Red Stick Freecycle Network
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Frequently Asked Questions-For RSFN Users
Q. If I have an “adult” public profile or a “racy” screen name, does that matter?
A. Possibly. Freecycling is definitely a “family friendly” movement. If your chosen identity is a “racy” one, you may be asked to reapply
using a different persona.
Q. Why are applications for membership in Freecycle sometimes moderated (Posts will be moderated at the RSFN, rather than
membership applications)?
A. Because allowing anyone to join anonymously and without moderation results in spam (often pornographic), which our members
do not want to be subjected to.
Q. What kinds of messages can I post?
A. Each Freecycle list has its own policies. However, commonly there are four types of member posts: “Offer:”, where you seek to find
a new home for something you have and no longer want; “Taken:”, where you have found a new home for the offered item(s);
“Wanted:”, where you are looking for something; and “Found:” where you no longer need the item. Some lists restrict member posts
to only these four kinds of posts.
Q. If I am uncomfortable getting something for free, can I offer to pay for it?
A. No! The point of freecycle is that everything must be free. There are other places for sale or trade.
Q. Can I ask to borrow something I only need temporarily?
A. That depends upon the individual list policies, but generally, 'yes'.
Q. Do I have to give an item to the first responder?
A. No. In fact, many lists recommend that you wait a reasonable period—perhaps overnight—before you determine whom you might
be happiest in giving the item to. This allows charities to respond, and people who are not constantly connected to the Internet. In
most cases, there are people who try to claim everything very quickly; often, they might be simply trying to get things to sell.
Q. Can I get a tax deduction for things I give?
A. No, unless the receiving entity is a tax-exempt nonprofit (Ask for a receipt in those cases, with their exemption number!)
Q. Why should I be asked to give my location when I seek an exchange?
A. Because many folks don’t want to be responsible for too much fossil fuel being burned simply for a minor exchange of “stuff.” In
addition, having your general location in your posts will usually increase your chances of success.
Q. Who can post a “Taken:” post? Can I post it if I am the receiver?
A. No. Doing so can cause your membership to be terminated. Unfortunately, some folks say they want something but don’t show up
when they promise to. In addition, trying to keep others from asking for something by posting that it is “taken” reduces the ability of the
offerer to determine who might best receive it.
Q. Can I post an offer for "political yard signs"?
A. No. No politics, no spam, no kidding!
Q. Can I post the availability of coupons or a “buy one-get one” promotion?
A. No. No commercial uses, no come-ons. There are plenty of coupon lists for those who want them.
Q. Speaking of coupons, can I ask for coupons? (Or bottle caps, UPC proof of purchase, etc.)
A. No. Again, this is not the place.
Q. Can I post a separate message for each item I want to give or receive?
A. No. Most lists ask you to put all your offers in a single message for any given day, and all your “wants” in another. This is to keep
the volume of email to reasonable limits. When you post a “taken” or “found”--again, this should include all the items from a
particular email.
Q. How often can I post a “wanted” or “offer” for the same item?
A. That depends on the individual list. Usually, it will be from a week to a month. At this time, RSFN is limiting a "wanted" for the same
item to twice a month.
Q. Can we use Freecycle to find or offer homes for pets?
A. Generally, yes—but always be lovingly careful. Always strongly consider the local animal welfare organizations.
Q. Can I respond to an offer on the list?
A. No. Responses must go directly to the offerer. Most lists are configured so all you need do is hit “reply” and the message will be
addressed to the offerer.
Q. How do I arrange pickup?
A. That is entirely between the offerer and the receiver. Try to avoid messages like “It’ll be on the porch for the first one to show up!”
Q. What if someone who claims an item doesn’t show up when promised?
A. If they don’t at least call to reschedule, I would suggest going to the next person that wanted it. Please do not post any comments
as to individual members or directed to an individual.
Q. What if someone makes personal comments about me because they are disgruntled about not receiving something or for some
other reason?
A. We suggest you should not get into a personal email exchange with these folks. Instead, notify the list owners or moderators
privately. Unfortunately, some folks seem to have personality problems that show up from time to time. It is not worth provoking
them—but it IS worthwhile to let the list owners know of this kind of behavior.
Q. What if I post copies of off-list correspondence?
A. In addition to being considered generally objectionable on any mail list, this sort of thing is not permitted on a Freecycle list.
Q. What about computer viruses?
A. Unfortunately, these things are common today. Many times, the “from” field is faked by inserting a different address from the
address book of an infected computer. For any machine that is connected to the Internet, you should be sure to have a good firewall
and an up-to-date antivirus program. There are excellent free programs in both categories.
IF YOU RECEIVE ANY MESSAGE WITH AN ATTACHMENT FROM FREECYCLE OR ANY FREECYCLE MEMBER, ASSUME IT IS A
VIRUS AND DO NOT OPEN IT! It can also help to use a Web-based email account for public mail lists to keep your private email box
from many instances of computer virus problems. RSFN does not allow attachments to posted messages and they are
automatically deleted.
NOTE: Unfortunately, Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, and all Microsoft email clients including Outlook and Outlook Express are
famously vulnerable to computer viruses and trojans. You may wish to explore the alternatives for any or all of these.
Q. Can I post an offer to give away a copy of a (video)(computer program)(CD)?
A. No. No copies of copyright materials—they are illegal! Remember the Freecycle credo: Keep it free, legal, and appropriate for all
ages!
Q. Can I post an offer or request for a service?
A. Generally, no. The fundamental idea is for exchange of “stuff” that otherwise might end up in our landfills. Services should find a
home elsewhere. We do allow requests for advice.
Q. I heard a great joke today. Can I share it with the Freecycle list?
A. No.
Q. I found a great free community resource! Should I post it?
A. No. Send a note to a list moderator. They may wish to put it in the Files or Links section of the list website for all to consult in future.
Q. Can I give away my partly-used cosmetics?
A. No. Too much potential problem with spreading microorganisms. Full, unopened bottles are fine.
Q. Can I give away unused medicines?
A. Giving prescription medications to others is illegal and thus cannot be done on Freecycle.
Q. I’m getting too much email from the list! Must I unsubscribe?
A. Not at all. You can reset your list preferences to “no mail” or to “special notices only” and access the list from the Web. “Special
notices” are moderator ADMIN messages on important topics regarding the list operation—moderators don’t abuse this, so the
“special notices only” setting is preferable.
Q. Since some folks who claim an item don’t show up, should I post a “taken pending pickup” notice to keep from disappointing folks
and to reduce the mail I must respond to?
A. No. We suggest you should not post a “taken” notice until the item is actually gone. You need not respond to each email message
individually; the “taken” note is fine. You also need not give the item to the first one who asks for it...and, if the first person doesn’t
show up, you may simply go to the next on the list.