Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I unsubscribe?
• I want to subscribe
• How do I post an item?
• I can`t cope with all the emails
• Why do my posts take so long to appear?
• How can I claim an item I want?
• How can I upload photos?

How can I unsubscribe?
Do you really want to unsubscribe or are you just struggling to cope with the amount of messages?! Click here to quickly and easily deal with this problem. If you still want to unsubscribe, there are several ways to leave the Redditch Freecycle Yahoo Group mailing list:

1. Send (from the email address with which you are subscribed) a blank email to redditch-freecycle-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com, or
2. Click on the UNSUBSCRIBE link at the bottom of any posts received from the list, or
3. Login to our Yahoo Group homepage (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/redditch-freecycle/) and click on 'Edit Membership' at the top.

I want to subscribe
How to subscribe to our Yahoo Group mailing list:

Go to our Yahoo Group homepage (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/redditch-freecycle/) and click `Join this Group`. You will be asked to `sign in` using your `Yahoo ID` and password. If you don`t yet have a Yahoo ID, you should `Sign Up` which takes just a few seconds. Once you have signed in to Yahoo, you should automatically see the `Join this Group` page. Simply follow the on screen instructions, click `Join` and that`s it!!

Tip: When you are asked to choose a `message delivery` option, we would advise you NOT to select `individual emails` as this is a high volume group which can see upto 100 messages posted per day! Select `Daily Digest` if you would like messages to be grouped together in a single email. Or select `Special Notices` if you would prefer to monitor messages on the internet. You will still receive the occasional ADMIN email when we need to contact you. Please don`t select `Web Only` as we won`t be able to contact you!!

How can I post an item?
There are numerous ways to post an item on Redditch Freecycle. You must first subscribe, have a good read through our rules and then use one of the following message posting methods:

1. Use our Message Maker, or
2. By email to redditch-freecycle@yahoogroups.com, or
3. By logging into our Yahoo Group homepage (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/redditch-freecycle/) and then click on the `Post` button.

I can`t cope with all the emails
If you are struggling to cope with the amount of emails from Freecycle, there are various ways you can alleviate the pressure!

1. Change your membership settings. Go to our Yahoo Group homepage (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/redditch-freecycle/) and `sign in` using your `Yahoo ID` and password. Click on `Edit Membership` towards the top of the page. Select the `message delivery` option that will best suit you. Choose `Daily Digest` if you would like messages to be grouped together in a single email. Or select `Special Notices` if you would prefer to monitor messages on the internet. You will still receive the occasional ADMIN email when we need to contact you. Please don`t select `Web Only` as we won`t be able to contact you!! Click `Save Changes` at the bottom of the page.
2. Create a filter in your email programme. You could set up a separate folder in your Outlook Express/web based account, and have all your Freecycle messages diverted to it. Or you could filter out just the WANTED messages so they can be deleted, allowing you to read the OFFER messages in your inbox.
3. Set up a new email account just for Freecycle. You could create a brand new email account with Hotmail, Yahoo, Lycos etc and then `Edit your Membership` so that all Freecycle messages are directed to your new address, allowing you to keep your personal/work emails entirely separate.

Why do my posts take so long to appear?
There are several reasons why your posts to Redditch Freecycle may be delayed:

1. All new members of Redditch Freecycle remain on `moderation` until such a time that they have demonstrated they fully understand the rules of the group and post messages using the correct format. Some members get the hang of the rules very quickly and are soon taken off moderation, so their messages no longer have to be approved by a group moderator. Have a good read through the rules and you`ll be taken off moderation in no time!
2. Yahoo sometimes suffers from technical problems causing messages to be delayed. Normally, the technical problems don`t last long, but very occasionally, messages have been delayed for up to 24 hours or even longer!
3. Finally, your messages may be delayed purely because they are awaiting approval by moderators. Please be patient! Remember, Redditch Freecycle is run entirely by volunteers who have busy lives just like you! We are always pleased to hear from anyone willing to devote a little time into helping us operate the group. If you`re interested in getting involved in any way, click here for details.

How can I claim an item I want?
Firstly, open the message that contains the item you would like, either in your email programme or on the Yahoo message board. Then, simply click the reply button and write a few words to express an interest in the item. Click the `send` button and your reply will be sent only to the member that offered the item. The member may get lots of replies and will contact the lucky `winner` to arrange collection.

How can I upload photos?
To help members visualise what it is you are offering, you should always include as many details as possible in your message. But if you want to give members an even better idea of your item, you can upload photos.

1. First you should re-size your photos to no bigger than 800 x 600 pixels.
2. Go to our Yahoo Group home page, `sign in` at the top of the page, then click `photos` on the left.
3. Click `create album` on the right hand side and then create your very own album which only you will be able to add photos to but all members will be able to view the photos. Enter your own name for the album name.
4. Once your album is created, you will be able to `add photos` by `browsing` for the relevant photo on your computer. Add as many photos as you like.
5. When you post an OFFER message, tell members to look in your album for photos of the item concerned.