Monday, October 29, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING ALL CAPS FOR YOUR POSTS TO YOUR FREECYCLE GROUPS BECAU... <*ahem*>

Please refrain from using all caps for your posts to your Freecycle groups because regardless of whether all caps is interpreted as yelling or a sign of psychological instability, it is annoying for everyone to read. Your post may attract special attention but not the kind of positive attention that would reward you with the item you want. Studies have shown that comprehension of bodies of text written in all capital letters is lower than that of text written in with grammatically correct capitalization or even that of bodies of text written in all lower case.

There are unhinged people on Freecycle lists. These are people who steal, who harass other Freecyclers and who generally cause problems. Even if we assume that the Freecycler who writes in all caps is not any kind of threat or danger to anyone, the use of all caps implies an urgency or importance to the Freecycle post that trumps all other Freecycle posts. This is against the rules and the spirit of Freecycle.

So, for the love of all, just write like a normal, critical thinking human being.

As Always,

Me.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

It's been a while but, thankfully, my freecycle lists have been normal and uneventful. Today I do need to write about one recommendation for the posting of WANTEDs:

BE HONEST

Please be honest. It is true that if you are requesting something for your own personal profit, you are less likely to be given the item, however, do not lie and say you need the item for a project when you don't. Furthermore, do not think people are not smart enough to see that you are lying when your list username reflects that you sell that particular item.

As Always,

Me.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

Every Freecycle group list, whether it is located on a list site like Yahoo!groups or if it's a part of the Freecycle.org site groups, has at least one moderator.

Moderators handle complaints, questions, and posts. They make sure members are informed about Freecycle rules and general safety precautions.

If you have a good moderator, thank them. Send them an email. Tell them they make the list rock. Let them know you appreciate the time and effort they put in to making your local list a positive and organized experience.

If you're on a good Freecycle list, hug your moderator today!

As Always,
Me.
Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

If you have not been prescribed a medication, you cannot legally take that medication. This is Legal 101, Medical 101 and Freecycle 101. Sometimes people do it, anyway. Sometimes it's not a big deal for many reasons... maybe it's the exact same medicine that is prescribed to them but they're just taking a pill from the amount prescribed to someone else (but it's the same pill), maybe practical knowledge makes it obvious that it's okay to take that medicine for that particular condition... whatever the reasonably justification it's still illegal. It's just as illegal as giving someone a controlled substance that a physician would never allow them to take. The circumstances are different but the law governing both situations is the same. You cannot take medication that has not been prescribed to you.

In light of this law, Freecycle does not allow freecyclers to provide prescription medication to each other. The organization and individual lists simply do not have the authority to subvert the law. The same goes for alcohol, tobacco, firearms and pornography.

I can hardly believe the ridiculous OFFERs that inspire these posts.

Furthermore, if you are caught making this illegal mistake, do not throw a temper tantrum at the person who kindly and respectfully let you know. If you are the list moderator who approved the post with this illegal item, do not lecture the person who kindly and respectfully let you know about minding their own business.

Next time, I call the police.

As Always,
Me.

UPDATE:
I have been kicked off of that particular Freecycle list. I was also harassed and threatened by the Freecycler who tried to dish out illegal prescription medications to the public to a point where I had to recite her address back at her and threaten to call the police for her to back off. People can be ugly. And, remember kids, Just Say No!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

I'm a firm believer in sharing one's pain so allow me to share with all of you the treat I found in my Inbox today.

From one individual, these OFFERs were posted one immediately after the other, the only delay being the average time it takes to type and post for someone who is possibly a bit insane (It's not likely but I still wouldn't rule it out):

OFFER: stuffed animals
OFFER: one eyed, one horned, flying purple people eater
OFFER: penguin
OFFER: dress up clothes for girl
OFFER: box of assorted boys stuff
OFFER: box of assorted girls stuff
OFFER: vicks vaporizer
OFFER: junior tops
OFFER: junior bottoms
OFFER: teen bras
OFFER: junior belts
OFFER: ladies shoes size 7-8
OFFER: box of misc items

This is a wonderful lady for freecycling so much instead of donating it to a charity that will price it to sell. This way people get what they may actually need or desire without pay any cost beyond going to pick it up. It's fantastic. But...

Oh My Fracking God You Have Got To Be Kidding Me With A Separate Post For Each Type Of Thing.

Here's an idea:
OFFER: Kids Toys - this is all the stuffed animal, purple people eaters, and penguins.
OFFER: Misc Kid Items - stuff that's not toys, ie. the "assorted", and the dress up clothes
OFFER: Junior size clothes - believe it or not, you can put the tops, bottoms, belts and bras in one offer
OFFER: Box of misc items - this includes the vaporizer
OFFER: Ladies shoes size 7-8

That's five down from thirteen and you'll still attract the attention of the people who'll be responding to pick-up these offers.

As Always,
Me

Monday, May 21, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

Please do not post a TAKEN until the item is actually taken from you.

So often I see posts like this:

TAKEN: Item
Pending pick-up. I already have a back-up and a back-up to the back-up so Thank You.

Let me say first that I completely understand wanting to end the emails asking for the item or the emails asking specific questions about the item, as if we're running boutiques and are just dying to let this one individual person have our item.

With that in mind, I'm sure it's easy to understand how annoying it is when everyone on the list receives a post two days later that says:

RE-OFFER: Item
Offering this item again. No no-shows.

You can delete all the annoying emails after the item is picked up but wait until it is no longer in your life before you post the TAKEN post. Posting TAKEN does not serve the purpose of stopping emails, it serves the purpose of indicating that the item is gone.

RE-OFFER is most appropriate when an OFFER has sit for a significant amount of time and you'd like to remind your fellow freecyclers that you still have this item and would still like to give it away. This is a great opportunity to add a little more detail to generate some interest.

As Always,
Me.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

This is a template of how the typical freecycle communication pattern should go:

Freecycler 1 posts an OFFER.
Freecycler 2 replies to say that s/he would like that item.
Freecycler 1 responds in agreement, asks when Freecycler 2 can pick-up.
Freecycler 2 responds with the time that the item can be picked up.
Freecycler 1 then provides Freecycler 2 with the address so the item can be picked up at the specified time.
Freecycler 2 picks up the item at the specified time.
Freecycler 1 posts the item as TAKEN.

Communication should not go like this:

Freecycler 1 posts an OFFER.
Freecycler 2 replies to say that s/he would like that item.
Freecycler 1 responds in agreement, asks when Freecycler 2 can pick-up.
Freecycler 2 never responds.

What is wrong with those people? It's getting worse. The bigger the Freecycle communities are becoming, the more people are wasting other people's time with pointless bids for items they clearly have no intention of ever picking up if chosen to receive the item. It used to be an occasional annoyance. Now, it is the majority of the responses.

If you're going to Freecycle, then Freecycle. Otherwise, shut up.

As Always,
Me.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

Here's my favorite from today:

Subject: RE-OFFER: DIET SODA
Diet Mountain Holler, fridge-ready 12 pack...minus one can.

Just tell us that the soda tastes like ass and you'd like to share this 11 pack of vile misery with others. LOL

As Always,
Me.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

You're awesome. We like you. Your participation in Freecycle is nothing short of spectacular. That said, please don't post Garage Sale notifications. Unless when you say "priced to sell" you mean FREE, a garage sale is not in the spirit of Freecycle.

As a secondary note to the moderator of a group that moderates each individual post to make sure it meets his/her approval, including taking it upon his/herself to modify post content to remove important location and time sensitivity information, do not be so hypocritical and stupid to actually approve a post that offers things for sale.

Honestly.

As Always,
Me.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

Some Freecycle lists do not allow animals to be posted as an OFFER or a WANTED. They do still allow posts for accessories and habitats for pets, such as toys, dishes and cages. Generally, I don't have a problem with this. This is very much a good thing. I actually support people finding forever homes for their furry loved ones using Freecycle, although I give credit to the argument against it because those who oppose do have very valid concerns.

That said, there's a line and here it is.

Make sure you have everything you need for a new pet BEFORE you bring that pet home. Purchasing a pet from a breeder or even a pet store (or even an adoption fee) can be expensive so if a Freecycler can alleviate the financial burden while also decluttering their home and reusing items left unused, this is great and you'll get no judgment from me; but get that done before you bring the pet home. If you take a pet from an OFFER post, make sure you have purchased everything you need before you go to the location to pick up your new pet. If you cannot afford those items for your pet and would need to ask Freecycle for them, then maybe now is not the time to take that particular pet because you can obviously not afford it.

I'm not a snob when it comes to pet ownership. I generally think it's a good idea.

But just be smart about it.

When I see a WANTED post for a "big cage" because someone already has their bird, I think about that poor bird crammed into a small cage with no toys (since toys were also in that particular WANTED). We're adults here so we can manage the calendar a little better than this to make sure the ducks are in a row beforehand.

As Always,
Me.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

Very rarely do I post WANTEDs. It's usually something that I cannot afford for a while but could really put to use if acquired immediately or something that I don't really need but would gladly have if it was available. This way, if I don't get it, it's really not that big of a deal.

I understand that there are pseudo-hoarders who use the Freecycle list to feed their addiction. They post OFFERs often, to make it appear like they are giving things away but, in honesty, they aren't choosing anyone who responds. Then they post WANTEDs. Let me say, I understand this much and generally have accepted it. Hoarding is a manifestation of a legitimate psychological condition. They're going to be at garage sales, poking through curb piles, and posting on Freecycle lists. That's just how it goes.

But I'm really annoyed. It really, really annoys me. I mean I absolutely hate it. When one of these people constantly posts a WANTED for an item that was just posted as wanted by another Freecycler. It's as if the other person reminded that hoarder that they would also like whatever that is. So they just post their WANTED for the same exact damn thing just moments after the original post went out to the group.

It pisses me off because then it becomes a competition and the hoarder's inherent selfishness bubbles to the surface.

It's ugly.

Just ugly.

Don't do it.

As Always,
Me.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

Giving away a washer and dryer is pretty tricky. I remember going through so much effort to get an ancient looking washer and dryer that I found on the curb back to my apartment, without even knowing if they worked. (They did work. Very well, in fact. And they lasted until I could afford a new set.)

Getting a washer and dryer from Freecycle is even better because the mystery is gone. The person offering it can tell you exactly what's up with it. You know what you're putting all this energy and sweat into bringing home.

Now, with that said, here's an important note for when you might be offering a washer and dryer. If the washer leaks and the dryer needs a new heating element, they aren't in "good condition". If the exterior still looks great, make note of it, sure. But a great looking exterior does not mean the machines are in good condition. The washer not leaking water all over the floor and the dryer actually heating up to dry the clothes is what constitutes a good condition. What you might be looking for is the term, "needs work."

As Always,
Me.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

OH MY GOD! Do not, for the love of all, do not post an offer for your used lingerie and hosiery!

Ewww!

As Always,
Me
Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

In consideration of this letter where we reviewed the types of post labels permitted to Freecycle, I'd like to get into how not to side-step around the WANTED to post a NEED.

WANTED: I really need a stack of magazines by this afternoon

I have changed the actual item but the original was equivalent to a stack of magazines.

First of all, you don't start explaining in the subject. The subject should read: WANTED: stack of magazines

Secondly, you don't set a deadline to it. You're asking someone to give you something. Plus, on moderated lists, it's likely the post won't even be distributed to the list before your deadline expires. This will make it even less likely that you will receive what you want because people think the time has passed.

Finally, you don't need magazines. You want them. They may be required for a project but if you're posting same day for a stack of them, that's poor planning on your part and does not constitute an emergency to violate basic posting guidelines and etiquette. Freecycle doesn't post NEEDED, it posts WANTED because everyone is equal and all WANTEDS and OFFERS are equal.

As Always,
Me

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

The freecycler asking for "a shrubbery that looks nice and isn't too expensive" is made of awesome.

As Always,
Me.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

There are a lot of advantages to having a moderator that is nice enough to allow your local list to be unmoderated for posting. This means that if you have a time sensitive OFFER or WANTED post, it will reach the local freecyclers almost immediately after you posted it. In moderated lists, you are subjected to the whim of the moderator so your time sensitive post could end up getting sent out hours to a full day after you needed it out there.

So if you're lucky enough to be a member of a list that's unmoderated, don't abuse it. A moderator can always delete posts that are inappropriate but it should really be unnecessary for a moderator to have to delete a post that went out to over a thousand people asking for a blowjob.

Grow up.

As Always,
Me.

Update:
Specifically about freecycling for sexual favors, a member who posted a WANTED for a blowjob was reported as "Inappropriate" by several other members. The moderator then reported the post to the local police department whose Sexual Victims Unit launched an investigation. Part of the investigation is tracing the post to the individual who created it. Freecycling for sexual favors is considered Sexting and Sexual Harassment. It is against the law in many areas of the United States, as well as throughout other parts of the world.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

If you want seven different items and your local list requests that you keep or outright requires you to keep a 1:1 ratio with WANTED and OFFER posts, do not for the love of all that is good and decent in this world, pick out seven paperback books from your bookcase and create an OFFER post for each individual book.

That old John Grisham bestseller might have been made into a movie but it's not really on par with asking for a new carpet shampooer and you know it. Not only is it bad manners to flood the list, it's blatant that you're being cute to get what you want.

Control yourself, please.

As Always,
Me.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

Hi. I have two very helpful suggestions today.

When you're offering books and you say they're old, that's good. When you say they're a little worn, that's a considerate disclosure, too. Don't omit that they're water damaged and moldy. Not only is that very gross but it is a health hazard. Some people are more sensitive to mold than others but you do not mess around with mold and this should not be a surprise during the pick-up. I agree wholeheartedly that it's a shame when old books are going to waste and I wish many of them could be passed on to people who would use them. They can't have mold. It may break your heart to throw them away but that's what needs to be done. You have no idea how mad I am at you.

When you're offering bath/body products, that's awesome. Lots of people love that stuff, the variety they can get, and to get it for free is incredible. That's really generous. It's great that you mentioned some of them were opened and partially used but you might just want to hold on to those. I'm sure someone will take it but... eww!

As Always,
Me.