have had to leave a "bad partner" and are just starting out again.

Just because you have only ever asked does not make you bad.

Penelope_Penguin

I'll add this to the existing Freecycle thread to keep all ideas together

Penny. x

mandragora_2

I sympathise with the users who find the rules applied by their local group restrictive - from the bits I've been able to glean over the years, and from his signature, I think ours is run by a pagan anarchist, whose only rule is 'Play nicely'. Works ok most of the time - now and then the group goes into paroxysms of angst over the thought that there are people out there who might be taking the stuff and flogging it on - but the group set up a sister site called 'Cafe freecycle' and most posts discussing that end up on there, freeing up the main site for business as usual.


I think the people who give up their free time to moderate the boards are heroes!

zippychick

Belfast lets you post 4 wanteds a month. I sort of agree = wasn't it designed to keep landfills from overflowing? Not for sob stories and people constantly begging - only some take the mick.

One girl offered a toaster and also had a kettle was getting rid of. A week later she was asking for a kettle and toaster. Did she just want better ones?She mentions her daughter in every message , like it helps her win points and appeals to people more. She even put an ad up asking for alcohol as a present for someone she had had help from. I mean, come on! I think there is a very clear line and unfortunately a lot of people get greedy and cross it and want want want. Of course, lots use it as intended.

I wondered what peoples thoughts were on this - I was raised to be poilte and thankful and any time i collect something off freecycle, i always take a small gift. Chocolates, HM fairy cakes, hand cream that i only paid postage for - if it is something more expensive it is reflected in the value of the gift. I think it is only courteous and polite. Yesterday i collected a hoover and was completely embarassed I hadnt time to get them something, and i sort of felt like they maybe expected something - but amybe just being paranoid because i usually take something.

A woman was giving me a food processor and it took a few weeks for me to get to her. SO i took her the hand cream and buns id made specially.Glad i did as she also gave me a huge box of baking stuff and bits and pieces. She text me after saying she had gave millions of stuff and i was the first ever person to give something back and she was really quite touched. I was surprised at that. Thoughts?

iceicebaby

I have offered things on freecycle and have had good experiences so far as far as collection etc. However, no one has actually said thank you for what they had which I think is quite rude.