Dear Fellow Freecyclers,
The giver in a Freecycle transaction, that is the person who has posted the OFFER, has tremendous freedom in choosing who the taker, that is the person who picks up the OFFERed item, will be. Givers can request that interested people send them jokes and then they'll choose someone based on the joke they liked the most. Givers can request that interested people pick a number between 1 and 100 and whoever got the closest to the number they were thinking gets to be the taker. There are any number of relevant, irrelevant, sensible, or silly ways to choose a taker.
I make use of the 3-Day Courtesy Rule, a day that allows both the giver and the taker three days to sort out a convenient pick-up time, by requesting that interesting people send me times that are convenient for them to pick-up during a three day span (a time frame for each day). I disregard responses that neglect to include that information. I also give some time to allow for digest freecyclers to see the post and respond. I never respond to "Is this still available?" because, if it weren't, a TAKEN post would be distributed and the OFFER would no longer exist. Having these time frames is valuable to me when I have a No Show because I can choose a back-up quickly based on the times already provided. I know who is available that evening or the next morning.
When a loved one passed away, we inherited a collection of items that were popular during the 1980's but are worth nothing now. My husband is choosing one to keep for memory but we have no use for the full collection. Still, despite being worthless, based on their '80's fame these items can be found on eBay listed anywhere from $100 to $1500. No bids, mind you. These poor souls list and re-list these worthless things until someone foolishly buys them thinking they can turn around and sell them for profit. In truth, not even the scrap yards will take them to melt down the bronze. They are worth only the aesthetic for those who enjoy what they are.
So, when I posted the OFFER, I was cautious of the reason people may want them. I knew there would be people who wanted to make money based on a shallow Google search. A gift for an elderly father is the best possible scenario for a new home for these things and so I chose the taker accordingly.
I have received some very desperate and pushy multiple requests for pick-up from individuals who reply to every OFFER and I know are only trying to make money. They would have made none. In fact, the ones who have repeatedly messaged me to push their desire for the items, in a tone that suggested I was doing them wrong by not responding, go on my list of people I will never allow to take an OFFER.
Remember, Fellow Freecyclers. No one is entitled to anything.
As Always,
Me.
Showing posts with label please be reasonable. Show all posts
Showing posts with label please be reasonable. Show all posts
Friday, December 13, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Dear Fellow Freecyclers,
We always want to make our OFFER sound like it's a great item to have. There's nothing wrong with that. You want someone to take something and you want them to feel good about having it. Make sure you're telling the truth.
This following story comes from a Fellow Freecycler who wishes to remain anonymous:
On my local list, if someone did that, the moderator would want to know so she could kick them off the list. I could not imagine how frustrating it must be when the moderator pulls unethical and dishonest stunts like this.
In this specific case, the OFFERer should have waited until she had all the pieces together before posting an OFFER for a complete drafting table. It obviously was not complete. She made no attempt to clarify that the Fellow Freecycler could possibly pick up an incomplete piece of furniture and to make sure they were okay with spending the gas to do just that. She was also dishonest about the materials the drafting table was made from and did not attempt to clarify this information before the Fellow Freecycler picked up. What's even worse is that the Fellow Freecycler said they picked up the table at her convenience, meaning she set the time for them to come to get the furniture she OFFERed. Since the Fellow Freecycler took the available piece in good faith and it's been two weeks with no word from the OFFERer, I recommend that the wooden drafting table top be returned to the OFFERer's home and placed where it was originally picked up from the yard or driveway. If the OFFERer has a problem with this since it's not good form in the Freecycling guidelines, this supposed moderator could take a nice, long look in the mirror and consider setting the example for a standard. I have a suspicion that the Fellow Freecycler's wife would agree with me.
As Always,
Me
We always want to make our OFFER sound like it's a great item to have. There's nothing wrong with that. You want someone to take something and you want them to feel good about having it. Make sure you're telling the truth.
This following story comes from a Fellow Freecycler who wishes to remain anonymous:
I answered an offer for a drafting table. I was planning on buying a drafting table but there was a post for one sounding exactly like what I wanted so even better! She said it was a complete metal drafting table. I agreed to come pick it up at her convenience and got there on time. When I got there, her and her son had a bunch of stuff just strewn all over the driveway and yard... and her garage was still packed from floor to ceiling with furniture. She said they didn't have a yard sale and they'd been "at it" all day with the stuff. She had set out the drafting table top, which was wood not metal, and then said she couldn't find the legs but the legs were metal and they go with the table. She said she would email me when she found the legs. It's been two weeks. My wife has already yelled at me for taking the drafting table top and trusting this person. But I thought it would be ok since this is the moderator.
On my local list, if someone did that, the moderator would want to know so she could kick them off the list. I could not imagine how frustrating it must be when the moderator pulls unethical and dishonest stunts like this.
In this specific case, the OFFERer should have waited until she had all the pieces together before posting an OFFER for a complete drafting table. It obviously was not complete. She made no attempt to clarify that the Fellow Freecycler could possibly pick up an incomplete piece of furniture and to make sure they were okay with spending the gas to do just that. She was also dishonest about the materials the drafting table was made from and did not attempt to clarify this information before the Fellow Freecycler picked up. What's even worse is that the Fellow Freecycler said they picked up the table at her convenience, meaning she set the time for them to come to get the furniture she OFFERed. Since the Fellow Freecycler took the available piece in good faith and it's been two weeks with no word from the OFFERer, I recommend that the wooden drafting table top be returned to the OFFERer's home and placed where it was originally picked up from the yard or driveway. If the OFFERer has a problem with this since it's not good form in the Freecycling guidelines, this supposed moderator could take a nice, long look in the mirror and consider setting the example for a standard. I have a suspicion that the Fellow Freecycler's wife would agree with me.
As Always,
Me
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Dear Fellow Freecyclers,
This is a special letter for moderators on how not to annoy the piss out of the entire group.
Be consistent. Consistency with your own rules and those suggested by the Freecycle Network help keep your yahoo-based list going strong. People know what is expected of them and others.
Keep regular hours. If you choose to moderate your list, keep daytime hours, at least for approving posts. While there are many ways that members can silence devices and not be bothered while sleeping at night, it's annoying to have 30+ emails from a single list awaiting in the morning. A solution to that may be switching to Digest, however, since some posts were time-sensitive to the previous day, it just seems like a better solution is not to live nocturnally if you're going to manage a list of people who don't.
Remove psychos. I don't care how much crap someone gives away, if they disturb others with unsettling behavior, get rid if them!
Do not allow 10+ posts from the same person OFFERing or WANTing items. They can condense in consideration of their fellow Freecyclers and, as moderator, it's your job to make sure that they do.
Refrain from editing posts when the post does not contain restricted information. Definitely remove phone numbers and addresses, but leave the cross-street information and item descriptions. These are standard in Freecycle posts and people look to them to know important information before responding.
Now, this is in no way a complete list of tips on how not to annoy the piss out of your Freecycle list. There are special kinds of moderators who find new and unusual ways every day. I hope this is a good start.
As Always,
Me.
This is a special letter for moderators on how not to annoy the piss out of the entire group.
Be consistent. Consistency with your own rules and those suggested by the Freecycle Network help keep your yahoo-based list going strong. People know what is expected of them and others.
Keep regular hours. If you choose to moderate your list, keep daytime hours, at least for approving posts. While there are many ways that members can silence devices and not be bothered while sleeping at night, it's annoying to have 30+ emails from a single list awaiting in the morning. A solution to that may be switching to Digest, however, since some posts were time-sensitive to the previous day, it just seems like a better solution is not to live nocturnally if you're going to manage a list of people who don't.
Remove psychos. I don't care how much crap someone gives away, if they disturb others with unsettling behavior, get rid if them!
Do not allow 10+ posts from the same person OFFERing or WANTing items. They can condense in consideration of their fellow Freecyclers and, as moderator, it's your job to make sure that they do.
Refrain from editing posts when the post does not contain restricted information. Definitely remove phone numbers and addresses, but leave the cross-street information and item descriptions. These are standard in Freecycle posts and people look to them to know important information before responding.
Now, this is in no way a complete list of tips on how not to annoy the piss out of your Freecycle list. There are special kinds of moderators who find new and unusual ways every day. I hope this is a good start.
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:
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.
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,
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!
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):
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
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
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.
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.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Dear Fellow Freecyclers,
Hi again. Do you have a dozen things that you'd like to give away after Christmas? Things you cannot exchange or things that are being replaced by a new gift? Freecycle is a great place to give these things a new home with someone who could use it or would appreciate it.
When you have multiple items, here's a tip, please don't create a separate post for each item. The art set and the vase and the briefcase and the rubberband ball and the old ceiling fan and the bucket and the random figurine can all be listed in a single post. You just think of a summarizing subject, like, Office and Household Items and then list them in the post. People will respond to which ones they want or you can even dictate that one person take all. Then they have to freecycle what they don't want from it and it's all out of your home at once.
I know you're thinking that it's not really fair because there could be a separate person for each individual item. Well, let me put it this way: How earth-friendly is it to have seven separate people driving to your home for one thing each when one person could take both the art set and the rubberband ball? The point of Freecycle is to save items from the landfill, not increase pollution and not waste time, money or resources. This is why we set an exact time for someone to take something instead of just setting stuff out at the curb and telling the whole group blankly to come and get it. So, by grouping items, you're being earth-friendly and saving people time and money.
You will also stop irritating me because I received yet another long list of emails from you via the freecycle list because you need to make sure that rubberband ball goes to someone special.
As Always,
Me.
Hi again. Do you have a dozen things that you'd like to give away after Christmas? Things you cannot exchange or things that are being replaced by a new gift? Freecycle is a great place to give these things a new home with someone who could use it or would appreciate it.
When you have multiple items, here's a tip, please don't create a separate post for each item. The art set and the vase and the briefcase and the rubberband ball and the old ceiling fan and the bucket and the random figurine can all be listed in a single post. You just think of a summarizing subject, like, Office and Household Items and then list them in the post. People will respond to which ones they want or you can even dictate that one person take all. Then they have to freecycle what they don't want from it and it's all out of your home at once.
I know you're thinking that it's not really fair because there could be a separate person for each individual item. Well, let me put it this way: How earth-friendly is it to have seven separate people driving to your home for one thing each when one person could take both the art set and the rubberband ball? The point of Freecycle is to save items from the landfill, not increase pollution and not waste time, money or resources. This is why we set an exact time for someone to take something instead of just setting stuff out at the curb and telling the whole group blankly to come and get it. So, by grouping items, you're being earth-friendly and saving people time and money.
You will also stop irritating me because I received yet another long list of emails from you via the freecycle list because you need to make sure that rubberband ball goes to someone special.
As Always,
Me.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Dear Fellow Freecyclers,
You know that guy who only offers crap and you don't know it until you open the message or, even worse, go to pick up the item? Oh, you know...
OFFER: Carpet Remnant
... and it's a 2"x7" moon-shaped scrap
OFFER: 5gal bucket
... and it has a hole in it (that's not the one at the top that's supposed to be there).
Actual post:
OFFER: Plastic painting trough
A large plastic painting trough that you use for painting walls. It has a crack in it so it leaks and it needs to be cleaned. Pick up asap. No no shows.
Okay, so, don't be that guy. Sometimes one man's trash is another's treasure but sometimes you've just got trash. Be a big boy and throw it away.
As Always,
Me.
You know that guy who only offers crap and you don't know it until you open the message or, even worse, go to pick up the item? Oh, you know...
OFFER: Carpet Remnant
... and it's a 2"x7" moon-shaped scrap
OFFER: 5gal bucket
... and it has a hole in it (that's not the one at the top that's supposed to be there).
Actual post:
OFFER: Plastic painting trough
A large plastic painting trough that you use for painting walls. It has a crack in it so it leaks and it needs to be cleaned. Pick up asap. No no shows.
Okay, so, don't be that guy. Sometimes one man's trash is another's treasure but sometimes you've just got trash. Be a big boy and throw it away.
As Always,
Me.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Dear My Fellow Freecyclers,
Are you burdened with an enormous population of neglected, ignored, valueless, cheap McDonald's Happy Meal toys? Me, too. Don't freecycle them. Do the world and, more importantly, both you and your child a favor by not purchasing a Happy Meal that provides these cheap toys that provide no educational or entertainment value. McDonald's, and all these fast food restaurants, need to receive the message that parents will not purchase these unless there's something of quality, both in food and toy, for their children. By chucking the toys into a bin until you've had enough and decide it's a good idea to just give them all away to some stranger, who is likely grandparents that will bore their grandchildren by offering them as toys during visits, you continue a cycle that keeps the fast food places pleased as punch: you give them money for their useless crap.
If a business is not offering something worth keeping, stop buying it. Your child may love the new Kung-fu Panda movie and thinks s/he would love a toy of Po; but, does your child want that child of Po? Obviously not, because two minutes after opening the plastic bag, it's forgotten on the floor of the car. These corporations are more than capable of providing the same quality kids meal product as Chik-fil-a and they would do it without the homophobic agenda.
So just stop. Don't buy them, don't offer them, don't keep them in existence.
As Always,
Me.
Are you burdened with an enormous population of neglected, ignored, valueless, cheap McDonald's Happy Meal toys? Me, too. Don't freecycle them. Do the world and, more importantly, both you and your child a favor by not purchasing a Happy Meal that provides these cheap toys that provide no educational or entertainment value. McDonald's, and all these fast food restaurants, need to receive the message that parents will not purchase these unless there's something of quality, both in food and toy, for their children. By chucking the toys into a bin until you've had enough and decide it's a good idea to just give them all away to some stranger, who is likely grandparents that will bore their grandchildren by offering them as toys during visits, you continue a cycle that keeps the fast food places pleased as punch: you give them money for their useless crap.
If a business is not offering something worth keeping, stop buying it. Your child may love the new Kung-fu Panda movie and thinks s/he would love a toy of Po; but, does your child want that child of Po? Obviously not, because two minutes after opening the plastic bag, it's forgotten on the floor of the car. These corporations are more than capable of providing the same quality kids meal product as Chik-fil-a and they would do it without the homophobic agenda.
So just stop. Don't buy them, don't offer them, don't keep them in existence.
As Always,
Me.
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