Free-quently Asked Questions
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What is FreeSharing?
FreeSharing.org exists to provide a central directory of groups that are based on a common concept of giving away unused items so that they do not end up in a landfill.
The concept is simple, and based on the "One person's trash is another's treasure" philosophy. For example say you just bought yourself the latest Plasma HD Television and you no longer need that old 21 inch set. You could either put that TV out on the curb for the trash man to take away, or you could post an "OFFER: TV" listing on your local Free-Share group and pass on the set to someone who can make good use of it.
By using Free-Share you help save the environment, and help your neighbors by giving them useful items.
What is this web site?
FreeSharing.org is your gateway to local FreeSharing sites that wish to be listed in this directory.
FreeSharing's only requirements for listing sites is that everything offered on the site be Free, Legal, and Appropriate For All Ages and that the group serves a local community.
There is no requirement that your site be hosted on Yahoo, no requirement that you give control of your group to FreeSharing or anyone else, and no requirement that you even acknowledge FreeSharing.org's existence.
This site is simply a directory for you to locate a local group that supports reducing landfill usage and recycling items by sharing them with your neighbors instead of simply throwing them away.
If you would like your site to be listed here, please send an email to: add@freesharing.org or use This Form.
If you would like to discuss how to improve Free-Share please join the discussion group FreeShareAlliance.
Is FreeSharing.org out to destroy FreeCycle?
In a word: No.
FreeCycle is the most popular group using the Free-Share concept, however it's organizational structure does not suit everyone, and as a result there have been several spin-off groups. FreeSharing.org provides those groups, as well as any FreeCycle group that chooses to do so, a place in a central directory.
How do I create a FreeShare Group?
Detailed instructions can be found at this link (NOTE: Yahoo's menus have changed since this document was originally created).
Does FreeSharing.org have any rules that its groups must follow?
Yes, but they are very simple.
1. Everything offered on the group must be Free, Legal, and Appropriate for All Ages.
2. The group must serve a local community.
3. No Politics, Spam, or other self serving rants. Keep the focus on FreeSharing in your group.
All other rules are at the discretion of the Group Owner.
What does "Free, Legal, and Appropriate for All Ages" mean?
Free: No cash can change hands on the transaction, no For Sale or Paid Services listings.
Legal: No prescription or illicit drugs, weapons, needles, etc.
Appropriate for All Ages: No used collections of PlayBoys, or similar items.
Do I have to call my group FreeShare?
No. You may call your group anything you like. We do recommend that you include the city and state in the group name, but that is also not a requirement. Other groups call themselves FreeBay, CurbCycle, GiveAndGet, among other names. You can be as creative as you like in choosing your groups name.
Can I get a FreeSharing.org email address?
Yes, any moderator of a site listed in the directory can have a FreeSharing.org email address. This is not a mailbox, but any mail sent to the address will be forwarded to your account. To get an email address, send a note to mail@FreeSharing.org with the address you would like, the existing email account to forward the mail to, and your site info.
Where can I go for more help?
There is a support group called the FreeShareAlliance which exists to help people in creating Free-Share groups.
There is also now a Forum on FreeSharing.org that can be used to discuss Free Recycling related issues. Use the menu to the left to enter.
What can I do to help FreeSharing.org?
The most important thing you can do to help FreeSharing.org is to spread the word about the site. This can be done by placing a link on your group or letting your local media know about the directory of FreeSharing groups.
Is FreeSharing.org registered as a non-profit organization?
No.
The operating expences of FreeSharing.org are minimal and paid for by the webmaster. It would actually cost more to file for non-profit status than it currently costs to run this website. There are also additional reporting requirements and restrictions placed upon non-profit organizations that would greatly complicate the operation of this directory.
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