Cross-posting

Background

Cross posting is when a member sends an Offer or Wanted request to more than one community at the same time. It is particularly useful where members live near to a few communities.

Some communities discourage cross posting or ask members to wait a day or two before reposting elsewhere.

Advantages of cross posting:

• It is what members want. If they need to dispose of something or acquire something, it is not convenient to have to post to one community at a time.

• It increases the number of messages in each community, making them more useful.

Disadvantages of cross posting:

• It increases the number of messages in each community, pushing more local posts further down the list.

• It could be seen as against the local spirit of Freegle.

• It uses more fuel and increases pollution if members travel far to collect.

Problems restricting cross posting:

• It can be time consuming to monitor.

• Unless all surrounding communities have a similar policy it can be confusing to members.

• It may lead to complaints.

How to manage cross-posting restrictions:

If you wish to restrict cross-posting you need to decide on a period. Some communities ask members to wait 24-48 hours between posts. Explain to members why you have a 'no cross-posting' rule.

Admins on Crossposting and Keeping It Local

Back to Specific Circumstances