FreeLunchRoom - The #1 Freebie Trading Forum on the Internet! » Getting Down to Business » Member Tutorials

[daisyGA]

Thanks for this summary!!! good stuff:)

[monksmom]

Originally Posted by daisyGA

Thanks for this summary!!! good stuff:)

Thank you...for new folks, knowing the differences they can encounter will definitely make their lives easier starting out AND safer!!

Don't forget the simplified version of TRADER rules is here. Enjoy...and stay safe:)

[Lois5669]

Gonna get this up to the top so the newest members can see it! Great info here!

[monksmom]

HOW you start off is often more important than how you proceed:)

Originally Posted by monksmom

Since this one particular question has got to be the most asked as, well, look at this place!

Over 60,000 users, everyone waving their hand, trying to make you see them...lol...as natural as wondering...where do you start...well...

Where you start is by reading flr\'s rules.

Oh, I know...more reading...but these happen to be very important, both now and down the road. NOT knowing or understanding the rules is NOT an option. Just a lil head's up on that...

Failing to comply with the rules can lead to anything from having a one day ban all the way up to a permanent ban...and if you're serious about doing well here, I am pretty positive that's NOT what you want to happen!

FLR's rules...the simplified version:

The rules for new folks, ie, as a referral (NOT carrying a trade thread in signature block) -

1. Report anyone who contacts you in ANY way without your consent! That is spam. Period. Worried about what happens then? Read this...http://www.freelunchroom.com/board/m...at-expect.html.

2. You may contact anyone who carries a trade thread in their signature block. How would/will you know it's there? Look for comments like "Click here for my trades" or "Look here to see what I offer"...something along those lines. Bottom line, if they seem to be acting like a trader and have a full signature block, then by golly...consider them a trader!

3. You may NOT contact anyone else FIRST, meaning those withOUT a trade thread. Now, does this mean there's no way to make friends here or communicate with other new folks? Absolutely NOT!

FLR has given us a great link, the "Want more friends" thread. Post in there, asking folks to add you to their friends' list and poof...you've got friends! Also, if someone has posted there, you may add them anytime you like!

This is meant to be initial contact...and, once that first contact is made, then jump on in! Communicate with them, send cute graphics, chat, or ask about their day...it's all good & an EXCELLENT way to start up an incredibly awesome support network here!

You canNOT suggest trades, though, unless you are new and they have a trade thread. Don't lose sight of this...you may NOT contact "friends" to suggest or send them promotional materials where you will benefit unless THEY request it from you.

I can't count the number of times I've felt truly blessed...just to know my friends were even there! It will become like a second family...you'll worry if their dog gets potty trained...or if their son or daughter is having a bad time or even a good one...in essence, an extended family where you can share good...and bad.

And yes, you may most definitely share/discuss experiences with those in your "friends" group - just no trade solicitation unless they have expressed an implicit interest. Keep anything trade related in pms if at all possible. Remember, EVERYONE can read what's in those public notes...good AND bad!
.
4. If you start a thread in Looking to Complete Offers (LTCO) area, please be aware you will:

A. Get slammed with offers of "help", to include many that don't correspond to what you're looking for. Yes, many will be the exact same as posted in other LTCO threads, but some are set up to convey the same info to every new person.

B. That you have the right to NOT use any of them or contact all of the traders there...it's your call, just remember that once you've contacted someone(s), you've initiated communication...meaning now they can contact you all they want, within reason:)

C. If it gets to be too much, ask for the thread to be closed and move back into the main forum! There is a ton of help there, too...just peek around and trust your gut to find a mentor that fits YOUR needs, not you fit their agenda:)

***If you prefer once you decide to close your LTCO thread, simply hit the "Report" button on your original post and in the lil text box say "Please close". It's that simple!

****IF you decide to put up a trade thread, you MUST request your ltco thread closed. Period.

D. Realize traders are NOT being rude or disinterested if they do NOT reply in a pm if you have asked for one in your ltco thread. LTCO is a unique experience and can be so far past overwhelming that, well, folks have been known to change their mind and revoke that "pm me" comment. So, wiser traders are doing the smart thing...and waiting for YOU to reply to them:) It's all good...just covering their own ass-ets. Am sure you can understand that!

5. KNOW you are under NO obligation to work with anyone, trade with anyone, do any trade that you are not comfortable with or have any questions on/of.

YOU are NOT to feel obligated, guilty or coerced in ANY way to do anything in which you are not comfortable! I know I'm repeating myself here, but for some reason, this one fact just doesn't seem to be getting through!

6. The Status Line is NOT for promotional material of ANY kind! This is where you put "putting the kids on the bus" or "enjoying the day" or even "cruising flr"...NOT "looking to green for you" or "newbie wanting work"...NOTHING that resembles or suggests trades...got it? Kewl!

Yes, it seems like it should be the same thing as the Location section yet as you prollly weren't around when it was implemented, admin gave us this tool 'cause we wanted someplace to say...we'll be back...in a fast, easy manner. Thus, status line...fyi..it will get edited by a mod and you just never know what they may say:)

7. You may post a hunnerd times if you like if you are seeking someone to work with, wish to say "Hi" or anything else - as long as they carry a trade thread! (Referrals no longer bump (bump=bring up this thread) threads for those of you older new folks. If you are new new, then disregard #7 - how's that for confusing? )

Safe trading is happy trading...and happy is ALWAYS the preference when going after that free lunch!

And...if you have ANY concerns whatsoever, PLEASE contact one of our awesome moderators! Go to the main FLR page and scroll all the way to the bottom...you'll see a "Leaders" link, click there or click here - click in and look for someone who's user name says "Online Now"...and ask away.

If more than one is online, go ahead and send your questions or concerns to more than one person. These ladies do get busy and the best way to know you'll be handled efficiently is to make sure you're heard:)

No one online? It doesn't happen too often except in the early hours and if it does, STOP whatever it is you are doing or questioning until you can get ahold of someone who knows - like a moderator, Administrator or Gladiator. THEY have the magic answers to all:)

PLEASE be sure to read ALL of FLR\'s rules. This is not meant to be controversial, only a gauge for new folks to work with. Thanks!

12/31 last update

[yourgotoguyformow]

Good post! I think it helps clear up any confusion

[monksmom]

Thank you! lol...you just made my Christmas card list and I guarantee...it's a pretty small list:)

[monksmom]

Another "need to read" for new folks coming in...it really IS all about YOU:)

Originally Posted by monksmom

Since this one particular question has got to be the most asked as, well, look at this place!

Over 60,000 users, everyone waving their hand, trying to make you see them...lol...as natural as wondering...where do you start...well...

Where you start is by reading flr\'s rules.

Oh, I know...more reading...but these happen to be very important, both now and down the road. NOT knowing or understanding the rules is NOT an option. Just a lil head's up on that...

Failing to comply with the rules can lead to anything from having a one day ban all the way up to a permanent ban...and if you're serious about doing well here, I am pretty positive that's NOT what you want to happen!

FLR's rules...the simplified version:

The rules for new folks, ie, as a referral (NOT carrying a trade thread in signature block) -

1. Report anyone who contacts you in ANY way without your consent! That is spam. Period. Worried about what happens then? Read this...http://www.freelunchroom.com/board/m...at-expect.html.

2. You may contact anyone who carries a trade thread in their signature block. How would/will you know it's there? Look for comments like "Click here for my trades" or "Look here to see what I offer"...something along those lines. Bottom line, if they seem to be acting like a trader and have a full signature block, then by golly...consider them a trader!

3. You may NOT contact anyone else FIRST, meaning those withOUT a trade thread. Now, does this mean there's no way to make friends here or communicate with other new folks? Absolutely NOT!

FLR has given us a great link, the "Want more friends" thread. Post in there, asking folks to add you to their friends' list and poof...you've got friends! Also, if someone has posted there, you may add them anytime you like!

This is meant to be initial contact...and, once that first contact is made, then jump on in! Communicate with them, send cute graphics, chat, or ask about their day...it's all good & an EXCELLENT way to start up an incredibly awesome support network here!

You canNOT suggest trades, though, unless you are new and they have a trade thread. Don't lose sight of this...you may NOT contact "friends" to suggest or send them promotional materials where you will benefit unless THEY request it from you.

I can't count the number of times I've felt truly blessed...just to know my friends were even there! It will become like a second family...you'll worry if their dog gets potty trained...or if their son or daughter is having a bad time or even a good one...in essence, an extended family where you can share good...and bad.

And yes, you may most definitely share/discuss experiences with those in your "friends" group - just no trade solicitation unless they have expressed an implicit interest. Keep anything trade related in pms if at all possible. Remember, EVERYONE can read what's in those public notes...good AND bad!
.
4. If you start a thread in Looking to Complete Offers (LTCO) area, please be aware you will:

A. Get slammed with offers of "help", to include many that don't correspond to what you're looking for. Yes, many will be the exact same as posted in other LTCO threads, but some are set up to convey the same info to every new person.

B. That you have the right to NOT use any of them or contact all of the traders there...it's your call, just remember that once you've contacted someone(s), you've initiated communication...meaning now they can contact you all they want, within reason:)

C. If it gets to be too much, ask for the thread to be closed and move back into the main forum! There is a ton of help there, too...just peek around and trust your gut to find a mentor that fits YOUR needs, not you fit their agenda:)

***If you prefer once you decide to close your LTCO thread, simply hit the "Report" button on your original post and in the lil text box say "Please close". It's that simple!

****IF you decide to put up a trade thread, you MUST request your ltco thread closed. Period.

D. Realize traders are NOT being rude or disinterested if they do NOT reply in a pm if you have asked for one in your ltco thread. LTCO is a unique experience and can be so far past overwhelming that, well, folks have been known to change their mind and revoke that "pm me" comment. So, wiser traders are doing the smart thing...and waiting for YOU to reply to them:) It's all good...just covering their own ass-ets. Am sure you can understand that!

5. KNOW you are under NO obligation to work with anyone, trade with anyone, do any trade that you are not comfortable with or have any questions on/of.

YOU are NOT to feel obligated, guilty or coerced in ANY way to do anything in which you are not comfortable! I know I'm repeating myself here, but for some reason, this one fact just doesn't seem to be getting through!

6. The Status Line is NOT for promotional material of ANY kind! This is where you put "putting the kids on the bus" or "enjoying the day" or even "cruising flr"...NOT "looking to green for you" or "newbie wanting work"...NOTHING that resembles or suggests trades...got it? Kewl!

Yes, it seems like it should be the same thing as the Location section yet as you prollly weren't around when it was implemented, admin gave us this tool 'cause we wanted someplace to say...we'll be back...in a fast, easy manner. Thus, status line...fyi..it will get edited by a mod and you just never know what they may say:)

7. You may post a hunnerd times if you like if you are seeking someone to work with, wish to say "Hi" or anything else - as long as they carry a trade thread! (Referrals no longer bump (bump=bring up this thread) threads for those of you older new folks. If you are new new, then disregard #7 - how's that for confusing? )

Safe trading is happy trading...and happy is ALWAYS the preference when going after that free lunch!

And...if you have ANY concerns whatsoever, PLEASE contact one of our awesome moderators! Go to the main FLR page and scroll all the way to the bottom...you'll see a "Leaders" link, click there or click here - click in and look for someone who's user name says "Online Now"...and ask away.

If more than one is online, go ahead and send your questions or concerns to more than one person. These ladies do get busy and the best way to know you'll be handled efficiently is to make sure you're heard:)

No one online? It doesn't happen too often except in the early hours and if it does, STOP whatever it is you are doing or questioning until you can get ahold of someone who knows - like a moderator, Administrator or Gladiator. THEY have the magic answers to all:)

PLEASE be sure to read ALL of FLR\'s rules. This is not meant to be controversial, only a gauge for new folks to work with. Thanks!

12/31 last update

[infdecoy]

thanx great post, answers a lot of questions

[monksmom]

Originally Posted by infdecoy

thanx great post, answers a lot of questions

Good to hear! That was my hope when I created this...staying safe is akin to having fun and working happy here on this forum...it's a great place and hope you discover that yourself:)

[mitchman1213]

I like happy trading!