BS: Bloody Freecycle!

Subject: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 07 May 07 - 02:00 PM

A while ago I joined the Leicestershire Freecycle group. I got a couple of really great things and also got rid of some I didn't want. The group began to grow and there was more and more bickering about what everyone should and shouldn't do. There was also a big increase in the number of 'Wanted' messages. I stopped receiving the e-mail due to this and to the number of 'Admin' messages I kept getting, but remained a member so I could go in on-line when I wnated to and post or check out what was on offer. Haven't looked at it for ages, though I do still keep getting heaps of Admin e-mails telling you what you should and shouldn't do.   
Recently we had a clear out and, rather than taking a heap of books, a child's sandpit, a dining table etc to the tip, I decided to give them a way on Freecycle.

Now one of their many rules is that you must offer items individually, so I composed about five e-mails offering my stuff. Next day I got them all back saying they had not been approved because I hadn't followed the rules about the subject title. apparently you have to put whether it's an offer, a wanted etc, 'a brief description of the item,' and where you are for collection. I went back and changed all the subject headings. Logging on now I find they have all been sent back to me AGAIN saying 'not approved' because of the subject heading.

I am now going to quit my membership and take all this stuff to the tip. Like the rest of life it has too many rules and regulations, it's too complicated and I don't have time to mess around with all this. What a waste of a good idea!!

Anyone else's experiences?

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 07 May 07 - 02:15 PM

I haven't had any experience of any freecycle groups but I do know that it is getting more difficult to give things away these days, wherever it is to.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 07 May 07 - 02:30 PM

Where my brother lives in California people leave stuff they don't want but that is useable out on the side of the road with a notice saying "Free". It seems to work. I think here in the UK we'd probably get done for obstructing or something.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Mrrzy
Date: 07 May 07 - 02:36 PM

Yes, we can do that here in Virginia too - you don't even need the sign that says Free, although it helps.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 May 07 - 03:04 PM

we recently did that with a recliner and it was gone in about five minutes.

I quit freecycle here because it didn't grow, there were very few people, same ones over and over, mostly wanting and lots of emails.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 07 May 07 - 03:22 PM

The Leicestershire one has heaps of people..it has grown incredibly since it started, ut the probs are the same...too much Want and too many pointless e-mails. Di your group have these rules about exactly how you have to post messages? I'm still waiting to hear back what was wrong with my subject headings THIS time


Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: open mike
Date: 07 May 07 - 05:47 PM

i have enjoyed being a part of my local freecycle group for years
i do get annoyed at some people who seem to only take, take , take,
with no giving. I have gotten some great finds and met some wonderful generous people. fencing, down comforters, record albums, animals and more. i have now subscribed to the digest version as each individual post was too much to ...well, digest. but sometimes items are already gone by the time i get the compiled messages. some of the things i posted were not taken, but then i live far away from most folks and it is hard for them to come here.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 May 07 - 05:51 PM

There is a classified section of the online version of the local newspaper where you can offer things for free and they don't charge you for the ad.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 May 07 - 05:56 PM

That's what I check every Wednesday when our local sales paper comes out. That's all it is, stuff for sale, it's free to pick up and read, or you can get it online and they do have a FREEBIE section, though I don't know if they charge to list in that part or not.

Like open mike, I got the digest version of freecycle and found most things were gone by the time I did. I only listed once or twice, but didn't have any trouble with the subject line. I have not been comfortable with the idea of anyone who has a computer and subscribes coming over to my house to pick stuff up and I don't have the time or inclination to meet them somewhere. So...I'll take stuff to Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity or a new, local pet rescue thrift store or put it out on the curb/kerb for free.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 May 07 - 06:02 PM

Try giving the books to your local public library. If they don't want them they may sell them in a book sale.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Jack Campin
Date: 07 May 07 - 07:46 PM

Use Gumtree instead. No picky rules and nothing whatever to do with the Yahoo slimebags.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: JennyO
Date: 07 May 07 - 09:42 PM

I went through the process of trying to join my local Freecycle. Did all the things I was supposed to. Eventually got an email saying my membership was awaiting approval. Then nothing. Nothing the next day. Or the day after that. Or the day after that. I sent a couple of emails, asking what was happening, and whether there was a problem. No reply ever, to any of it. Kept checking. Still awaiting approval. Couldn't get a response from anyone. Gave up in disgust in the end.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 May 07 - 10:43 PM

wow, Jack! Wish we had a gumtree over here. Lots of interesting stuff!

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: GUEST,Marion
Date: 07 May 07 - 11:05 PM

There's also a free section on Craig's List. I find it more convenient to use this forum format than to get all that email from Freecycle.

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Janie
Date: 08 May 07 - 12:04 AM

I haven't encountered any problems with my local freecycle group--but I don't post much either. The Admins send out a monthly reminder of the rules, and that is about it from them. Anything I have posted has been taken rather quickly and with no problems. I use it more to look for items for clients (I'm a social worker), but don't find it necessary to post 'wanted' messages often. Skimming through the daily offers will eventually turn up about any household item one of my client's might need.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 08 May 07 - 03:23 AM

I haven't heard of gumtree or Craig's list, do they operate in the UK? I'll have a look at them later when I've a bit more time.

It sounds easier to give stuff away in the US. I know of no papers, free or otherwise, round here which have a Freebie section, we can't leave stuff on the kerb, charity shops often have signs up saying they can't take any more bric a brac, books etc due to lack of storage space (which seems to indicate a need for some way of giving away things!), and we don't have all these organisations that take stuff, at least, I haven't come across any. Having said that, I've found that a YMCA warehouse has opened just near us taking old furniture and giving it to families who need it. It may be the place for the table anyway.

I just had a reply to my query about why my messages were rejected a second time. First time I hadn't put the right subject heading so I returned them all, doing as the moderator told me and putting "Offered", where I was and what I was offering. It seems that putting "North West Leicestershire" was not enough and I needed to put my actual location and/or the first part of my post code. I live in a village, so anyone from further away likely wouldn't know where it was anyway and my postcode confuses everyone because, though I live in Leicestershire the code is a Derby one. I've written back and told them it's far too much hassle and I won't bother again.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Mo the caller
Date: 08 May 07 - 05:00 AM

Lynne,
It seems a shame to tip things, haven't you got a local charity shop?

Our new Freecycle moderator is sounding quite officious, most of the messages come with an "edited to correct format" note on them.

And, yes, if you get the digest you get Offered and Taken at the same time, which makes me wonder if there are loads of traders out there poised over their emails waiting to snap things up.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 08 May 07 - 05:19 AM

No Mo, mostly the local charity shops will only take clothes these days due to lack of storage space for all the stuff people want to get rid of but not to throw away. I even tried doing a car boot sale but it was cancelled due to forecast of rain.

The idea of offering the books to the library is a good one, especially given their near-new condition, but they will probably say they can't accept, being council run and therefore beaurocratic and prone to sticking to rules that have no real purpose. I'll give it a go though. Some of the stuff I can probably give to the school to sell at the summer fair which is next month, though I was trying to get rid of it sooner due to lack of storage space at home.

I feel the need to express my dissatisfaction to Freecycle but I'm not quite sure how to do so.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 08 May 07 - 05:24 AM

Hmm..just checked out Gumtree. There doesn't seem to be one locally to me. Birmingham is probably the closest.

Craig's list is US so no good for me either.

All goes to prove what I've thought for a long time...that the East Midlands is a desert! On maps showing distribution of all sorts of things, there always seems to be a big blank in the East Midlands!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 May 07 - 07:01 AM

There's an East Midlands??!

In my experience, the library may take your books but they are most likely to end up for sale rather than on the shelves for lending. That way the library gets the revenue at no extra cost to them and don't have to worry about cataloguing and preparing your books.

I'd be more tempted to offer them on Ebay - if anyone should get the money, it should be you!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 08 May 07 - 07:20 AM

Well I tried putting them up on Amazon but there was a surprising number of the same books for sale and I didn't have a single response before the listing time ran out.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Grab
Date: 08 May 07 - 07:54 AM

Just stick an ad up in Tescos or somewhere and wait a couple of weeks. Usually works, especially if it's free.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 08 May 07 - 08:56 AM

Good point Grab! Though last time I tried to put an ad up in Tesco the boards were full and they weren't taking any more for the moment. I'll have a look when I go in

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: GUEST
Date: 08 May 07 - 04:08 PM

Local Post Office window works for me for dispersing all sorts of stuff.
Might the school library be able to use the books ?
Oxfam now sort their stuff more rigorously and have seperate shops selling books - there are a couple in Nottingham where you can just drop them off.
Family First are usually grateful for decent usable items of furniture which they will collect- the telephone number will be in the directory.
Get together with some neighbours and have a joint garage sale ?
Please don't chuck it , I just cannot abide waste !!!

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 May 07 - 04:21 PM

Are you anywhere near skipy? He might be able to take some of it...save him a skip dive.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: danensis
Date: 08 May 07 - 04:59 PM

The trouble I find with charity shops is that they all have different rules. No toys unless they are CE labelled. No electrical items because they can't afford PAT testing. No this, that and the other because there's an R in the month.

Cancer Research are quite good for clothing, because they have big warehouses, and if you take winter clothes in during the summer they can store them, rather than skipping them like many other charity shops do.

I was also cheesed off when I took several hundred pounds worth of clothing into an Oxfam shop, and the manageress said "Oh, that'll increase my bonus nucely". I thought charity shops were for the benefit of the poor and needy, not to line someone's pocket in this country. I don't mind people receiving bonuses for things they have done, but that really put me off.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 May 07 - 05:07 PM

I've just freecycled a very good king sized mattress and bed base very easily - put it on on Thursday and it got picked up today, I get a Sleepnumber bed installed tomorrow.

I was pleased to be able to find a home for the bed and this guy has only been married six months - still in the process of making a home. I just wish that I could be more successful in getting a booster seat for my grandson when he visits in July. That request met with no replies at all. They're only over for two weeks and I rather resent having to buy a new one for that short a time.

So far I haven't had much luck going for other stuff either - it's always gone before I get there. Ah well, at least the stuff I post has gone to be used, not dumped, and that is definitely a good thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 08 May 07 - 05:18 PM

Can't you hire a seat Jacqui? That's what my Mum did when we went over to Oz when the kids were little

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 May 07 - 05:33 PM

Does Kendall not get the Sears catalogue any more?!

(Joking!!)

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: GUEST,Marion
Date: 08 May 07 - 05:46 PM

Actually Craigslist has boards in many countries - you just need to go to the left side of the main screen and browse. Here's a UK list:

Craig's List, UK locations

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 08 May 07 - 07:34 PM

"Waste = Food"

Good TV doco to catch.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: kendall
Date: 08 May 07 - 07:56 PM

I think it's carrying things a bit far to be so into this thing that she gave her bed away.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Crane Driver
Date: 09 May 07 - 04:30 AM

As long as she leaves you your mattress in the cellar, you should be OK Kendall!

;-}

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 09 May 07 - 05:08 AM

Thanks Marion, I'll have a look at that later

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: kendall
Date: 09 May 07 - 07:18 AM

Mattress? what mattress?

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: Mo the caller
Date: 09 May 07 - 07:43 AM

Jacqui, have you asked to borrow one, some freecyclers (freecyclists?) might have one they are hanging on to for future use.

Subject: RE: BS: Bloody Freecycle!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 09 May 07 - 08:05 AM

I may try that.

I'm not sending Kendall to the cellar this time, he's spent most of the last week down there already!