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

[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...To Report...or Not to Report...and if you do, what to expect....

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...you will just need to be selective!

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.

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!
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4. 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!

5. 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:)

6. 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!

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 "Support" section, 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!

6/27/09 update...removed friend thread link

[silvervixen]

Amen to everything you said. Great post!

[monksmom]

Coming from you, I am honored...thank you:)

[zinlynn]

That was a great post, Monksmom, and, yes, I would love one of your chocolate chip cookies......bet they're yummie and I'm hungry for something sweet and home baked!!

[md-phillips3]

Terrific post you made. Simple, direct and clear advice. All new traders should read this.

[joeys1976]

Good job

[stewie]

nice job good info

[Toneemarie]

Simple, concise, there you have it folks.
Your startup guide..
Great job. MonksMom ^5
Tmarie \0)

[Lois5669]

This is really is something all newbies should be aware of. The rules are there to protect us all but especially you new traders.

Very well put together, monksmom!

[monksmom]

Thanks:) No matter how much we impress reading as key, it's also impressing upon new folks WHAT to read that is ultimately most important. FLR has pretty simple rules - they just need to be observed to keep trading safe. :)