Here are the rules of my area's Freecycle and they STICK to them!:
This is an automatic email containing a file from the Group
One way to truly benefit of the positive energy of this group,
would be to allow your FIRST POST to Freecycle ATL be that of an OFFER.
It truly helps to keep the cycle of recycling moving as well as keeping with the spirit of Freecycle (tm)!
Please keep posts *short and brief* - no long sob stories -
posting of phone numbers and complete address is not advised.
Only give your number/address out to the person you've chosen for your item(s)
OFFERs of anything *material* that is legal and appropriate for all
ages are fine and appreciated.
PLEASE NOTE:
While Freecycle.org is about community, unfortunately it is not set up as a charitable organization assisting those in "need".
If you are in a situation where you need "immediate" help/assistance, please contact your local Salvation Army, United Way, as this group is an electronic recycling forum set up to to allow members to post their items no longer wanted or needed.
[items that could perhaps be saved from our Landfills]
WANTED POSTS: ONE A WEEK PER MEMBER (One "WANTED" post in a 7 day period)
PLEASE KEEP POSTS SIMPLE, state the facts please.
[long explanations of *why* a WANTED is needed is not necessary]
In the body, just a description of the item is all that is needed.
No personal information (single mom, disabled, etc) or reason for the WANTED is to be included.
The reason for WANTED posts are to remind members of something they may have out in their sheds, garages or closets and is unwanted by them. Freecycle is not nor was it ever intended to be a charity or wish organization
WANTEDs for *material* items that are legal, appropriate for all ages,
and NOT extravagant are fine.
Don't repost the SAME WANTED messages more than once a month.
Extravagant items:
vehicles; buildings; expensive jewelry; high tech stuff..
[you know what may be over the top]
If people want to offer them, that's fine. Don't ask for them.
PLEASE use WANTED messages sparingly.
Don't repost the SAME WANTED messages more than once a month.
Items received are NOT for reselling.
Do not ever mention money, trading, barter, borrowing, loaning, etc. on this list.
{this INCLUDES offering to sell a member an item offline - keep it FREE!
NO monies to be exchanged}
Asking for memberships, gift cards, etc. fall under this rule.
It's not appropriate to request new items.
Do not make requests for anything that isn't a material item.
Don't ask for coupons, tickets, points, etc.
COUPONS ARE NOT POSTED ON FREECYCLE ATL
* No food that is expired or opened is permitted to be posted.*
We do NOT exchange people, animals, or services. That applies to
OFFERs and WANTEDs. No personal ads, help wanted/job wanted ads,
places to live, adoption feelers, pets, "free" makeovers, etc. Ever.
REMEMBER:
*KEEP IT FREE, LEGAL & APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES.*
No Alcohol, Tobacco, Weapons, Drugs or Medications
(Drugs or medications include prescription, over the counter items, & supplements either for human or pet use.),
Profanity or Sexual content, nor related items, legal or not.
A) Computer software must be removed from the donors computer and be the original manufacturer disks or CDs that is given outright-not loaned, copied or downloaded.
B) All copyrighted material, which includes movies and music, must be the original media i.e. VCR tapes,DVDs,CDs or cassette tapes.
Please NO business signatures. NO Business signatures and referral signatures or any links to a site that may ultimately result with a sale or funds.
NO advertising of "sales" either please, as this involves money.
Sale posts of any kind are not allowed, this includes links for "sale type" groups.
The only kind of posts regarding 'sales' that are allowed is if you are having a totally free day, and then those posts are only allowed after the sale is over and not before.
Remember, All items must be free. NO MONIES TO BE EXCHANGED.
[No posting of:
"I am having a sale, but will have a table for "freecycle",
or similar remarks]
If a member says, "Will mail", they are the one who initiated the gesture, they are the one responsible for any mailings.
[keep that in mind]
CHAT/DISCUSSIONS/COMMENTS to another member's message on the list,
or to voice a complaint, etc. is NOT allowed.
Contact your moderator.
NO POLITICS,
NO SPAM,
(This includes any and all ADVERTISING of any business or like venture)
again,
* this means NO "signatures" or "signatures" with links to web pages that would result in a "sale" (this is FREE cycle)
NO PERSONAL ATTACKS/RUDENESS, NO PROSELYTIZING/RELIGION
A BRIEF NOTE ON FREECYCLE ETIQUETTE:
"Be nice." and please do NOT use all caps in postings,
as this is considered "Shouting".
We reserve the right to edit/delete a post at the moderator/list owners discretion if a post is deemed inappropriate for the board and/or if the post is not within the guidelines.
When we communicate with our members, and interact with our transactions
May we remember this acronym: S.P.A.R.K.!
Safety Politeness Always Respectful and Kind!
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 requested, and asking nothing in return except that you will show up when you say you will.
(Leaving someone hanging is never a nice thing.)
and will most often guarantee you on that member's personal no show list
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.
Please refer back to this when needed.
You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the list guidelines.
They differ from some other affiliates of The Freecycle(TM) Network.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the guidelines, please contact us at
freecycle-atl@mods.freecycle.org
Sincerely,
The Moderators of the Atlanta affiliate of Freecycle(TM) Network
Now, on to the board!!
________________________________________________
The wants are turning into very greedy people and at least I am not alone in my thinking. 
