Freegle in Norfolk - more on Wanteds

More on Wanteds

WANTED messages can cause controversy on the group, and a common complaint is that there are "too many" WANTEDs or that they are too extravagant.

We took the decision a long time ago that we could not refuse WANTED requests based on what was being asked for. The moderators do not feel able to speak for thousands of members in saying "nobody will give you that item" - we're constantly surprised at what people will generously offer on Freegle. We have chosen to trust members to make reasonable requests. Of course, what is "reasonable" varies from one person to another, and so all we ask is that if you feel a request is inappropriate, that you simply ignore it. If everyone feels the same, then that request will not be answered.

However, in response to members' concerns about the number of Wanted messages posted by some people, we have introduced a policy of one Wanted message per member per week. Please do not post more that one Wanted request message in any 7-day period, although you are welcome to include multiple items in a Wanted message.

We would ask all members to use WANTED requests sparingly and thoughtfully. Think about what you are asking for. Freegle is about re-homing items which would otherwise go to landfill. Asking for items in perfect condition, or being extremely specific about things like brand, size or colour, is not appropriate. Would you consider asking your friends for the item you're requesting? Freegle is not really a place for wish lists, luxury items or reams of things that you "would like". Do you really need the item "urgently" or "desperately"? Be patient and the item you are asking for may be OFFERED at some point.

When requesting items, a little bit of background information is not a bad thing - if you explain why you want an item, someone may offer you an alternative you hadn't thought of. However, please do not include long "sob stories". Freegle is not a competition as to who needs things the most.

All that said, please remember that WANTEDs are a still useful and valid part of Freegle. They can jog memories of forgotten items and they allow item owners to communicate with just one person. Using second-hand items instead of buying new is of significant benefit to the environment as it cuts down on the resources used for manufacture and transport of new goods. Freegle needs take as well as give to work! For these reasons, Wanteds are an integral part of Freegle, and group moderators are not allowed to ban Wanted messages entirely.

If you don't want to read WANTED messages, consider using an email filter - see our links page for more information.

Last modified: 21st December 2009