Virtual Swap Meet for Digital Media
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 03.13.06
The Wall Street Journal has a treatment of several digital media-swapping websites that's worth a look for anyone that has a few CDs, DVDs or games collecting dust. Instead of receiving cash in exchange for the aging media, members collect points that can be used to "buy" other CDs, DVDs or what-have-you from fellow members. The sites under review are BarterBee.com, Peerflix.com, TitleTrader.com and Lala.com, which is in beta for a couple more months. Here's how the sites work: After signing up online, you can create a list of used CDs, DVDs or videogames that you're willing to sell. If another member asks to buy something on your list, the site will notify you, usually by email. Once you agree to a sale, you have a few days to put the item in the mail. The more items you sell, the more points you collect; once enough points are collected, you can make purchases, effectively swapping your old media for something "new." Sure beats pitching all those old Earth, Wind & Fire albums... ::Wall Street Journal Online via Yahoo via tipster Lascelles
For UK users, checkout www.xiddi.com - GREAT for swapping DVDs - I have been using it successfully for a year now
http://www.paperbackswap.com/ seems pretty cool too, but it is US-only so I can't use it.
also http://bookcrossing.com though it's certainly a more informal type setting. http://thecheshirekat.com is another.
I saw that you mentioned BarterBee and Titletrader in your suggested green resources for swapping,etc ("alterative trade" I think it's being called). I hope you consider adding join BorrowMe.com to your list of suggestions to help reduce the impact of consumer waste on the environment, and get the things we 'need'.
BorrowMe is a kind of product lending marketplace with a mission.
All the best, and thanks for your efforts to spread the word about what's happening to our world whilst we sleep!
Sean, BorrowMe
PS - I didnt see any mention of www.newdream.org on your site - and it might be a great resource consistent with the overall ethical living theme of the site + http://www.ecofoot.org/ has a nice calculator to find out how big your foot is...