Rules and Etiquette

Dear Freecycle Member,

Thanks for being a part of the Freecycle Network and joining us in changing the world one gift at a time!

This message contains essential knowledge for all Freecycle members and will answer many common user questions, so please take the time to read through it.

FREECYCLE RULES

The following list rules have been adapted from the original Freecycle etiquette sheet; if you are new to Rayleigh Freecycle or want a refresher, read on.

A certain structure definitely makes the group run smoothly and effectively. This is for everyone's benefit. Remember, the success of this group depends on all of us, and that means each of us need to do our best to keep to the rules and, well, be friendly and patient where necessary.

1. KEEP IT FREE, LEGAL & APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES.

This means, for example,

* no alcohol, tobacco or drugs of any kind, including all medicines, vitamins, creams, etc., * no pornography, * no firearms or other weapons.

Two strikes and you're out of the group. This is our main Freecycle rule to live by.

2. WHEN POSTING AN "OFFERED" OR "WANTED" ITEM.

When posting an "OFFERED" or a "WANTED" please ensure you give a brief description of the item and an approximate location (e.g. near High Street, Rayleigh or Greensward School area, Hockley). This really helps people to scan lists efficiently, especially as the site becomes busier.

3. NO POLITICS, NO SPAM, NO MONEY, NO PERSONAL ATTACKS/RUDENESS, NO PROSELYTIZING/RELIGION.

It's all about R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Two strikes & you're out. You will be unsubscribed by the moderator after two inappropriate postings.

4. NO TRADING PLEASE.

Go to your local trading organization for this. With Freecycle there are no strings attached, just free gifts.

5. RESPONSES GO ONLY TO OFFERER.

Please use the system itself to send responses, this ensures the whole system runs smoothly.

6. DO NOT POST THE SAME "WANTED" MORE THAN ONCE A MONTH.

Please use the WANTED post sparingly, don't offer money and don't ask for an extravagant item.

7. UPDATING YOUR POSTS AS TAKEN OR RECEIVED

When an offered item is taken or a wanted item is received please use the "MY POSTS" section of the website to update the item, this will ensure everyone is updated and other members will not be contacting you on stuff that has been sorted. Its also great for all the members to see that things are really changing hands out there and the system works.

8. NO OFFERING YOURSELF OR YOUR CHILDREN.

Posting oneself or another person from the human species is not allowed! There are many fine Internet dating sites better suited to this purpose.

9. PLEASE DO NOT USE RAYLEIGH FREECYCLE GROUP TO FIND NEW HOMES FOR PETS.

At Rayleigh Freecycle we feel there are much better organisations who are set up specifically to safely re-house animals so politely suggest you use them. If you need some pointers on contacting these organisations please feel free to contact the moderator.

10. A BRIEF NOTE ON FREECYCLE ETIQUETTE: - "BE NICE."

We are all volunteers and we've got a great little community here so when you arrange to pick up an item from another Freecycle member, it is basic good manners to accommodate them as much as possible in terms of scheduling, and then be punctual; they are, after all, giving you something you need and asking nothing in return except that you will show up when you say you will. Leaving someone hanging is never a nice thing. Also, unless the giver tells you otherwise, assume that they would like you to come by as soon as you can to take away the item; no more than three days after the offer is made is usual. (Think of it as The Three-day Rule.)

11. PICK UP.

Generally, you'll wait until you get a handful of responses or maybe overnight, and then you can pick whomever you like! That's half the fun. We tend to ask that people consider giving your starving local charity preference if one should respond. Arrange pickup with one person only, rather than "it's on the porch, whoever gets here first gets it." Otherwise you'll become unpopular pretty fast with your fellow Freecycle group members. Also, only give your phone number to one person at a time, alternatively ask for the recipient's phone no. Otherwise you'll get swamped with phone calls. We suggest that publishing phone numbers, personal details or email addresses in your public posts should be avoided for safeties sake.

12. SAFETY - "BE AWARE!"

It is up to each individual member of Freecycle when arranging for pickup of the item being given away to be appropriately aware of the potential risk of having "a stranger" come to your home to pick something up. Freecycle as an organization assumes no responsibility for this risk. You may want to arrange to meet in a public place or leave the item on the front porch without mentioning whether or not you will be home at the time of pickup. That should just about do it. Have Fun and Thank you for being a part of The Freecycle Network.

Regards,

Your Rayleigh Freecycle Moderator

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