Sustainable Local Futures

freelend.org

STRATEGY: Start small, learn lessons, get feedback, grow. But design with the future expansion in mind.

1. 1. Geographical: - start in Bristol - then other transition towns - UK-wide - international (harder) 2. Go live only when: - site fully tested, and - site looks professional 3. Publicity: - add a reasonable number of items before any publicity (small 'core group' adds items) - then publicise to committed people (e.g. Transition Bristol and permaculture group mailing lists) - when more items added, publicise more widely (e.g. in the Spark) - seek sponsors in other transition towns before going live in them. - when going UK-wide, do not seek further sponsors, as this would be impractical. 4. Languages: - start with English(UK) only - actively seek volunteers to translate into Welsh fairly early on - ask for volunteers to translate into other languages

SECURITY FUNCTIONS

1. 1. Register as a new member 2. Login 3. Logout 4. Edit profile (includes Change Password) 5. Forgotten Password (get emailed a new one) 6. Remember Me on this computer 7. Make account dormant. Useful if going away for a couple of months - hides all your items from other users without deleting them - prevents you from borrowing - does not prevent you logging in - account automatically deleted if dormant for 6 months 8. Re-awaken account

BORROWING / LENDING FUNCTIONS These functions are given in approximate chronological order. Where more than one choice is available at a point in time, these are listed as (a), (b), (c), etc. Adding items (lender)

1. Add item to library.
2. List items.
3. Edit/Remove item.

Making a request (borrower):

1. Search items, by keyword, location or "tag".
2. View lender's feedback/rating.
3. Request item (sends an email to the lender).
4. List outstanding requests made.
5. Cancel request.

Responding to a request (lender):

1. List outstanding requests received.
2. View borrower's feedback/rating.
3. (a). Accept request (an email is sent to the borrower and contact details are given to the borrower and lender). At this point, the "request" becomes a "transaction". It is up to the borrower and the lender to organise the giving and returning of the item off-line. (b). Deny request (an email is sent to the borrower).

Completing a transaction (lender):

1. (a). Mark the transaction as complete, and leave feedback on the borrower: - when the item was returned: on time / a bit late / very late / not at all - what condition the item was in - a comment on the borrower (optional) (b). Cancel the transaction as the item was never lent. This function is not available to the borrower, in case they have already borrowed the item, but they can ask the lender to cancel the transaction.
2. List previous feedback.
3. Edit previous feedback.

After transaction complete (borrower):

1. Give feedback on lender - a rating (1-5) - a comment
2. List previous feedback.
3. Edit previous feedback.

MODERATION FUNCTIONS:

1. Mark item as offensive (borrower): - hides item from users - sends email to moderator - sends email to lender
2. Remove offensive item (moderator) - sends email to lender and offendee
3. Mark item as moderated and not offensive (moderator) - sends email to lender and offendee

POSSIBLE FUTURE FUNCTIONS - not in first release

1. Borrower 'wishlist'.

Volunteer support appreciated; please send any communication via the Mediation Support Ltd contact form