Has anyone ever used Freecycle?

When I've used it, it's basically been like giving/getting free stuff on craigslist. Signing up gets you on a mailing list and you get emails when people list stuff.

You just contact someone if you want what they post and set up a pick-up time/location. I just had people come by my place to pick up stuff and once I traded something and I went to the other person's work, just called her from the lobby and she met me down there. Whatever works for you.

I've had good experiences with Freecycle. Generally, I set up meeting times at my home when I know my boyfriend will be at home as well. If I'm picking something up, I try to take a friend or my boyfriend with me. That's probably my own over cautiousness, but I don't like going into those types of situations without backup, you know?

I've used Freecycle both to give things and to get.

I've gone up to midtown to pick some things up (and met a most unusual woman, who I never would have had the opportunity to meet had she not been getting rid of her stuff).

I've had a couple bring an item to my home (when I asked about getting to them on the subway they offered to bring the rather large thing to me - so nice!).

And I've offered to meet someone to give them something either at my home or my work (in Manhattan), and they met me at work.

It's a great idea, and the people who use it seem really nice. I haven't met anyone flakey or had any bad experiences at all.

I recently got a bunch of vases to use as wedding centerpieces on Freecycle. Very pleasant experience.

Used it once and was surprised at how fast my items were claimed. Arranged to meet the person outside a bookstore for the hand-off.

Friends who use it for bulkier items have had a lot of people stand them up; they're in an apartment building and are comfortable posting "Item will be on the curb outside XXX Street at 7AM, first to come takes it."