freecycle

[Thunderchild]

I have joined my local freecycle, but I am appaled by the yahoo message board system being used to forums like this and the even more versatile phpBB2 boards,
I would like to see a more usable freecycle board but I don't think these guys are up for changing. I was thinking well why not start my own freecycle message board you can get free phpBB2 board setups for free. (I already have a couple with no users hehe)
but at the same time I don't want to p!ss anyone off and before taking this on want to know how freecycle works, is it anything to do with any local council body or is a registered thing or anything or just a bunch of enthusiastic people ? would I be in trouble for making a new freecycle board ?

[Buenchico]

'Freecycle' is a registered trademark, so it should only be used with permission of the worldwide Freecycle Network. If you want to set up a new message board, using the 'Freecycle' name, you'd be wisest to seek the approval of Freecycle UK:
http://uk.freecycle.org/

(Freecycle is a worldwide network of local groups, operating under a common framework. They have nothing to do with local authorities. Freecycle UK is a registered charity).

However, Yahoo! groups are their normal method of communication because of the versatility provided by Yahoo! groups. (e.g. people can choose whether to read messages online or receive them by email).

Chris

[Thunderchild]

yea I got in contact with them they rekon they are redesigning and don't want me to start a second group where one exists I'll have to wait and hope my local freecycle wakes up soon to the mess yahoo is and how much better it would work on a phpBB2/3 board or similar else I'd have to start again with the same philosophy and a new name but I'm not up to upsetting anyone just yet can't see what all the charity business is about frankly why a manager ecc. theres no money involved just giving stuff away so you just need a message board per region to do that without all the organisation I mean what do they do down ther ? oh well as long as someone comes up with a cooker....

[Jules001]

It's not a manager as such more as a Moderator which all boards even a Phbb would need, this is to ensure that no unsavory posts get sent out it also helps with spam. I think that the Yahoo Groups are more secure anyway as I am a member of several sites which use Phbb boards and they have all been hacked and the owners locked out of them at some time or another. I think that people might be wary about using your site if you are doing basically the same thing as Freecyle, but without the backing of the big network.

[Thunderchild]

phpBB2 is renown for security but they say version 3 will be better, also many mods exist now that patch all the problems and freeforums.org offers ready to go fully patched boards so they have no problem unless you go and give full power to a mod who deletes you, I'd be happy to turn the board over to the mods of freecycle and let them run it I just hate yahoo groups thing I've aready said yes to things that were already gone because its difficult to decipher the mess of messages on a single page board

[thundercrack]

I am in several freecycle message board areas, and I don't see what advantage there would be by you starting up an alternative? we do not allow advertising, no selling or buying. every thing is given away to help other people who can make use of the items.we help each other out, some of the members source goods from other non members and put them on freecycle to help others,others help by doing odd jobs or lending things. we have no problems by being hacked, what good would it do anyone? how would you advertise yours? can't see the point in stating another. we are all happy with ours.
thundercrack

[Thunderchild]

I'm not out to anoy anyone or make money just make things work, I find yahoo groups claustrophobic, no I definitly would not use the same name etc. as for security I didn't bring that up thundercrack but speakijng of it all the email addresses of people are available on yahoo groups on phpBB boards they are only available if you opt for that and its just so much more staright forward you can send private messages while keeping your email private

on a side not if I were to put adverts on it (never said I would or wouldn't) thats my affair I am not profitting from the articles given and nobody is obliged to click on the adds (and its only then that they pay off) it would merely cover my hosting and domain costs and possibly make some money (hey I would take my time to moderate it and keep unwanted people out) I'll give it a thought.

[Thunderchild]

the same forum could also be a valuable resource for discussion of local issues as the idea is targeted at people of one town or area it would mean they would be more apt to want to discuss local policies etc and a proper forum can provide categories for this and help bring together local people, you may find you have many things in comon with your neibour you never see....

[Thunderchild]

well I'm creating right now its free to start and the worse that can happen is no one will be interested I can only offer to better things

the url is http://recyclebygiving.freeforums.org/ feel free to register my only quandrum is dealing with different areas this is primarily meant for northamptinshire hm will have to think on that....

[Thunderchild]

well I haven'y had much time I just threw it up and need to go thru the settings and start inviting people but as I remember when any member registers on a forum he/she has the choice of alowing the email to be visible of course I left mine visible its all over my photography site anyhow