hand made items are hard to value, I feel the same and would hate not to be able to give or make what I want. I made a fancy harness vest for charity and someone paid over $100.00 so is that it's value? I have said it so many times the money is often not why someone choose to do the exchange, to me it is more about not wanting to spend three months of my life thinking about it.

in reference to the why more views versus votes thing I think that has to with two things. 1. many people vote and then keep coming back to check on the results so those posts add up. 2. just like the GE more members don't join than join so I imagine members that are not GE type of people might look at the thread but either they don't have an opinion or feel it would not be fair of them to cast a vote since they will not be joining in.

I by the way voted for no cap, I don't mind people knowing that, also I see the majority would like a cap but have no idea what that should be:D

to me the thing I like least about being in the GE is the baby talking and thinking of the baby talking and feeling like I had to be on everyday commenting on other clue threads and making my own up. If I do the GE exchange again I will say up front not to expect much out of me on that front, while I like sending teasers I do not like spending so much time reading and posting on silly threads. The other thing I did not like was the pressure to post pics and a smile box like the second I got the box. The rules give you time but participants and observers don't. I like to really make mine nice but that takes time. I notice the SBoxs seem to be getting shorter and that is probably why, people feel they need to post them the day the box arrives.

I would also like it better if all the smileboxes were posted during the same time period. if you have early birds that gives away some of who has who, you can thank your buddy via a PM but post the smile box a bit later during perhaps a week window.

I also think we drag the signups on to long, seems like most that are interested know it's coming and if they are going to participate or not. I also notice lots sign up on the last day but that is only because most people are holding off waiting to see who else is signing up. Yet the sign up thread stays open for often longer than a month. That also takes up time of those involved, cause we are always checking and checking and checking. Plus the one I was in took almost a week to get our buddy, and so that lead to more speculation threads and checking and checking. I say a two week sign up window and two days later have your buddy.

LOL sorry just thinking about things other than money that might keep me and other people from joining

A Simpler Time in History...
 

My greatest wish for the GE would be to return to a more simple GE which would draw more participants. My first GE #IV back in 2006 had 60+ participants here's the signup link http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/alb...?albumid=12439

And... I'd love to be in a GE that surpasses the largest exchange which had 100+ participants. Believe me when we got close to the 100 mark there were a lot of pm's, telephone calls, and posts encouraging folks to join up. It worked and we all had a blast! Here's the link to GE X. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yt-...x-signups.html

If we had GE's where the spending limit was severely restricted - say a max of $25 to 30 plus shipping and the object was to find those few special things (inexpensive, fun items) that would really make our GE Buddy smile - I believe that we would see more people signing up. And by limiting the amount of $$ one could spend, then all GE participants would be looking for sales, cutsie items, etc. And if it brought a smile to our buddy's face and heart, who would care if the gift wasn't practical.

---- Just a few thoughts from the hearty.

Donna I didn't do well with the baby talk. So some times I just don't do it. It never was a problem. Some people do it others don't.

I loved the clue threads. I think that makes the GE fun. That's my opinion. I'm not good at guessing and have to say ALL my buddies fooled me. But it was fun trying to figure them out. I did check the clues daily but I'm on YT everyday anyway.

I also never felt pressure to get my SMilebox up immediately. But I haven't been in the GE in over a year. Maybe this is something new? I would post a thank you and promise pictures ASAP. It was never an issue.

I think we can all sit here and pick the GE to death. I'm not sure it will accomplish anything. If I didn't have time I didn't sign up. If I didn't have the money I didn't sign up. I only signed up when it was right for me. That's what made it fun for me.

I miss being in the GEs. However, with Alex's knee surgeries and Austin's braces, I knew it was time for me to sit out for a few. I knew I could not devote the time, energy, or money that I needed to.

I guess bottom line is, if you don't want to sign up don't. This should be fun. Not pressured or made into an ugly event. That's my two cents worth. Lol.

Good point! And I wouldn't care if I got one Cloud 9 bed. It would please my pups and help YHR. Maybe one nice gift wouldn't be such a bad idea. Or like you said. Numerous items limited amount.

you are so right it should be fun, and often I put more pressure on myself then others do. Sorry I know it sounds like I am picking it apart, but I guess to me there are so many things that weigh in the decision making process that I would hate for some to get the impression that money is the only reason interest has declined.

A short and quick GE does sound like fun I know I said it in my sign up thread, more is better and cheap is good, for me it was getting the little fun surprises, I was not looking for a big expensive gift. Perhaps we should see if a quick and easy GE would be something to try.

I don't think pressure equals fun. Lol. My opinion. If you want to enjoy the GE you have to make it fun for YOU. I wasn't saying it is wrong to discuss these. It just seems right now the main issue is money. Or that's my interpretation. There may be other issues that need to be discussed in the future.

I agree that a simple GE might be a good thing to try. Like I said before maybe just one wanted gift too. I know many would like a Cloud9, or a Buddy Belt, or Choke Free Harness. Maybe they wouldn't normally buy these things for their self but would love it as a gift. Maybe a one gift GE might help in shipping expense too?? I don't know, just throwing out an idea.

Yep yep yep -- see, this is how us old timers remember the GE - it was HUGE. People really did spend about $25-40 back then, and it was just as special to receive those gifts as it is now. And it allowed soooo many more people to feel comfortable participating.

Despite genuine and heartfelt encouragement like "I don't mind if you only spend $20 on me!", the reality is that most human beings will not, understandably, put themselves into a situation where they could only give $25 -- but then they end up receiving $250 worth of stuff -- most people would feel pretty awkward, uncomfortable, and possibly inadequate when experiencing that level of disparity.

I kind of like the idea of a "one perfect wish list item" GE except..it takes the surprise away.

A lot of people seem to be having a problem deciding how homemade items would be valued. In my opinion, the rules could be worded "money spent out of pocket". That covers that. It doesn't give an ambiguous value to an item made. It's not open for interpretation like "Sue thinks this is worth $20, but Mary thinks it is worth $100".

Money Spent. Put that in the wording if a cap is made and it takes care of any confusion.

I, too, am intrigued by the people wanting a cap but don't know how much. I'm wondering if many of these just think it should be a certain amount they have in mind, but that amount isn't $80 or $100 so then that's the best choice to vote for..?

I probably should've added some more options on the voting. If THAT choice ends up being the winner, maybe I will do a follow up poll based on that...put out some other dollar amounts.

As for the clues, teasers, smileboxes...I wish this wasn't even a part of the discussion because it shouldn't even be an issue. NONE of that is required. NONE of it. It is done for FUN by those who want to and have time (like Rhonda said..some of us who are on here everyday all day anyway...it is fun..not pressure). I hope everyone realizes these are not even requirements. Pictures are requirements for thank yous...not smileboxes.

I haven't had the opportunity to participate in a GE yet because of timing and finances. I also haven't voted on the poll, because at this point I don't have a clear feeling on it. I may come back and vote at a later time.

What I do have a strong opinion on is handmade gifts. A gift made with love and from the heart is priceless. To me, attempting to monetize such a gift actually cheapens it.

If it comes down to a 'keeping up with the Joneses' spending comparison/contest, I think I would be more apt to sit them out completely. It kills the spirit of giving.

I am NOT bringing up negatives to discredit any member and/or the GE activity itself because I LOVE GEs. Sometimes we have to study history and the way an activity has evolved to determine the best way to steer the activity for the future.

I'm a YT oldtimer who started doing GE's in 2006 and have at least 10 GEs under my belt over the years. I've watched the GE activity progress from a simple gift giving exchange where a minimum amount of $$ was spent in return for a maximum amount of joy to a time where way too many members have had hurt feelings, frustration and ultimately quit doing GE's because they became too complicated.

Clues and teasers and Smileboxes are a HUGE issue because of the huge disparity among YTers regarding these activities. At one point it was discussed that those of us who didn't like doing clues and teasers SHOULDN'T participate in GEs at all because these activities were a part of the GE fun. And although Smilebox thank you's aren't required by GE rules, they have become the standard for thanking our buddies and are expected by most GE participants.

I like the K.I.S.S. method of doing most things. If it were just up to me, I'd set the cap at $35.00 plus shipping. You'd be surprised at what you can do with 35 bucks if you are creative and shop wisely. A low limit would open the GE up to almost ALL YT members and eliminate all of the hurt feelings that have occurred when one member chooses to spend a bundle on the gift they are sending and the gift they receive comes from a buddy who stuck to the minimum. It is reasonable to believe that gifts would weigh less, cost less to ship, and would make it more practical to include ALL YT members world wide.

So, in my mind, the real question isn't necessarily about a spending cap, it's about making the YT GE activity fun, affordable and practical for the vast majority of YT members, worldwide.

I do totally understand that the hints and teasers and smileboxes are an issue and do need to be discussed. However, they aren't requirements so if people want to get all huffy and be rude because others don't have time to do them, then that is on them. And I pity the heart of the person who gets upset and panties in a wad over such a petty thing.

IMO, if those things are a huge issue with anyone, then that "anyone" doesn't even need to be in the GE because they obviously aren't in it with a giving heart and air of fun. It's not a chore or a job...it's fun.

I don't understand those out there that get so bent out of shape over things like that. They should do some re-evaluating of themselves. Just sayin.

But in the end...I agree, Cindy - I like the KISS method. Although I think $35 is pretty low (even for fixed income people). Maybe 10/15 years ago, but nowadays...all I can say is that I know some of you are great at finding deals and bartering and shopping cheap, but I don't possess that skill. Wish I did. I can find sales and such, but even with the sales I find, $35 would not buy much with prices these days. To me the minimum is good..it's $40. We just need a "seen to be fair" max to go with it.

**NEW ISSUE** I'd also like to throw into the discussion this idea of buying things for the Yorkie Moms/Dads. It really eats up money and it's for the pups. I don't think it should even be done, imo. What do you guys think?

I always focused on the pup. I put a few things for mom but it wasn't the main focus. I think it would be ok to eliminate that even though it wasn't a requirement.

Again I missed my time, everyone keeps telling me about the good old days...and I remember lurking back then...arrrrghhhh I should have joined then. I am in another group where we have something similar to what you describe.

I keep hearing this "wouldn't be a surprise"....I think when you get your box you will be excited and when you get your gift you will be surprised and elated!