Frequently Asked Questions
How the product works today—communities you join, posts you coordinate, and where direct messages open.
Getting Started
How do I create an account?
Choose Sign up from the navigation, enter your details, and confirm your email when the message arrives. You will need a confirmed account before you can join communities and post.
What should I include in my profile?
Add a friendly profile photo if you like, an “about me” blurb, causes you care about, and current projects. Richer profiles help neighbors recognize you and build trust for handoffs.
Is Shared is Better free to use?
Yes—the core platform is free for members. Keeping it that way is supported by optional contributions from people who want to fund ongoing development; see the Pricing page linked in the site footer if you would like to help.
Communities
How do I find communities to join?
Open Communities in the navigation to browse the directory. When you are signed in, use Find by name to search by community name and read descriptions to see what fits. There are no separate location, topic, or activity-level filters today—use name search and browsing.
Do I need approval to join a community?
Some communities approve new members; others may let you in immediately depending on how admins set things up. If approval is required, an admin will review your request.
Can I create my own community?
Yes. When signed in, create a community, add a clear name and description, and you start as the creator/admin who can manage members and content.
How many communities can I join?
There is no hard limit. Many people start with a small handful so they can stay active and get to know members.
Sharing resources
What is the difference between “Available” and “Need” posts?
Available posts offer something to share, lend, or give. Need posts ask for something the community might provide. Both stay non-commercial and community-centered.
How do post states work?
Posts move through available or need, then claimed when someone is lined up for a handoff, then shared once the exchange is complete. You can archive or adjust when things change; archived posts sit out of the main flow.
Can I share posts across multiple communities?
Yes. When creating or editing a post, select every community where it should appear so the right members can see it.
What types of items can I share?
Focus on safe, legal, neighborly exchanges—tools, books, skills, small favors, and similar. This is not the place for general commercial selling or spam.
Events
How do I RSVP to events?
Open an event to read details, then RSVP from the event page. Capacity and community rules may apply; some events are tied to a specific community context.
Can I create recurring events?
Yes. When creating an event you can mark it as repeating weekly or monthly so regular meetups are easier to schedule.
What if an event is cancelled or changes?
Organizers can update details or cancel. Check the event page and your notifications so you have the latest information before you head out.
Communication
How do direct messages work?
You and another member must share at least one community. A direct message channel usually opens after a post handoff is underway—when someone is selected on an offer or need so you can coordinate pickup or details. Until then, use posts, your one comment per post, or the community wall. Site admins and moderators may reach out for safety or support in other cases.
What is the community wall for?
Each community has a wall for short posts and updates—announcements, questions, and neighborly chatter that does not need a full offer/need post.
Where can I leave comments?
Comments are available on posts only. Each member can leave one comment per post to coordinate or ask questions. Events use RSVPs and likes instead of that comment thread; use the community wall for broader discussion.
Safety and support
How do I report inappropriate content?
Use Report where it appears on posts, comments, events, and other supported content. Community admins and moderators review reports in context.
What are the community guidelines?
Be respectful, honest, and helpful. No harassment, spam, or off-topic commercial selling. Individual communities may add their own expectations on top of the basics.
How do I get help if I am stuck?
Start with your community admins for membership or local norms. This FAQ plus the Terms and Privacy Policy (including cookies) explain policies at a high level. Use in-app reporting for moderation concerns.
Is my personal information safe?
We take privacy seriously. Control what you put in your profile, and read the Privacy Policy for how data is handled. We do not sell your personal information.
Ready to get started?
Browse communities, create a post, or open an account—your next exchange may be one neighborhood away.