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People of Freecycle

First let me say that I love Freecycle. Not so much for getting free stuff for myself, but for getting things out of my house without resorting to the dump. That said, it would be nice if the people using it were a little more, I don't know, mannerly? Or am I crazy here?

Yesterday morning I posted a listing for a hamster cage. Evie got a hamster back in January and the cage we were sold was just too small for her so this weekend she moved into a sweet new pad. Rather than hanging on to a used cage until our spring yard sale, I thought maybe someone could use it. Here were some of the replies - names have been changed to protect the ignorant.


RE: [WinchesterVAFreecycle] Offer: Hamster or gerbil cage, 2 months old - Berryville
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 11:06 AM
From:
To: girlyshappymom at yahoo dot com

I want it i live n berryville also


Hmm, Edna 'wants' it, but can't write a complete sentence or use punctuation. Next!


Re: [WinchesterVAFreecycle] Offer: Hamster or gerbil cage, 2 months old - Berryville

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 11:07 AM
From:
To: girlyshappymom at yahoo dot com

Do you still have this can pick up today


At least this one politely asked if it was still available; I contacted her about picking it up, but apparently yesterday was NOT good, and she wants to know if Saturday is ok now. And still no punctuation. Moving along.


Re: [WinchesterVAFreecycle] Offer: Hamster or gerbil cage, 2 months old - Berryville

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 1:27 PM
From:
To: Jennifer girlyshappymom at yahoo dot com

We'll take it! We live in Winchester City. Could it be a porch pick up? Let me know. Thank you!!

Kristi



I really wish I had waited and offered it to Kristi. Our local group encourages you to pick and choose who you'd like to give your item to, rather than doing 'first come, first served'. Oh well. Next!

Re: [WinchesterVAFreecycle] Offer: Hamster or gerbil cage, 2 months old - Berryville

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 7:59 PM
From:
To: Jennifer girlyshappymom at yahoo dot com

hello, Im interested in your cage, do you still have it? also do you ever go to Bunkerhill? that's where my fiancee is at and she could maybe meet you somewhere in bunkerhill to pick up. thank you


Ok I left this person's email mostly intact because it scared the heck out of me - what is wrong with people?? Anyway - notice the lack of punctuation, capital letters, and the delivery request. I'm sorry, I don't ever go to Bunkerhill. Or bunkerhill. Whatever.

Maybe I'm expecting too much from people trolling Freecycle for free stuff, but a politely worded request in a complete sentence with punctuation goes a long way in my book and will move you to the top of the list. Just sayin'.....

Comments

  1. Hi, I just started reading your blog. Fun piece about your trip to NYC! About the lack of punctuation and caps, etc., I am a total grammar geek, so I have had to contend (for a long time) with the fact that others just don't care about it as I do. That said, I think some of it may also have to do with the fact that people are using their phones, Blackberries, or other devices to type, and it is just more of a hassle to do the caps and punctuation. Take care.

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  2. How funny- I signed up for Freecycle a long time ago and completely forgot about it....hmmm...have to go check it out...maybe for some laughs??

    ~Becca

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  3. I have never heard of Freecycle before! I must google it! As I am typing this I am hoping my punctuation and spelling is correct!!!! Have a great day;)

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  4. We have seen the same type of non-grammar from Craigslist ads. Your post is hilarious.
    Just saw your NY trip post and commented on it.

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  5. I won't use that service...or Craig's List because I'm scared to death!

    Mostly of people like deadlyblacktears666

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  6. I used to love Freecycle...but yeah I totally agree with you...ppl need better manners!

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  7. Uh, deadlyblacktears? 666? I'm thinkin' I'd be saying "no" to a drop off to Craig's fiancee. Yeah.

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  8. All of them are frightening except for Kristi...but the one's e-mail actually makes me sick to my stomach. That crap scares me!

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  9. I agree! Punctuation, politeness, and correct spelling are all very important. That email address freaks me out, and I'm not even the one getting the reply...delete, delete, delete!

    Freecycle is such a great idea though. I love being able to just get rid of stuff and not wait around for a garage sale.

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  10. Just yesterday I was talking to my hairdresser about how inconsiderate people are even when you are a customer or when you are doing them a favour. As for those of us who think grammar and punctuation are essential, I fear we are a dying breed.
    Have a great weekend!

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  11. HAHA..these are funny. When I get emails like this I assume people on their phones and trying to hurry bc they are likely driving at the same time. LOL.

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  12. I know - freecycle can be a scary scary place. I put an ad on it last month for mismatched silverware, because I had a craft I wanted to make with some. Some lady contacted me and arranged to have it hanging on the side of her fence in front of her house. Not on her porch or anything. When I picked it up I discovered that it was caked in filth. Yep, not washed at all! Yuck!

    XOXO
    Jen

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  13. What the heck is wrong with people!!! If someone is offering you something do you really think it is polite to ask them to deliver it! Some people... uggghhh! Hope it goes to a sweet little kiddo who will appreciate it & maybe learned a few polite manners from thier parents... maybe even send you a thank you note. I doubt it, but sure would be nice huh :)

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  14. Just thought I would let you know that I took what you said on board, and the next time I left a question for an online auction, I used all my manners, instead of being blunt ;) Pleases and thank yous from now on!

    ReplyDelete

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