WELCOME to the Red Stick FreeUser Network (RSFN; www.RedStickFree.org or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RedStickFreecycle). After reading this to the bottom, if you still have questions, you may contact Scott, the Moderator, at tampatyger@yahoo.com.
To send messages to the group, (1) Send an email with your offer or wanted request to redstickfreecycle@yahoogroups.com -OR- (2) Click on POST on the RSFN Main Page at RedStickFree.com (recommended) -OR- (3) Click on POST on the RSFN Group Home Page at groups.yahoo.com/group/RedStickFreecycle.
Example post format:
In the Subject Line--> OFFER: Dining table, Broadmoor area
In the email body--> Wood dining table w/ 6 chairs; average condition
(PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ESSENTIAL AND IMPORTANT "ETIQUETTE" and GUIDELINES BELOW ARE EXPANDED AND DISCUSSED MUCH MORE FULLY IN THE MENU LINK TO "Files" [see menu to the left of main page])
(1) NO POLITICS & NO SPAM. Two strikes & you're out...actually, with blatant spam, one strike. (The moderators will protect the members to the best of their abilities and will be reviewing practically every post.)
(2) SUBJECT LINE RULES
Use these phrases:
OFFER: (items you'd like to give away...clarify in the body of the post, as necessary; you may want to include your location, preferred pick-up methods, etc.)
SEEK: ('WANTED' has been replaced) (items you're seeking; use sparingly, but as necessary) EXCEPT UNDER EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES: (a) MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO POST AN 'OFFER' BEFORE YOU POST A 'SEEK'; (b) POST ONE SEEK PER WEEK; (c) INCLUDE ONE ITEM PER SEEK POST; and (d) INCLUDE MULTIPLE ITEMS (IF NECESSARY) IN A SINGLE POST.
TAKEN: (to inform that items you've offered have been claimed)
FOUND: (when you have been offered and received the item you SEEK or WANTED)
COMMENT: (Suggestions, thoughts, etc...may rather send this directly to the moderator at tampatyger@yahoo.com)
ADMIN: (Primarily for moderator's email to members)
(3) CAN WE USE FREEUSE TO FIND NEW HOMES FOR PETS? Yes, keep it legal & be lovingly careful. If asking for animals provide an explanation. (STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU CONSIDER USE ONE OF THE LOCAL ANIMAL ADOPTION GROUPS-GET INFO ON THEM VIA THE "Links" IN THE MENU.)
(4) KEEP IT FREE.
(5) We cannot accept any postings except for real, physical and tangible items. Asking for free advice is acceptable, but always first consider contacting a professional. No employment, accommodation, or advertisements (lost and found, upcoming events...unless approved by the moderator). We also do not accept "personals" (i.e., dates).
(6) FYI: RESPONSES GO ONLY TO OFFERER. It keeps down the sheer number of e-mails*. (We recommend that you receive all posts to RSFN via 'Daily Digest'. Of course, your viewing of the offers will be delayed until the Daily Digest with all of that days posts are received in your email list.)
(7) SELECTION AND PICK UP. Arrangements are totally up to the individuals involved, generally, first responded-first serve, if a charity responds, you may want to give them a first shot. You may wish to receive offers for 24 hours before selecting a member to receive your offer. This allows non-profits to contact you and you can choose a worthy recipient from a greater population. Charities, please provide contact info so that they may call you and discuss the nature of your work in the community and how they may support you. Always consider your safety during all transactions (see Safety Tips in the links at redstickfree.com). Red Stick FreeUse Network moderators can help facilitate transactions.
8) BE RESPECTFUL TO ALL MEMBERS. If you have a problem contact your moderator, we all get busy and sometimes email goes unanswered so do not take it personally if someone does not get back to you right away. DO NOT INITIATE ANY CONFRONTATION WITH A MEMBER AT ANY TIME! CONTACT THE MODERATOR WITH PROBLEMS...tampatyger@yahoo.com.
*TIPS TO ORGANIZE ALL OF THE NEW E-MAILS YOU ARE GETTING: Go to "Tips for Managing the Email". This will enable you to meet your freeusing goals and objectives.
"Network"--Tell your family, co-workers, classmates; Make an announcement at your professional or social organization; Let your church members know; Tell your favorite charity...be creative...let's make this grow! YOU CAN ACCESS A FLYER THAT YOU CAN DOWNLOAD AND PRINT IF YOU GO TO THE "Files" LINK ON THE MAIN MENU OF REDSTICKFREE.ORG.
Just a suggestion: If you can, find something around the house that you can live without, in fact, something you'd like to live without, and post it on our message list...you know: OFFER: New jag convertible, etc.
Statistics show that at the beginning of a new FreeUse network that about 80-90% of the posts are "WANTED" messages...making your first post an offer will even things out a bit...like I said, if you can.
THANKS-- Scott, Moderator, Red Stick FreeUse Network tampatyger@yahoo.com