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[[Main_Page|Return to Manual Index]]
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'''<big>Now that FC3 is live, this page is obsolete. [https://www.freecycle.org/pages/ModManual/ModResources Please click here for the updated version] '''</big><br><br><br><br>
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<small>
  
= RESOURCES ­ FOR MODS  =
 
== Users  Guide to My Freecycle - Answers to Frequently Asked Questions ==
 
  
[[MFModFAQ:UserGuide|User Guide Responses]]
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__NOTOC__
  
== Back up co-­owner – do we need one? (Yahoo!Groups only) ==
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== RESOURCES ­ FOR MODS  ==
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== [[How_To_Use_Freecycle|Members' Guide to Freecycle.org]] ==
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== Using the Moderator Tools ==
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Click here for [[How_To_Use_Mod_Tools|a user guide to Mod Tools.]]
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==[[Promoting_and_Building_Your_Group|Promoting and building your group]]==
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== Moderator Discussion Groups ==
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[[Moderator_Manual:Moderator_Discussion_Groups|Click here]] for a current list of moderator discussion groups. 
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<br>
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Important: All mods need to join moderator discussion groups with at least a "Special Notices" setting. This is in order to ensure that mods do not miss important announcements or the opportunity to take part in Freecycle polls. You must also make sure to follow the guidelines at the above link in order to expedite membership approval.
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==[[Pet_Moderator_Handbook|Tips for groups that allow pet posts]] ==
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== Volunteering: How can I become more involved in Freecycle? ==
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There certainly are plenty of opportunities. If you are committed to Freecycle and have a little extra time to spare, please send an email to your local GOA, mentioning your interests and strengths and to find out more about the [[https://wiki.freecycle.org/Volunteering#Already_a_moderator.3F_Want_to_get_more_involved_with_Freecycle.org.3F| various voluntary opportunities]] within Freecycle.
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== Translations ==
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[[File_list_by_language|Click here for a list of available translations]]
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== Graphics – general, seasonal or personalized  ==
  
It is a requirement that there is some kind of back‐up owner on your group. This will give your members security that the group will continue to run should the owner be unavailable for any period of time.<br>
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Contact the [mailto:graphics@freecycle.org Graphics Team] for help if you would like a personalized graphic for your own group.  
  
The back up owner must be someone who does not share the same net connection or computer as the owner, but lives in the group catchment area.&nbsp; They can be a fellow mod, a close friend etc. (basically someone trusted, ideally who understands your group - work involved, rules in place, local knowledge).&nbsp; The co-owner can get support from their local [[ModsManual:Contact_GOA_List | GOA]] if they are concerned or need help should they be left in sole control of the group.<br>
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In your initial email please try to give as much information as possible, your group address, a reply email address and specific information about your area or ideas you have for the graphic ‐ please discuss these ideas with your co‐mods before contacting the team.  
  
The Freecycle Network has set up a ‘neutral’ system where the larger organization provides back up ownership facilities for those who choose to use it.
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If you produce your own graphic using our trademarked logo, please contact your GOA and check that it is compliant before using it as [[Promoting_and_Building_Your_Group#Trademark_Guidelines_for_Promotional_Items_.28for_volunteers_of_approved_Freecycle_groups_only|there are lots of rules]] relating to this.  
More information about how [[Ersatzfriend]] works.
 
  
== I need a new moderator or two. Is there a letter I can send to my members to recruit? ==
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Your initial email may be answered from the [mailto:graphics@freecycle.org Custom Graphics Team] address but once your project has been assigned the emails will come from a member of the volunteer team. If you haven’t had a reply once you have been assigned a volunteer please check your spam folder for their reply! The requests are taken in date order and could take a few weeks if they are busy ‐ but please email the GOA if you haven't had a reply within two weeks.
[[Recruitment_Letter_for_group | Recruitment letter to send to your group]]<br>
 
[[Recruitment_letter_for_individual | Recruitment letter to send to that special individual you think might be a great mod]]
 
  
  
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= Where to go if you need help =
  
== Group Outreach and Assistance volunteers ­ who are they?  ==
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==Group Outreach and Assistance volunteers ­==
  
The Freecycle Group Outreach and Assistance [[Moderator_Manual:How_to_Contact_Your_GOA| GOA]] volunteers are available as a resource for mods, to offer support to groups and help them over any Freecycle issues (not just any difficulties) they may be facing.  
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The Freecycle [[Moderator_Manual:How_to_Contact_Your_GOA| Group Outreach and Assistance (GOA)]] volunteers are available as a resource for mods, to offer support to groups and help them over any Freecycle issues (not just any difficulties) they may be facing. GOA volunteers have the authority and experience to be the final arbiter of any and every issue out there.
  
If you are unsure of how to proceed with an issue, especially a delicate or confidential one that would be inappropriate to post on a modsquad, then your first port of call should be the [[Moderator_Manual:Contact_GOA_List | GOA]]. Issues may be because of rival/rogue 'Freecycle' groups; misuse of the Freecycle name; questions about group splits, problems relating to relationship with local authorities, sensitive issues with fellow mods or neighboring groups, or just to let them know about something good that has happened within your group, etc.  
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If you are unsure of how to proceed with an issue, especially a delicate or confidential one that would be inappropriate to post on the [[Moderator_Manual:Moderator_Discussion_Groups|Freecycle Leadership Community]], then your first port of call should be the [[Moderator_Manual:How_to_Contact_Your_GOA| GOA]]. Issues may be because of rival/rogue 'Freecycle' groups; misuse of the Freecycle name; questions about group splits, problems relating to relationship with local authorities, sensitive issues with fellow mods or neighboring groups, general concerns or requesting removal of members; or just to let them know about something good that has happened within your group, etc.  
  
 
They are also volunteers just like everyone else, and may be pushed for time with many complex and sensitive jobs, so do be patient unless you are having a group emergency.
 
They are also volunteers just like everyone else, and may be pushed for time with many complex and sensitive jobs, so do be patient unless you are having a group emergency.
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[[Moderator_Manual:How_to_Contact_Your_GOA|Click here for a list of GOAs and their email addresses.]]
  
 
== Holiday and Emergency Cover: ­ How can I get help?  ==
 
== Holiday and Emergency Cover: ­ How can I get help?  ==
  
We encourage you to recruit a team of moderators for your group as soon as possible to avoid the need to arrange cover for holidays and emergencies. With your own team in place it is much easier to run your group as it is no longer just dependent on your own efforts. It provides a natural way of having cover for holidays, emergencies and if you just want a day off! It also means there will be cover if you lose internet connection or have something happen which means you have to be away for some time.  
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We encourage you to recruit a backup moderator(s) for your group as soon as possible to avoid the need to arrange cover for holidays and emergencies. With your own team in place it is much easier to run your group as it is no longer just dependent on your own efforts. It provides a natural way of having cover for holidays, emergencies and if you just want a day off! It also means there will be cover if you lose internet connection or have something happen which means you have to be away for some time.  
 
 
If you don’t have a team in place yet the Freecycle Mentor Mods provide a holiday and emergency cover service through a team of mods called the ERT (Emergency Response Team). They will arrange for a mentor moderator to join your group for the period of time you need cover. Mentor moderators are experienced moderators who give their assistance to less experienced moderators or to groups who need some short term emergency assistance. To contact the mentor moderators please contact the Mentor Moderators Team Leader at [mailto:mentormod@freecycle.org mentormod@freecycle.org]
 
 
 
If at all possible give at least a few days notice as it takes time to get set up. Sometimes a member will not show on the members list for a few days and you can't give them the necessary moderator access to run the group if they are not showing. If it is an emergency they will work with you to find a way. Please just contact them as soon as you know that you need cover.
 
 
 
== Job description for moderators: ­ What is it?  ==
 
  
It is a small commitment which may take 15‐45 minutes each day in a new group ‐ a commitment you can share with others – the more of you there are the less time you'll need to spend individually.  
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If you don’t have a backup in place yet your GOA can arrange for an interim moderator to provide a holiday and emergency cover service for the period of time you need cover. To arrange this, please [[Moderator_Manual:How_to_Contact_Your_GOA|contact your GOA.]]
  
The groups largely run themselves ‐ mods just deal with the moderating requirements of the group as and when we deal with our email. You should be well supported, have access to lots of resources to help you and have a mentor if you need one.  
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If at all possible give at least a few days notice as it takes time to get set up.  If it is an emergency they will work with you to find a way. Please just contact them as soon as you know that you need cover.
  
The basics of the ‘job’ include:  
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== I need a new moderator or two.  What is the procedure for recruiting a new co-moderator?  ==
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[[Moderator_Manual:Recruiting_moderators|Here is everything you need to know for recruiting a new co-mod.]] Feel free to contact your [[Moderator_Manual:How_to_Contact_Your_GOA|GOA]] if you have any problems or concerns.
  
*Maintaining a positive, friendly, non‐threatening relationship with other mods and the members.
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== I need to step down as moderator. What do I need to do? ==
*Aiming to deal with pending members and pending messages within 24 hours and enquiries within 48 hours.
 
*Being aware of the privileged position and taking great care not to take advantage of it. ‐ Maintaining confidentiality of any information distributed via the list. ‐ Developing and maintaining knowledge of Freecycle rules and guidelines. ‐ Being familiar with the Mod Manual and referring to it regularly. ‐ Joining regional and local mod squads. ‐ Encouraging and helping to advertise local Freecycle groups. ‐ Representing Freecycle to the public in a manner that builds a positive reputation for Freecycle.
 
*Performing other tasks as required.
 
  
There is a [[Glossary#M|Mentor Mods Team]] able to help new mods and owners learn the job and help established groups recruit and train new mods if they wish.
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If you need to pass on your Freecycle, group, [[Moderator_Manual:Recruiting_moderators|here's where you would start]]
  
== Logos (graphics) – general, seasonal or personalized  ==
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== My group is too big or too small or needs to be renamed ==
 
  
<br>Contact the [mailto:graphics@freecycle.org Graphics Team] for help if you would like a personalized graphic for your own group.  
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*If your group covers too large a geographic area, [[Moderator_Manual:How_to_Contact_Your_GOA|contact your GOA]] to split your group into two or more groups. Make sure you have mods in place from each of the new groups before contacting Goa. Keep in mind:
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::1. Moderators can only moderate one group
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::2. Moderators must live where the group is located.
  
In your initial email please try to give as much information as possible, your group address, a reply email address and specific information about your area or ideas you have for the graphic ‐ please discuss these ideas with your co‐mods before contacting the team.  
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*If your group covers too small a geographic area and the moderators of a neighboring group agree, you may [[Moderator_Manual:How_to_Contact_Your_GOA|contact your GOA]] to discuss merging your groups.
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*If you need to change the name of your group for some reason, [[Moderator_Manual:How_to_Contact_Your_GOA|contact your GOA]]
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== Problem members ==
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If a member is troubling you or another member, [[Moderator_Resources#Group_Outreach_and_Assistance_volunteers_.C2.AD_who_are_they.3F|let your GOA know about it.]] If it is appropriate for the member to be removed, GOA will initiate the process.
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== Technical problems ==
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As Moderator, you will occasionally encounter glitches with the system, and you will hear from members who suspect things aren't working the way they should. This section tells you where to report problems and describes the information you need to provide when reporting problems. Use the who, what, when, and where approach to analyze the error and learn where to report the error.  
  
If you produce your own customized logo, please contact the team and check that it is compliant before using it as there are lots of rules relating to this.  
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Always include your Group name and Unique TFN Group ID number which are found on your [[How_To_Use_Mod_Tools#INFO_AND_OPTIONS_PAGE|Information page]].  
  
Your initial email may be answered from the [mailto:graphics@freecycle.org Custom Graphics Team] address but once your project has been assigned the emails will come from a member of the volunteer team. If you haven’t had a reply once you have been assigned a volunteer please check your spam folder for their reply! The requests are taken in date order and could take a few weeks if they are busy ‐ but please email the group if you haven't had a reply within two weeks.
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==== List of known tech issues ====
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Before reporting an error, take a moment to find out if it's a known issue.
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* [[Moderator_Manual:Known tech issues|Click here for a current list of all known issues]]
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* [https://thefreecyclenetwork.groups.io/g/Tech/topics Check the Tech Discussion Group (FIOD) for the latest discussion topics]
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* [https://twitter.com/FreecycleTech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmoderator.freecycle.org%2Fhome%2F Check Freecycle's Twitter feed for the latest news from the Tech Team]
  
== Group Options: Post expiration ==
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==== Where to report an error ====
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First, choose the appropriate site for reporting your problem. There are four choices:
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#Tech Discussion Group/(formerly known as FIOD) -- You can post any technical problem or question on FIOD and get a quick response by other moderators. The tech team also monitors FIOD and will take care of problems that need attention. [[Moderator_Manual:Moderator_Discussion_Groups#Tech_Discussion_Group.2FFIOD|Click here for more information on how to join]].
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#For members only -- If your error involves a member experiencing anything you don't know how to fix, nor does anyone on FIOD, [https://freecycle.helpscoutdocs.com/article/149-contact-info Here is how your member can contact us].
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#For Moderators only --  If the error can't be resolved through FIOD, contact SiteModHelp@freecycle.org. Always include your Group name and Unique TFN Group ID number which are found on your [[How_To_Use_Mod_Tools#INFO_AND_OPTIONS_PAGE|Information page]]. Please don't give the SiteModhelp address to members.
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#Any other issue that doesn't fit into the above categories -- please refer your member to [https://freecycle.helpscoutdocs.com/article/149-contact-info our Support team for help].
  
ModTools> Group Options> Automatically expire posts offers and wanteds can be set separately. If a member leaves a post to expire it will still be in
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Please note: If you are a member of a Freecycle.org team, please report technical issues to your Team Leader rather than going through FIOD or SiteModHelp. See your [[Team_Wikis|team's wiki]] for more information.
their 'My Posts' section but they will be able to click to re-post it to the group.
 
  
If they close the post/mark as taken - it is removed from their 'My Posts' tab and this will not apply.
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==== How to report an error ====
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When reporting an error, a proper who, what, when and where error report must include the following.
  
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These are mandatory:
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*        The group name or number.
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*        The User ID or email address.
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*Post ID (if relevant)
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*        The name of virus protection being used.
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*        The name of ad blocker being used.
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*        The web browser being used.
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*        The operating system being used.
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*        The name of the internet provider and if it is dial up, or broad band, or a wireless hot spot Wi-Fi, or Satellite, or FIOS, DSL
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*        The URL of the page the error happened. Example: http://moderator.Freecycle.org/login or http://my.Freecycle.org etc.
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*        Which computer is being used, example, a work computer - a library computer - a smart phone (include brand, i.e. iPhone or Windows or Android)
  
== Message Subject Maker: ­What is it? (Yahoo!Groups only) ==
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These are helpful and may be asked in follow up emails:
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*Describe (or provide screen shot) of error message displayed on screen
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*Describe what steps you have already tried. Example: I used a different browser - I shut down the computer using the Ctrl + f5 key  for a fresh restart - I closed and reopened the browser - I tried a different browser - I tried a different computer - I tried a different ISP provider - I cleared the browsers cache - I cleared browser cookies - I cleared browsers temp internet files - I removed saved passwords from the browser - I removed bookmark and typed Freecycle.org to get the newest cookie then re-bookmarked the newer page
  
It's a web page which generates correctly formatted Freecycle emails from a set of simple fields provided by the user. The user is prompted with a simple form that asks for an item name, their location, and a short description of their item. Having provided these responses, the user clicks a "Generate Email" button and an email is generated and loaded automatically into their standard system email software (e.g. Thunderbird or Outlook Express). The email address, subject, and message body are all filled in automatically, and so the user only has to hit the "Send" button.
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==== For Members With Problems Signing up or Signing in (My.Freecycle) ====
  
Each group that wants to use Message Maker must set up their own version of it because the group email address and formatting preferences are encoded in the web page. To set up your own version of Message Maker, download the current version from: [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UKmodsquad/files/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UKmodsquad/files/]
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First give them the following step-by-step instructions:
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:STEP-BY-STEP SIGN UP LETTER
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:There are two steps to joining a Freecycle.org group. First, you must create an account on Freecycle.org, then join the local group or groups of your choice. The steps for both are outlined below: First, create a user account:
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:#Go to http://my.freecycle.org/signup
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:#Enter your desired User ID
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:#Enter your desired email address
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:#On the next line, create a password that is easy to remember
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:#Enter the password again to confirm accuracy
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:#Click on the "I'm Not a Robot" Captcha box
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:#Toggle the terms of use box on the right, then click the Sign Up button
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:#Once you click the Sign Up button you will be a member of Freecycle.org. Now you need to join your local Freecycle.org group
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:#Click on the MYGROUPS tab.
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:#Enter your local group name or postal code into the search box and click search
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:#Click on JOIN this group on the far right
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:Repeat steps 8-10 to join other groups nearest your home or workplace. Some groups choose to approve members. If that is the case with the group you have chosen, you will be contacted by a moderator for more information before you are approved for membership. Otherwise, you will now be a member of Freecycle.org and also the local group of your choice.
  
<br>It is distributed as a "zip" file, and there are simple instructions for configuring your group name and particulars. Once you have set up the files correctly, you need to contact the UK web coordinator (ukweb@freecycle.org) who will (if asked nicely!) set up a web page on uk.freecycle.org especially for this purpose. You will then need to tell your group members the web address to go to. Message Maker does not work with most webmail applications (such as Yahoo! Mail or Hotmail), but there is an option to get Message Maker to display plain email text ready to copy into webmail applications.
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If a member continues to have problems signing up or signing in, [https://freecycle.helpscoutdocs.com/article/149-contact-info please share the Support contact information].
  
== Moderator Manual: ­Where is it==
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==== For Members with Password Problems ====
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If a member forgets or loses their password and requests a new temporary password, keep in mind that the new password is case sensitive. Our system always uses uppercase and passwords are 8 characters long. Tell the member to enter the password exactly as it is sent to them, using copy and paste if possible. Temporary passwords are only good for one log-in and expire after 24 hours.
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==== Noisy or inappropriate ads on Freecycle.org ====
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If you or a member of yours has noticed a particularly annoying ad on Freecycle.org with sound and you'd like to report this for removal please take the following steps:
  
[[Moderator_Manual:Main_Page|Moderator Manual]]
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#Do a screenshot of the page showing the exact ad.
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#Quickly right mouse click on the ad and then on "Inspect Element". On some browsers it might say simply "Inspect". Scroll down in this code to where the SOVRN or OpenX part starts in the "code" and screenshot that too (this code line may also be green or highlighted).
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#If this does not work, hover over ad, right click and copy link location.
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#Email both screenshots to sitemodhelp@freecycle.org.
  
== Modsquads ­ where is my local one?  ==
 
  
In addition to the national modsquad, you will find that you fall within the catchment area of an Official Regional ModSquad, and/or of an area, district, or local one. Many individual Freecycle groups with moderating teams also have their own group‐based ModSquads for discussion of issues relevant only to that group. For details of current regional and country Mod Squads, see here: [[Moderator_Manual:Contact_Modsquad|Modsquad listings]]
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'''For mobile device users:'''
<br>
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*Android: In the Chrome browser, go to the website you want to inspect. In the address bar, type "view-source:" before the "http" and reload the page.The whole elements of the page will be shown.
Important:
 
  
All mods need to join the National Modsquad and their Official Regional ModSquad with at least a "Special Notices" setting. This is in order to ensure that mods do not miss important announcements or the opportunity to take part in Freecycle polls.
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*IOS: From the Safari menu bar click Safari > Preferences then select the Advanced tab. Select Show Develop menu in menu bar. Now click Develop from the menu bar, click Show Web Inspector.
  
== Template Admin messages ­ where can I see some?  ==
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==== Pop-up ads ====
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[https://freecycle.helpscoutdocs.com/article/136-pop-up-ads Click here for information on how to deal with persistent pop-up ads or other malware. ]
  
There are plenty in the [[Moderator_Manual:Main_Page|Moderator Manual]].  Look under [[Moderator_Manual:Notices|Notices]].
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==== Other Member Problems ====
  
<br>You will also find some UK‐specific ADMINs in the Files section of the UK MS website, here: [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UKmodsquad/files/Examples/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UKmodsquad/files/Examples/]
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For member problems you are unable to solve, refer them to:
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*For all member questions and issues, including username and password help, help using the Freecycle.org website, taking a complaint to the next level, and any form of special assistance (pre-approved use of logo or trademark, press contacts, etc.), please refer your member to  [https://freecycle.helpscoutdocs.com/article/149-contact-info Support].
  
<br>And in the message archives of the UK MS, here: [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UKmodsquad/messages http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UKmodsquad/messages]  
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== [[Scammers_and_Spammers|Spammers and Scammers]]==
  
(search on "ADMIN")
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= Local moderator decisions =
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Ideally mods shouldn't be limiting what members offer over and above the basics within the required guidelines. The more freedom we can give the members the better. As a moderator your job is to make sure things are free, legal, and appropriate to all ages. <br>
  
<br>
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When we start limiting things we potentially leave ourselves more open to legal issues. If you say something can't go through because it is unsafe, then let something else through, by implication you are saying that item is safe. When in doubt, we can disallow specific posts.''
  
==Approving new members versus open membership ­ pros & cons ==
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Moderators should also not [[Moderator_Manual:Mod_dos#Don.27t_.27forbid.27_WANTED_postings_as_a_category_from_your_board_for_ANY_period_of_time|forbid Wanted posts]] or [[Moderator_Manual:Mod_dos#Don.27t_require_that_members_MUST_make_an_OFFER_post_as_their_first_act_of_membership|require members to post an offer post before a wanted post]]
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==Approving new members versus open membership --­ pros & cons ==
  
<br>
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One of the decisions you will have to make as a moderator is whether you will approve new members for your group or allow everyone who applies to join the group. This is one of the [[How_To_Use_Mod_Tools#GroupOptions|Group Options]] in Mod Tools.
'''Advantages of approving new members'''
 
  
*Allows the owner to see who is applying to join<br>
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If you decide to go with the approval method, it's enough to ask for cross streets, postal codes, or area of town. Do NOT ask for personal information such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, etc. It is an invasion of our members' privacy and is not needed to keep a local group running smoothly. We also don't ask for this information as it exposes local volunteers and the organization overall to the risk of having and maintaining such information. If we don't have such info, we don't risk it being accessed and something happening (robbery, stalking, you name it). Sharing such personal information also makes potential members uneasy. You can find more information in the [[Moderator_Manual:Mod_dos#Don.27t_ask_for_personal_information_when_approving_members|Moderator Manual]].
*Allows checking that an appropriate ID/email address is being used<br>
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For help on using the Moderator Tools to approve new members, [[How_To_Use_Mod_Tools#APPROVING_MEMBERSHIP|please click here]].
*Allows prevention of known spammer addresses from joining
 
*Allows owner to check that individual lives locally
 
  
<br>
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If you limit your group by geographic area, you will need to set up a file to go out automatically to ask them to reply with their postal code or landmark (or whatever). For information on using the Moderator Tools to create group files [[How_To_Use_Mod_Tools#GROUP_FILES|please click here]].
  
'''Disadvantages of approving new members'''
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Pros of open membership
 +
*Does not slow the joining process.
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*Much less work for the mods.
  
*Gives extra work to mods (work which may be wasted if person then doesn't participate in group)
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Pros of approving new members
*May put genuine, but new to Yahoo! members off
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*Allows checking that an appropriate ID/Email address is used, keeping in mind that appropriate is a subjective term.
*Slows the joining process down
 
*If kept, information in approval emails is affected by the [http://www.opsi.gov.uk/Acts/Acts1998/ukpga_19980029_en_1 Data Protection Act 1998]&nbsp; and makes the group owner open to [http://www.dca.gov.uk/foi/dpasaguide.htm Subject Access Requests]<br>
 
  
<br>
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==Having new members on moderation -- pros & cons ==
  
== Template replies to members: ­ Where can I see some?  ==
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As regards moderation, we ascribe to the motto of "Less is more." That is to say, always try to do the least amount of moderating, be it of new members or posts. You'll find there are good mechanisms in place for members to report spam to you directly, local and global hotword lists, and there is a central Spam Control team. As a result, we have very few issues with spam. On the other hand, we do have a problem when groups are 50% moderated and members leave because they can't get their posts approved in a timely manner (which for most people, honestly, means right away).
  
<br> We are not the police, but we are moderators upholding the guidelines set forth by Freecycle. We enforce our group only so far as to make sure the items changing hands are legal and age appropriate. You can have your personal feelings on whether or not things ought to be allowed to be posted ‐ just don't be driven by them. Follow the Freecycle guidelines and you can't go wrong ‐ that's really the simple way to do it, as it takes out the need to judge items. Then you can get back to just keeping things out of the landfills.  
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Pros of not having new members on moderation:
 +
*[[Moderator_Resources#HOTWORDS_.28on-site.2C_Freecycle.org_groups_only.29|Hotwords]] will flag most inappropriate posts and they will get caught in pending post queue. 
 +
*Less work for the mods.
 +
*Does not hold up posts that are appropriate.
 +
*Some members never post and stay on moderation indefinitely.  
  
Examples of when a message needs to be rejected:  
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Pros of modding new members:
 
+
*Reduces risk of that a spammer will post before Spam Control can remove them
#Item/service etc saves nothing from landfill
+
*Ensures that all new members' posts meet local group guidelines
#Subject line not correct with local policy and cannot be edited by mod/or has been edited repeatedly and it's time to reject so the member will notice
+
#Body of message not appropriate posting (guns, alcohol)
+
Be aware that if you do have new members on moderation it won't be long before your moderation percentage creeps up to unacceptable levels. To avoid this, it is necessary to either manually unmoderate all new members each month, which is a very slow process, or be prepared to do a full group unmod periodically. [[New_Moderator_Orientation#Moderated_vs._Unmoderated_Members|Click here for more information about unmoderating your group.]]
#Member attempting to place an Admin
 
#Taken message placed by recipient as well as offerer
 
#Message sent to group instead of an individual in reply to a post  
 
#SPAM (reject and BAN)
 
#Messages offering items for money, swaps or other 'strings'
 
#Number of wanted messages exceeds local policy
 
#Chit chat
 
#A post which is antagonistic or inflammatory to other members, or those that may start a debate such as religious or political statements.
 
#[[Sob_Stories|Sob stories]]
 
 
 
<br> How to reject a message:
 
 
 
#Click on the pending message
 
#If the message cannot be satisfactorily edited and needs to be reposted,
 
#send a message to the member by clicking "Reject" and typing a short message to the sender (suggestions above). Where appropriate, redirect the poster to an appropriate forum, such as a cafe group (for items such as vouchers, tickets or information for example)
 
#Use the drop down menu to show "delete" and delete the message
 
#Don't forget to Save Changes
 
 
 
<br>
 
 
 
----
 
<br>You will also find some UK‐specific template letters in the Files section of the UKMS website, here: [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UKmodsquad/files/Examples/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UKmodsquad/files/Examples/]
 
 
 
<br>
 
 
 
== Volunteering: How can I become more involved in Freecycle?  ==
 
 
 
There certainly are plenty of opportunities. If you are committed to Freecycle and have a little extra time to spare, please send an email to your local GOA, mentioning your interests and strengths and to find out more about the various voluntary opportunities within Freecycle.
 
 
 
<br>
 
 
 
== Where can I find a list of links and contact details for support and help?  ==
 
 
 
For written inquiries, write to:
 
The Freecycle Network™,
 
P.O. Box 294
 
Tucson, AZ 85702
 
 
 
<br>Useful links and addresses
 
*[[Moderator_Manual:How_to_Contact_Your_GOA|GOA contacts]]
 
*[mailto:graphics@freecycle.org Graphics Team]
 
*[[Press_Room|Media]]
 
*[[Moderator_Manual:Main_Page|Mod Manual]]
 
*[mailto:ngacoordinator@freecycle.org New Group Approver]
 
*Organizational Issues Discussion Group (OIDG) [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OIDG/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OIDG/]
 
*[[Moderator_Manual:Contact_Modsquad|Regional Modsquads]]
 
*[mailto:safety@freecycle.org Safety issues]
 
*[mailto:trademark@freecycle.org Trademark issues]
 
*[[Volunteering|Volunteering with Freecycle]]
 
  
== I’ve heard that Freecycle built a new website and is moving away from Yahoo. Is this true?  ==
+
== HOTWORDS ==
 +
‘Hotwords’ is a mod tool that filters only problem posts from unmoderated members with certain specified words in the title, location and body of the post into pending.  By using an effective hotword list you do not need to rely on moderation which filters all posts (good and bad) into pending.  The advantage of hotword over moderation then is that hotwords reduces the number of posts requiring approval thereby improving our members’ experience and reducing the amount of time/effort we spend moderating.
  
Yes and no. It is certainly true that a new website has been designed to meet the particular needs of mods and members, but there will be no obligation to move to the new arrangements (although it is hoped that most groups will move).  Check us out here at http://my.freecycle.org
+
To add hotwords go to 'info and options' and select the bottom option 'hotword management'. At the bottom of the screen (when your list gets long you may have to scroll down), is a box to add new hotwords.  Just type a word in the box and click the 'add new hotword' button.  If you make a typo, just click the delete button next to the incorrect word and then click 'back to hotwords' and scroll down to find the box again and retype the word.
  
= Hotwords? (my.freecycle only)=
+
You can also add/remove words as you go along and as problems arise.  This way over time your hotword list will become specific to your group.
 
+
=== What are hotwords and how can I use them? ===
== What is a hotword and how can I use them? ==
 
  
 
#What does the Hotwords tool/list do?  It enables you as the local moderator to add terms to a hotwords list which causes any post with that word to automatically default to being moderated/approved by you regardless of whether the member is set to be moderated.
 
#What does the Hotwords tool/list do?  It enables you as the local moderator to add terms to a hotwords list which causes any post with that word to automatically default to being moderated/approved by you regardless of whether the member is set to be moderated.
#Is the tool available for Yahoo Groups, ie. groups that are not live / indie groups on site?  Unfortunately not. It's only for live / indie groups on site.
 
 
#What kind of words should I add to the list?  Spam, primarily with recurring terms such as "iPhone." But it's also handy for local groups with special local pet/animal rules to have all posts with "cat" or "dog" or "breeding" be automatically set for moderator approval. Terms like "drugs", or "money" might also be handy hotwords.
 
#What kind of words should I add to the list?  Spam, primarily with recurring terms such as "iPhone." But it's also handy for local groups with special local pet/animal rules to have all posts with "cat" or "dog" or "breeding" be automatically set for moderator approval. Terms like "drugs", or "money" might also be handy hotwords.
#Where do I find the list?  It's in the Mod Tools section of the website, left-hand column.
+
#Where do I find the list?  It's in the [[How_To_Use_Mod_Tools#HOTWORD_MANAGEMENT|Mod Tools section of the website, left-hand column.]]
 
#Why don't you do this centrally instead?  We do happen to have a central hotword list which is carefully monitored and updated. We can't share these words with you as it would clue in the bad guys/spammers though. The local lists just give you each a way to add your own terms locally too. Terms that appear in greater number in local groups will also send up international red flags for the central list too, of course.  This is a general list of hotwords many on My.Freecycle are utilizing.  Pick and choose those which are important to you!
 
#Why don't you do this centrally instead?  We do happen to have a central hotword list which is carefully monitored and updated. We can't share these words with you as it would clue in the bad guys/spammers though. The local lists just give you each a way to add your own terms locally too. Terms that appear in greater number in local groups will also send up international red flags for the central list too, of course.  This is a general list of hotwords many on My.Freecycle are utilizing.  Pick and choose those which are important to you!
  
== Hotword suggestions ==
+
For detailed information about [[How_To_Use_Mod_Tools#HOTWORD_MANAGEMENT|adding/editing Hotwords using Mod Tools, click here.]]
#'*540?* for those who do not allow phone numbers. '''please note: 540 is a general area code.  Insert your own area code.''' Also, please note: Do not use the ' before the number and after the question mark.
 
#Alert
 
#Borrow
 
#Breeding
 
#Curb
 
#Desperate
 
#Desperately
 
#Dire
 
#Drugs
 
#Ipad
 
#Ipod
 
#Lend
 
#Loan
 
#Pay
 
#Sale
 
#Swap
 
 
 
 
 
== Computer lingo ==
 
 
 
'''An explanation about hotwords lingo (techie speak):'''
 
 
 
Whitespace:
 
\s: matches any single character that is considered "whitespace".
 
 
 
In the ASCII range, \s matches the horizontal tab (\t ), the new line (\n ),
 
the form feed (\f ), the carriage return (\r ), and the space. (The vertical tab, \cK is not matched by \s.)
 
 
 
The exact set of characters matched by \s depends on whether the source string is in UTF-8 format
 
and the locale or EBCDIC code page that is in effect. If it's in UTF-8 format, \s matches what is considered whitespace in the Unicode
 
database; the complete list is in the table below.
 
 
 
Otherwise, if there is a locale or EBCDIC code page in effect, \s matches whatever is
 
considered whitespace by the current locale or EBCDIC code page.
 
 
 
Without a locale or EBCDIC code page, \s matches the five characters mentioned
 
in the beginning of this paragraph.
 
 
 
Perhaps the most notable possible surprise is that \s matches a non-breaking space only if the non-breaking space is in a UTF-8 encoded string or the locale or EBCDIC code page that is in effect has that character. See Locale, EBCDIC, Unicode and UTF-8.
 
(source: http://perldoc.perl.org/perlrecharclass.html#Backslashed-sequences)
 
 
 
 
 
'''An explanation about hotwords lingo (translated for the non-techie):'''
 
 
 
Whitespace: spaces, tabs and new lines
 
 
 
Should I include punctuation as a separator? I'm trying to keep it
 
simple enough so that it doesn't require a long explanation for new
 
and/or not-computer-inclined Mods, but still powerful enough so that we
 
don't have to have hundreds of hotwords as spammers mutate their text.
 
 
 
 
 
Personally, I'd try:
 
 
 
'*516?*'
 
 
 
The first * will match any leading parenthesis, if present - I don't
 
expect many people will have the number 516 at the start or in the
 
middle of a word, so I'm happy that'll have a low false-positive rate.
 
 
 
The ? will match one letter - including spaces - and the * will gobble
 
up anything immediately following it (in this example, at least the
 
first batch of 222). Same as above regarding false-positives.
 

Latest revision as of 17:25, 26 May 2021



Now that FC3 is live, this page is obsolete. Please click here for the updated version





RESOURCES ­ FOR MODS

Members' Guide to Freecycle.org

Using the Moderator Tools

Click here for a user guide to Mod Tools.

Promoting and building your group

Moderator Discussion Groups

Click here for a current list of moderator discussion groups.
Important: All mods need to join moderator discussion groups with at least a "Special Notices" setting. This is in order to ensure that mods do not miss important announcements or the opportunity to take part in Freecycle polls. You must also make sure to follow the guidelines at the above link in order to expedite membership approval.

Tips for groups that allow pet posts

Volunteering: How can I become more involved in Freecycle?

There certainly are plenty of opportunities. If you are committed to Freecycle and have a little extra time to spare, please send an email to your local GOA, mentioning your interests and strengths and to find out more about the [various voluntary opportunities] within Freecycle.

Translations

Click here for a list of available translations

Graphics – general, seasonal or personalized

Contact the Graphics Team for help if you would like a personalized graphic for your own group.

In your initial email please try to give as much information as possible, your group address, a reply email address and specific information about your area or ideas you have for the graphic ‐ please discuss these ideas with your co‐mods before contacting the team.

If you produce your own graphic using our trademarked logo, please contact your GOA and check that it is compliant before using it as there are lots of rules relating to this.

Your initial email may be answered from the Custom Graphics Team address but once your project has been assigned the emails will come from a member of the volunteer team. If you haven’t had a reply once you have been assigned a volunteer please check your spam folder for their reply! The requests are taken in date order and could take a few weeks if they are busy ‐ but please email the GOA if you haven't had a reply within two weeks.


Where to go if you need help

Group Outreach and Assistance volunteers ­

The Freecycle Group Outreach and Assistance (GOA) volunteers are available as a resource for mods, to offer support to groups and help them over any Freecycle issues (not just any difficulties) they may be facing. GOA volunteers have the authority and experience to be the final arbiter of any and every issue out there.

If you are unsure of how to proceed with an issue, especially a delicate or confidential one that would be inappropriate to post on the Freecycle Leadership Community, then your first port of call should be the GOA. Issues may be because of rival/rogue 'Freecycle' groups; misuse of the Freecycle name; questions about group splits, problems relating to relationship with local authorities, sensitive issues with fellow mods or neighboring groups, general concerns or requesting removal of members; or just to let them know about something good that has happened within your group, etc.

They are also volunteers just like everyone else, and may be pushed for time with many complex and sensitive jobs, so do be patient unless you are having a group emergency.

Click here for a list of GOAs and their email addresses.

Holiday and Emergency Cover: ­ How can I get help?

We encourage you to recruit a backup moderator(s) for your group as soon as possible to avoid the need to arrange cover for holidays and emergencies. With your own team in place it is much easier to run your group as it is no longer just dependent on your own efforts. It provides a natural way of having cover for holidays, emergencies and if you just want a day off! It also means there will be cover if you lose internet connection or have something happen which means you have to be away for some time.

If you don’t have a backup in place yet your GOA can arrange for an interim moderator to provide a holiday and emergency cover service for the period of time you need cover. To arrange this, please contact your GOA.

If at all possible give at least a few days notice as it takes time to get set up. If it is an emergency they will work with you to find a way. Please just contact them as soon as you know that you need cover.

I need a new moderator or two. What is the procedure for recruiting a new co-moderator?

Here is everything you need to know for recruiting a new co-mod. Feel free to contact your GOA if you have any problems or concerns.

I need to step down as moderator. What do I need to do?

If you need to pass on your Freecycle, group, here's where you would start

My group is too big or too small or needs to be renamed

  • If your group covers too large a geographic area, contact your GOA to split your group into two or more groups. Make sure you have mods in place from each of the new groups before contacting Goa. Keep in mind:
1. Moderators can only moderate one group
2. Moderators must live where the group is located.
  • If your group covers too small a geographic area and the moderators of a neighboring group agree, you may contact your GOA to discuss merging your groups.
  • If you need to change the name of your group for some reason, contact your GOA

Problem members

If a member is troubling you or another member, let your GOA know about it. If it is appropriate for the member to be removed, GOA will initiate the process.

Technical problems

As Moderator, you will occasionally encounter glitches with the system, and you will hear from members who suspect things aren't working the way they should. This section tells you where to report problems and describes the information you need to provide when reporting problems. Use the who, what, when, and where approach to analyze the error and learn where to report the error.

Always include your Group name and Unique TFN Group ID number which are found on your Information page.

List of known tech issues

Before reporting an error, take a moment to find out if it's a known issue.

Where to report an error

First, choose the appropriate site for reporting your problem. There are four choices:

  1. Tech Discussion Group/(formerly known as FIOD) -- You can post any technical problem or question on FIOD and get a quick response by other moderators. The tech team also monitors FIOD and will take care of problems that need attention. Click here for more information on how to join.
  2. For members only -- If your error involves a member experiencing anything you don't know how to fix, nor does anyone on FIOD, Here is how your member can contact us.
  3. For Moderators only -- If the error can't be resolved through FIOD, contact SiteModHelp@freecycle.org. Always include your Group name and Unique TFN Group ID number which are found on your Information page. Please don't give the SiteModhelp address to members.
  4. Any other issue that doesn't fit into the above categories -- please refer your member to our Support team for help.

Please note: If you are a member of a Freecycle.org team, please report technical issues to your Team Leader rather than going through FIOD or SiteModHelp. See your team's wiki for more information.

How to report an error

When reporting an error, a proper who, what, when and where error report must include the following.

These are mandatory:

  • The group name or number.
  • The User ID or email address.
  • Post ID (if relevant)
  • The name of virus protection being used.
  • The name of ad blocker being used.
  • The web browser being used.
  • The operating system being used.
  • The name of the internet provider and if it is dial up, or broad band, or a wireless hot spot Wi-Fi, or Satellite, or FIOS, DSL
  • The URL of the page the error happened. Example: http://moderator.Freecycle.org/login or http://my.Freecycle.org etc.
  • Which computer is being used, example, a work computer - a library computer - a smart phone (include brand, i.e. iPhone or Windows or Android)

These are helpful and may be asked in follow up emails:

  • Describe (or provide screen shot) of error message displayed on screen
  • Describe what steps you have already tried. Example: I used a different browser - I shut down the computer using the Ctrl + f5 key for a fresh restart - I closed and reopened the browser - I tried a different browser - I tried a different computer - I tried a different ISP provider - I cleared the browsers cache - I cleared browser cookies - I cleared browsers temp internet files - I removed saved passwords from the browser - I removed bookmark and typed Freecycle.org to get the newest cookie then re-bookmarked the newer page

For Members With Problems Signing up or Signing in (My.Freecycle)

First give them the following step-by-step instructions:

STEP-BY-STEP SIGN UP LETTER
There are two steps to joining a Freecycle.org group. First, you must create an account on Freecycle.org, then join the local group or groups of your choice. The steps for both are outlined below: First, create a user account:
  1. Go to http://my.freecycle.org/signup
  2. Enter your desired User ID
  3. Enter your desired email address
  4. On the next line, create a password that is easy to remember
  5. Enter the password again to confirm accuracy
  6. Click on the "I'm Not a Robot" Captcha box
  7. Toggle the terms of use box on the right, then click the Sign Up button
  8. Once you click the Sign Up button you will be a member of Freecycle.org. Now you need to join your local Freecycle.org group
  9. Click on the MYGROUPS tab.
  10. Enter your local group name or postal code into the search box and click search
  11. Click on JOIN this group on the far right
Repeat steps 8-10 to join other groups nearest your home or workplace. Some groups choose to approve members. If that is the case with the group you have chosen, you will be contacted by a moderator for more information before you are approved for membership. Otherwise, you will now be a member of Freecycle.org and also the local group of your choice.

If a member continues to have problems signing up or signing in, please share the Support contact information.

For Members with Password Problems

If a member forgets or loses their password and requests a new temporary password, keep in mind that the new password is case sensitive. Our system always uses uppercase and passwords are 8 characters long. Tell the member to enter the password exactly as it is sent to them, using copy and paste if possible. Temporary passwords are only good for one log-in and expire after 24 hours.

Noisy or inappropriate ads on Freecycle.org

If you or a member of yours has noticed a particularly annoying ad on Freecycle.org with sound and you'd like to report this for removal please take the following steps:

  1. Do a screenshot of the page showing the exact ad.
  2. Quickly right mouse click on the ad and then on "Inspect Element". On some browsers it might say simply "Inspect". Scroll down in this code to where the SOVRN or OpenX part starts in the "code" and screenshot that too (this code line may also be green or highlighted).
  3. If this does not work, hover over ad, right click and copy link location.
  4. Email both screenshots to sitemodhelp@freecycle.org.


For mobile device users:

  • Android: In the Chrome browser, go to the website you want to inspect. In the address bar, type "view-source:" before the "http" and reload the page.The whole elements of the page will be shown.
  • IOS: From the Safari menu bar click Safari > Preferences then select the Advanced tab. Select Show Develop menu in menu bar. Now click Develop from the menu bar, click Show Web Inspector.

Pop-up ads

Click here for information on how to deal with persistent pop-up ads or other malware.

Other Member Problems

For member problems you are unable to solve, refer them to:

  • For all member questions and issues, including username and password help, help using the Freecycle.org website, taking a complaint to the next level, and any form of special assistance (pre-approved use of logo or trademark, press contacts, etc.), please refer your member to Support.

Spammers and Scammers

Local moderator decisions

Ideally mods shouldn't be limiting what members offer over and above the basics within the required guidelines. The more freedom we can give the members the better. As a moderator your job is to make sure things are free, legal, and appropriate to all ages.

When we start limiting things we potentially leave ourselves more open to legal issues. If you say something can't go through because it is unsafe, then let something else through, by implication you are saying that item is safe. When in doubt, we can disallow specific posts.

Moderators should also not forbid Wanted posts or require members to post an offer post before a wanted post

Approving new members versus open membership --­ pros & cons

One of the decisions you will have to make as a moderator is whether you will approve new members for your group or allow everyone who applies to join the group. This is one of the Group Options in Mod Tools.

If you decide to go with the approval method, it's enough to ask for cross streets, postal codes, or area of town. Do NOT ask for personal information such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, etc. It is an invasion of our members' privacy and is not needed to keep a local group running smoothly. We also don't ask for this information as it exposes local volunteers and the organization overall to the risk of having and maintaining such information. If we don't have such info, we don't risk it being accessed and something happening (robbery, stalking, you name it). Sharing such personal information also makes potential members uneasy. You can find more information in the Moderator Manual. For help on using the Moderator Tools to approve new members, please click here.

If you limit your group by geographic area, you will need to set up a file to go out automatically to ask them to reply with their postal code or landmark (or whatever). For information on using the Moderator Tools to create group files please click here.

Pros of open membership

  • Does not slow the joining process.
  • Much less work for the mods.

Pros of approving new members

  • Allows checking that an appropriate ID/Email address is used, keeping in mind that appropriate is a subjective term.

Having new members on moderation -- pros & cons

As regards moderation, we ascribe to the motto of "Less is more." That is to say, always try to do the least amount of moderating, be it of new members or posts. You'll find there are good mechanisms in place for members to report spam to you directly, local and global hotword lists, and there is a central Spam Control team. As a result, we have very few issues with spam. On the other hand, we do have a problem when groups are 50% moderated and members leave because they can't get their posts approved in a timely manner (which for most people, honestly, means right away).

Pros of not having new members on moderation:

  • Hotwords will flag most inappropriate posts and they will get caught in pending post queue.
  • Less work for the mods.
  • Does not hold up posts that are appropriate.
  • Some members never post and stay on moderation indefinitely.

Pros of modding new members:

  • Reduces risk of that a spammer will post before Spam Control can remove them
  • Ensures that all new members' posts meet local group guidelines

Be aware that if you do have new members on moderation it won't be long before your moderation percentage creeps up to unacceptable levels. To avoid this, it is necessary to either manually unmoderate all new members each month, which is a very slow process, or be prepared to do a full group unmod periodically. Click here for more information about unmoderating your group.

HOTWORDS

‘Hotwords’ is a mod tool that filters only problem posts from unmoderated members with certain specified words in the title, location and body of the post into pending. By using an effective hotword list you do not need to rely on moderation which filters all posts (good and bad) into pending. The advantage of hotword over moderation then is that hotwords reduces the number of posts requiring approval thereby improving our members’ experience and reducing the amount of time/effort we spend moderating.

To add hotwords go to 'info and options' and select the bottom option 'hotword management'. At the bottom of the screen (when your list gets long you may have to scroll down), is a box to add new hotwords. Just type a word in the box and click the 'add new hotword' button. If you make a typo, just click the delete button next to the incorrect word and then click 'back to hotwords' and scroll down to find the box again and retype the word.

You can also add/remove words as you go along and as problems arise. This way over time your hotword list will become specific to your group.

What are hotwords and how can I use them?

  1. What does the Hotwords tool/list do? It enables you as the local moderator to add terms to a hotwords list which causes any post with that word to automatically default to being moderated/approved by you regardless of whether the member is set to be moderated.
  2. What kind of words should I add to the list? Spam, primarily with recurring terms such as "iPhone." But it's also handy for local groups with special local pet/animal rules to have all posts with "cat" or "dog" or "breeding" be automatically set for moderator approval. Terms like "drugs", or "money" might also be handy hotwords.
  3. Where do I find the list? It's in the Mod Tools section of the website, left-hand column.
  4. Why don't you do this centrally instead? We do happen to have a central hotword list which is carefully monitored and updated. We can't share these words with you as it would clue in the bad guys/spammers though. The local lists just give you each a way to add your own terms locally too. Terms that appear in greater number in local groups will also send up international red flags for the central list too, of course. This is a general list of hotwords many on My.Freecycle are utilizing. Pick and choose those which are important to you!

For detailed information about adding/editing Hotwords using Mod Tools, click here.