How to Build Yours
In the GSUS Discord, I met a very cool person who made my apartment discord. They made the server completely along with adding a bot for the server. I don’t know a lot about Discord or how it was run, but they made a guide. Their monthly payments were also very reasonable, and I could afford to budget for it.
They had a QR code prepared for me, which leads me to how I plan to share it. I have access to a free printer; which I take full advantage of when needed. I used that to print the QR code so I could post it around my complex.
At this time, my apartment complex has not said anything. I will continue to update with who joins the Discords. The Discords being the GSUS and the neighborhood one. The neighborhood server has a few channels ranging from barter/trade to news and events. In each channel there is a message stating the purpose and use of the channel.
Best Tips:
When you post this QR code in your community (mailboxes/garages/office) some people may join who are not a fan. They may join to be jerks, and you have to be prepared to remove them from the group.
One of the rules you should enforce and add to the general channel, is no personal information is necessary. Trades can be done in public so items can be left in clubhouses, mailboxes, or trash compactors.
If you live in any place where renting is common then people will be suspicious. I have found whether it is town homes, dorm rooms, or apartments there isn’t a great app to connect to your neighbors. You don’t have to be their best friend, but at least have a direct way to communicate in case of an emergency.
It also encourages your community to rely less on big box brands that are near y’all. For many of us Walmart is the most convenient, but what if you can make a post in your barter and trade. If you ‘want’ something then post it in the group and wait as long as you can. I’d recommend about 3 weeks after the posting to take it down and then check Mayhem Market. If you check Mayhem Market and they don't have the item, then I’d look for alternates. This is how I am being mindful of my shopping and where my dollar ends up. For groceries I’d recommend Farmers Market and local butchers for meat, if that is something you can afford. At a later time I will share resources of local butchers and suggest a shopping schedule.
In the world we live in now, the big markets are supposed to make life ‘easier’. We have become very reliant on the convenience of things, so trying to relearn and redo it all is hard. These recommendations are more so to encourage and make your life a little easier!