I never thought I'd say goodbye to my participation in the Freecycle network, but today's the day. I've been a member since its inception here on Florida's First Coast and have touted it to almost anyone who would stop to listen. However, as the economy has worsened, so, too, have the attitudes and behaviors of many of our members. I am not alone in this; I know dozens of former Freecycle members who have had the same experiences as I have, though most threw in the towel much sooner than I.

There have always been the posts asking for any "X-Box360 that you might have laying around" (really, do people have these 'laying' around?) to requests for all sort of luxury items. And, I suppose, it never hurts to ask, though I rarely ask for anything and more often make offers or respond to 'Want' posts. But lately, more and more, I find those responding to my offers expecting me to deliver the item, hold it for days on end, sometimes with no word from them, expecting me or my family members to load whatever it is in their car for them (seriously, that happens alot) or simply responding that they want it, then never showing up.

I am not a mind reader and have no idea what obstacles members face in picking up the item - perhaps those should be overcome before the item is even asked for? I am disenheartened and disillusioned. I am tired of members emailing me over a period of days, stretching into weeks that they 'really want it and will be by soon.......'. If they really wanted it, they'd find a way and if they've changed their mind, why can't they just let me know?

I won't be throwing things away; I'll continue donating. This means I won't have 'stuff' on my porch or in my front yard for days or weeks and that will make my husband extremely happy. I will take things to various charities on my schedule and eliminate the stress of always wondering if the person I offered an item to will actually show up when they said they would, if they will expect me to load their car (not possible) or if I will end up re-offering or donating the item(s).

Adieu, Freecycle. A great idea that should work but is only as productive as its members.