GE Suggestions

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

Well maybe making a time limit on when the buddy has to at least post a thank you thread (with 3 pics) would be a good idea. So this doesn’t happen again.

I do think that would be a good idea. That way it is clear as to when they must do this.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

I do think that would be a good idea. That way it is clear as to when they must do this.

Also if they are going out of town they will know when they are suppose to post the Thank you!!

[CouversMom]

I think starting this thread was a great idea. It's good to get the discussion started and think of ways the problems can be prevented or at least reduced. I like the idea of a spending maximum... lol. I tend to overspend, and if I had a limit... I would have a reason to stop and would probably do more gift exchanges.

[RileyDC]

Originally Posted by 107barney

Apparently you did not read my post for the point I was making, which was more directed at changing the culture of the GE so that maybe more than 12 people would be inspired to sign up.

As to the immediate issue, there is no absolute time limit on WHEN the thank you has to be made. This isn't a broken rule, IMO, unless Admin has defined the rule with a specific number of days to comply. We all have our ideas of what a reasonable amount of time should be to post a thank you, and I've even given my opinion that I think the amount of time is not acceptable in this one particular case, but that's for Admin to decide, and it has not been decided. I copy rule 12 below which says nothing about the timing of posting a thank you.

12. Consequences - We want to keep the fairness in this Gift Exchange and we want everyone to have fun! It is not fair to send a gift and not receive one without any actions taken against the participant that decided not to send a gift.

If you do not send out a gift, you may be banned from YorkieTalk forever with a note in their user title stating the reason they are banned. We do not want this to happen to anyone and that is why we stress that you contact us as soon as possible if anything occurs which prevents you from sending out a gift.

If members ship their gifts out substantially late and without reason or warning or notice to us, their accounts will be suspended for two weeks and they will not be eligible to participate in the next Gift Exchange.

If members ship their gifts out late in multiple Gift Exchanges, they will not be allowed to participate in the next two Gift Exchanges. If it happens again after that, then the member will be permanently banned from all future Gift Exchanges.

If members do not post "Thank You" threads, their accounts will be suspended or banned and they will no longer be able to participate in any future Gift Exchanges.

Again, please let us know as soon as you can if you are unable to send out the gift by the deadline. We will work with all members involved and notify your Secret Buddy for you if we know.

If you do not send a gift, you (and any immediate family members in your household) will be BANNED from YorkieTalk and from participating in any future YorkieTalk Gift Exchanges.

BTW:
#7 SAYS:

7. Receiving a Gift - Your buddy has put a lot of thought, effort, money and time into your gift. We believe that the least you can do is thank them. Please start a thread in the YT Gift Exchange Forum after you have received your gift so that your Gift Giver knows that you have received the goodies. It shows your buddy that you appreciate it and also lets us know that you received your gift so we know who or who did not receive their gifts. This is a requirement of participating in the Gift Exchange. We also require members to post at least three pictures in the Thank You thread as well, as members like to see the gifts being received, as some say that's the best part of our Gift Exchanges.

[ArmaniMan]

I didnt read the whole thread... but I dont think time on here has much to do with it- when I participated in GE's I got a bunch of dollar store items (tags still on), used items, and items I specifically stated in my sign up my dogs could not have due to health concerns. I ended up donating almost an entire box from one exchange. These were not new members. I always bought personalized items for my buddy and purchased everything once I had a buddy assigned so I knew I was getting things they could use- it was upsetting to get boxes of stuff I knew had been purchased in bulk with no thought into whether or not my dogs could even have it. That is what eventually turned me off to the GE's. I know that it is better to give then receive and I did enjoy picking things out for my buddies and personalizing things for them- but it was disappointing in the end to not have the same reciprocated. I dont know that there is any way to police these things better though.

[ArmaniMan]

Originally Posted by 107barney

I don't think it has anything to do with the length of time that someone is a vendor and I agree with Jen and others who feel that further imposition of a rule will deter participation. But, I do think we need another rule.

I am concerned that some members do not feel comfortable participating because they perceive the GE boxes sent/received are very expensive and they feel uncomfortable, despite their being no requirement to spend far over the limit.

I propose that there be a maximum spending amount. I previously did not think it was necessary, but I hate to see members not participate because they think they just can't deliver an expensive box.

I know that there have been members who have received boxes of dollar store items, dirty items, used items, etc. Sometimes, it was clear this was deliberate -- for example, when a dollar store box was delivered by a vendor of this forum who was actively and aggressively peddling her seemingly higher quality wares at the same time. That situation pissed everyone off, and was dealt with accordingly. But there have been other times where there was a mixture of items - dollar store and other items where CLEARLY the person purchasing the items put a lot of love and thought into the gift as a whole.

The raising of the limit to participate addressed the dollar store type novelty items accordingly. Hopefully, that weeded out the people who were only looking to participate to spend the minimum and gain the maximum.

But, I think we still have a problem.

If we cap the limit, we can assure that the people playing are not in it for the "gifts" received, but because they are interested in the fun and the friendships cultivated through the exchange.

I propose a $100 cap on spending.

I agree- good post.

To me its not about the amount spent but the thought put into it. I think people are too caught up in sending a BIG box- I would rather get a small box with one or two nice items that my dog can use- then a bunch of stuff that my dog cant have.

[RileyDC]

Originally Posted by RileyDC

BTW:
#7 SAYS:

7. Receiving a Gift - Your buddy has put a lot of thought, effort, money and time into your gift. We believe that the least you can do is thank them. Please start a thread in the YT Gift Exchange Forum after you have received your gift so that your Gift Giver knows that you have received the goodies. It shows your buddy that you appreciate it and also lets us know that you received your gift so we know who or who did not receive their gifts. This is a requirement of participating in the Gift Exchange. We also require members to post at least three pictures in the Thank You thread as well, as members like to see the gifts being received, as some say that's the best part of our Gift Exchanges.

Opps! I did not even realize I had already posted what #7 stated.

My thought was.... we are all adults here. Do you really need to be told how long you have after receiving a gift to post a Thank You?.... Knowing that is the best part of the GE, for many.

It was very exciting to us to see what Riley was going to receive and HE really did get Excited... He knows the Word SURPRISE!!!!
But even more exciting for me.....which is why I Loved joining in the Gift Exchanges.... was that it gave me a chance to continue to shop for others and to get to know others a little better. I Looooved Shopping for the Girls.... It was tons of fun shopping for the bows and dresses..... since I have a boy.... but I do also Love shopping for the boys. Because I don't shop a whole lot for Riley, like I used to..... His little closet almost has more stuff in it than Mine.

I look forward to watching the future GEs and hope there are no further issues for any of the future ones.

[jadabug]

Originally Posted by 107barney

I don't think it has anything to do with the length of time that someone is a vendor and I agree with Jen and others who feel that further imposition of a rule will deter participation. But, I do think we need another rule.

I am concerned that some members do not feel comfortable participating because they perceive the GE boxes sent/received are very expensive and they feel uncomfortable, despite their being no requirement to spend far over the limit.

I propose that there be a maximum spending amount. I previously did not think it was necessary, but I hate to see members not participate because they think they just can't deliver an expensive box.

I know that there have been members who have received boxes of dollar store items, dirty items, used items, etc. Sometimes, it was clear this was deliberate -- for example, when a dollar store box was delivered by a vendor of this forum who was actively and aggressively peddling her seemingly higher quality wares at the same time. That situation pissed everyone off, and was dealt with accordingly. But there have been other times where there was a mixture of items - dollar store and other items where CLEARLY the person purchasing the items put a lot of love and thought into the gift as a whole.

The raising of the limit to participate addressed the dollar store type novelty items accordingly. Hopefully, that weeded out the people who were only looking to participate to spend the minimum and gain the maximum.

But, I think we still have a problem.

If we cap the limit, we can assure that the people playing are not in it for the "gifts" received, but because they are interested in the fun and the friendships cultivated through the exchange.

I propose a $100 cap on spending.

Originally Posted by CouversMom

I think starting this thread was a great idea. It's good to get the discussion started and think of ways the problems can be prevented or at least reduced. I like the idea of a spending maximum... lol. I tend to overspend, and if I had a limit... I would have a reason to stop and would probably do more gift exchanges.

I agree to having a limit on the amount spent. It took me forever to get up the nerve to participate in the GE because I felt a little intimidated be the extravagance on some of the boxes sent out.
It is so much fun and I am hooked regardless but I think we would get a lot more participants if there were a limit.

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by 107barney

Apparently you did not read my post for the point I was making, which was more directed at changing the culture of the GE so that maybe more than 12 people would be inspired to sign up.

As to the immediate issue, there is no absolute time limit on WHEN the thank you has to be made. This isn't a broken rule, IMO, unless Admin has defined the rule with a specific number of days to comply. We all have our ideas of what a reasonable amount of time should be to post a thank you, and I've even given my opinion that I think the amount of time is not acceptable in this one particular case, but that's for Admin to decide, and it has not been decided. I copy rule 12 below which says nothing about the timing of posting a thank you.

12. Consequences - We want to keep the fairness in this Gift Exchange and we want everyone to have fun! It is not fair to send a gift and not receive one without any actions taken against the participant that decided not to send a gift.

If you do not send out a gift, you may be banned from YorkieTalk forever with a note in their user title stating the reason they are banned. We do not want this to happen to anyone and that is why we stress that you contact us as soon as possible if anything occurs which prevents you from sending out a gift.

If members ship their gifts out substantially late and without reason or warning or notice to us, their accounts will be suspended for two weeks and they will not be eligible to participate in the next Gift Exchange.

If members ship their gifts out late in multiple Gift Exchanges, they will not be allowed to participate in the next two Gift Exchanges. If it happens again after that, then the member will be permanently banned from all future Gift Exchanges.

If members do not post "Thank You" threads, their accounts will be suspended or banned and they will no longer be able to participate in any future Gift Exchanges.

Again, please let us know as soon as you can if you are unable to send out the gift by the deadline. We will work with all members involved and notify your Secret Buddy for you if we know.

If you do not send a gift, you (and any immediate family members in your household) will be BANNED from YorkieTalk and from participating in any future YorkieTalk Gift Exchanges.

Great points

Originally Posted by ArmaniMan

I didnt read the whole thread... but I dont think time on here has much to do with it- when I participated in GE's I got a bunch of dollar store items (tags still on), used items, and items I specifically stated in my sign up my dogs could not have due to health concerns. I ended up donating almost an entire box from one exchange. These were not new members. I always bought personalized items for my buddy and purchased everything once I had a buddy assigned so I knew I was getting things they could use- it was upsetting to get boxes of stuff I knew had been purchased in bulk with no thought into whether or not my dogs could even have it. That is what eventually turned me off to the GE's. I know that it is better to give then receive and I did enjoy picking things out for my buddies and personalizing things for them- but it was disappointing in the end to not have the same reciprocated. I dont know that there is any way to police these things better though.

This has happened to me in the past as well. I would much rather receive a few things that I specifically asked for in a GE than to just receive a bunch of stuff that is useless. Each GE I put a lot of thought and effort into my box and would appreciate if the same was done in return. It's not the amount that is spent but the thought that goes into the gift. What's the purpose of having the signup questionier if you get a box filled will things that are useless. Pretty much the reason that I did not participate this time around. It's a crap shoot every GE if I will be disappointed by the lack of effort or overwhelmed by the thoughtful gifts that were given.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by RileyDC

Opps! I did not even realize I had already posted what #7 stated.

My thought was.... we are all adults here. Do you really need to be told how long you have after receiving a gift to post a Thank You?.... Knowing that is the best part of the GE, for many.

It was very exciting to us to see what Riley was going to receive and HE really did get Excited... He knows the Word SURPRISE!!!!
But even more exciting for me.....which is why I Loved joining in the Gift Exchanges.... was that it gave me a chance to continue to shop for others and to get to know others a little better. I Looooved Shopping for the Girls.... It was tons of fun shopping for the bows and dresses..... since I have a boy.... but I do also Love shopping for the boys. Because I don't shop a whole lot for Riley, like I used to..... His little closet almost has more stuff in it than Mine.


I look forward to watching the future GEs and hope there are no further issues for any of the future ones.

it is clear as day- Once you get your box send a thank you. It is that easy!! I think we are on the same page here- how can people argue about when to say thank you? Yes it doesn't say a time but it does say after you get ur box- come on guys!

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

it is clear as day- Once you get your box send a thank you. It is that easy!! I think we are on the same page here- how can people argue about when to say thank you? Yes it doesn't say a time but it does say after you get ur box- come on guys!

I actually think that is really unfair. What if someone has to go on a business trip. The box arrives DH receives it and there it sits until the yorkie mom returns. The sender can check their tracking number all they want. Package will show delivery of item, but has not heard from their SB. You can't plan around that. Putting an extremely short period after recieving box is unfair. It's also unfair to the sender to be left wondering for an unreasonable amount of time without letting them know their package has arrived and is safe, but oh can't get to it at the moment. The issue there is how exactly do you define what is "reasonable" response time for a thank you?
There is such a thing as way too many rules, in my opinion anyway.

[linda44]

Well Im hooked, whatever is decided. For us we get more out of trying to please our buddy that what we get in return. (Although we have had awesome buddies!). We wont be participating next time. Ive thought about this and its not fair to our buddy because we will be traveling. I mean I can shop and send teasers and post hints but its not fair that our buddy wont have the freedom to do the same, so we will be watching and drooling all the rest of you.

[RileyDC]

Usually people who have had to go on trips have known beforehand and they will post a thread letting everybody know beforehand. From what I have seen in the past, almost 2-years, there have never been issues with that. - I could be wrong.

Plus, the GE is an all month event. You should be able to keep everybody posted as to when you will and/or won't be around. I you aren't going to be around, you sit that one out.

[RileyDC]

Doesn't Matter To Me Whatsoever What Is Decided and What Is Not Decided.... Riley And I Are Done!

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985

I actually think that is really unfair. What if someone has to go on a business trip. The box arrives DH receives it and there it sits until the yorkie mom returns. The sender can check their tracking number all they want. Package will show delivery of item, but has not heard from their SB. You can't plan around that. Putting an extremely short period after recieving box is unfair. It's also unfair to the sender to be left wondering for an unreasonable amount of time without letting them know their package has arrived and is safe, but oh can't get to it at the moment. The issue there is how exactly do you define what is "reasonable" response time for a thank you?
There is such a thing as way too many rules, in my opinion anyway.

What is unfair?? I am pretty sure everyone has an Iphone or Android phone that can log on to YT and say thank you, and explain yourself. I think at least that can be done... Most people are understanding. If I was waiting and waiting for a thank you, and pictures, and my Buddy came on and say hey this is what is going on... I would understand- I think most people would. It is not saying ANYTHING that is wrong.