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3. Moderating Freecycle
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10. UK Moderators Manual
    
    

ADMIN Notices - No Shows

No shows are a problem throughout the worldwide Freecycle™ Network. Sadly, there are people who pounce on every item that looks remotely valuable and immediately send a quick "I'll take it" just to get dibs on being first. They don't wait to decide if they actually want the item or not so they just hit 'send' as fast as they can. They'll even arrange a pickup time -- and then, if they decide they don't want it, they simply don't show up.

When you post an offer, you're free to select a recipient by any means you like, as described in the rules. However, if you want to avoid being stood up, we strongly recommend *not* giving your item to the first person who responds. Instead, take some time out and evaluate your responses for at least a few hours, if not for a whole day. Choose your recipient based on a polite response as opposed to being first to answer. A courteous response speaks volumes about the recipient! Maybe someone took the time to name the item and gave a reason why they want it. The person who takes the time out to reply and be polite is someone who will also take the time to show up, or at least notify you if something prevents them from showing up at the appointed time, as opposed to the ones who simply say "I want it".

After you have picked out a recipient for your item, let them know they can have the item. Hold off on sending your address until they respond again. If they take the trouble of sending you emails back and forth, they are very unlikely to stand you up at this point, unless they get lost or unexpectedly tied up! Not all no shows are deliberate. People do get lost, have car troubles, run late from meetings, or have one of many other reasons for not showing up on time. For this reason, it is a good idea to pass on your phone and address, in case of such emergencies. But sometimes after all this trouble the person can still be a no show. For this reason, save all the replies you received just in case. In that way you save the time of having to repost the message and can go down the list of suitable recipients.

Here is an example you can use for your files regarding No Shows. Simply copy and paste... and feel free to edit as necessary!

***Replace all XXX references with your local group name***

Example #1 - No Shows

Hi all! Just a little reminder...

When responding to an offer, please make sure you are absolutely going to show up when you say you will. If you're not sure if you can or will show, then let someone else take the offer that will. Remember, people talk... and if you become known as a "no show", then members will pass you by for someone else.

Sure, sometimes last minute emergencies pop up; life happens... if it does, it's courtesy to let them know before you make them wait for you. Regardless of what you believe, treating others as you would want to be treated is just good manners. Showing up when you say you will is good for you, the gifter, and Freecycle(TM) as well.

Thank you for your attention on this very important matter!

Your XXX Freecycle Moderators
XXX-owner@yahoogroups.com

Example #2 - No Shows

Hello friends.

Have you ever made plans with anyone and gotten stood up? Even worse, have you ever canceled plans with anyone to do a favor for a friend, only to have your friend not show up?

I'd like to think that within the context of humanity and the more specific context of the Freecycle(TM) community, we are all (at least) friends. As such, we should show each other courtesy and understanding.

So what I'm trying to say is: If you express interest in a posted item and are gifted that item, please show up when and where you said you would. If you can't make it, *please* find some way to notify the original poster so that an alternate pickup may be arranged. Finally, if you are unable to make it and have not immediately notified the poster, please don't be upset if the item is then gifted to someone else.

At the end of the day, folks, it's up to the donor to determine to whom a particular item will be gifted. There is no first-come, first-served policy. Having posted a Wanted for that same item does not give anyone "dibs" on it. We should always remember to treat any item received as the gift it is, and the donor with the courtesy and respect s/he deserves.

Thanks for reading!

Your XXX Freecycle Moderators
XXX-owner@yahoogroups.com

Example #3 - No Shows - I'm A Whatchamajigee!

Hi I'm a Whatchamajigee!

My owner offered me up on the local Freecycle(TM) because frankly, I'm allergic to dust and that's seems to be all I'm good for these days... collecting dust. I'm very excited and so is my owner. Guess what? Someone wanted me right away! My owner is happy and is even cleaning me up for my new place... wish I wasn't so heavy for her but soon I'll go to someone who will be able to take care of me.

Well the arrangements are made, my owner gave directions to my house, even gave her cell phone in case my new owners get lost. Oh no! My owner won't be home, so she emailed the new owners and told them I'll be waiting on the front porch. Geesh that was rough on my owner. I need to lose a few pounds but she got me out there. Hey, it's getting dark out here. I don't see my new owners. It's really dark now. My owner needs to move me back inside… looks like rain. Okay, the new owners couldn't make it. They will for sure be here tomorrow.

Today is the day… back out on the front porch I go, but, oh no... it's raining. My owner finds a large tarp to cover me. She's very thoughtful but I see her back is starting to hurt moving me around so much. I'm getting sad now. It's dark again. Here comes my owner to move me inside again. Well, now my new owners won't even answer my owner's emails, hmmm, wonder what the deal is? It's been a week... no contact from those former new owners. My owner offered me again. I'm going to be picked up today!

Guess what, I'm in my new home and the new owners like me a lot! Thank you Freecycle.

Unfortunately this is a true story (actually compiled from different experiences-my own and others), names have been withheld as to not embarrass anyone. Hope it's not anyone you are expecting today.

Please remember to pick up your promised whatchamajigees. They do get quite upset when abandoned.

Your XXX Freecycle Moderators
XXX-owner@yahoogroups.com

Example #4 - No Shows/Items Promised to Someone Else

Dear Freecycle(TM) Member,

We've received complaints regarding items promised to one member only to find that once that member goes over to pick it up, the item has been given (or promised) to someone else.

We realize that some members have had difficulties with their promised items not being picked up, but we ask that when you do make arrangements with one member, don't offer the same item to another member as backup in the hopes that your item will get picked up by someone else.

It's frustrating to go over to a stranger's house for a pickup, only to find the item is already gone. It's a waste of valuable time and effort along with resources in the form of fuel and wear and tear on that member's vehicle to make the drive.

We try our very best to run a smooth list... please be courteous to your fellow group members when making promises for items given, and hold to them. Have a little patience with your promised items and work down the list accordingly... it makes for a much better Freecycle experience.

Thank you.

Your XXX Freecycle Moderators
XXX-owner@yahoogroups.com

Example #5 - No Shows

Dear Members,

Our list is growing and we have had several complaints about no shows here in the last few weeks.

Simply stated, if you say you will pick up an item, please follow through with the transaction. That goes for both OFFERS and WANTEDS. If you cannot pick up the item or you change your mind about wanting an item, please be considerate to the gifter and at least send them a courtesy email (or phone call) to let them know of the canceled transaction. Waiting for something that won't happen isn't very fun. Put yourself in their shoes if you are considering becoming a no show.

When someone posts an OFFER, they are gifting an item to the community member who responds. It's inconvenient to say you want something and then fail to follow through with a pickup. Please don't do it. Word does get around and if your name is mentioned, you can be certain that you will be called out eventually. If there are no shows, please let us know. We do not want this to become a widespread problem.

On a brighter note, there are Freecycle(TM) members who are consistently polite in both giving and getting, and are mindful of their P's and Q's in all situations! We thank you for that! Let's continue with keeping this wonderful gifting community both friendly and free of no-shows!

Thank You!

Your XXX Freecycle Moderators
XXX-owner@yahoogroups.com

Example #6 - No Shows/Soliciting for Sales

ADMIN: No Shows/Soliciting for Sales

Dear Members,

I want to briefly touch on two issues that were recently brought to our attention. The first is NO SHOWS. Quite simply, if you say you will pick up an item, please follow through with picking it up. If you cannot pick it up or you change your mind about wanting the item, the least you can do is send a courtesy email to the person who promised you their Offer.

When someone posts an OFFER, they are gifting an item to the community member who responds. It's rude to say you want something and then fail to follow through with a pickup. Waiting around for a no show is time consuming and rude. Please don't do it. Word does get around in a small group. If there are no shows, please let us know. We do not want this to become a widespread problem.

Secondly, if you have an item to offer and someone comes to pick it up, the transaction should be limited to the exchange of the item. Do NOT solicit for sales. That is strictly forbidden on Freecycle(TM). Again, word gets around. If this happens on a recurring basis, you will be removed from the group.

If anyone has any concerns, please drop us a line. We are here to ensure the group runs without snags and is safe and fun for all our group members.

Thank you!

Your XXX Freecycle Moderators
XXX-owner@yahoogroups.com