The ebay story (let me have it because I'm more deserving, even if I can't win the auction) reminds me of my recent experience with freecycling (visit
http://freecycle.org/ to see if there's a chapter in your city). Apparently some people who wanted to get rid of stuff were being picky about wanting to make sure the recipient was truly "deserving"; then, there were people who thought they were more "deserving" who wanted to jump to the head of the line. Oy! I just gave priority to those who responded first.
One woman who wanted one of my items sent really strange e-mails with all the text in the subject header, and sob stories about not having a car and not knowing if she'd be able to borrow one to come pick up the item. I think she was hoping I'd offer to drive it over to her. Ha! I'm already giving the damn thing away!
Anyway, aside from the weirdos, I would highly recommend freecycling as a way of getting rid of stuff that's not high on charities' want lists. I got rid of a non-working lawnmower and an old thermal-paper fax machine, among other things.
tm
