I think Freecycle and Craigs List SUCK!!!

I've tried numerous times giving stuff away for free on our local freecycle and CL sites only to stay home answering a shitload of e-mail from people who NEVER show up. Today alone I listed a recumbant health rider stationary bike, a box of spices & vinegars & various un-opened food items, and a box of toddler plates, sippy cups, gerber cereals, and jars of babyfood (unopened) etc., from cleaning out my kitchen pantry and cupboards. I rec'd 20+ emails, all said they'd be here by 5pm, and no one has yet showed.

I don't know WHAT I was thinking. I had previously once before tried the freecycle thing - and listed new baby clothes, a brand new single bed, baby vibrating seat, 3 boxes of gently used 6-12 month old clothes, a nojo sling and some other stuff... took pics of all of it, after laundering it and putting it neatly into boxes, and then listed it all with great descriptions and pictures.

I got tons of emails asking questions that I'd clearly answered in my original posts but they were just too lazy or stupid to read to begin with.. I got stood up all day long, and continually answered e-mails, and gave out directions to my home. Finally that day at 4.30pm, I'd had enough, and just left all the stuff on the step, in clearly marked boxes, with individual names on them, needing to go the grocery store at dinner time. I had one person come by and take it all, and then a few minutes later, had another person show up, looking for her stuff, only to find out that it was already taken... and boy was she mad at me! (She was 5 hours later than she said she'd be)!! My husband arrived home at the same time she got there, and she gave him an ear bashing, and he called my cell phone to have her speak with me... poor guy, knew nothing about anything, and wondered why this woman was at our house to begin with!

So against my better judgement, and because my kids are sick and I couldn't go anywhere even if I wanted to, I gave it another go! Plus I truly believe that the more you give, the more comes back to you (to clutter up your space) -- karma and all that!

I also believe that it's wrong to just stick everything in landfills, when another person might get great use out of it.... but here we are again, almost 6pm, and I've done nothing but take pictures, list stuff, and respond to stupid e-mails, and give out a ton of directions to my place & all the stuff is still sitting here cluttering up my hallway!!!

I could have spent the time and cleaned out more cupboards, and just thrown all this crap in the damn bin!

Sorry for the rant... I live in the suburbs of Washington DC in MD, so if anyone wants any of the above, PLEASE get in touch!!! I'm begging you to take it!! Seriously stressed...

BTW - why does freecycle not allow you to list your address in your OFFER post -they kicked it back and said I had to remove it, and give a "general" location.... what the heck is wrong with putting it on your doorstep, and letting whoever gets here first take it? No silly emails to answer, and I'd happily post that it was picked up asap.