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

[completeriver]

Great information, thanks!

[Miss Edie]

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.

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 site 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:)

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:)

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...and ask away! 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!

Awesome Info!

[Lucky777]

Once again MOM says what we need to know and hear...lol!!!

Monksmom you are awesome...you do know that I love ya right????...Fabulous post here...everyone should read this new and old alike!!! I even learned something new...

great job on this one!

[monksmom]

Thanks, ladies...you are pretty amazing yourselves:)

I feel sorry for new folks...here lately, all they see is a lot of negative garbage yet what they actually need to know is very little...and it's for their own protection!!

Firmly, firmly believe in safe trading as I know you do, too! Thanks...and here's to safe trading - for all:)

[monksmom]

We seem to be spending a great deal of time directing folks to alternative places around the forum in the appearance of pushing trades and that makes sense as money is the root here and why new folks come aboard.

However...in order to fully protect our new folks, they MUST be aware of the rules as pertaining to them...it is critical...as can anyone guarantee they will NOT be scammed? Will not be taken advantage of? Not be misused or misguided?

I thought not. Allow them to know what's in their best interest...first:) Thanks!

[md-phillips3]

A must read for anyone starting out here or needing a refresher course. It is explained in such an easy laid back way. Another one of my favorite posts here. Great Job!!

[Maribil17]

Monksmom. What a great answer! It is great that you took the time to write that and all the info is so good. I think I'll keep it just to read myself often. Continue success.

[lieraonig]

Mom always knows best

[monksmom]

Originally Posted by md-phillips3

A must read for anyone starting out here or needing a refresher course. It is explained in such an easy laid back way. Another one of my favorite posts here. Great Job!!

Originally Posted by Maribil17

Monksmom. What a great answer! It is great that you took the time to write that and all the info is so good. I think I'll keep it just to read myself often. Continue success.

Originally Posted by lieraonig

Mom always knows best

Thanks, folks...and please, all traders especially newly turned, feel free to also peek at the simplified version of the rules from the trader side...it may cover a few ass-ets down the road:)

[johnmanofjordan]

Great read Monksmom ,very informative