[msyorktown]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

The GE has really helped me be a part of YT. There were A LOT of first timers in my first GE and we all popped our cherry together. It was a small group so we all got to know each other and become friends.

Why does the GE have to be HUGE in order for it to be successful? I do not see it flailing or failing in any way. Yes, no one signed up last time but who cares? We were all either super busy or saving up for the next one. Sounds like a *smart* plan, to me.

But, again, I welcome all new GE'rs and new YT members who are able to join (3 months, minimum post count, etc). We get to know them when we otherwise wouldn't so I find it to be a great treat.

The point isn't sending or receiving gifts. The point is to make friends. IMO.

So that's great that you, Lynzy, have a lot of friends on here that you are able to send gifts to for "just because." But when I first joined, I didn't have any friends. And it made me feel sad that there seemed to be these cliques where people are posting gift threads about each other - the same people. It was the GE that I credit for helping me break into the YT shell.

So I'm sorry that you and your friends have had such a negative experience with the GE, but others have not. The GE is no different than everything else on this board and in real life. There are always 2 views on the matter, which is a good thing. I don't want people to feel that they are left in the dark/alone with their thoughts when really they're not. People just have to speak up, like you have done.

Lack of and mis-communication is detrimental in any relationship, including friendships and public boards. I just hope we can continue expressing concerns without being/responding in defensive.

I agree, if not for the GE I was in, I would not have the friends I have here...