(no subject)

[ocelot]

Freecycle irritates me. Its a great idea in theory, but ends up being a contest of who has the fastest mail server.

Freecycle etiquette (written or unwritten) says you aren't supposed to post a huge list of wants, and people who ask for things are generally looked down upon.

To some extent, I can understand. It could totally turn into an overwhelming gimme-fest without some sort of social controls in place.

On the other - it's Musical Apartments season in Davis, and I have a big list of stuff that we're going to need, most of which I know is going to be thrown out by someone or other between now and August 31. I can play Freecycle roulette and try to respond quickly whenever something I need happens to come up (I'm in a good position for this, seeing as everything comes straight to my phone. It still hasn't helped so far), or I can ride all over Davis while 32 weeks pregnant (or waste gas driving) and hope I'm first at the lucky dumpster (actually, I'll do this regardless because I like riding around :) But I don't have quite the energy for huge marathon runs). Or I can post a big list of wants and we can arrange things in a nice calm orderly fashion, with no wasted effort on either end.

I think I will suggest to the list maintainer that he declare a temporary open season on want lists. I really think it would simplify things for everyone with so many people moving.

Cases in point as far as throwing things out goes... silkensteel found a complete Ikea loft bed frame that retails for $150, in good condition, yesterday. I've seen no less than 5 apartment-style washing machines, many much nicer than the one we had. Not nearly as big a score, but still cool and really needed... I found a small trifold futon this evening that will work perfectly as a temporary, and possibly even longer term, bed for Leif. And that's all with really casual looking.

I'd love to get everything we need secondhand, and not just from a money perspective. If people gave us secondhand presents I'd be at least as happy as if they were new. It's just better for everyone.

Comments

[barelyproper.livejournal.com]

Right and Relivant thrift (as opposed to consignment, so its only a dollar) had a pair of large maternity jeans when I was in there last week, I'll swing back by and see if they are still there.

[therealocelot.livejournal.com]

The large pants I've tried on recently have all been too small (otherwise I'd have two pairs already :( I'm just hoping the pair koyote talked me into buying new will work after birth). Might vary by brand or style, but I'm inclined to err on the side of caution since I'm only getting bigger. But I should go down there again and check things out.