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Freecycle
On the off-chance that I am not the last person to hear about it, I want to help publicize Freecycle.org.
Freecycle is a linked set of local groups (using Yahoo groups) that pass on useful items for free. You have something that you no longer need? Post it to your local freecycle group and someone else may be looking for it. There are three rules: no spam, no politics, and every item must be absolutely free with no catches. The buyer collects. This is eBay without the money! This strikes at the very heart of the disposable buy-the-latest-model consumerist capitalism we live under.
I've seen garden plants, computers, appliances, rugs, wool, books, records, beds, chests, and many other items recycled in this way just this month in Vancouver! There are now 1,105 cities involved with more than 270,000 users. A simple and wonderful idea.
I would like to extend the idea to the bartering of services, to expand the mutual aid marketplace. I do your taxes, you paint my garage; I clean your apartment once a week for three months in exchange for your skill in fixing the plumbing in my bathroom. You get the idea. It would be part of the enormous underground economy but, once again, with no money involved. Perhaps there is such a group already. If so, I'll find it. If not, I'll start it myself. I'll let you know.
July 27, 2004 in Anarchism, Capitalism | Permalink
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Comments
RE: Your comments on Freecycle, specifically the need for the formation of an organization to extend the concept to trade and barter.
There is such an organization.
I started it, because while I agree that Freecycle is inspired, I envision a broader mission, as do you.
My group is called "FleaCycle."
I know there are quite a number of trade and barter groups, but mine grew to over a thousand members in the first three months of existence, and I am hopeful that I can build it into a worldwide network similar to Freecycle and Craig's List.
Currently there are three active FleaCycle groups on Yahoo! in Portland, OR, Austin, TX, and Nashville, TN.
Trade and Barter as well as community service are encouraged.
Three general rules:
1. No Spam. (Or politics/religion.)
2. Nothing illegal (Or weapons/alcohol/tobacco)
3. Be Nice.
All major Domains have been registered; US Service Mark pending; Groups established in every major English-Speaking city in the world on Yahoo! and major launch is in the works.
You heard it here first.
Stay tuned!
Warm regards,
William Leissner
Posted by: William Leissner | Jan 24, 2005 5:06:49 PM
Hi-
I'm in van, and interested.
I must say tho- the interface part is
vague and confusing. Where/how/when are
these things [freecycle, fleacycle]?
Are there meetings?
Perhaps it's all perfectly elementary
to those into net groups, but to a newbie
it's like seeing an ad with no contact info.
I hope i can get involved though...
Cheers,
Marinus
Posted by: marinus | Feb 7, 2005 1:09:13 PM
Marinus: if you haven't used a List serv before I guess it can be a little confusing. You will be sent email either once a day (if you choose DIGEST) or as each posting is made. If you see something you want or can supply, simply reply to the email and that starts a correspondence between you and the donor/recipient. You make your own artrangements to meet and collect the goods. The person making the posting will then send a note to the list saying that the item is TAKEN.
If you have needs or want to donate something, just send an email to the listserv (the address is on your registration reply) and watch your words apperar on the next mailing.
Things tend to happen quickly on freecycle. I have used it for months and months, having freecycled away some 2,000 books and various unneeded household appliances. It is a great system. Hope you enjoy it.
Posted by: Jak King | Feb 7, 2005 3:52:20 PM
Your company is advertising and supporting freecycle network whom may be under investigation for federal fraud on a global level.
The information you have on your website regarding Freecycle.org is
INCORRECT:
I believe if you check the public records (or just ask RISE as I
did) you will see that Freecycle.org had been removed
from RISE Incorporated (in October 2003) and have not
legally been a nonprofit 501(c)3 company. The false information
you have supplied for well over a year now has aided Freecycle.org
in frauding the public whom trusts and believed your company and
could very well be facing federal charges when IRS discovers they are
taking federal tax deductions for donating to a company that does not have
federal 501 non-profit status.
Posted by: Darksideoffreecycle | Mar 4, 2005 12:02:45 AM
I've been to your website and here's what I think is going on. You didn't have the nous to come up with an original idea so you appropriated someelse's idea. In order to drum up business for YOUR business venture, you have decided to criticize the people you stole the idea from.
As no money passes hands in Freecycle, no fraud has been perpetrated. I have supplied ZERO false information, while your little scare-mongering routine is damaging a fine people-controlled group. Perhaps you are a front for the manufacturers who don't care for this kind of people-sized commerce.
Posted by: Jak King | Mar 4, 2005 7:07:34 AM
Posted by: Felicity | Apr 4, 2005 9:07:59 PM
I stumbled across your blog while I was doing some online research. I am, apparently, one of the last people to hear about Freecycle. What a fantastic idea!
Posted by: panasianbiz | Jul 19, 2006 12:14:42 PM
Hi,
Here is a try with web interface as an alternative solution for freecycler. Mail groups has a lot of diadvantages :( The website is in early stage, but who knows, after people will get know it, will use it.
Take a look:
http://onlinerecyclers.com
Posted by: Albert | Apr 21, 2009 10:06:01 AM