Would an MN "Freecycle" section be a good idea?

Problem is, Mumsnet Local isn't used that much in some areas... so initially there won't be much of an audience. But if it gets featured enough, mentioned enough, then maybe it will take off... which will mean more people looking at Mumsnet Local.

I do wonder why Mumsnet Local features so low down on the topics list. Maybe it should be moved to the top of the list and expanded... so it shows the Mumsnet Local sites to which you are subscribed at the top of the Topics page. That may help get local area boards more visits.

To get people to use local there needs to be useful content - FreeMumStuff (or whatever name it gets) could be the 'loss leader' as it were to drag people into viewing the boards. Then the boards may get more local postings on it, such as people asking questions about local events, places to visit etc. Then the boards may appeal to advertisers who want to target ads based on geographic areas.

Are you really thinking that MadameDefarge? I thought I was just stating the obvious!

We already have Local sections on Mumsnet Talk. They (well the one's in my area) don't seem to be used that much. So if Mumsnet did do some kind of Freecycle thing, then putting it on Local makes sense... though ads would need to be permitted in several Locals, such a the one in which you live, plus the ones surrounding that area.

Wonder what it could be called. FreeMumnetterStuffRecycling is a bit long!
Mumcycling - hmm, not sure about that.

Maybe it could be something that could go on Mumsnet Local. I know local isn't use that much in some areas, but if it had listings of that type, then maybe local would be used more.

Actually, I find it less hassle to post stuff than to wait around for Freegle people. That's probably because it's hard to find the front door to my building so I end up talking them in on the phone for the last hundred metres.

One (especially dim guy) was over an hour late because he got lost, and then I spent 10 mins trying to tell him where the front door was while also cooking dinner. I sent my friend out with him, partly to help carry the desk but really because I wasn't confident that he would find his way back to the car.

Of course I couldn't have posted the desk, but I have given away stuff on MN that was pick-up only. I think it's made easier for me because I live near where lots of people work, I probably wouldn't be able to do it if I lived somewhere more remote. I don't know why I didn't think to offer the desk on here first, for some reason I only think about offering child-related things on MN.

I have offered on the For Free section but not had much interest for anything. Easier to charity shop really. Saves on packaging up and posting.

I do think it is a good idea though.

I've given a fair amount of stuff away on the "for free" topic. I sometimes say preference will be given to regular posters to try and avoid the selling on problem. I usually wait until someone's interested and then weigh it and give the first/second class postage cost.

Just had a look at it and there's an awful lot of stuff on there with rather large 'postage' costs, which seems a bit cheeky.

MadameDefarge - Click on topics, then classified, then see more and there's a 'for free' topic here

It didn't really work for me either. By the time I got someone who was possibly interested, I'd got rid of my items via something else!

You contribute yourself MadameDefarge, I am sure that is loveliness itself.

I don't know how long you have been on MN MadameDefarge but I presume you were not around when the sale boards fiasco happened.

It's hidden position now reflects how people ended up feeling about it.

SEA, how about swapping your rabbit hutch for my house? Oh you mean a real rabbit hutch?!

i was giving away my indoor rabbit hutch the other week, no-one wanted it. it's nice too.

i'll buy your house for £20 dg

I like the theory behind the idea though. The for sale boards are useless and might as well be abandoned. I could offer my house for sale for £20 on there and no-one would respond. (Currently trying to sell as good as new books )

Just prepare for some people to take the stuff off your hands and instantly ebay it. Sorry to be so distrusting of fellow Mners but this is what happened in the days when you didn't have to pay to use the for sale boards.

I was thinking a sort of swap shop would be better.

There is a free for postage topic isn't there? I definitely posted on something similar a few weeks ago.