May 12 2008
Boy are people annoying!
I started a local Freecycle(TM) group a few years ago. We’ve had pet posts without issue (mostly) for that time. In the last month twice when animals were posted one or two people took it upon themselves to pontificate about how animals are not disposable and how you need to think before taking on a pet…blah blah blah. Yes, they’re right. No, it’s not their place to go on about it.
Today, someone decided to announce in the group that there should no longer be animal posts. She specifically called out two or three individuals. I sent an announcement to the list that I would post a poll for people to vote on whether or not pet offers and wanteds should be permitted but asking that there be no further discussion on-list or messages to individuals about the situation.
Then she decided to go to the moderator manual (bonus points for good research skills!) 
and sent me a detailed message telling me what the national organization says (suggests) be done related to pets. I commended her passion and concern for the animals that were being offered. I almost asked if she wanted to be the pet moderator, but I decided that I didn’t really want to have to deal with her as a “helper” when she doesn’t seem to understand how to communicate with others in a kind way.
I got home to about eight messages about the issue and decided that I needed to put the whole group on moderation until things settle down. One woman who works for several animal rescue groups sent me a message too. I did ask her if she’d be interested in being the pet mod, so we’ll see what happens there. I just hope it all settles out quickly!
