Freecycling...A Mini Rant

About 1 year ago I was heavy into Freecycling. I liked the whole concept. Giving away what you didn't need or want to those who might couldn't afford it. The rules are pretty simple. Post what you want to give away and then pick whom you wnat to give it to from emails sent asking for it. I usually just picked the first person who inquired. Most sites do specifically say that this is NOT for professional resellers. I follow the first sale doctrine. Once it's yours...I don't care what you do with it. But then it happened. The professional reseller found me and my items and my descent into a personal hell began. First the innocent questions started. Asking about sizes, condition, ect... That was fine. I had often used freecycle to find play clothes for the kidlet and had recieved some nasty stuff so I liked to be inquizative too. But then the hard lining started. She wanted to know brand names, age, how much wear,could I send pictures, what was the retail price, could she come look first? Helloooo???? This ain't Walmart honey. Now, why would an out of work "mom" who was just looking for some clothing for their poor kid name that info? Hmmmm.... So after doing some investigating I came across an interesting listing on Ebay. Yup, "out of work" mama had listed my clothing on Ebay and was selling it. The kicker? She didn't have them. Hadn't seen them. I don't even know where she got the pictures from. I know your waiting on pins and needles wanting to know how I fixed her little red wagon. Well, I'm not proud of what I did but I did get a good laugh out of it. I simply led her on while the listing was running and kept her on a short leash. Promising times for her to come over then having to "cancel." After her listing sold for over $100 I told her that due to mitigating circumstances I found a needier family to give it too. OMG. She freaked. I received hate emails for 6 months. She called me names and told me she would do things to me that I know are anatomically impossible. After a while she gave up and I never bothered with Freecycle again. Now, I don't want anyone to think that Freecycle is filled with crazy stalking non spelling peeps. That was the only bad experience I had in over 100 transactions. So if you use Freecycle do it in the spirit it which it was started. Give freely and ask for legit things you need. Muhwaaaaaahahahahahahaha

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