Why does it take FreeCycle.org so long to approve my membership?

Question

Why does it take FreeCycle.org so long to approve my membership?

Answer 1

In our Freecycle group, you need to answer a small survey before your membership is approved. Basically, how did you hear about the group, and what town you're in.

We've found it helps to screen out spammers - and there have been some nasty ones going around lately.  These spammers join, and post what seems to be an attractive offer. Then they send all kinds of junk to anyone who responds.

So I'd check your in box, including the junk or bulk mail folder, to see if you got a survey. If not, I'd email the moderators (go to the home page, look at the bottom for the -owner address) and email them.

If that doesn't work, you can email Freecycle at [e-mail]. If the group *has* been abandoned, they will want to know about it.

Answer 2

Most likely because it's run by people and not computers, i'm thinking.

Answer 3

Wow, 14 days?  That's amazing.

On our site, you can post immediately after registering and the posting will appear on the site.  We take a quick look at the posting before the email goes out to the other users in the area.

Maybe that would work better for you?

Answer 4

Your membership must be approved by an owner or moderator for the local group that you applied to join.  There are a couple possible reasons it could be taking a long time.  (1) The group might be very busy, and the owner/moderators might be swamped with applications.  If this is the case, there's hope that they'll catch up and approve your membership before the 14-day time limit. (2) All owners and moderators might be gone, having abandoned the group.  If this is the case, your membership will be automatically cancelled at the end of the 14-day time period.  If so, you should probably look for another local FreeCycle group to join.