Pinterest

This page is still being developed - if you can add anything, please do, or contact sueandjean@gmail.com.

What is Pinterest for?

Pinterest isn't meant to replace other social networks - it's designed to be photo-led. The only text is in the category header or under each photo you upload.

The idea is to create category pages that interest you, then look for pictures from other accounts to re-pin. You don't have to add your own photos, but you can - for instance, if you're doing a page about your own garden or your recipes.

For examples, see http://www.pinterest.com/lorijen/ and http://www.pinterest.com/borofreegle/

What use is it for Freegle?

By posting interesting photos and creating pages in various categories, you can reach people who'd be interested in Freegle but may not have heard of us.

When you log in you're shown a stream of new photos in the categories you've chosen, and you can re-pin any that interest you.

Freegle has created thirteen boards so far:

• Freegle
• Sustainable Living
• Repurpose and Reuse Ideas
• Gardening and Growing Your Own
• Groups
• Waste
• The Frugle Home
• Pallet Reuse
• Fun Projects
• Freegle UK Groups
• Eco Fashion and Repurposing
• Eco Homes
• A Coat of Paint
• Recycled Art

Appropriate pins and photos are uploaded to each, and relevant organisations found and followed.

I don't have time to do all this!

You can set up the categories, then anyone with a Pinterest account can be co-opted to edit a category. It'll be added to their own account page, so they need no further login details.

Is there a quick way to add photos?

Download the free Pinterest browser extension or app - you can find it in several places, or drag this one to your toolbar: about.pinterest.com/goodies/

It's quick to add pins from another Pinterest page - just click 'Pin it'. It's just as quick to click a photo on any blog or account that supports sharing to Pinterest.

You can't upload your own photos in batches - they have to be added individually, and large files take time, so resize high-resolution photos first if you can.

You can also pin directly from Facebook.

Should I tell my members about my page?

If you're doing it around reuse or repurposing, just mention it in an Admin message you send out about something else anyway.

You can add a Pinterest follow button to your group's website or page: <a href="http://pinterest.com/freegleuk/"><img src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" height="26" alt="Follow us on Pinterest" /></a> Either use this or substitute freegleuk with your own account name.

Setting up an account

This is easy - go to pinterest.com, enter your name and email, and create a password. You then choose five categories from a list to get started; the list isn't great, but try to make your choices relevant - to you personally if it's a private account, or to people interested in reuse and self-sufficiency if it's for a Freegle group.

Create your first category page, give it a title, put that title in the search box, and find pins on similar boards that you think would be suitable.

Just add pages and pins as you have time. You can change the order of your categories and their titles at any time, but you can't change the order of the pins on a page.

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