27-Year Old Unique Club Moves to the 'Net, Chops Fees

FREE FOR ALL The Skills Pool, a Southern California services co-op, has now become an entirely Internet-based service and, in the process, has cut the cost of joining by over half.

Since 1975 the innovative group has operated as a skills bank for members to share services like legal work, acupuncture, high-end haircuts, and Web design. What sets it apart from other organizations is that the services are all free to members: unlike a barter club, it does not even use credits! Once you join, you're encouraged to use as many services as you want, even if nobody's using what you offer.

FREE FOR ALL's hundreds of services cover the gamut of useful tasks--professional, technical, creative, domestic, and blue-collar. Anything useful is welcome, as long as it's offered without charge. (Out-of-pocket expenses are however paid by the receiving member.)

There is even a travel agent who'll rebate his entire commission to the member client. Others offer tutoring and hands-on instruction in virtually every field, from cooking to computer use to tennis.

According to founder/administrator Richard Johnson, "The FREE FOR ALL way of meeting one's needs is much friendlier that the usual buying and selling. Besides saving money, you can also meet a lot of great people!"

FREE FOR ALL had always required a sizable registration fee, but with the move to a 100% Internet service, that's gone. All that's required now to join are the regular $49 annual dues. Johnson says that members can easily make up that small fee using just a couple of services.

Full information, including a rundown of available services and a registration form, may be viewed at the club's Web site, http://theskillspool.org. Interested persons may also telephone Richard Johnson at (818) 708-7283.