Marc, I think RCU getting involved, even in a small way, would be a nice touch. I had posted a suggestion (see post #105) to color code the post depending on whether you have something to give or something you need. I think this would streamline things a little because sooner or later there's going to be too many post to sort through. In affect choking the system. In general I would suggest the following to start with:

1. Color code the posts.

2. Cut out, as much as possible the back and forth chatter, keep it simple keep the clutter to a minimum. I like the idea of a classified type of setup, as was suggested. You could have a PIF Need topic and a separate PIF Have topic

3. RCU - change the - Pay it forward (Was freebie and fee engine) - header to something else. I'll bet if you read that header to everyone in the RCU community 99% wouldn't have a clue as to what it means. Sorry I don't have a good suggestion for a replacement at the moment.

4. RCU - Write up a short blurb about what this topic is about and send it out to as many RCU members as permitted.

5. RCU - Dishonesty will rear it ugly head now and then but I don't think it'll be a big problem but I do think RCU should flag a member who has abused the program.

6. Members on the receiving end should be expected to cover the postage. I don't mind sending something out here and there but it could get expensive for the sender if he/she has a lot of things to give to a lot of people. Maybe it should work like this. I send something out and pay for the shipping. The receiver sends back the shipping cost. If they don't then they should get flagged so everyone knows.

7. The first post should explain the purpose of PIF AND explain how it works, how posts are handled and the such. So that everyone is working on the same page.


Thanks again.