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Harringay Skillshare rules of the road

Page history last edited by Hugh 15 years, 6 months ago

Making the exchange fair for both parties

 

Whilst it is up to you to decide on what is a fair exchange, below are some guidelines and important things to consider to help you.

 

What is a fair exchange?

 

The most important thing to work towards is that you're both happy with what you're doing for each other - or if you're giving your skills, that you're happy with that.

 

If you're swapping skills it is suggested that when you are deciding on what is a fair exchange, you base it on the time you give each other rather than the market value of your skill. 

 

Checking capabilities

 

You may want to acquire evidence of each other's expertise. For example, if someone is offering to take photographs because they are good at photography, you may ask them to show you examples of their work. Or if someone is offering singing lessons, you may contact people they have previously provided lessons to for a reference. If at any time you have any doubts about the trustworthiness or the competence of another member, we strongly recommend that you withdraw communications and contact us with details. Trust your instincts!

 

Agreeing timescales

 

Both parties should agree the timescales within which they are going to carry out the favours for each other. Agree specific dates that the favours will be done on and both parties diarise the dates.

 

Helping each other to build trust

 

One way in which you can build the trust between each other whilst you are doing each other a favour is to review your progress as you go along. So for example, if someone is knitting you a jumper and you are painting them a picture and you have agreed that you will both do your part within 2 months, you may want to get together after a month to show each other how you're getting on. This helps to develop your friendship as well as reassuring each other that the favour is being carried out as agreed. It also helps you to agree whether any adjustments need to be made along the way so that you are both happy with the final outcome.

 

What is expected of me when I enter into an exchange agreement?

 

Being part of the Harringay Online Skillshare community means you are signing up to being honest and trustworthy at all times. If you have agreed to share skills, you must honour your agreement unless you jointly decide otherwise. Harringay Online aims to promote friendship, fairness and goodwill. Anyone accepting a favour who has promised to do one in return and doesn't carry it out, will be (unless there are, in our view, exceptional circumstances) excluded from the site. If you experience another member behaving in a dishonest and untrustworthy manner, please us at skillshare@harringayonline.com .

 

Ratings and testimonials are important as they help to build your good reputation and will enable you to attract more people who want to do you a favour, in turn opening a whole world of new opportunities for you. If you are happy with the favour you've received, remember to write a testimonial on the Skillshare Testimonials Page.

Your safety

 

In order to share skills it is likely you will need to meet other members. In any community there is an element of risk when meeting new people. Because Harringay Online is geographically tightly focussed, any risk of dangers should be low. BUT, please tread carefully, be smart and remember your personal safety is your own responsibility. To help you, below are guidelines that you should follow to minimise any risk.

 

Safety guidelines

 

Be vigilant

 

Look for odd behavior or inconsistencies both online and offline. The person at the other end may not be who or what he or she says. Trust your instincts. If anything at all makes you uncomfortable, don't agree to meet the person or if you are with them walk away for your own safety and protection. If instinctively you are unsure about the person in any way or suspect they are being dishonest about their skills or capabilities, cease contact with them.

 

Talk on the phone first

 

A phone call can reveal much about a person's communication and social skills. Consider your security and do not reveal your personal phone number to a stranger. Try a mobile phone number instead or use local telephone blocking techniques to prevent your phone number from appearing in Caller ID. Only furnish your phone number when you feel completely comfortable.

 

Only meet when you feel comfortable

 

The beauty of meeting and relating online is that you can collect information gradually, later choosing whether to pursue the friendship and exchange favours in the offline world. You never are obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your level on online friendship. And even if you decide to arrange a meeting, you always have the right to change your mind. Trust yourself. Go with your instincts.

 

Watch out for warning signs

 

Pay attention to displays of anger, intense frustration or attempts to pressure or control you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments or any physically inappropriate behavior are all warning signs. You should be concerned if the other person exhibits any of the following behavior without providing an acceptable explanation:

 

  • Provides inconsistent information about age, interests, appearance, marital status, profession, employment, etc.
  • Refuses to speak to you on the phone after establishing an ongoing, online friendship.
  • Fails to provide direct answers to direct questions.
  • Appears significantly different in person from his or her online persona.
  • Refuses or tries to avoid producing examples of their work or relevant references

 

Meet safely

 

When you choose to meet offline, always tell a friend where you are going and when you will return. Leave the name and telephone number of the person you are meeting with your friend or family member. Never arrange to be picked up at your home. Provide your own transportation, meet in a public place at a time with many people around (a familiar restaurant or coffee shop is often a good choice), and when the meeting is over, leave on your own as well. Refrain from drinking excessively, as it could impair your ability to make good decisions. If at some point you and you both decide to move to another location, take your own car.

 

Getting out of a difficult situation

 

Never do anything you feel unsure about. If you are in any way afraid of the person you are meeting, use your best judgment to diffuse the situation and get out of there. Excuse yourself long enough to call a friend for advice, ask someone else on the scene for help or slip out the back door and drive away. If you feel you are in danger, call the police; it's always better to be safe than sorry. Never worry or feel embarrassed about your behavior; your safety is much more important than one person's opinion of you.

 

Remember!

 

Whilst the vast majority if people are trustworthy (think ebay!), a small number of liars, cheaters and imposters ply their craft on the Web, however, you'll also find them on the streets, in nightclubs , cocktail parties or even sitting across from you at your local cafe. Regardless of where you meet someone, meeting new people is never a risk-free activity, but a little caution will reduce your risk. Be vigilant wherever you are!

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