weasels!

What the hell is the matter with people? What makes people think it's in any way acceptable to say, "Yes, I'll do that thing," and then not only not do it, but not even bother responding to queries about it?

Specifically, I'm talking about some of the asshats I've been dealing with from Freecycle.org. Freecycle is an online message board where you post ads for things you're wiling to give away — recycle for free — and others read the ads and respond to say they want your items. Then they come get the stuff . . . in theory.

Since finding out about Freecycle about a week ago, I've offered up seven items. All but one was spoken for immediately . . . and only two have actually been picked up, despite the responders' alleged enthusiasm. I've had to re-list most of them and kick a couple to the curb because I want them gone that badly. All the re-lists have been spoken for, but I have no faith they'll actually be picked up.

Because people, apparently, are weasels.

This makes me angry, of course, since the asshats are jerking my chain and wasting my time. But mostly it makes me sad. Freecycle is supposed to be a community of people who want to keep stuff out of landfills. It's a laudable goal, and everyone involved stands to get something they want for free. And I thought I'd court a little good karma by giving away some nice items rather than trying to profit from them.

Yet people just can't be bothered to keep their word about something as simple as collecting a bargain.

I try to give people the benefit of the doubt. I even try to set a good example by being a woman of my word. But what's the point when I'm the only one who cares, or even notices? Seriously. Someone explain this to me.