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using mobile phones for freecycle
I agree with your premise and am actively thinking about a solution.
My solution relies on the ability of most cellphones to create a Bluetooth piconet, usually with up to 7 other phones simultaneously when the phones are within 10m of each other.
In developing nations this occurs at school, at the market, at the local church/temple etc.
Offers may be exchanged during these gatherings.
Taking the idea one step further, by storing messages (just as e-mail does) the offers/requests can propogate much, much further.
-chris
i like the idea and think
i like the idea and think freecycle is a great organization.
here's a mashup that reminded me of the concept:
http://garbagescout.com/
Basically, you take a camera phone photo of some 'free' stuff that's out for trash and send it to their service with an address and they put it on a google map. Just for nyc.
Global Gifting Economy
I think this sounds like really great project and I am amazed at its potential. We are definitely a world on the move and our cell phones are almost an extension of our own being. Developing this fuctionality would bring Freecycle beyond even our laptops -- it will put it into the hands of anyone with a cell phone. I can't begin to think how much more this could expand the ability for people to gift and receive even without a computer. Most Excellent!
Freecucle again?
Freecycle again? You won last year like Maplight. You also have received thousands already. Step aside and give others the chance to win this year.
Great idea
This is a great idea, with the global growth of Freecycle on the internet, extending to mobile phones will enable a greater number of people to have access any time of day or night. No need to be 'tied' to their PC's.
Almost everyone these days has access to mobile phones, and people can access the Freecycle network, sending their offer/wanted requests to the group members. Greater flexibility of access will only lead to a larger growth factorto the network, and the options available for members to move unwanted items to people who can and want to receive them.
freecycle bs
Uhmm,, Yeah,, db has an idea that all his "Yes"Men/Women chime in to praise the messiah. What a CROCK!!
Freecycle rocks
It's amusing that some of the comments come from people who continue to fight against Freecycle (TM) and the trademark approval. As Freecycle moves forward with the website (which is in beta testing now) and the cell phone osmosis, we recognize that there will always be room for other recycling groups. It's a pity that some of the others can't concentrate on developing their own groups rather than trying to destroy Freecycle.
Ummm hardly
The website in beta testing is wreaking havoc within the community, as it was poorly rolled out (past beta, really, as it has been deployed) and was not thoroughly thought out in the first place.
Considering all the money that has been thrown at freecycle.org in the past, and how little there is to show for it, I'd say pass on this one.
Not to mention that the overblown rhetoric in the proposal is largely false. Nowhere close to "every humanoid carries such a medium" on there person. Not even remotely close. Unless you're daft enough to take the total population of earth and divide by the number of cell phones. But if you were to follow that logic, every "humanoid" also carries several billion ants on their person.
Maybe we could all just chip in and buy deron a clue instead?
Freecycle Collects on Behalf of Continued Website Development
Again, freecycle wants to win the award for what? According to the admin messages that have been going out on their internal moderator sites, the award money will be going to complete the website that has been ongoing for the last few years. Not a word was stated regarding this "project" proposal and how it would benefit anyone.
How many more years and how much more money is freecycle going to throw at their website? What happened to the money that was won last year to the tune of $10,000? Oh yes, that was also used to "develop the website". What exactly was the proposal for last year anyway?
Other projects are much more deserving than freecycle who already has grants from big contributors like Waste Management. And the founder, deron beal is drawing a paycheck. Maybe funds are drying up afterall. Need I say more????
Where is the IRS when you need them?
I hope that a member of the Federal IRS wakes up and investigates this alleged Non-profit! WAKE UP! INVESTIGATE!
People put your money to the good of our Earth! Not to another person getting killed while texting and driving. " Wanted: A Brand New Car......CRASH!!" Oops can't hit send with twisted wreckage wrapped around you:(
The Freecycle Network has turned into nothing but a place for people to beg for free stuff! The grassroots movement has turned into nothing but money in Beals personal pocket.
Just Say No!
Stop The Madness!
freecycle
I dont appreciate your "freecycle is a place for people to beg" comment. I'll have you know it is nice when you need to get rid of something and you know someone who needs it is going to be getting some use out of it. I just received a bag of maternity clothing, which i could not afford to buy during these economically hard times, from a lady who no longer needed them. What's wrong with connecting with people in this way. I am extremely grateful for her giving attitude. And I didn't have to throw money, which I didnt have, at new clothing that i'd only be wearing for a short period of time. This, in my opinion, is a good way to recycle.