Forum Topic

Streetbank community initiative - reaching critical mass

I just wanted to give an update on Streetbank.com which is now really beginning to take off in Hammersmith and Fulham - and I'd love to spread the word to surrounding boroughs.  We've recently seen sombrero hats and piano's being lent and given away (in that order) and there have been some very happy tales of new friendships forming as a result, too.The more people who join, the better the site becomes so do please spread the word if you can.  It's so easy to join and  is a great way to bring communities together - as well as save money and energy too, of course. Facebook, twitter and LinkedIn status updates for those who've joined seem to work really well.  With each new member, the site gets a little more useful and much more fun! Sam

Sam Stephens ● 5960d5 Comments

So far there are 31 members within a mile of me - well below any critical mass. But I have already offloaded about 50 videos on a streebanker - still have some left which he didn't want if anyone is interested.I don't see it taking over from the combination of this forum and the CCA emailgroup which is how this area seems to do a lot of its virtual trading/meeting each other/getting to know the neighbours - but maybe we are just lucky.

Sara Nathan ● 5959d

That's great news Sara - I'm glad it's worked so well for you!Perhaps I need to curb my enthusiasm slightly it's true - although I'm still a firm believer that Streetbank fills a hole that similar sites don't.  Just the fact that it's such a bright, breezy site with very eye-catching colours and  such a strong brand - means that in the same way that Facebook and Linked in have become household names, I'd like to think that Streetbank will do the same - only this time bringing communities together across the country. Thanks for your support and be great if you could keep spreading the word!

Sam Stephens ● 5959d

"I'm still a firm believer that Streetbank fills a hole that similar sites don't."In what way is it different from Freecycle?

Richard Jennings ● 5959d

I think it is more location specific...also it offers services and loans as well as freecycling. And its aim is to make us all better neighbours to each other while saving money and the world - whereas freecycle just wants to do the last two.

Sara Nathan ● 5959d

Now up to 33 members round here - at this rate no critical mass in my lifetime.Anyone else fancy signing up?This is their spiel: "I've just joined a really useful website which shows you what your neighbours will give away or lend. It gives you access to a whole load of stuff, is good for the environment, saves you money and builds community all in one go. It is totally free to join though to become a member you have to show that you are a little bit community spirited by offering on thing you would be willing to lend or give away. It can be really low value items like DVDs, a guidebook or it can be higher value like an old TV you want to get rid of.I’ve joined and it would be great if you could too! If you like it feel free to tell other people about it.It is at www.streetbank.com"

Sara Nathan ● 5951d