I would recommend that you sign on for daily supplements to free cycle rather than an e mail each time someone places a post, otherwise your in box gets full of rubbish.
Free cycle is a wonderful way to keep items out of land fill. So for example yesterday I placed Wanted post on Freecycle of a plastic cat carrying basket. I received an e mail from a fellow freecyler and we arranged for me to collect it. I got a cat basket and she got the space in her cupboard. Of course you are not always s o lucky so don't bother asking for a Porch, laptop, house in the South of France etc but I have received some wonderful items and indeed given some great thing away to.
If you see something posted that you would like just reply to the post and if the person who has the item thinks you should have it well lucky you and the'll get back to you.
Some tips.
Always be as polite as possible when asking to be considered to become the new owner of an item.
Turn up on time, you would be amazed how many times I've been left in the lurch with no shows. I never ever offer to that person again.
You of course can stipulate that you might like an item to go to a charity or you don't want it sold on etc. but often that's not relevant if let's say you have some hardcore or a spare roll of turf knocking around.
Some items I've received are.
Draughtsman's set, bone handled in velvet lined leather case.
Beautiful tweed mans overcoat.
Perfect fit dinner jacket
Fabric
Bath time toy ducks
Things I've given.
A brand new ipod shuffle (went to a local charity)
Some decent furniture
Funky teenage girls coats and clothes.
Driveway shingle
45 gallon oil drum.
Worth doing.
best of luck.