I always read the freecyle boards. I try to help out when I have something that someone can use.
But as I am reading through the lists sometimes it just makes me feel that people are so greedy.
There was extremely long lists of "wants" I mean asking for a couple things ok.. but when people are asking for things for because they just moved.. and need.. EVERYTHING! I just think this is being too greedy. And some of the items people ask for.. I would be embarassed to ask for.
I have seen post for a good working no more then 2 year old laptop, working decent shape running golf cart, 42 inch or more LCD or plasma TV. All of these are luxury items and fairly expensive even if you were to buy them used. To me it seems like these people should ask for something that they NEED high value wants, or entire lists. I think if you "need" alot of items you should at least pick the 3 or 4 most important then post them and add another post maybe a month later. Do you think it is right to make such high end lists or long lists of "wants"?

I always have to laugh to myself when I see people asking on Freecycle for cars, computers, high end furniture or expensive electronics, especially specific kinds.

I think it's fine to ask for say a working 'tv' or 'laptop' or basic furniture, but I don't think you should be specific (HD, LCD, etc.)

I also wonder about some of the sob stories. Honestly, I hope people are being truthful and truely need the items and not just making up (or exagerating) the store to get something for nothing.

Personally, I prefer to ask around in my circle of friends if I have a somewhat expensive item to give away. i would rather it go to someone I *know* can use it.

Sarah...........

those "want" lists are exactly why I got off our freecycle board. It was mostly wants (and very specific ones) and not a lot of gives.

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

I agree with you...that some of the listings are just plain greedy. I wouldn't be surprised that if those wishes were granted, to see the posters selling the items for cash. That being said, everybody's option is to ignore those posts. You know the saying:: I can't control other people's actions, I can only control my reaction to them

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Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

E. Roosevelt

A big problem in our society today is the inability for most folks to differentiate between a "want" and a "need". I see some of the same stuff on our local freecycle board, and I just laugh and move on. Most people who have been on the board for a while will just ignore those types of posts, as they realize the greed that is involved in those requests.

When I do see a request for "we need everything", usually it is accompanied by a story involving a house fire or someone who was escaping a bad marriage (abuse, drugs, etc). However, I also realize that in the middle of those types of situations, those people may not be ready to admit to an entire group of strangers the reason why they are having to start from scratch....so I try to give those posts the benefit of the doubt.

On our local freecycle group you can't post a NEED only Wants and Offers.

Also you can't post only wants, you have to have offers too.

And they really discourage ridiculous wants. I think they don't even post them anymore. Our group is moderated and I think that can be a good thing.

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Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking

That's our board too. It moderated really well. If I post a want, I always try to post an offer too. It's funny that this came up here, because I haven't been on our board in months. But I just finished rearranging everything in my bedroom and noticed just how badly it needs to be repainted. My ex was a painting contractor and we used to always have tons of left over paint. So I posted a want for paint. I did ask for a choice of colors ("I'm hoping for a sage green, brickish red, or taupe."). When I was cleaning out the closet I found a bunch of crafting supplies; stamps, craft paint, pipe cleaners and knitting stuff. I posted that as an offer. I had 6 takers in less than 30 mins. LOL! Still no paint though,

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"No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?"
- George Orwell Animal Farm

I've never been on those boards but I'm assuming there isn't a limit of wants. Looks like they should put a limit per week or something. That might help people decide what they want the most.

I guess people can ask for whatever they want.....as long as there are people willing to give, I guess it's OK. Very similar to the soldier support stuff that I've been involved in for so long.....you'd not believe some of the stuff these guys ask for - PS3, Xbox360, laptops, UnderArmor, you name it. Some of them even include links for where to buy the items for them online. Good grief! It makes me a little sick, but as long as the various systems allow it, I guess it's OK. It's the American way....I guess. In turn, I have the right to pass those requests over...and I do.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

I usually ignore wants unless it's something that's clearly not greed-based -- like if someone needs a bookcase and specifically says "any condition," that kind of thing. I also ignore the people who miraculously have a desire for everything I'm giving away. Come on, you really have four people in your house who just "happen" to be the same exact sizes as the four people in my house? You know they're just snatching stuff up to ebay later . . .

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Reading is Fundamental.

We have a girl who always wants but in her post puts a sob story about why she needs the items and the last go round was a whopper that I was able to verify was a lie, she claimed she needed clothes, a walker, crutches, winter coat all kinds of things because she got hurt on the job tore her ligaments, acl something or other and had to have surgery and they fired her because of it. Thing is I knew her employer my veterinarian, she did not get hurt at work she got fired all right for other reasons and she posted like 20-30 wants a day and it was every day we had a big blow-up with members and of course no owner or moderator to be found.

Its ridiculous I give and I get and I like the concept but I hate those who are greedy and I ferret those people out I know exactly who they are now.

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~ Christine ~
Grammie to Trinity Lorayne Jean Keens Born June 9, 2011 Loving my awesome guitar picking 100% Country Boy boyfriend Kenny !
RIP Daddy~ 01/24/1930-06/01/2007 I miss you !
Dont Think you Can .. know you can ~ Jeff Hardy

I have the same thing with people asking for high value items on my board too but on the other hand people are also giving away laptops, vehicles, 42in tvs or computers. So I think maybe people see that if its given away its ok to ask for it???...

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Paula
Some days are diamonds Some days are stone

http://paulajc.mycoupons.com/

Ours is the same yes it's greedy but like I always say "you can't blame a girl for trying". Who knows maybe people give them things when they ask.
I find it tacky and greedy and distasteful myself. But that is only my opinion.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.