Frequently Asked Questions
Is this about alternative currencies or barter?
No, it is not. These are just other forms of commerce at the end of the day. We don't deny that alternative currencies might be useful - and in some ways preferable to state-issued or 'fiat' currencies - but they are not the point of this site.
Why do I have to wait for my account to be activated / approved after I register?
Because people might be sharing personal information on this site - such as certain details of their living circumstances - when asking for help or advice. And it would be irresponsible to grant everyone access to this information straight away before knowing who they are. It's partly out of respect for the privacy of the already-existing members.
Why are commercial transactions allowed or accepted on the site? E.g., why are people allowed to ask for rent when advertising accommodation?
Advertisements for accommodation will be monitored - and advertisements of places to stay with the primary aim of gaining financially will probably be removed.
The reason people are allowed to invite financial contributions for accommodation - as a type of or in lieu of 'rent' - is that they may have invested significant amounts of money or other resources in acquiring it (e.g., by taking out a mortgage). We don't think it's unreasonable - at least in some cases - that they invite people to help them to recover some of the costs when sharing with them.
This is one of the few parts of the site where commercial transactions are facilitated (and even then it's not encouraged). In general, the entire point of this site is to enable people to help each other without dealing in commercial transactions.