I agree that only having 3 possible problems among all the GE participants was a pretty good score! I thought every gift collection I saw was nicely put together both in value and thoughtfulness. I had such a great time putting together the GE package I sent and watching as my Ben thoroughly enjoyed every item in his thoughtfully prepared package.
It was such a positive experience that I wound up voicing my sympathies for another GE participant who had not received either of her gifts. It was a case of "the better you have it the worse you feel for someone that is missing out." I meant my posts as caring about one member but inadvertantly hurt another members feelings -- one that I was not even referring to -- but whose gift had not been received by their SB either. Seeing how much hurt feelings were caused by that, I would definately be for a rule of etiquette to NOT post about not receiving one's gift and to handle it through admin. I do not ever want to feel like I have made another member, especially one I was not even knowing about, feel so bad again.
To be fair, the person I was sending sympathies for had only posted as she was worried she would wind up missing the package as she had included two addresses and her itinerary. So, it was not that she posted trying for sympathy or complaining. She was sincerely concerned about the packages arriving at an empty house. As far as I know she is still waiting on one.
I really think this was all a weird miscommunication after a complicated situation that might never recur. But to make sure feelings are not hurt, a rule to not address late packages until 2 weeks past the deadline for mailing and then only address them through admin might be a good idea. But then, maybe we don't really need anything. I would be okay with that too and maybe this was just an isolated incident?
I also like Admin's suggestion about pictures. I agree that everyone who participated had avatars so they must have access to cameras. You could make it so they can have this requirment waived upon notification of reasons to admin. That way if someone was having a temporary problem (camera broke, etc.) they could still be okay and also explain in a post listing the gifts. I totally enjoyed seeing the creativity so many put in their gifts. It was as much fun as opening our own.
I also agree that those not posting a thank you within a week of receiving their gift gets a suspension from the next 3 GE and a ban from future GE if they have a second offense. If it is a case of someone not picking up their mail, or having to leave on a trip, then they have not actually received it yet, so they would not be included in that rule. But for the person who picks it up, opens, and then is never heard from, that should not be allowed. The most fun of the exchange is seeing the other Yorkie enjoying the package you send!
As to the dollar amount. I really think the minimum should be raised to $50. There were no packages less than that anyway (to my knowledge). It would give first timers a better starting place. I was glad we had a couple of posts about how much is usually spent. It helped as no one wants to send too little. I would not worry about a maximum. Those that spend a lot do so with an open heart and I don't think they expect everyone to go way over.
Since it is difficult to have an exact "must be delivered by" date, I think we need to strictly enforce the "mail by date" and then make a statement in the rules that "members should take in to consideration the mailing times and use the appropriate mailing options and mail a little earlier if they are mailing out of the country." I thought having a whole month to shop was more than adequate and I even ordered two items that had to be mailed to me first (one specially made too). If I had to send it overseas, I would have probably had my special order items mailed direct instead of waiting for them. I think it is doable for everyone if they know for sure what is expected. I do not feel there is any excuse for not mailing by the deadline (unless there was a death in the family). That should be grounds for not participating in the next 3 GEs. A second offense would ban them from all GEs. And no matter what, if anyone thinks a gift might arrive late, they should contact the recipient through admin or a third party. People should not wait for that last item to complete a package IF that will make it late. They should instead send what they have, and then send another package along when the item arrives.
Again, I apologize that my consoling comments to one member hurt another's feelings. I feel sorry for those still waiting on their GE package and those waiting for a thank you thread. I am grateful to both of my SB's, both the one I sent a package to and the one I received from -- they made the experience so much fun, I can't believe I waited so long to join in! And to Admin -- thanks for continuing the Gift Exchange! |