Dear Members,
I know we all get busy and tend to ignore the e mails that seem to come to us on a regular basis. I am in the process of streamlining the letters each of you get at the beginning of the month but until then please read this one because it is very important.
The ultimate objective is to have this list be self-supporting. When you have submitted at least three correct posts, you can be taken off moderation and your posts go directly to the list. How can we accomplish that? Let's look at some of the reasons why posts may be a problem:
The posts which we receive on regular basis which take the most time and energy on both ends seem to involve location and personal information.
1. First, since our group's purpose is the serve the local community, we will no longer accept ANY post without the CITY in the subject line. Although we as moderators try to figure it out, sometimes we have to write to you and delays your request or offer. This takes up everyone's time.
This does not affect our acceptance of members or posts from other cities.
Zip codes are not sufficient. Cross streets may be noted in the body of the post.
In requesting items, the term "Your Location" is also not acceptable. You may state that you will come to any location in the body of the message.
2. Although it is a friendly gesture, way too much information is being given in the posts. Freecycle is not based on "need" and you do not have to explain your reason for giving away or wanting an item.
Just state what it is you are looking for or giving away.
The one exception to this is if you are requesting the item on behalf of a local group or charity but you must state the reason and the charity.
Remember your post goes to hundreds of strangers in the area and telling people you are leaving for two months and need suitcases or you are giving away your baby items because your child is now in preschool is not advisable. Remember you don't have to give a reason. I know it's more friendly to do so but we cannot accept those types of posts. I usually edit it and then write a note but, again, this delays the whole process.
No addresses or phone numbers should go in the original post. You may exchange that with people who contact you personally, but we will not accept those types of posts.
4. Finally, if you have restrictions on who may have the item, please state that in the post or if you are planning to resell the item, please do that as well.
Many people don't care what someone else does with the items they pick up but others do. Metal and electronic recycling is often beneficial to school groups or sports teams and have been provided when people requested them in an upfront manner and state the reason. If you don't want grandma's copper pots to be melted down, say so in your offer.
Thank you for participating in our group. We have successfully kept items out of landfills while benefitting our neighbors and friends.
Anyone interested in giving a little bit of time each day to help moderate please let us know.
Linda and Debbie
Moderators
Ontario California Freecycle
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