Should the GE have a Cap on Spending?

[MandiesMom]

Rhonda, I guess it was the invented questionaire that we all answered the last couple of times at least. Even asked my shoe size. I mean, are we buying the humans shoes? lol

I understand the intent of the questionaire but it just seemed to imply that it was expected to add in some stuff for the human. Not that I had a problem with that, but it IS money that could not be spent or diverted to be spent on the pup.


I also wanted to add to my previous statements. I realize people have been hurt in the past and that I'm "new". I live on this forum basically so I forget how new I am sometimes. But please remember that just because things happened in the past one way doesn't make it bad that they have evolved to a different way now. It's hard to let go of being hurt and I get that (been there in other areas)...just was hoping maybe, thru this discussion, we could all come together on the most important issues in some way (money, obligations/pressure/requirements, etc) so that the GE can at least have the "spirit" it was meant to have ..... fun and fellowship.

And, then I guess, in the end...we will end up having to agree to disagree and either you choose to join the GE or you don't. Pretty much, I am doing a GE all the time anyway (as I know many many many of you are, too!)...it's fun to give and support and surprise. I'm not signed up for anything, but I still get gifts in the mail and I still send gifts in the mail. It's actually fun

[MandiesMom]

Originally Posted by lynzy420

I keep hearing this "wouldn't be a surprise"...

I am going to reply to this part, Lynzy, because I know I said those words in one of my posts. I don't recall anyone else ever saying those words (is this being said in private maybe? not sure). Anyway, since I did type those words, I wanted to clarify that I meant in regards to if we made it a one gift and that's all based on a wish list the participants posted when signing up. That's the only thing I was refering to about not being surprised. I mean, if I said on my sign up that I want my one gift to be "this"...then I would pretty much know what my one gift is gonna be. That's all I meant.

[dinolover]

To me the GE is all about the experience. I have been in 5 ranging from 2008-2013 and I can honestly say that the experience is the most valuable part.

I personally do not believe a cap on spending is necessary. I have never seen anyone post feeling that their box was not adequate enough. Often times I tend to go a little overboard but that is just my nature, but I would never expect more than a few things. I love handmade items but I understand that not everyone is crafty, I am not very crafty myself but often find that somethings you can make very simply like toy boxes which are cute and offer a personal touch.

There is nothing more exciting than the day the box arrives on your front door and you bring out the camera and just have a blast opening it. It can be time consuming but I truly believe it is worth it. The way I see it is, sometimes I spend $40.00 on food going out to eat, or just something that is going to sit in my closet with the tag on until I donate it to goodwill. We are all in pressed financial times but you have a month to save up. Just saving $10 a week which can easily be saved by brewing coffee at home, or taking lunch to work just once a week.

I think this exchange like all things some will give more and some will give less but its not really about the gift its about getting to know very nice people on this message board, and provide a form of escape from our common day to day lives that can sometimes be mundane.

[MandiesMom]

Originally Posted by dinolover

To me the GE is all about the experience. I have been in 5 ranging from 2008-2013 and I can honestly say that the experience is the most valuable part.

I personally do not believe a cap on spending is necessary. I have never seen anyone post feeling that their box was not adequate enough. Often times I tend to go a little overboard but that is just my nature, but I would never expect more than a few things. I love handmade items but I understand that not everyone is crafty, I am not very crafty myself but often find that somethings you can make very simply like toy boxes which are cute and offer a personal touch.

There is nothing more exciting than the day the box arrives on your front door and you bring out the camera and just have a blast opening it. It can be time consuming but I truly believe it is worth it. The way I see it is, sometimes I spend $40.00 on food going out to eat, or just something that is going to sit in my closet with the tag on until I donate it to goodwill. We are all in pressed financial times but you have a month to save up. Just saving $10 a week which can easily be saved by brewing coffee at home, or taking lunch to work just once a week.

I think this exchange like all things some will give more and some will give less but its not really about the gift its about getting to know very nice people on this message board, and provide a form of escape from our common day to day lives that can sometimes be mundane.

nice attitude and nice post, Marta.

[brezofleur]

Originally Posted by MandiesMom

Rhonda, I guess it was the invented questionaire that we all answered the last couple of times at least. Even asked my shoe size. I mean, are we buying the humans shoes? lol

I understand the intent of the questionaire but it just seemed to imply that it was expected to add in some stuff for the human. Not that I had a problem with that, but it IS money that could not be spent or diverted to be spent on the pup.

I created the questionnaire because I HATE, with a passion, buying things for people who don't like it. I am a very tight person with my money and will only spend it if I know someone is going to like it.

So while some people give something to the "mom", like candles or something, I want to know what colors they like, what scents... I.e., I cannot stand vanilla, so I will re-gift it or give it away. And then I feel bad doing so because someone bought that thinking of me. :/

As for the shoes, I had some hello kitty slippers I wanted to give my buddy, but she didn't like HK and the size was too big... HA HA I was trying to be sneaky.

If the questionnaire is used next time, it should be made clear that this is purely a guide and NOT a list.

[MandiesMom]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

I created the questionnaire because I HATE, with a passion, buying things for people who don't like it. I am a very tight person with my money and will only spend it if I know someone is going to like it.

So while some people give something to the "mom", like candles or something, I want to know what colors they like, what scents... I.e., I cannot stand vanilla, so I will re-gift it or give it away. And then I feel bad doing so because someone bought that thinking of me. :/

As for the shoes, I had some hello kitty slippers I wanted to give my buddy, but she didn't like HK and the size was too big... HA HA I was trying to be sneaky.

If the questionnaire is used next time, it should be made clear that this is purely a guide and NOT a list.

haha!! I didn't know who made the list, Heather. And I know why it was made. I was seriously laughing about the shoes..glad you explained the slippers.

I was just pointing out the list to highlight that maybe it would help not to focus any spending on the mom and/or dad. Didn't mean for it to come off as it wasn't appreciated for the tool to be used when doing so.

[brezofleur]

Originally Posted by MandiesMom

haha!! I didn't know who made the list, Heather. And I know why it was made. I was seriously laughing about the shoes..glad you explained the slippers.

I was just pointing out the list to highlight that maybe it would help not to focus any spending on the mom and/or dad. Didn't mean for it to come off as it wasn't appreciated for the tool to be used when doing so.

I still have those slippers...they're in my GE bin hoping to find a new home soon

If we do not spend anything on the mom/dad, that would definitely lower the total price spent. If a cap was set, I don't think people would be apt to putting much into the mom/dad as the kiddo themselves.

I agree, though. I would much prefer to spend more on the Yorkie than on the parents. No offense, parents... HA HA (I received a wine glass in my first GE from Courtney. I use it all the time so I don't want to say it's not appreciated!) Just saying that I signed up Zeus (and soon Thalia), and not myself.

[107barney]

I think it's up to admin and the mods to decide. This issue had been addressed with a minimum spending and no cap but we all scaled down last time to be more inclusive because Ann brought up a great point. So I hope admin and the mods decide on a cap, and if I were to put a number I'd say $75.

[sugarmamma]

Originally Posted by 107barney

I think it's up to admin and the mods to decide. This issue had been addressed with a minimum spending and no cap but we all scaled down last time to be more inclusive because Ann brought up a great point. So I hope admin and the mods decide on a cap, and if I were to put a number I'd say $75.

That was the number I had in mind as well

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

Zeus does not talk baby-talk like the majority of the Yorkies here. He has his own voice which we do at home. He speaks in third person and refers to everyone as The ___. I.e., The Mama, The Bald Man (instead of Daddy ha ha), The Thalia.

He also "speaks" in staccato. "I am. The Zeusy. And The Zeusy. He loves The Mama. And he loves to sit. On The Mama's lap while she. Is on the machine. That takes the attention. Of The Mama."

It has just evolved over time, lol!

How funny! Max and Teddy are The Max and The Teddy. Max was born speaking like an adult. Teddy started with la la la la, but eventually learned how to speak like Max.

Okay, spending caps -- I don't have an opinion. We were happy to play the part of fill-in Secret Buddy along with others when needed. Otherwise, we are content to be observers.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by 107barney

I think it's up to admin and the mods to decide. This issue had been addressed with a minimum spending and no cap but we all scaled down last time to be more inclusive because Ann brought up a great point. So I hope admin and the mods decide on a cap, and if I were to put a number I'd say $75.

[brezofleur]

For you "old timers", (), regarding the old GEs... IMHO I think that's like reminiscing about the good ol' days. "Back then, we got to play in the lake...now it's a parking lot."

The thing is, things evolve. Whether it's for the better or not, you can't go back and recreate things when something set. We can make changes, but the GE will never go back to tons and tons of people only spending a few dollars.

Even with a cap, I don't think it'll go back to that. Things are too set now - the smilebox, babytalk, clues...and even then those won't last and something else will be introduced. I don't participate in those that I don't like, but they are there and not everyone is going to stop. It's just the evolution of things.

I think the reason why we have this poll is to help with future GEs. Reminiscing is just fine (human nature, after all ) but I think we shouldn't focus on what was and instead what can be.

Cathy, thank you for suggesting another amount! That's what Terri was trying to get out of those who voted for yes to a cap, but not sure what it should be (if I'm wrong, please let me know!).

I've been a proponent of no cap, but someone above mentioned something about you'll be surprised with what you can do by spending $35 (could be wrong on the amount). It's true - and so tough! You can definitely stretch it as long as you put some thought into it. It would be interesting to maybe have one designated GE (maybe the 2nd of the year? One after the holidays since wallets are tight?) and have the $40 minimum actually be the maximum.

Maybe it would be complicated, but it would change things up.

[brezofleur]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

For you "old timers", (), regarding the old GEs... IMHO I think that's like reminiscing about the good ol' days. "Back then, we got to play in the lake...now it's a parking lot."

BTW, caught this too late, but the smiley is NOT sarcasm...meant from love.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

For you "old timers", (), regarding the old GEs... IMHO I think that's like reminiscing about the good ol' days. "Back then, we got to play in the lake...now it's a parking lot."

The thing is, things evolve. Whether it's for the better or not, you can't go back and recreate things when something set. We can make changes, but the GE will never go back to tons and tons of people only spending a few dollars.

Even with a cap, I don't think it'll go back to that. Things are too set now - the smilebox, babytalk, clues...and even then those won't last and something else will be introduced. I don't participate in those that I don't like, but they are there and not everyone is going to stop. It's just the evolution of things.

I think the reason why we have this poll is to help with future GEs. Reminiscing is just fine (human nature, after all ) but I think we shouldn't focus on what was and instead what can be.

Cathy, thank you for suggesting another amount! That's what Terri was trying to get out of those who voted for yes to a cap, but not sure what it should be (if I'm wrong, please let me know!).

I've been a proponent of no cap, but someone above mentioned something about you'll be surprised with what you can do by spending $35 (could be wrong on the amount). It's true - and so tough! You can definitely stretch it as long as you put some thought into it. It would be interesting to maybe have one designated GE (maybe the 2nd of the year? One after the holidays since wallets are tight?) and have the $40 minimum actually be the maximum.

Maybe it would be complicated, but it would change things up.

I'm not an Old Timer, but I find this post extremely condescending and even if you believe it to be true...There are times when some things are left better unsaid...this is one of them IMO. Or better words used... I don't know its just off to me. These to me are hurtful words and words that can alienate even more people. I don't think you meant it that way?

Thing is about the GE...at the end of the day Admin can change it any way they want or do away with it completely...I agree it has evolved, but I'm not so sure it has evolved in a good way, fewer and fewer are joining so maybe sometimes its worth reflecting on the past, when something was successful, and see what they did to make it a success and revamp from there.

I think the open endedness of the poll..."not sure how much" is going to cause another poll to have to be done. It is obvious that many more people want a cap than don't.

[jadabug]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

For you "old timers", (), regarding the old GEs... IMHO I think that's like reminiscing about the good ol' days. "Back then, we got to play in the lake...now it's a parking lot."

The thing is, things evolve. Whether it's for the better or not, you can't go back and recreate things when something set. We can make changes, but the GE will never go back to tons and tons of people only spending a few dollars.

Even with a cap, I don't think it'll go back to that. Things are too set now - the smilebox, babytalk, clues...and even then those won't last and something else will be introduced. I don't participate in those that I don't like, but they are there and not everyone is going to stop. It's just the evolution of things.

I think the reason why we have this poll is to help with future GEs. Reminiscing is just fine (human nature, after all ) but I think we shouldn't focus on what was and instead what can be.

Cathy, thank you for suggesting another amount! That's what Terri was trying to get out of those who voted for yes to a cap, but not sure what it should be (if I'm wrong, please let me know!).

I've been a proponent of no cap, but someone above mentioned something about you'll be surprised with what you can do by spending $35 (could be wrong on the amount). It's true - and so tough! You can definitely stretch it as long as you put some thought into it. It would be interesting to maybe have one designated GE (maybe the 2nd of the year? One after the holidays since wallets are tight?) and have the $40 minimum actually be the maximum.

Maybe it would be complicated, but it would change things up.

Originally Posted by lynzy420

I'm not an Old Timer, but I find this post extremely condescending and even if you believe it to be true...There are times when some things are left better unsaid...this is one of them IMO. Or better words used... I don't know its just off to me. These to me are hurtful words and words that can alienate even more people. I don't think you meant it that way?

Thing is about the GE...at the end of the day Admin can change it any way they want or do away with it completely...I agree it has evolved, but I'm not so sure it has evolved in a good way, fewer and fewer are joining so maybe sometimes its worth reflecting on the past, when something was successful, and see what they did to make it a success and revamp from there.

I think the open endedness of the poll..."not sure how much" is going to cause another poll to have to be done. It is obvious that many more people want a cap than don't.

Sometimes the good old days are called that for a reason..I have participated in several past GE and all of them were after things went over the top. I might add from comments made during these many threads about change that I won't participate in any more. There is just too much drama and what is meant to be a fun and exciting thing has went way beyond being fun.
I had a blast in each GE I participated in and made life long friends in the process and it wasn't ever about the $$. I think the last sign ups when no one wanted to participate should be an eye opener to everyone.