Or - The Great Race, Freecycling. I couldn't decide which title I liked better. I like to use our local freecycle to get rid of things I don't want/need anymore. But this has reached a new high, or low, for me anyway. About a year ago, there was a flurry of posts complaining about "takers" selling items thay were getting off the freecycyle. On ebay, in garage sales, whatever. Surprise, surprise. But not the principle behind freecycling, of course. Then, in the Spring, the new big controversy was takers who apparently sit on their computer all day long, to be the first to reply to every offer. The advice was to wait for a day or two, go thru all of the replies, and choose who you want to respond to. OK, just not real speedy, which is sometimes desired. Now I have discovered a new glitch, the takers want instructions! A short time ago, I offered some old jeans for sewing or crafting. I didn't get many replies, but the next day I started down the list. The first asker didn't want to drive this far, no problem. The next one emails me back, and says (I swear)..."what should I do with them?" I thought that I must have misread, and got DD#3 in to look, just to be sure. I DON'T KNOW! If you didn't have anything in mind, why did you ask for them? Now I have to include an instruction sheet with every item? I emailed the moderator of the site, and this was her take, paraphrased. For some people, the freecycle is like a giant game show! Be the first to ask for every item, and you are the winner! Doesn't matter if it's something you want or not. I can see a whole new reality show coming, Freecycle Hoarders. People whose houses are filled with stuff they got off the freecycle, and don't know what to do with! "But it was such a good bargain!" I didn't reply, I hit the big "D" (delete). It just goes to prove, that some old chestnuts translate well into the electronic age. "There's a sucker born every minute!" I don't know if it was me or them?!
How Generous is Too Generous
November 20th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
November 20th, 2009 at 12:58 pm 1258721923
November 20th, 2009 at 03:34 pm 1258731242
I had friends complain, many years ago, that they freecycled NICE things and saw them for sale on Craigslist. My reply? "Um, yeah???"
I think some "givers" miss the point of Freecycle. I use Freecycle for things I could not get rid of in any other fashion. Old/broken electronics, and random items. OR, if I just don't want to take the time to donate a small item (I do that no longer, now that charity comes to my front door every few weeks. I also now go to Best Buy to recycle electronics). When I first found Freecycle, I thought it was genius, since it kept so much stuff out of the landfill.
If I wanted to give to needy people, I would go to a charity. Freecycle is NOT for giving to needy. There is no screening of recipients!
I haven't used Freecycle in a long time - since my spouse pointed out the free section on Craigslist. It's where I put my un-donatable stuff, and it's just easier. But if I had something no one wanted, I would go to Freecycle.
That is a crackup though. "What do I do with it?" That is so odd!!!
November 20th, 2009 at 05:09 pm 1258736984
November 20th, 2009 at 05:42 pm 1258738945
November 20th, 2009 at 07:25 pm 1258745100
If you just want to know something's going to get used vs. head for landfill, but don't care otherwise, Freecycle all the way. For us, we have a "free table" in our condo garage, and anything we put there will get snapped up by someone. I love how little we throw out if it's even vaguely cute or useful.
November 21st, 2009 at 01:52 pm 1258811572
around here, there'd be no takers for broken or damaged goods; it has to be in pretty good shape.