Template:Groups-Barter

Remember all communication on this Wiki is visible to the public (though not editable) including individual groups set up under our URL. Private Wiki's can be customized for individual groups: contact admin@wikidemocracy.us

All groups require at least one designated administrator before being created. Contact admin@wikidemocracy.us to request admin privileges.

How the Spreadsheet Works

The accounting spreadsheet is the basic accounting connection between the barter group members, where transactions are recorded and the administrator who then transfers transactions to running balances. Each Group needs at least one administrator to setup the spreadsheet and maintain it. This person needs to have a just a very basic understanding of spreadsheets and accounting. Only group members have access and can edit their own barter transactions in the spreadsheet. It requires a mostly honor based system with some administrative oversight to be effective. The administrator needs to download the spreadsheet template, then upload to their own cloud-based service, then name, create and send links to participating members, modifying the existing template to suit the group's needs. It can be modified in anyway the group sees fit. The spreadsheet should be set up so only those with links can view it. While the group's other pages will be publicly visible.

Basic Principles

Each Members starts with a balance of zero dollars. Sales then add the that members balance, purchases subtract from that members balances. Administrators receive a 3% barter credit for all transactions within the group. All members attempt to maintain a balance not too far from zero. Group members can decide whether or not to make a barter transaction with members running a large negative balance. Member running large negative balances without providing a service wanted by the group can cause distrust and failure of the overall group. Alternatively or in addition to, groups can require new members to make a barter contribution of a set dollar amount and then never let a new member run a zero balance until a set trial time period.

Tracking Transactions

The administrator is responsible for making sure each member receives an editable link to the Barter Spreadsheet. Members are then responsible for entering their own transactions into order to receive credit for them. No transaction is complete until both parties to the transaction enter their own totals, one enters a credit and the other a debit. The administrator verifies that the two independent entries, updates them in the running balances and then removes that transaction. It is up to the administrator to check in frequently and keep the balances up-to-date and the transaction boxes clear for new transactions.

Tips for Administrators

Link to your group's Customizable Spreadsheet This editable spreadsheet is set up in Google Docs, which is a handy way to share cloud based information. However groups are welcome to move this spreadsheet to other cloud-based services. Administrators: please download this spreadsheet before modifying then upload to your own cloud-based service for sharing. You may download as either an as ".xlsx" (Microsoft Excel) or as ".ods" (Libre Office) but ".xlsx" maintains more of the Google Docs format.

Administrators can copy and paste the following syntax into their group's Discussion Page. However each items needs to be placed on a separate line. And each "Talk:" page needs to have the syntax: [Category:Talk] added to the bottom of the page.

<table><forum> namespace=Talk Category=Talk count=50 compact=all firstshowcategory=0 addlasteditor=0 addauthor=true ordermethod=lastedit newdays=forum_new timestamp=true historylink=0 </forum></table>

Help can be found at:

Your Barter Group's Pages

"Your Group"-Discussion

"Your Group"-Announcements

"Your Group"-Members List and Description of Offerings (with Dollar values)

"Your Group"-By Laws