Why does this bother me so much? Vent...

[TOY]

I have gotten quite amused at reading about the gift stashes some of you have because I've done that for years and years! In fact, I've been through with this year's Christmas shopping since March, I think. Well, except for the things I get my husband at the last minute. I do this by staying away from fad items and I have no kids/grandkids who write wish lists.

Instead, I try to find seasonal sales and by doing so I'm able to give gifts I can afford that in season I would never be able to give. I also generally have a "theme" in mind so that I don't have to remember what I've given to whom and when. This '09 Christmas everyone I buy for (except the newborn) is getting flannel sheet sets. Although I do add cash to the only teenager I buy for, he's also getting a set of queen-size camo flannel sheets. He loves to hunt and I know he's going to love the sheets!

I have also already bought our Yorkie's seasonal stuff including her Christmas gifts! Amazing clearance prices on doggie Christmas stuff in January and February! Plus, she has Halloween and Valentine toys just waiting for next year.

All this pre-shopping can cause a couple of problems though. Storage becomes an issue at times and (for the first time) I have greatly misjudged sizes which has resulted in lots of stuff that our Yorkie will never be able to wear. (I've always done well with the predictive size of children in the family but not with the Yorkie! Yes, I always get the children clothes and toys until their teenage years when it becomes clothes or something useful and cash or a gift card.)

I just go "shopping" in the stuff I've pre-bought when I have a secret pal. Generally though, I also buy at least one thing special that is triggered by what I know about the recipient. Often I have lucked out and already had things that were appropriate.

I've never liked the "stress" of having to have a gift immediately when I have absolutely no idea what to buy! The way I shop now is generally online and I watch for sales, clearances, and free shipping...all of which are a shopper's delight!

[Miao]

I can totally understand the pre-buying of gifts. I do that all the time with people stuff. Actually, with my own things and even with dog things. For people, I usually keep a bottle or two of wine and/or champagne around for those late notice invites and specific occasions. When there's time to find something else instead, I'd do that since sometimes it's not "special" enough for what I already have LOL, but I end up giving it anyway due to time restraints and what have you.

When I had my other dog, while I was buying things for her, I had also bought smaller clothes for a future pup I had planned on having. Well, the sizes ranged to the point of some never having fit my yorkie since I got her when she was 4lbs at 4.5 months. Some of those clothes I only got it to fit for a very short time and those times were only for photo shoots since it was too warm to be clothed before she outgrew them. I'm not too concerned about that since I can always save those for a future dog and then there's the "gently used" idea that's been going around... if I can get myself to part with some of the things. I also bought a few "oversized" dog clothing so that should fit my future Shih Tzu.

I buy toys/games throughout the year for Christmas and birthday presents for nephews and friends when I find great deals. With this, it's a little different since you already know who you're buying for.

My husband and I are huge hoarders for various things too and it doesn't help that he's such a pack rat and quite often we buy duplicates because neither of us are able to resist a deal or rare find.

[TOY]

I do the same thing! I'll see something I want to give as a gift and then treat myself to it, too...LOL

[FlDebra]

I have always had a gift closet with items that could be last minute gifts or sometimes with someone especially in mind. I really used the gift closet when the kids were young and had a birthday party almost every Saturday. I have capitalized on sales and added some items that I know are always a hit. But as they got older, the gifts went by the wayside and $$$ was the gift of the day. I still have little things in there to use for a quick thank you or for that unexpected gifter during the holidays. Every Christmas someone I had not counted on exchanging gifts with, shows up with a present. I just can't except one without reciprocating. So, there are always a few "anyone would love this" type gifts at the ready.

Now I will start adding items for the Yorkie GE. I was just looking over the things I have been buying since I thought about participating in this GE. There is already more than I can use for one since I have to leave some room for personlized gift items, so it looks like I have already started my stash.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I have always had a gift closet with items that could be last minute gifts or sometimes with someone especially in mind. I really used the gift closet when the kids were young and had a birthday party almost every Saturday. I have capitalized on sales and added some items that I know are always a hit. But as they got older, the gifts went by the wayside and $$$ was the gift of the day. I still have little things in there to use for a quick thank you or for that unexpected gifter during the holidays. Every Christmas someone I had not counted on exchanging gifts with, shows up with a present. I just can't except one without reciprocating. So, there are always a few "anyone would love this" type gifts at the ready.

Now I will start adding items for the Yorkie GE. I was just looking over the things I have been buying since I thought about participating in this GE. There is already more than I can use for one since I have to leave some room for personlized gift items, so it looks like I have already started my stash.

It is beginning to look like there are a lot of hoarders/stashers among the ranks of the GE participants. I am so glad to know that I am not alone.

[twalla]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

It is beginning to look like there are a lot of hoarders/stashers among the ranks of the ge participants. I am so glad to know that i am not alone.

hoarders unite!!!

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by twalla

hoarders unite!!!

woo hoo you should see my stash -lol it is a whole room and dh is ready to kill me lol

[karlaparis88]

I am kinda new, kinda not, been here since last july/august... but this forum intimidates me... so i only come here to read, look at pictures and post a thread or so once a month. SCARY PLACE!!!

But I would like to voice my opinion of such a large forum doing a GE's.

1. I am a little intimidated as well with the lists. I do understand the don'ts and can't haves. But the extreme wants, can'ts and don'ts are a bit overwhelming. I would feel stressed buying if i don't get the right items.

2. The spending here is SOOO overboard!! In other forums where I've done GE's we've had a spending MAX and I absolutely loved it! I feel that the GE here is more of a competition than anything else. I know that some people are doing it from the heart. But some have $$$ in their eyes, receiving and giving parties.

3. The requirements to participate are extreme too. I am with the poster who said that they can not afford the participation fees. I understand what they are for, but it seems a bit much.

4. IMO, this forum is WAY too big with lots of people and some people don't mind voicing their negative opinions. I am not too happy with the environment here sometimes. I would be mortified if I had someone post a NEGATIVE comment on my SB's thank you thread of the box I sent them.


****BUT JUST FOR CLARIFICATION***
I continue to be a member here due the all the different things you learn. I love to search for threads that help me in any situation and love reading of new information about yorkies or dogs in general. I have been to one meet up and met some wonderful people and I talk to them to this day elsewhere( you all know who you are and where i'm talking about). But I will not be a true "ACTIVE" member on this forum and I will admit my reason. This site gets a bit scary, negative atmosphere at times and if your not a well known member or "popular" you get overlooked. This is how I feel. And i'm glad for this thread for it has helped me get this off my chest.

Now if YT Admin will stop sending me those "YT Misses you" emails. LOL, i'm here... just not posting!!

p.s. I too am a pre-buyer and a bargain shopper. Those are the best gift fillers. Basically they are doggy shirts or tanks in different sizes and colors, and different any gender toys, or anything with Yorkies on them, such as the cute sticky pads Target had for Easter with the Yorkies in a basket picture on them for a dollar!!

[emilyann]

Originally Posted by karlaparis88

I am kinda new, kinda not, been here since last july/august... but this forum intimidates me... so i only come here to read, look at pictures and post a thread or so once a month. SCARY PLACE!!!

But I would like to voice my opinion of such a large forum doing a GE's.

1. I am a little intimidated as well with the lists. I do understand the don'ts and can't haves. But the extreme wants, can'ts and don'ts are a bit overwhelming. I would feel stressed buying if i don't get the right items.

2. The spending here is SOOO overboard!! In other forums where I've done GE's we've had a spending MAX and I absolutely loved it! I feel that the GE here is more of a competition than anything else. I know that some people are doing it from the heart. But some have $$$ in their eyes, receiving and giving parties.

3. The requirements to participate are extreme too. I am with the poster who said that they can not afford the participation fees. I understand what they are for, but it seems a bit much.

4. IMO, this forum is WAY too big with lots of people and some people don't mind voicing their negative opinions. I am not too happy with the environment here sometimes. I would be mortified if I had someone post a NEGATIVE comment on my SB's thank you thread of the box I sent them.


****BUT JUST FOR CLARIFICATION***
I continue to be a member here due the all the different things you learn. I love to search for threads that help me in any situation and love reading of new information about yorkies or dogs in general. I have been to one meet up and met some wonderful people and I talk to them to this day elsewhere( you all know who you are and where i'm talking about). But I will not be a true "ACTIVE" member on this forum and I will admit my reason. This site gets a bit scary, negative atmosphere at times and if your not a well known member or "popular" you get overlooked. This is how I feel. And i'm glad for this thread for it has helped me get this off my chest.

Now if YT Admin will stop sending me those "YT Misses you" emails. LOL, i'm here... just not posting!!

p.s. I too am a pre-buyer and a bargain shopper. Those are the best gift fillers. Basically they are doggy shirts or tanks in different sizes and colors, and different any gender toys, or anything with Yorkies on them, such as the cute sticky pads Target had for Easter with the Yorkies in a basket picture on them for a dollar!!

I SO SO SO wish you wouldn't feel this way! I know where you're coming from though, there's popularity everywhere you go. Don't let that get to you though, post and have fun, nothing's going to happen to you if you post and have fun.

Btw, I agree 100% with some of the things you mentioned!

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by karlaparis88

I am kinda new, kinda not, been here since last july/august... but this forum intimidates me... so i only come here to read, look at pictures and post a thread or so once a month. SCARY PLACE!!!
....4. IMO, this forum is WAY too big with lots of people and some people don't mind voicing their negative opinions. I am not too happy with the environment here sometimes. I would be mortified if I had someone post a NEGATIVE comment on my SB's thank you thread of the box I sent them.

....But I will not be a true "ACTIVE" member on this forum and I will admit my reason. This site gets a bit scary, negative atmosphere at times and if your not a well known member or "popular" you get overlooked. This is how I feel. And i'm glad for this thread for it has helped me get this off my chest.

...such as the cute sticky pads Target had for Easter with the Yorkies in a basket picture on them for a dollar!!

I guess people's perceptions really are different. I love that YT is big and don't find it scary at all even when people are expressing different opinions. I feel it must be a safe place if people can feel free enough to express an opinion they know might not be the popular one. As for certain people being more popular, well I figure that is of their own doing. They probably post more, have a lot of empathy for others and earn their recognition with their words and deeds. It is usually one of those "popular" people who answer my questions or offer understanding when I need it. I know that sometimes threads do get overlooked and I am glad you brought that up. It is a good reminder for us to look for those low response threads and make sure they don't get too many new posts in front of them that they get accidently overlooked. I respect how you feel, and wish there was an easy way to help ease your concerns. But we are all different and look at things differently.

I took over a year off from the forums due to a personal tragedy in my life that I still have trouble talking about. Then, a couple of months ago I lost Sadie, my momma Yorkie. Where did I turn for help, empathy and encouragement? -- Yorkie Talk. It has been great to get back into the forum, see new and old members, and of course all the amazing Yorkies. I joined in the GE even though I might have had some concerns about the lists and expensive expectations of some. But there are also so many who say "my Yorkie will love anything you pick out." I know it is going to be a fun experience!

Glad you did get all of that off your chest though. I find if I keep it all inside, I wind up getting more stressed than just talking it over. Being able to express yourself, might just be the beginning of making this place less scary for you.

Now, how did I miss the Yorkies in a basket sticky pads at Target??? LOL!

[dwerten]

I really like yt as has always been a positive experience for me here. I wish i could be on more and help with health issues since I have learned alot but there are alot of sharp people on here so i tend to help on other forums more as they do not have as many people to help on them. I have made some great friends on here that i talk to daily and have always had a blast with the ge. I was overwhelmed at first trying to figure everything out but i have a better understanding of how to look things up, etc. This is really too bad as i have found the people to be very helpful. I have never felt it is about popularity at all here and many that have a lot of posts are the ones who help alot with health issues, etc or part of the ge hint threads .

You should not feel uncomfortable and give it some time as there is a lot of great information here to help you with your yorkie and many times it is just we have to agree to disagree on certain things. Everyone here is passionate about the breed and their dogs so sometimes things can get heated but everyone's intentions are good I believe. I think things can get misinterpreted on the internet or in email many times as well.

Hang in there as it is a great group of people

[chattiesmom]

I agree with what Debbie and Debra have shared. Back in 2004 when I joined, YT was small compared to what it is now, but I was very intimidated and didn't post much for a long time. Once I learned the ropes and started posting (first in the picture forum - we didn't have a video one back then) I became more famaliar about how things work and got to "know" people. Since then I have made some fantastic friends.

On a forum, we become known by our posts - people who post positive happy encouraging words of wisdom become known for being positive. People who are negative, harsh, and ready to criticize become known that way as well. BUT, the only way you can really become known is to start typing away. Find an area that you feel comfortable in and start replying to threads, use the Search Function and reply to unanswered threads, etc. but try to get involved so we can get to know you.

In November of 2007 when I had a horrific 4-wheeler accident that left me with a crushed leg and confined to bed for over 6 weeks, YT and the friends that I had made were always there for me. 24/7 there was someone to "talk" to. One very special "Frister' Patty58 flew from Texas to Georgia to check up on me. Others like Peanut called me EVERY SINGLE DAY, and stil others to many to name contacted me daily via pm's, and encouraging posts. We are known by our posts and I have come to know and love a multitude of YTers. I hope you are as fortunate as I have been.

Hummmm did someone say they found sticky note pads at Target? We don't have a target.

[dwerten]

NO Target - that is not good - they have some great $1 and 2.50 items there for dogs and they had some great sticky note pads with a yorkie on them - i always go in to check out their stuff as sometimes get some great deals.

[QuickSilver]

Hey, I just wanted to say for the people just now signing up for the GE: remember, some of us are not very creative shoppers, and specific (non-mandatory) items can help us! Maybe don't say you'll die unless you get a $160 carrying case, but I would love to know that I'll be able to get one or two items that my SB will definitely enjoy.

[yorkiepuppie]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I guess people's perceptions really are different. I love that YT is big and don't find it scary at all even when people are expressing different opinions. I feel it must be a safe place if people can feel free enough to express an opinion they know might not be the popular one. As for certain people being more popular, well I figure that is of their own doing. They probably post more, have a lot of empathy for others and earn their recognition with their words and deeds. It is usually one of those "popular" people who answer my questions or offer understanding when I need it. LOL!

i really agree with what you said about the "popular people"
i haven't been on YT for THAT long, but i have heard complaints many times about people only wanting to respond to drama and that only "popular people" get loads of responses.

i think that when a post gets overlooked, it's the op's responsibility to ask the question again. this forum is big, a lot of posts do get pushed down, and if you posted about an important question and no one responded, then you should post again, or bump your thread. because most likely people did not see your thread, it just got buried before people had a chance to respond.

if you asked someone a question and they didn't hear you, you should repeat your question. some people just automatically assume that people are 'ignoring' their posts, and they get their feelings hurt and they pout and they whine. when in fact that is not the case.

i agree that the popular people on YT are probably popular for a very good reason. they are helpful, they are sympathetic, and they post without worrying about how many responses they get.