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

[Lois5669]

Originally Posted by Pjakrsn

Thanks for your quick reply
I just read that it doesn't work with aol so I'm not going to be able to do any of this anyway.
It sounded like a really good idea
even though it was very confusing and frustrating
so I 'm sitting here with 2 referrel links and can't do anything with them
can I give them away to someone who can use them?
or are they just void now because it's linked to me?

I would like to recommend getting PeoplePC as your internet service for doing this. It is only about $10 a month and it can be used for doing offers and freebie sites.

You can't give away your referral links..they won't hurt anything to just not use them for now. Maybe you can come back later and do this when you have a different Internet Service. :)

[lieraonig]

I agree. Read and then reread!
I even save some of the ones I might want to go over later.

[onnaholl]

great post!! Hadn't seen it before! Concise and to the point! Thanks monksmom!!

[monksmom]

Originally Posted by Pjakrsn

It's nice to know that everyone who has experience understands what you are saying.
I was a blank after the first paragraph

lol...and that's ok...as long as you understood the first paragraph:)

See, it's tremendously important for you..and all new folks...to know you can't be "had" here, you can't be taken...nothing bad can happen to you...IF you take a few moments and look over these rules:)

Masses of us can try and ensure you get a safe, healthy and productive start here....and try, we do...however, it does take YOU to also have a hand by knowing the rules as they apply to you...if you KNOW it's NOT ok for someone to contact you first, then by golly...YOU can do something about it!

If you KNOW someone can't leave unrequested visitor messages on your public profile, then YOU can do something about it:) Same with pms, friendship requests and especially those who will pm you with grand offers of help...that may not be that.

YOU can do something about that!

YOU as new folks DO have rights...the right not to be made to feel guilty or like you HAVE to trade with any one person or even complete a trade if something's just not right!

lol....ok, before I restate the entire first page, whelp...just read it:) Safe trading IS happy trading...and many a happy to all:)

ps. Thanks to everyone who's read this so far...honestly? I can see a difference...and I like it!! LOL

[md-phillips3]

This is a wonderful post for anyone new members to read. Monksmom you did a fine job on this. I will this for helping my new referrals or anyone who asks me about where they start now. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I am sure many will be using it for help.

[stewie]

great info

[monksmom]

Thanks:) And judging by the read count, it's getting read...and that was my main concern:)

[lieraonig]

So it is okay to send the newbies here to get advice?

[monksmom]

Heck, I use the link to this whenever possible...they need to know what's good and not so good when it pertains to them so anything that keeps them even a lil safer is a good thing...right???????? :)

[monksmom]

New folks? THIS is where you start...plain and simple:) Be safe...great opportunity if you know what to expect!

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:)

***If you prefer and need to close your thread, simply click the "Report" button and in the lil text box, type "Please close". It's that simple:)

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, as with every other member of flr has two "bumps" you may use each day. What that means is, you can post to a trader's thread just to say thanks or whatever, BUT you can only do that twice in one day.

***This does NOT include requesting to trade!!!!!!!!! You may post a hunnerd times if you like if you are seeking someone to work with and that does not affect your "bumps".

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!