On Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:05:43 +0000, Andrew May
wrote:

Bruce wrote:

That sounds like "making it as complicated as eBay, but for free". I
agree that some kind of feedback would improve Freecycle, but all I
would need is a list of people who have been no-shows, perhaps more
than twice.

I wasn't thinking of anything as complicated as a feedback system. If
the Yahoo! search system was working as it should (and it is not) then a
simple search by username should give you a list of items that a person
has OFFERED / TAKEN / WANTED and that is at least a start to making an
assessment as to who is genuine and who might not be.


OK, I see your point. But it would get to the stage where Freecycle
was hard work. I would prefer a blacklist or outright bans because
they are easier to operate.


If the system was extended to require requests to be logged as well then
you would in addition be able to favour someone who has been trying to
get hold of something for a while or alternatively disfavour someone who
request anything of possible value.

A web interface might make it easier but it could be done within the
existing Yahoo! framework if they could get their act together and make
their search work.


Yes, but would people use it?

I must admit keeping my own lists of reliable/unreliable Freecycle
members so I know who to choose/avoid. I recently gave away three
separate items to the same person because he replied with a phone
number, turned up when he said and was very polite. If he replies to
any other of my Freecycle ads he will always be first choice, even if
other people reply first - or have more emotional sob stories. ;-)