Not Freecycle or Craigslist, but the local paper where my mom lives. they have a section where people can ask questions, complain, praise, or seek info or "things" Stuff like can anyone recommend a good gutter cleaner, painter, etc., or where did so and so who used to be at x salon go? and so on.
many times, people ask for stuff, much like Freecycle. Sometimes looking to purchase, which is fine, but many times just looking for free stuff. in some cases, if its something that someone may want to get rid of, and doens't have any value, i'm ok with that. I've seen requests for old magazines for scout craft projects, and I see no issue with that.
What I hate are the requests from people for expensive things, things that might not be necessary. today was one - someone posted saying they are a single mom, and they need household items, a laptop and stereo with speakers. Sorry, but the last two fall under "nice to have but not a necessity" in my book.