Local Exchange

Context and Purpose Coded in php and mySQL by Calvin Priest for the hour-based Fourth Corner Local Exchange in the USA, which was co-founded by Francis Ayley of North London LETS, this web-based software is available opensource. It presents as a Timedollar system in the original, but it actually runs like a LETS, the essential factor being the ability of members to contact each other direct rather than going through a broker, and can be set for Hours or Currency.

Our first improvement on the layout was to replace City and Email with Village/Neighbourhood, Town/Borough, and Postcode in the list of members displayed on the site. We also installed the "Take Fee" feature. We have set up a map where you can view LETS sites using this software: http://www.localexchange.org.uk

Responding to recommendations on this site, another tranch of improvements has been implemented by Falmouth LETS members, enabling users to SORT by account number, which enables cross-referencing to the directory offline, and SELECT by location within the list of members which is an enormous advantage for a group operating over a wide geographical area. They have also introduced number of other options such as profiles, and the ability to send invoices: see http://www.falmouthlets.org.uk.

For more information, demo site, and latest software downloads please see the Forum: http://www.cxss.org.uk/drupal51/forum/7

Currently as at March 2010 this is still our top recommendation because of the feedback we have received from ordinary members, and the fact that we can actually install it and have a lot of experience in helping groups to use it. Here as a brief description of the functionality of this system: http://www.letslinkuk.net/practice/software.htm and we have identified a set of steps for existing groups to follow. See http://www.letslinkuk.net/practice/online.htm - For new groups the process is much more straightforward as there is no "unlearning" process to go through. New groups please send details of your project to: mailto:admin@letslink.org