RULES: We try to limit "rules" to keep Free Share easy, fun and convenient!
Number 1 rule is FREE, FREE AND ONLY FREE: Everything must be FREE, we do not
allow offers to buy, sell, trade or barter on Free Share but here is a link to
Worldwide Buy, Sell, Trade and Barter
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WorldwideBuySellTradeBarter
where you might be able to find a group in your area to do so.

POSTING Format: Please use the appropriate headings in the subject line when
posting and include a (Location) if posting in a group not in your area/home
town/county.
Approved HEADINGS:
OFFER: item (Location)
TAKEN: item (Location) (to be posted by offerer only)

WANTED: item (Location) "Need" is not allowed in subject line
RECEIVED: item (Location)

ADMIN: (for moderator use only)

I was reminded today of situations I have heard of before and thought a common
courtesy reminder may be appropriate to add to policy. Thanks for taking the
time to read it.

COMMON COURTESY/ETIQUETTE

REGARDING OFFERS: On several occasions we have heard from members who were
told the item offered was theirs but when they arrived to pick it up the
Offerer had given it to someone else because they did not collect it "right
away".
* If you do not state in your Offer that the item needs to be picked up
immediately or by a certain day and time, please, when you decide who is to
receive your item take the time to inform the recipient that you need them to
respond to your message and/or pick up an item within a certain time frame. As
a courtesy, and to avoid hard feelings, you may also wish to send any
responder a message that you consider them a "no show" on this item (because
they did not respond in a timely manner or did not pick up the item as
arranged) and are now withdrawing the offer to them and offering the item to
someone else.

Those posting WANTED's or responding to Offers should also consider, when
responding to an item, stating in your response if you will need more then 24
hours (or so) to pick up an item (because of a work schedule, transportation
or otherwise). Hopefully these common courtesy's is will help keep everyone
feeling great about free sharing.

REMINDER: Please post a "TAKEN" ad when the item you offered no longer
available, this will let all those who may wish to respond and those who have
already responded know the item has been given away or has been received. The
same applies for posting a "RECEIVED" for items you had previously posted
a "wanted" for.

RE-SELLING: selling of items you receive through Free Share participation is
NOT against the rules, however we do ask that when responding to an offer or
posting a want, (if you are not keeping the items for your personal use or
giving it to someone else for the same but instead will be donating the items
for a tax deduction or re-selling it for a profit), that you state as much in
your "wanted" ad or in your FIRST response to an "offer". When selecting a
recipient, there are members who prefer to give to those who "need" or will
use the item themselves and there are other members who do not care if you
resell items to earn money for your personal use or that you will resell it in
your business. Out of respect for all members it is best to be open and state
outright any intention to resell.

If you suspect someone is using Free Share to make money, re-sell on E-bay,
for illegal purposes etc...it is not a violation of the rules unless they fail
to inform the person they are receiving the items from. Please notify the
group owner/moderators (e-mail address available on the bottom of the groups
home page) of your suspicion, give as much information as you have as to why
you suspect this and we will keep the information on record and confidential
and make an attempt to investigate and correct the problem. Members can be
banned from the group for serious violations, however we all make mistakes
once in a while and we are all neighbors in the same community and would hate
to lose any of you. Please remember the moderators are just people like
yourselves who volunteer to help out with the group but we will do our
best to help keep things running smoothly.

Some members do respond to multiple offers for reasons other then re-sale,
such as having large extended families they are giving the items too, they are
starting a new life and need just about everything or they volunteer or work
for an organization they know can use the items. When posting a "wanted" or
responding to multiple offerings please take a moment to consider how others
might perceive your response(s)...We are friends and neighbors so we want to
keep this a fun and friendly experience...

WANTED posts: Please keep it simple and post just the item you want. You do
not need to (and we suggest you do not) write a story as to why you wand or
need the item, sometimes this is actually counter productive. The only reason
to post more information in your wanted ad is if you intend to resell the item
you are asking for or if you are from out of the groups general area. If
someone asks, and you are comfortable telling them, why you want the item you
are free to respond off-board but it is not required.

OUT OF AREA MEMBERS: We allow members to join from all over the State, if you
do not live in the town you are posting to or responding to a post you are
asked to include your location in the Subject line of your post and/or state
in your first response to an offer which area you live in (Salem, Portland,
Albany, Lebanon etc..)

BE SAFE: Please be safe when having people come to your home or when going to
pick up items. Use common safety measures such as the "buddy system", do not
enter someones home if you do not feel completely comfortable, do not tell
people you will not be home when they pick up an item. It is ok to remain
anonymous and tell someone you will leave an item outside or at a business
ect. for them to pick up.

Thank you. ..Please, enjoy Free Share and Keep Spreading the Word !! If you
would like to volunteer to assist (become a moderator) with the group or if
you have any suggestions or improvements for the group please feel free to
drop a note to the owner/moderators using the owner e-mail address on the home
page.

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Find and list New local and worldwide free groups at:
Worldwide Free Share
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/WorldwideFreeShare

Free Share for Food?
www.FoodShare.US