Development Group Report 2017 05
Development Group Report : May 2017
78 Members - we have welcomed 7 new members since our last report
Task 54 - Definition of Terminology
We are currently discussing defining the terms ‘autonomy’, ‘owner’ and ‘non-profit’ to add to the glossary of terms on the wiki - Glossary.
Task 63 - Decision Making Processes
We have noted the summary points from this discussion and will try to implement some of the comments into future work on procedures etc.
Task 65 - Offers First: Best Practice
We polled on new wording for Best_Practice#Do_you_restrict_the_number_of_Wanted_posts.3F to include guidance on whether groups should have an ‘Offer first’ rule. The new wording agreed is:
Do you restrict the number of Wanted posts or make a member post an offer before allowing a wanted post?
Best Practice:
As long as the post is legal and free, equally accept a wanted or an offer as a first post from members. People that want other’s unwanted stuff are essential for your Freegle Group to work. Wanted requests should be encouraged and not overly restricted.
Because: (for Offer First):
- It's discriminatory to expect an offer first.
- Extra hurdles - especially on a first post - potentially stop all freegling by a member.
- It's very easy to fake an offer, or offer something silly, and get round an 'offer first' rule.
- It doesn't take into account people who may have freegled elsewhere before moving to your area.
- It disregards new member responses to other people's wanteds.
and (generally):
- Some members prefer to answer a request for something rather than place it as an offer on the group.
- Encouraging people to freegle should help them consider freegling in the future when they have things to offer; it can be inspiring to receive an item, so encourages subsequent offers.
- Wanted posts often remind people that they have that item languishing unused so will respond with an offer.
- People - including us - overestimate the number of Wanted posts. Most groups have more Offers than Wanteds.
All volunteers are welcome to join Development Group - http://freegle.in/Development - and participate in discussions and decisions.
Jacky
Development Coordinator
Links
- Development Working Group
- Previous report Development Group Report 2017 04
- Following report Development Group Report 2017 06