Welcome to Give 'n' Take - the easy way to find a home for unwanted items.
You've probably heard the mantra Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - well this is all about the 'reuse' part of that - finding homes for items that would otherwise end up in landfill.
So you've posted an offer or request on the list - but what happens next...?
Your item will show as 'pending' on your list until a moderator approves it. The moderators are all volunteers, so be patient.
Moderators can approve your item, edit or re-categorise your item, or reject it if it breaks the rules.
Once your item has been approved by a moderator, it will appear on the main Give 'n' Take page for all to see.
You can go back and edit your item at any time if you like, but be aware it will need re-approving if you do.
Hopefully someone will be interested in what you've posted, and they'll send you a message. These messages will appear on your user page (click your username at the top of the screen), the main Give 'n' Take page when you're logged in, and will also show when you view your item. Only you and the sender can see these messages.
At this stage, it's up to you - you might want to take the first offer you get, or wait a few days to give other people a chance to respond. You can reply to messages and find out more about why an item is wanted.
Once you're happy, agree with the other person when and where to hand over the item. Remember, it must be a gift - no strings attached, no money changing hands.
At this point, go back into the item and press the 'mark as taken' button - this lets everyone know the item is no longer available. After a week of showing as taken, it will automatically disappear off the lists.
If for some reason the handover falls through, while the item is showing as 'taken' it can be re-edited and put back on the list.
@mythornbury