I think this is an interesting alternative. It would be nice to have new items every few days. Here are my questions:
- What if someone would rather give than get? I have a number of very nice things for Thor, but I don't want to deal the cost and hassle of mailing to five different people. The main reason I thought of the GUGE was that these clothes are necessarily right for my local shelter, but I really like the idea of knowing that some other dog gets good use out of them. I do have a carrier that I know I'll never use, with tags, from Thor's former owner, and I'd be happy to give that to someone.
One or two ideas here - you could simply offer the items in "lots" or only offer as many items or "lots of items" that you would feel comfortable paying shipping on during a particular period of time.
- If people contribute items of similar value to what they get, how would we agree on items' value? This seems like an area for potential contention.
When I said "similar items" I was really meaning similar in terms -- take a shirt - leave a shirt --- take a carrier -- leave a carrier. The Value" would be "number of items" rather than a $$ value. After all one man's trash is another man's treasure (or should I say Yorkie?).
- What about people who post items they say they'll contribute, but then don't?
I believe that question was asked before and there was considerable conflict regarding the question. Someone has to "be in charge" and ready and willing to step up to the plate and "fix" the wrongs committed by others. If someone didn't play fair, then they should be eliminated FOREFERMORE from the GUGE and then the one in charge cough up some similar goods. Remember we are trying to get rid of our unwanted stuff. Maybe the GUGE Guru could have a team of people waiting to contribute.
This is not to nix this idea at all. I do want to say my thought behind the GUGE was that people would be excited about GIVING to the box, and not necessarily feel that they were guaranteed to get something they liked. I personally would be happy to send along a box that I didn't take anything out of.
I understand that there are no guarantees, that is a risk you take, BUT safeguards need to be put into place so that some don't get "rich" at the expense of others. Part of having a physical box circulating is the "fun of not knowing". On the other hand a Virtual Pirate Box would allow members to look, lust, get excited and have fun bantering back and forth. Both ideas sound like fun - maybe like you said the GUGE could consist of both. Admin and Moderators would definately need to be behind this 100% to "handle" problems - whether it was physical or virtual. I see that it could put a LOT of extra work on our already overworked Moderators and Admins. Would they get some "extra" turns to help compensate?
I do think there's some chance that a box could end up filled with stuff that no one wants. I think there would be some box moderator for every chain (I would be happy to do this) who would periodically receive the box and check what's left. If it ends up more trash then treasure after a few months, maybe we disband the idea.
No need to disband the idea. There are always MORE GOOD HONEST people than dishonest and evil. The problem so far has been the few members who get who get their dander up every time a different view is suggested or a potential problem is brought to light. Quicksilver, you have always been open to suggestions, and ideas, and have tried to field questions.
Also, just a note generally, not to chattiesmom specifically, while I spend a ridiculous amount of time on YT, I DO take a few hours off every so often.
That doesn't mean I'm ignoring your questions, it just might take me more than 45 minutes to respond. I am really trying to think this through without getting overly attached to any one idea.
The problem was that others jumped in and got all bothered by members asking legitimate questions.__________________________
I do like the picture idea! I think that makes it more tangible and exciting for everyone, and will also give everyone some idea of what they can expect to find in the box.