i have gotten a couple of free/cheap tv's to replace broken ones, have seen evidence of lost pets who have been found, people who have received assistance or been informed of what assistance and programs are available. we have had discussions on both good and bad experiences with businesses -and even remained civil! one experience i particularly remember that speaks to the hands-on nature of the founders/editors. i once posted for an elderly client who needed some work done. i received an email from michael wood-lewis gently telling me that they couldn't post it because, even though the person was not named, it was possible he could be identified by the way i requested the assistance and that i am associated with him. they didn't want him to be a target of fraud or abuse. i realized they were right and was so gratified that i and my client were saved from the repercussions of such a faux pas.
One important feature of FPF that wasn't mentioned is that every post shows the poster's real name, and where they live (not exact address, but what road). As a relative newcomer to my Vermont neighborhood, knowing that a given post comes from someone who lives just up the road helps build a feeling of connection, even if I don't recognize their name. I've also had the lovely experience of meeting someone new in the community, and having them say "Oh you're the person who recommended a contractor to my mom on FPF." FPF really does help connect people and build real (not just online) community.
i have gotten a couple of free/cheap tv's to replace broken ones, have seen evidence of lost pets who have been found, people who have received assistance or been informed of what assistance and programs are available. we have had discussions on both good and bad experiences with businesses -and even remained civil! one experience i particularly remember that speaks to the hands-on nature of the founders/editors. i once posted for an elderly client who needed some work done. i received an email from michael wood-lewis gently telling me that they couldn't post it because, even though the person was not named, it was possible he could be identified by the way i requested the assistance and that i am associated with him. they didn't want him to be a target of fraud or abuse. i realized they were right and was so gratified that i and my client were saved from the repercussions of such a faux pas.
One important feature of FPF that wasn't mentioned is that every post shows the poster's real name, and where they live (not exact address, but what road). As a relative newcomer to my Vermont neighborhood, knowing that a given post comes from someone who lives just up the road helps build a feeling of connection, even if I don't recognize their name. I've also had the lovely experience of meeting someone new in the community, and having them say "Oh you're the person who recommended a contractor to my mom on FPF." FPF really does help connect people and build real (not just online) community.
I appreciate your work behind this.