It Pays To Watch Freecycle Experts Needed

phil140701

Annie021063 wrote: »

My son's PS2 packed up just before xmas - obviuosly we coudn't afford to buy one and he was devestated. So I posted a want on Freecycle, I got no replies (was not holding out much hope) but I expect one of the reasons was because most people thought I was trying to make money fron the site. I did have a genuine reason for asking and it saddens me to think that my genuine request was ignored because of others.

unfortunately this happens alot on our group too but alot of poster's on our site are all self ,self self and wanted posts outnumber offered's
we are trying to combat this issue in our area by allowing only one wanted post per week but people are getting wise to the fact you can join with more than 1 email address and get more than one wanted post on site which is a real shame for the genuine posters who really want items for a good reason

Edna_Bucket_2

Queenie wrote: »

Edna - your posts are stimulating and thought provoking; that I appreciate because it broadens my mind and my outlook. But, if the ethos or workings of the site bother you to a point of concern ... that is the point I suggest you find somewhere more to your liking. It has nothing to do with whether we agree or agree to disagree and most certainly isn't a subtle way of saying "get lost"

Nice post Queenie, and of course I shall continue to try to enlighten the establishment if and when the need arises again.

Fran

Queenie wrote: »

I can equally state, that from the forum members I have had the priviledge to meet since I joined here, that they are not shallow minded, easily led "personality cult" minded, blind followers but, genuinely lovely people who are here for the same reasons most are - to save a few bob

I am desparately wanting to reply to this. But I'm going off to do something else. Lets just say I thought the same as you until I really needed some actual friendship when my friend died. Not everyone is as they seem.

mttylad

As another Freecycle member and someone that is helping run a minimum of 3 groups for the past year, I do tend to find that every time someone latches onto things being given away for free and advertising it like Martin's team are trying to do, we always get a load of new members.

Who then go on to straight away post lots of excessive wanted posts for stuff that
are for the most, not likely to be thrown away (although you can get almost anything being offered).

So in essence on a show like Martins it is likely to be detrimental to the aims of Freecycle, which as previously stated is to keep stuff out of landfill.

It is not there to help the poor, to provide for people who have nowt or to furnish peoples new houses.
However it does do all those because of the generosity of our other members, although I often see them leaving because of the excess of wanteds.
But wanteds do have a place, they remind people about old stuff they have in the attic etc.

As I keep telling people, if they dont want to see any wanteds then simply setup some email rules.

I once got a caravan which I later put back on) & a few sofas for the kids attic rooms. Along with the odd wardrobe there has been enough to keep me happy (although the wife has banned me from getting anything else - lol).

I have also got rid of most everything I needed to with Freecycle, because there is always someone in need of something to make do until they can get something better.

Which is the main aim of Freecycle, somewhere for people to recycle their old stuff, its not a join & get freebies site.
So IMO it does not need Martins show.

Badger_Lady

It needs to be promoted sensitively. I believe in:

- Karma - if you're hoping to get something from the site, be as generous as you can in advance with things you don't need.

- Honesty and openness - don't lie about your reasons for taking something, be upfront and fair. You may still get it and you won't have to feel guilty!

- Taking advantage of the alterior uses for the site - I work for my local hospital radio, so I use it to provide a "service" to local people by collecting their old and unwanted music (CDs, tapes and vinyls). They can clear out their cupboards at minimal effort (I always turn up at the time requested, right to their doorstep); any really unwanted stuff avoids landfill, and the hospital radio gets much-needed donations.

You're right, Mttylad, the wrong type of promotion could turn it into a free-for-all, so it's important to emphasise these points and position it as a community site, not a "grabbit".

Incidentally, these are all rules I followed when furnishing my home - and I answered a lot more "wanted" ads (for things I hadn't got round to listing) than "offered" ads.

lynnemcf

I often offer stuff on freecycle. When people make the effort to get to my house and take the stuff away, I dont mind what happens to it. I agree with Tazical, it is the people who DON'T turn up that cause the most annoyance.

Edna_Bucket_2

mttylad wrote: »

As another Freecycle member and someone that is helping run a minimum of 3 groups for the past year, I do tend to find that every time someone latches onto things being given away for free and advertising it like Martin's team are trying to do, we always get a load of new members.

So IMO it does not need Martins show.

Just to say a big thank you again for being one of those unsung heroes who run these groups, and give up your valuable time.
:T :T :T :T :T

Edna_Bucket_2

lynnemcf wrote: »

...I agree with Tazical, it is the people who DON'T turn up that cause the most annoyance.

Absolutely - it's the biggest curse of Freecycle, and one that sadly little can be done about.

Perhaps a rule should be introduced so that if someone doesn't turn up, you can go around to their house and remove one item of your choice?

charlottevwa

nealallen wrote: »

You have been reported OP...all your post is nothng more than spam

Hahahah thats hilarious... are you serious? where have you been the last few weeks? no.. you must be joking

bruce_67

i have used freecycle for a couple of years now and got lots of great items which were otherwise destined for the tip ~ i have given away lots as well to people like me who havent got lots of money and want to recycle all they can.