Conflict of Interest?

After reading about some positive results coming from using Freecycle, I recently decided to give it a try, and went to post an ad in the local group. There was no immediate response to the ad i'd submitted, in fact, the second day I wrote the moderator asking if the ad would be ok to post there, seeing as how "free pickup of electrical items to recycle" is "free", but presumes a certain amount of monetary return. I'd already ran one very similar ad on the TX side and they posted it there. Anyways, the moderator got back to me, apologizing for the delayed response, explaining that she'd moved from the area a year ago, but was still moderating it, and saying she needed some help with it, my reply, while only hoping to have the ad posted, and "act" like a nice fella, i replied, "i'll be glad to help with it, how?" "Uhmm, we need a new local moderator". My first thought was "yabba dabba doo! my own message board!", but caught myself real quick and thought nope, i'd better stay off that side of the board, but didn't hear back until later that evening in another email, where she said "i've set you up as moderator, it's real easy, no more than two or 3 posts a week", and later explained in detail the control panel. Kinda like walking into the local paper, asking to place an ad, and as they're saying sure, it's all right over there, and tossing you the keys as they take off out the door! Anyway I'm still thinking, "i really shouldn't, conflict of interest etc", but, so far it's been ok, an ad wanting planters, approved, wanted hay for archery range, sure! ( I think she's still approving new memberships, but really haven't heard from her in a couple of weeks)



Anyhows, today i got tested real good, incoming ad for some free computers, monitors, and box of assorted boards, "must take all!", and i'm thinking, do i post this or simply reply? Well, I did both, although not necessarily in that order ; ), just to be fair, and let them decide who they wanted to call in case of multiple responses, still, it did bring the question to mind once again, windfall?, or conflict of interest?


They called me after a couple of hours, and i went over and picked it up. It's still in the truck tho, haven't really looked at it yet. They piled in some old DVD and VCRs after we talked on the phone and i'd said any electronic stuff We talked a bit while loading and afterwards, i kind of explained this to them a bit, and said i'd be happy to delete the ad, and they were happy with that (clean getaway? lol)

Another bonus was coming back, saw a used store with an old washer and dryer sitting out back by the RR tracks, and stopped to ask about those. They used them for parts, but gave me the rain soaked box of computer stuff sitting out the side door i'd came in through, that i'd also asked about, one desktop computer box with a 486 medallion on the front, and some pieces of printers

Bear, you were just playing those cards as they were dealt to ya. Sometimes, you get a good hand and this appears so in this case. Good for you!

i think as long as you are fair and unwavering on all rules and situations there should be no conflict.

cool! Thanks yall Not like it's a real big job, only 2 or 3 comments a week, but i'm sure trying to, daniel.

darned reco, i would have wondered about the one here on TX side too, but there was already one there claiming they wanted appliances to help pay their buddies speeding ticket or something like that, so i at least didn't mention monetary gain per se, and they posted it, It's almost time to try renewing it and i'm wondering if they will.

Good for you. I've tried to get onto the local freecycle here twice and have been denied the right to participate. Weird.

wow erewen? i cussed em for a week trying to sign up, had to sign up through yahoo groups, and all kindsa hassles it seemed. Not sure why they'd deny you access. Was it just because of the ad? or had you even gotten that far? their "rules" can be taken in lots of different ways, but the main one is it has to be free. They request you "give/offer" something first, but i didn't realize that when i first posted to "wanted". I did however write the moderator there first, kind of explaining what i wanted to post, and asking how i might go about it. After not hearing back real soon, I went ahead and submitted my request to place an ad, and had an email the next morning saying it had been posted, and another from the mod saying "this should work if we do this" and changed it just a little bit (not sure exactly what it was now though), but i used a replica of that ad for posting again in another area. I'm not sure, but some areas could have totalitarians, where others are more layed back. I really have very little clue, these are only my guesses, I'm actually still kinda hoping the lady that set me up will write and say "i just heard from my long lost best friend and she wants your job!" ; )

What the heck is a freecycle? This is the 2nd time that I've come across it...

Originally Posted by Bear

wow erewen? i cussed em for a week trying to sign up, had to sign up through yahoo groups, and all kindsa hassles it seemed. Not sure why they'd deny you access. Was it just because of the ad? or had you even gotten that far?

No reason was ever given. I just received standard form emails from the mod saying my request to join was denied. I tried kicking that door down again last night after hearing of your success, but its too early to hear from them yet. Who knows, maybe the third time IS the charm. Good luck on your new "job". If anything is of interest you definitely get first shot at it!

Thanks Filthy i like happy endings ; )

Ok Thanks! I will check it out. I ran a forum search (after I posted of course) and found out a little bit but having more info is better than having none.

I have been using Freecycle for about 2 months. I ask for free scrap metal or electronics and repost once a week. The moderator has never bothered me. I have gotten a few goodies off it. (A couple of computers, misc electronics, car parts, etc.) Its usually smaller stuff but you have a much better shot at getting it vs CL because there arent as many scrappers looking on Freecycle...yet. I have given a few things away on it as well. Things that are of value, but not really worth selling. (Maybe thats why the moderator leaves me alone.) I would recommend giving it a try!