Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

[2moretrees]

I am really getting fed up with freecycle begging lately. Has anyone else noticed this? When I first joined, people were pretty good about everything. Lots of people offering goods and a few people asking for items I could understood they needed. Now the opposite seems to be true

I've seen people begging for DVD players, PS2 and XBox game systems and games, CD players like they are going to die if they don't get them. Many people are asking for things that are nicer than what I have or would ever need. The begging and whining that they absolutely need this and that is getting really annoying to me. And they don't stop. Anyone else seen this taking place lately?

[Lori63]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

I have to some degree. You read their wants and think yeah, sure, wouldn't we all like to have that!

[crosses]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

I have noticed this too to some degree. It is really sad because the concept is so good. I don't understand why a few have to spoil it for the majority. Fortunately, my area group isn't as bad as your sounds.

[dealsaver]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

People are always begging. Some are just more polished at it than others.

[Fern]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

well, if they're asking for some of those things, i doubt they're getting them.

my pet peeve withe the site is people who quickly respond that they want something, then schedule, and reschedule to pick the thing up. It's annoying and i don't have time to keep putting it outside, taking it in if it rains, etc. People should pick up promptly.

[MrsChambers]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

YES YES YES... the dude who founded Freecycle is from my hometown, we have had it going here for a long time...and it is strictly a begging site. I finally had to stop getting e-mails because it was just filled with...

I am a single mother and desperatly need a car that doesn't need any work... I would like a 2000 or newer dodge stratus. anything you can do yo help this poor single mother would be greatly appreciated.

and what I don't get, is if all these people are so friggin down and out and all.. then how the holy hockey-sticks can they afford the computer that they are using to beg for this stuff and how can they afford the internet connection if they are so down and out...

I have to agree.. good concept that has turned into a beg fest

[Fern]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

I really haven't seen much of that in my area of CT. The people who have come to pick up things are really very appreciative.

[BillsGirl]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

i just don't like the thought of meeting strangers to exchange stuff, so I never really got into it!

[Fern]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

actually, i rarely meet the people. you can leave outside in front of your garage and tell them the address.

[Bruce Wayne]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

We live in a society where people expect luxury goods for doing nothing and feel no shame in begging to others for charity.

Fortunately in the freecycle world you don't have to oblige them and give in to their begging. Oh for the welfare system to be so.

[Fern]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

It is NOT strictly a begging site. The majority of people using the site are among the thousands of middle class families just trying to get by and as i said before, are very appreciative about receiving something from you.

I live in an affluent town but there is a genuine need, even here.

[jodi]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

Our local paper just did an article on Freecycle which I was hoping would bring in more people (we have a small group). It did, but it seems to brought in some people who are wondering how much they can get without posting anything in return. I have only asked for a few small things (clothes, a certain book, etc), and only after I have offered something first. Although I do have to say, it seems to go in cycles. I will see requests for cars, motorcycles, laptops, etc. and then things will cool off for a while. Overall, though, it's still a great concept and I love being a part of it!

[Firefly]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

I am beginning to think the same thing. It isn't so bad where we are stationed but I have seen some of those people wanting rediculous stuff.

[Tree0164]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

I belong to several local groups. Our group leader has asked several times for people not to beg.

I have gotten rid of a lot clutter stuff through freecyle but haven't actually gotten anything from it.

[Fern]

Re: Is Freecycle becomming a begging site?

Why be so judgemental about the motivation of others using Freecycle when there are people here on this site who continuously post "freebies" intended for small businesses or real potential customers, not individuals who just want to get something for nothing???