Deron,

I have great admiration and respect for you for having the vision of
Freecycle and founding TFN. I believe you had a great idea that has
inspired thousands, if not millions, of people around the globe to unite in
a common cause to "save good things from the landfill."

However, recent developments within TFN have caused me great concern. You
know I will go to great lengths to protect our local recycling community
from any harm or possible consternation. After long thoughtful deliberation,
I have decided TFN is not moving our groups in the direction that I find
conducive to the original mission. There has been too many "secrets" and
information labeled "confidential" that I feel should not occur in a group
originally designed toward saving the environment. The sense of community
was built upon trust - yet you seem reluctant to trust the leadership of our
groups to know what is in the best interest for our groups. Today I
discovered that Stephanie had previously stated I may have been creating a
"second squad" in Missouri - the state that I am accused of having a
"strangle hold on" also per Stephanie. I can tell you wholeheartedly that
was not the case. As you have first hand knowledge I have undeniably
encouraged additional groups to be created in this metropolitan area and
have personally promoted those groups and assisted when requested. I was
stunned to learn today that TFN has been having private discussions about my
intent for recycle groups not only in our local community but also in my
state.

Our yahoo groups are about improving our environment... not about second
guessing the very team that helped to build TFN through countless hours of
personal sacrifice. How is second guessing and having private conversations
about the very moderators who are instillling a sense of community designed
to help encourage that very sense of community? Without a strong sense of
community I do not know how your initial vision will continue to expand for
much longer. Freebie Finder was a mistake from the getgo - especially
considering it was contrary to Yahoos Terms of Service (TOS). I am starting
to doubt whether or not My Freecycle will also be found to be contrary to
Yahoo's TOS.

For these reasons I have decided to opt the St. Louis Metropolitan group out
of TFN and over to the ReUseIt Network.

If anyone cares to discuss the reasons behind this move, please feel free to
contact me. If you decide a similar action is in the best interest of your
group, please feel free to contact me offlist and I will put you in touch
with a team of wonderful people who will guide you through a similar
transition process. This was a relatively painless process for our group!
Respectfully,
Jeri Zerr
St. Peters, Missouri


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