Q. If I have an “adult” public profile or a “racy” screen name, does that matter?
A. Possibly. HowellCountyMO-Freecycle is definitely a “family friendly” movement. If your chosen identity is a “racy” one, you may be asked to reapply using a different persona.
Q. Why are applications for membership in Freecycle moderated?
A. Because allowing anyone to join anonymously and without moderation results in spam (often pornographic), which our members do not want to be subjected to.
Q. What kinds of messages can I post?
A. Each Freecycle list has its own policies. However, commonly there are four types of member posts: “Offer:”, where you seek to find a new home for something you have and no longer want; “Taken:”, where you have found a new home for the offered item(s); “Wanted:”, where you are looking for something; and “Received:” where you no longer need the item. Some lists restrict member posts to only these four kinds of posts.
Q. If I am uncomfortable getting something for free, can I offer to pay for it?
A. No! The point of freecycle is that everything must be free. There are other places for sale or trade, go to Cafe, links.
Q. Can I ask to borrow something I only need temporarily?
A. That depends upon the individual list policies,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HowellCountyMO-Cafe/
Q. Do I have to give an item to the first responder?
A. No. In fact, many lists recommend that you wait a reasonable period-perhaps overnight-before you determine whom you might be happiest in giving the item to. This allows charities to respond, and people who are not constantly connected to the Internet.
In most cases, there are people who try to claim everything very quickly; often, they might be simply trying to get things to sell.
Q. Can I get a tax deduction for things I give?
A. No, unless the receiving entity is a tax-exempt nonprofit (Ask for a receipt in those cases, with their exemption number!)(501c3 Charity/tax deductible)Freecycle.org, you can now donate to them directly.
Q. Why should I be asked to give my location (ZIP CODE) when I seek an exchange?
A. Because many folks don’t want to be responsible for too much fossil fuel being burned simply for a minor exchange of “stuff.” In addition, having your location in your posts will usually increase your chances of success.
Q. Who can post a “Taken:” post? Can I post it if I am the receiver?
A. No. Doing so can cause your membership to be moderated, or even terminated.
Unfortunately, some folks say they want something but don’t show up when they promise to. In addition, trying to keep others from asking for something by posting that it is “taken” reduces the ability of the offerer to determine who might best receive it.
Q. Can I post an offer for political yard signs?
A. No. No politics, no spam, no kidding!
Q. Can I post the availability of coupons or a “buy one-get one” promotion?
A. No. No commercial uses, no come-ons. There are plenty of coupon lists for those who want them.
Q. Speaking of coupons, can I ask for coupons? (Or bottle caps, UPC proof of purchase, etc.)
A. NO, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HowellCountyMO-Cafe/
Q. Can I post a separate message for each item I want to give or receive?
A. No. Most lists ask you to put all your offers in a single message for any given day, and all your “wants” in another. This is to keep the volume of email to reasonable limits. When you post a “taken” this should include all the items from a particular email.
Q. How often can I post a “wanted” or “offer” for the same item?
A. WANTED MESSAGE 14 and 7-DAY LIMITS: (Please do a search of the posts first for the item and then post a wanted.) WANTED requests are limited to 2 specific items per 7-day period and no repeat WANTEDs for the same or similar item for 14 days. (Please note: Blanket WANTEDS i.e. everything for a kitchen, bedroom furniture, furnish my new apartment, etc. are also not allowed) The moderators will delete messages exceeding these limits. If your need is for many items quickly, please check the LINKS first on the home page.
Q, Is cross posting allowed?
YES, but, we ask that you to post in your HowellCountyMO-Freecycle(TM) group first, if after a couple days you have no reply's to your offer post, then post to the next group.
Q. Can we use Freecycle to find or offer homes for pets?
A. NO, local list has a pet policy, NO Animal/Pet Postings PLEASE!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HowellCountyMO-Cafe/
Q. Can I respond to an offer on the list?
A. No. Responses must go directly to the offerer. Most lists are configured so all you need do is hit “reply” and the message will be addressed to the offerer.
Q. How do I arrange pickup?
A. That is entirely between the offerer and the receiver. Try to avoid messages like “It’ll be on the porch for the first one to show up!”
Q. What if someone who claims an item doesn’t show up when promised?
A. If they don’t at least call to reschedule, please notify your list administrators privately.@( missourimanwphc@gmail.com)
Some lists will track such instances, and may post a reliability indication for particular individuals who seem to make a habit of inconveniencing others.
Q. What if someone makes personal comments about me because they are disgruntled about not receiving something or for some other reason?
A. We suggest you should not get into a personal email exchange with these folks. Instead, notify the list owners or moderators privately. Unfortunately, some folks seem to have personality problems that show up from time to time. It is not worth provoking them-but it IS worthwhile to let the list owners know of this kind of behavior.
Q. What if I post copies of off-list correspondence?
A. In addition to being considered generally objectionable on any mail list, this sort of thing is not permitted on a Freecycle list.
Q. What about computer viruses?
A. Unfortunately, these things are common today. Many times, the “from” field is faked by inserting a different address from the address book of an infected computer. For any machine that is connected to the Internet, you should be sure to have a good firewall and an up-to-date anti virus program. There are excellent free programs in both categories.
IF YOU RECEIVE ANY MESSAGE WITH AN ATTACHMENT FROM FREECYCLE OR ANY FREECYCLE MEMBER, ASSUME IT IS A VIRUS AND DO NOT OPEN IT! It can also help to use a Web-based email account for public mail lists to keep your private email box from many instances of computer virus problems.
NOTE: Unfortunately, Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, and all Microsoft email clients including Outlook and Outlook Express are famously vulnerable to computer viruses and Trojans. You may wish to explore the alternatives for any or all of these.
Q. Can I post an offer to give away a copy of a (video)(computer program)(CD)?
A. No. No copies of copyright materials-they are illegal! Remember the Freecycle credo: Keep it free, legal, and appropriate for all ages!
Q. Can I post an offer or request for a service?
A. NO. The fundamental idea is for exchange of “stuff” that otherwise might end up in our landfills. Services should find a home elsewhere.
Go here to for that:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HowellCountyMO-Cafe/
Q. I heard a great joke today. Can I share it with the Freecycle list?
A. No.
Q. I found a great free community resource! Should I post it?
A. No. Send a note to a
Carl - owner/moderator ( missourimanwphc@gmail.com ) He will put it in the Files or Links section of the list website for all to consult in future.
Q. Can I give away my partly-used cosmetics?
A. No. Too much potential problem with spreading microorganisms. Full, unopened bottles are fine.
Q. Can I give away unused medicines?
A. Giving prescription medications to others is illegal and thus cannot be done on Freecycle.
Q. I’m getting too much email from the list! Must I unsubscribe?
A. Not at all. You can reset your list preferences to “special notice”, Anyone using "no mail" gets this warning "No mail setting, is not allowed in HowellCountyMO-Freecycle, I changed it to "SPECIAL NOTICES" (which means you'll just browse the messages online). and only get messages from moderators. thank you, Carl Owner/Mod HowellCountyMO-Freecycle Volunteer :-D
“Special notices” are moderator and access the list from the Web. admin messages on important topics regarding the list operation-most moderators don’t abuse this, so the “special notices only” setting is preferable.
Q. Since some folks who claim an item don’t show up, should I post a “taken pending pickup” notice to keep from disappointing folks and to reduce the mail I must respond to?
A. No. you should not post a “taken” notice until the item is actually gone. You need not respond to each email message individually; the “taken” note is fine. You also need not give the item to the first one who asks for it...and, if the first person doesn’t show up, you may simply go to the next on the list.
==================================================================
Freecycle Tips for Success
How-To: Post an OFFER -- Gift an OFFER -- Respond to an OFFER --
Pick up -- WANT -- Post a WANTED
How-To Post an OFFER
>>OFFERs keep Freecycle hummin', help you clear clutter and keep
useful items from our landfills. Post as often as you like!
>>Always use correct Subject line format. Begin every message subject
line with OFFER: 'your item' zip-code or town, area your living or location you will be at.
>>When you promise your item to someone, it's your responsibility to
follow-up your original OFFER post right away with a new message,
TAKEN: 'your item'.
>>Your OFFER message should be short and sweet. Please include an
accurate description of the item and your location at a minimum.
>>Your OFFER message may also include: a pick-up by deadline, a
statement indicating how you will choose the recipient and when, or a
request to know how another member will use your item.
>>Never OFFER with "it's out on the curb" or "first come, first
serve". Work directly with just one person at a time. Addresses and
phone numbers are not permitted in group posts.
>>Please do not cross-post your OFFER to multiple groups at the same
time. Typically this will result in a tremendous response and leave
many members frustrated. OFFER to one local group first. Then if you
receive no response, follow-up with a TAKEN post and re-post your
OFFER to another group.
How-To Gift an OFFER
>>Choose ONE recipient for your item: You may wish to go with the
first respondent that comes back to you, or you may choose to wait
for a period of time and look through all the responses you've
received and give your item to whomever you like. Keep in mind, most
members cannot be at the computer throughout the day.
>>Choose a recipient whose response shows interest and commitment to
pick-up.
>>Save a short list of respondents' information in case your first
choice does not follow through with pick up.
>>Save the information of the person receiving your gift in case you
need to contact them in the future.
>>You may choose to have the item picked up at your home, you may ask
to deliver to the recipient's home, or you may arrange to meet at a
neutral location.
>>If you cannot be home for pick-up, you may leave the item at the
front door or other pre-arranged location for the recipient. Clearly
label the item by addressing it to the recipient. Consider the
weather conditions. This is entirely your decision, and The Freecycle
Network and group moderators cannot be held responsible for
subsequent events.
>>Always give 'no-show' members the benefit of the doubt. However,
after a reasonable time of no communication or a series of 'no-show'
meetings, you may gift your item to the next recipient in line.
How-To Respond to an OFFER
>>Include how you can use the item.
>>Include when you are available to pick-up and where you are
traveling from.
>>You may ask questions about the item, but refrain from asking for
more than was originally OFFERed.
>>Email the individual one time, then check for a TAKEN
message. You may or may not receive a personal message from the
OFFERer if you were not the chosen recipient.
>>If a TAKEN message is not posted and you do not hear back
from the OFFERer within one week, it is acceptable to send one more
email inquiry. After this assume the item is TAKEN.
>>If you were chosen to receive the item, the OFFERer will email you
personally for more information and to schedule the pick up.
How-To Pick Up
>>Show up when you say you will! Pick up your item as scheduled or
contact the individual ASAP to reschedule or cancel.
>>Ask for a phone number in case you are delayed or get lost en route.
>>Only pick up the item gifted to you.
>>If the item is not what you expected or its condition not as
described, you may politely say so and decline from taking the item.
>>Don't forget a 'Thank you'.
How-To WANT
>>Please remember, Freecycle is not a means to get as much free stuff
as you can or a way to get more stuff to sell, e-Bay, or auction.
>>WANTED posts serve as a reminder to other members of what may be
cluttering their garage or sitting at the back of their closet.
>>Please be sensible with WANTED posts. Refrain from asking for
expensive or popular items. Limit yourself; for example, you should
not use Freecycle to furnish your home or provide for your family or
personal needs.
>>Check your 'balance' of OFFER to WANTED posts, and tip the scales
in favor of OFFER posts when possible.
How-To Post a WANTED
>>Remember, another member will either have what you're looking for
or not.
>>A simple WANTED statement is OK, but a wish list or lengthy
description of need is not. Freecycle is not a charity and its member
should not feel as such.
>>WANTED posts for food are not permitted.
>>Always use correct Subject line format. Begin every message subject
line with WANTED: 'the item' zip-code or town, area your living or location you will be at. Please do not use Needed, Desperate,
Please read, etc.
>>Expect to pick up the item. Work directly with the individual to
make arrangements to meet. You may choose to pick up at their home or
you may arrange to meet at a neutral location.
>>When you receive the item from someone, it's your responsibility to
follow-up your WANTED message with RECEIVED: 'the item'. A 'Thank
you' would be nice, too.
>>Please re-post specific WANTED messages only once every two weeks.
Copyright 2003-2007 The Freecycle Network (http://www.Freecycle.org).
All rights reserved.Freecycle and the Freecycle logo are trademarks
of The Freecycle Network in the United States and/or other countries.
FREECYCLE MEMBERS USE THIS LIST AT THEIR OWN RISK.
Please take reasonable measures to protect your safety and privacy when posting to the list or participating in an exchange. By joining the list, you agree to hold neither the list owners and moderators nor anyone affiliated with The Freecycle Network responsible or liable for any circumstance resulting from a Freecycle exchange or communication.
Transactions are between Offerer and Recipient and will not be
mediated or arbitrated by Freecycle administrators, moderators,
or representatives.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this, please
direct them to HowellCountyMO-Freecycle-owner@yahoogroups.com, OR
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HowellCountyMO-Cafe/
Thank you,
Carl-Owner, Karen, Rose, Volunteer Moderators
Updated 02-11-07