Hey all -

I just wanted to make everyone aware of a possible problem we’re having with Yahoo. We’ve had a number of pending members say over the past few weeks that they returned the “application” they’re required to fill out before we approve their memberships. However, none of us moderators are able to find the missing emails in our KC Freecycle mail folders!

Since all email sent to kcfreecycle-owner [at] yahoogroups.com is forwarded – by Yahoo – to each individual moderator’s email address, I suspect that something is happening on Yahoo’s end so that the email is not being forwarded to us.

So, if you need to contact a moderator; are waiting for your pending membership to be approved; or know of someone who’s having trouble getting into the group, please CC the individual moderators’ email addresses when you’re attempting to contact us.

Here are the email addresses, in a block, that you should use.

kcfreecycle-owner [at] yahoogroups.com, brooke [at] kcfreecycle.org, craig [at] kcfreecycle.org, danielle [at] kcfreecycle.org, shelly [at] kcfreecycle.org, sheree [at] kcfreecycle.org, kelly [at] kcfreecycle.org, shane [at] kcfreecycle.org

(Just replace the [at] with @ in order to make each email address valid.)

We’re very sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused, but trust me when I say that Yahoo’s sub-par performance has been insanely frustrating for us mods as well.

Kelly G.
KC Freecycle list owner
kelly [at] kcfreecycle.org

——————

Tagged: kcfreecycle yahoo email admin pending members pending memberships

Hey fellow freecyclers -

Your holiday moderator here, with a general reminder about requests for information and other intangibles. Keep in mind that this email is NOT directed towards any one individual, but rather is being sent to the list as a whole as a general reminder.

As always, requests for “intangibles” – such as information (“Does anyone know where can I buy this widget?”) and services (“WANTED: Ride to Colorado”) – are not allowed on Kansas City Freecycle. Requests that involve money or trading, even if indirectly (again, such as asking where an item may be purchased) are not appropriate for a Freecycle list, either. Copied below are the relevant rules that explain why this is.

When in doubt, please read through the list rules (www.kcfreecycle.org/rules/) and Netiquette (www.kcfreecycle.org/netiquette/). If you’re still questioning whether a post is acceptable, please email the moderators. All our contact info is available on the main Yahoo group page (groups.yahoo.com/group/kcfreecycle/).

And, of course, never assume that something is ok just because you saw another list member do it. Most of the list is unmoderated, meaning that these members’ posts are sent to the board without first being reviewed by the moderators. Rest assured that we handle all incorrect/inappropriate posts as they come to our attention.

Thanks for another year of freecycling. Here’s to a happy, clutter-free 2008!

- Kelly G.
KC Freecycle list owner
kelly [at] kcfreecycle.org

(more…)

Update, 11/1/07:

Also, please be aware that teflon can be toxic to birds, as well as some other commonly kept pets.

See, for example, Teflon Toxicity (PTFE Toxicosis) in Birds.

Birds are susceptible to a respiratory condition called “teflon toxicity” or “PTFE poisoning/toxicosis.” Deaths can result from this condition, which is due to the noxious fumes emitted from overheated cookware coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This chemical is found on most non-stick cookware and appliances, some stain repellant products, and other household items.

(Or just Google teflon and birds.)

Thanks to list member Michael for the reminder.

———————-

Hey folks,

Just passing along an email from a concerned list member regarding teflon pans. As always, we urge you to use caution when giving or receiving items via Freecycle, whether it’s a car seat, dog food, baby toys, etc.

For more info, please see our Safety Tips at www.kcfreecycle.org/safety/. We also have a list of recall and safety links on our website at www.kcfreecycle.org/ (look to the right hand sidebar).

- Kelly G., KCF list owner
kelly [at] kcfreecycle.org

—– Original Message —–
Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2007 10:05 PM
Subject: Kc Freecycle Concern

I know its a common practice to give away used teflon pans but it really worries me that people are not informed about the danger of the practice of using a teflon pan that the coating has been damaged or is peeling off.

I can be toxic and can make someone seriously ill. I have seen these given away lots of times on here but I just wanted you all to get together and decide if a warning to others should be issued, so that they could make an informed decision before offers or recieving.

Here are a few links I searched out for you, so that you could see for yourselves and make a choice. At least, I feel better knowing that I tried to get the word out to others of the potential danger this poses to their health.

www.care2.com/greenliving/dangers-of-teflon.html

answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070226232707AAQ5eOG

www.hsibaltimore.com/ealerts/ea200507/ea20050713.html

Thanks for listening.

———————-

(Read this ADMIN message on Yahoo…)

———————-

Tagged: kcfreecycle safety teflon pans freecycle recycle reuse

(Crossposted from the KC Freecycle Yahoo Group.)

Greetings, KC Freecycle Members! After a short time off for maternity leave, I am pleased to announce my return, and I’ve brought someone along with me to help out as new moderator.

I would like to introduce my husband, Craig, as one of the new moderators to KC Freecycle. He will be handling Fridays and helping
me with problem resolution, among other things.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please e-mail ALL the mods at kcfreecycle-owner [at] yahoogroups [dot] com OR personally at:

Ann: ann [at] kcfreecycle [dot] org
Brooke: brooke [at] kcfreecycle [dot] org
Danielle: danielle [at] kcfreecycle [dot] org
Dawn: dawn [at] kcfreecycle [dot] org
Sheree: sheree [at] kcfreecycle [dot] org
Shelly: shelly [at] kcfreecycle [dot] org
Craig: craig [at] kcfreecycle [dot] org

Shelly, KC Freecycle™ Co-Moderator
shelly [at] kcfreecycle [dot] org

(Crossposted on kcfreecycle)

Hey there folks -

Your lurking list owner here, just popping in to tell y’all what’s new on the Kansas City Freecycle website, www.kcfreecycle.org.

The short version:

I decided to scrap the KC Animal Shelters & Rescue Orgs and KC Charity Database sections of the website; while the Charity Database is gone, I have created a new “Animals & Freecycle” page to replace the old database. I’ve also started a delicious account to keep track of “green” links and share them with readers of our blog (which is located on the main page of the website).

The long version:

1) The KC Animal Shelters & Rescue Orgs page (formerly located at www.kcfreecycle.org/shelters) used to house a searchable database of local KC area animal rescue groups and shelters. However, I hadn’t updated it in a loooong time, so the info was woefully out of date. Since creating it (years ago now), I’ve also discovered a number of national websites that provide similar services; for example, Petfinder allows users to search for an animal to adopt (by species, breed, sex, size, age, region, etc.), as well as view a list of local rescue orgs in any given area. So now, instead of maintaining our own database, I have a list of links to such websites; just look to the right hand sidebar under “Animal Adoption”, and you’re good to go.

The explanation of our no-animal policy, which also used to be located at www.kcfreecycle.org/shelters, has been updated, expounded upon, and moved to our NEW “Animals & Freecycle” page at www.kcfreecycle.org/animals-and-freecycle/. In addition to explaining why we don’t allow animals, it also provides info on how to rehome an animal yourself; adoption resources; and, perhaps most importantly, a list of contacts who can help you find an animal to adopt, rehome an animal you can no longer care for, find affordable veterinary care, deal with animal behavior issues, and more.

*** Now comes our call for “Animal Outreach Volunteers”.***

If you’re involved in the local animal rescue community, and you would like to offer your expertise to the Kansas City Freecycle community, please email me at kelly [at] kcfreecycle.org.

It’s pretty simple: I’ll just list your name, affiliation, and contact info (email address, phone number, or whatever else you feel comfortable providing) on our website under the question “Help! I’m having trouble finding a good home for my dog. Is there someone I can talk to?” (www.kcfreecycle.org/animals-and-freecycle/#animalads09). Then members can email you with any questions or concerns they have regarding finding or rehoming a pet/animal (or otherwise caring for one).

Please, though, I’d like to limit this to folks with animal rescue experience. A love for animals, while admirable, isn’t enough here!

2) I decided to scrap the KC Charity Database (www.kcfreecycle.org/charity) for the same reason – not enough time or resources to update it. In lieu of our own database, I compiled a list of links to similar websites. Again, they’re listed on the main page of our website, on the right hand sidebar, under “Find a Charity”.

By the by, there are a ton of other links up there too; local enviro groups, KC Buy/Sell/Trade sites, Recall and Safety info, Reduce/Reuse/Recycle stuff – you’ll find it all! If you know of something that should be up there but isn’t, shoot me an email.

3) On the main page of our website are the latest blog entries. As you can see, we don’t post much; there have only been 20 posts since we started the blog last May! Even though I find tons of links and stories I’d like to share, I don’t really have much time to write a whole long entry. So. I’m going to try saving interesting “green” links I come across with delicious (del.icio.us/), and then setting my delicious account up so that it posts those links to the KCF blog daily.

Until I get that set up, you can view the Kansas City Freecycle delicious account here: del.icio.us/kcfreecycle.

Any questions?

Direct any website-related inquiries to me, the webmistress.

- Kelly G., Kansas City Freecycle List Owner
kelly [at] kcfreecycle.org

Due to a rash of animal postings, I thought a reminder might be in order. Animals are still not – and never will be – allowed on Kansas City Freecycle.

As always, when you have a question or concern about the rules, you can:

1 – Read up on the latest version on our website at www.kcfreecycle.org/rules/

2 – Email the moderators at kcfreecycle-owner [at] yahoogroups.com

DO NOT

1 – Assume that a rule has been changed, or that something is a-ok, just because you see other members doing it. Most members are not on moderation, meaning that their emails are sent directly to the list when they post them. I.e., the mods do not read and review *every single message* before it’s allowed on to the list. Thus, you’ll occasionally see some inappropriate postings…which the mods also see, and deal with privately, off-list. Just because you didn’t see someone receive a strike/warning and/or be put on moderation, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.

2 – Post your questions and/or snarky comments to the list. Please email the mods off-list rather than start a discussion here.

3 – Email members who post inappropriate messages privately to castigate them. Just let us know what’s up (if we haven’t gotten ’round to it already), and we’ll handle it.

If you need an animal that you need to place in a new home, or if you’re looking for a furry friend to adopt, please see our list of shelters/rescue groups at www.kcfreecycle.org/shelters. Petfinder.com is also an excellent resource.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled freecycling!

- Kelly G.
KC Freecycle List Owner
kelly [at] kcfreecycle.org

(Crossposted from the KC Freecycle Yahoo Group page.)

Howdy folks -

Sorry to deluge y’all with yet another ADMIN message, but I wanted to remind everyone to check your cat and dog food before freecycling it. As you probably know, Menu Foods, “the leading North American manufacturer of private-label wet pet food products”, is in the midst of a major contamination scandal, with 16 confirmed deaths so far (and more to follow, no doubt).

According to the recall info page on their web site,

“The recall is limited to “cuts and gravy” style pet food in cans and foil pouches produced on specific dates and times between December 3, 2006, and March 6, 2007 in two of Menu’s plants. The recall affects 42 brands of cat food and 53 brands of dog food. In order to determine whether cat and dog food that your pet consumed is subject to recall, you should refer to the list of brand names on this website.”

They recommend that,

“If you are in possession of a variety or multi-pack, please be sure to check the individual can or pouch rather than relying solely on the date coding on the side of the carton.”

If you think that your cat or dog may have consumed contaminated foods, Menu Foods offers the following advice:

“If your pet is exhibiting any signs of kidney failure please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, disorientation and changes in water consumption and urination. If you suspect that you have fed the recalled pet food to your cat or dog, save any remaining pet food and the can or pouch. Open cans or pouches may be double-bagged in sealable plastic and kept in the freezer. ”

You can view a comprehensive list of the recalled products here:

Cat food: www.menufoods.com/recall/product_cat.html

Dog food: www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html

While we do ask that all members check for recall/safety issues on ALL items before offering them up on Freecycle (this includes not just foodstuffs, but other items as well, such as car seats and cribs, for example), we do realize that mistakes happen – which is why members on the receiving end of a freecycled item should check for safety and recall info, too. And two sets of eyes are certainly better than one!

If you have any questions/comments on the Menu Foods recall, feel free to email me off-list at kelly [at] kcfreecycle [dot] org – or take your discussion over to the KC Chat Cafe.

Now back to your regularly scheduled freecycling!

Kelly G.
KC Freecycle List Owner
kelly [at] kcfreecycle [dot] org

You might be wondering what the heck National Pet Theft Awareness Day has to do with Freecycle, so allow me to ‘splain.

Every year Last Chance for Animals sponsors a National Pet Theft Awareness Day. While LCA’s definition of “pet theft” includes the obvious examples – literally, a thief who steals your dog, cat, snake, etc., from your home, yard, car, or whatnot – actions that we might not otherwise think of as “theft” are included as well. For instance, if an individual were to respond to your “free to good home” ad and promise to give your beloved Fluffy a good, loving home, and then turn around and sell her to a research lab – well, that’s pet theft. To be more specific, theft by deception. And it’s one of many reasons why we do not, under any circumstances, allow members to request or offer animals of any type on KC Freecycle.

For more information on our no-pet policy, please see our shelter page. You’ll find guidelines on adopting out an unwanted animal yourself, as well as a list of resources that can help you place your animal in a good home. If you’re looking to adopt, you can search the local shelters and rescue groups by type of animal.

Another great resource, which I’ve used with much success in the past, is Pet Finder. It allows you to search for a specific type of animal (if you want to adopt a furry/feathered/scaled friend) OR view a list of rescue groups in your area (if you need to rehome and animal). In fact, I recommend it over our shelter listings, simply because the groups update the information themselves!

In this vein, if you notice a mistake in any of our listings (or know of an organization that we’ve overlooked), please let us know. You can contact me personally at kelly [at] kcfreecycle [dot] org.

If you’d like to spread the word about National Pet Theft Awareness day, visit StolenPets.com for more information, as well as a slew of campaign materials.

Oh, and happy Valentine’s Day, too!

Hello everyone -

Just a reminder that we do not allow members to offer or request live animals. If you need to place an animal (or if you’d like to adopt one), we’ve compiled a searchable database of Kansas City area shelters and rescue groups. The list can be accessed at www.kcfreecycle.org/shelters, along with other resources regarding pet adoption (and a more detailed explanation of our “no pets” policy).

Also – we’ve had a huge increase in membership in the last day due to a great article in the KC Star. Please, everyone — new and old members — go read (or re-read) the rules at http://www.kcfreecycle.org/rules/. The moderators would much rather spend our time cleaning out our garages and basements and closets than rejecting your messages! Really!

Thanks,
Ann
KC Freecycle CoModerator

Please remember that we do NOT allow any type of discussion on list. Whether you’re flaming the moderators or supporting them, at the very least your message will be deleted and your account will be placed on permanent moderation.

If it doesn’t directly relate to keeping items out of landfills, don’t post it. If you’d like to contact the moderators directly, please feel free to do so at kcfreecycle-owner [at] yahoogroups [dot] com.