How to Make a Labor Co-op Work for You

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This flexibility works just as well when looked at from the other end, too. Nobody forces you to use any weekly minimum amount of Free Sig services or to stay within any maximum limitation either. You can coast along for months, if you like, and never call on the co-op for anything ... then ask for hauling and plumbing help, instructions in sewing a caftan, veterinary services, automobile repairs, and an astrology chart all on the same day.

It's very easy, by the way, to request any of Free Sig's services. Let's say your kitchen needs a paint job. OK. You just look through the co-op's directory, contact Joe the Painter, and he schedules the assignment ... almost always within a week of your request. If, however, Joe is currently in great demand and has three Sig jobs already lined up ahead of yours ... no problem. A note will be placed in the monthly supplement to the co-op's directory explaining that Joe is working off a "backlog" and shouldn't be scheduled by anyone else for a while. That takes the pressure off him ... and, within two or three weeks at the most, you'll still have your shiny "new" kitchen.

Incidentally, you'll buy the paint for the job. Free Sigers contribute only time 'n' talent-freely and without obligation-when they accept an assignment from a fellow member of the group. The recipient is expected to handle any and all direct costs that are involved.

A word about commercialization: It's a no-no. Joewhile sprucing up the kitchen-may well notice that your den could use a coat of paint too. But, according to Free Sig rules, he cannot ask to do the job for a fee. If you're impressed enough by his work to want to hire him at his regular rates, however, that's OK. As long as you do the asking.

As a related point, you may not profit from the sale of a product which was created or fabricated with the help of a co-op service. If you start selling-say T-shirts that were designed for you by a Free Sig member, then, you're breaking a rule. And you're breaking that rule because you're exploiting a fellow Free Siger, and that's not tolerated.

Of course, one especially nice thing about our skills and services exchange is the fact that its few "rules" seem to work really well without any organized attempt to enforce them. The co-op operates entirely on the honor system. No one collects vouchers, keeps track of time, or checks up on you. If you're a member, it's 'cause you want to be . . . and if you really want to be a Siger, you'll see that you do what you're supposed to do to make the exchange work.

YOU CAN ORGANIZE YOUR OWN FREE SIG

If this moneysaving "I'll scratch your back if you'll scratch mine" idea appeals to you, I see no reason why you can't become the "Richard Johnson" of your own town or neighborhood and start a skills and service exchange of your own.

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