Gathering Ideas: The 2nd YorkieTalk Secret Buddy Gift Exchange! - Page 4 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Biddy's Mom · 07-21-2005, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schatzie

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall it doesn't matter to me, so bring it on!!

Love to make our Yorkie's happy!

Me too - I don't need any reason to buy & receive presents

kittendes · 07-21-2005, 09:39 AM

I would love to participate, but with the deposit & a purchase it's out of my budget. What a bummer......

Oh well.

Desiree

goldcupmom · 07-21-2005, 12:30 PM

I think if we don't have time for a halloween & a christmas, then it should be a fall & winter, then the other could be a spring & summer and do it twice a year.

JMHO

wendybee · 07-21-2005, 01:59 PM

yes please id like to join, hope its haloween coz i dont no what fall is?

wendy and rosie

tarawood · 07-21-2005, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kittendes

I would love to participate, but with the deposit & a purchase it's out of my budget. What a bummer......

Oh well.

Desiree

I really want to participate too, and no offense at all to anyone, but I do have to agree with this.

The $25 deposit added to the $15 to $20 price you spend on the gifts + around $5 shipping really puts it out of people's price range because it puts it close to $50 for those who don't have 500 posts, whereas if you did have 500 posts, you could spend the minimum of $15 + $5 for shipping and be through with $20, which is much more affordable for everyone. The deposit more than doubles the money spent and while you do get it back, you don't get it until the gift is received, so you are out of pocket that $50 for awhile.

I sort of understand the premise behind the deposit, but maybe it could perhaps be lowered since it is more than what you are required to spend on a gift in the first place.

rnnw62 · 07-21-2005, 03:29 PM

I also would have to agree with the thought that the deposit seems high.
It's too bad that as usual a few have to go and wreck it for the majority.
I was unable to participate last time because I didn't meet the requirments
then and now these new changes more than frustrate me. It's not that I
can't afford the deposit that isn't even the issue. I am on this forum almost
day and night 7 days a week and I am not about to begin to start posting
generically just to meet that 500 post free pass line. Some people just
don't post as much as others but it doesn't make their value here any less
in my eyes. I have no problem with paying something to participate but I will
admit that I feel I am being penalized both because I have under 500 posts
and I was unable to participate in the last gift exchange. No, offense to you
Natalie or the admn...I know you put a lot of work and thought into this but
wouldn't it have made more sense to set the minimum post limit in the way
that you did and then collected a MUCH smaller non refundable deposit from
EVERYONE that did not meet that first requirement? I think many would feel
it was fairer. You would have the money needed to cover anyone that didn't
follow through on their commitment as promised and then whatever was left
could have been knowingly donated to either YT or the new Millbuster sight.
I am not into playing musical money and I am sure there will be many others
that feel the same way. This also would have saved you time after the fact
in regard to having to return deposits. But that's JMO!

TeddyBear · 07-21-2005, 03:58 PM

I think we should do a fall and winter gift exchange and another one around Valentine's day for all our little sweet

's!!

natalie · 07-21-2005, 04:24 PM

The problem with the first gift exchange was that there were zero requirements to be met. Anyone and everyone could join, even members who were a day new or who had one post in a year. And, in the end, everyone did get their gift.. but it was because of a few generous members that were offering to help take on two buddies while they only got one package in return. I thought that was unfair and I am going to take money out of my pocket to thank them for it. I just don't know how to thank them, yet!

The beginning post limit was at 200 but Admin thought it should be raised higher than that. So, it was raised to 250. Until, we just agreed on 500. It is a bit high and I do understand what you mean by some people who do not post as much are still as valuable to this board as anyone else. I know that there are people who may not post a lot but when they do post, give very valuable information. But, the deposit has nothing to do with the value of the member but when new members sign up, we cannot predict how long they will stay. This was mistake #1 in the first gift exchange. We let everyone participate and some were here for the first month of the gift exchange to sign up and a week after everything was together, they left YT and I never heard from them again. In return, their buddy never received their gift but they received theirs and never said a word to their buddy. Not even a PM to say Thank You. So Admin and I agreed that although it may be a little too high, it ensures Admin that the member with 500+ post has been here long enough and will stick around.

And with the monetary deposit of $25.00, I didn't agree with this in the beginning either. It didn't make sense since the YorkieTalk Gift Exchange is solely based on TRUST and when you participate, you are taking the risk of not receiving a gift. This was the rule in the first gift exchange. But, after everyone received their gift, there were a lot that had not. That put A LOT of guilt on me and Admin both because we felt like it was our fault that we did not check out the buddies as much as we should have. So, I was going to take it out of my pocket to give all of those Yorkies that did not receive a gift something, too. (Before the other awesome members helped and volunteered their kindess)

It is a security deposit, just to know that whether or not your buddy will send a gift.. you WILL get a gift in return. Since it was Admin's idea for the deposit, he has been the one who has taken up the responsibility of returning them. It is a bit time consuming to return deposits but we will take any measures we can to make sure that everyone gets a gift and everything is fair with noone feeling left out or guilty.

A non-refunable deposit is pretty much paying to join. The reason why we do not want to have non-refundable deposits is because we do not want members to have to pay for this privilege on YorkieTalk.

You have to keep in mind that we want things to be fair and everyone to receive a gift. We do understand that there are some people who cannot afford the deposit, but perhaps there are other alternatives such as waiting for the next round on the Gift Exchange when you do have more money.

I wanted this to be a fun, enjoyable experience for everyone and while I know I cannot make everyone happy and grant everyone's wishes, I am trying my best.

admin · 07-21-2005, 04:26 PM

We do realize some of the rules may seem harsh to you, but we have to protect our members. We tried this TRUST ONLY thing last time, and several people were left without presents. That is just unacceptable to us, we do not feel anyone should be ripped off in a friendly gift exchange. We also don't believe in taking money from everyone to offset the persons that don't send out a gift, as that takes away financially from everyone. Natalie is donating many, many hours of her time for this effort out of love for YT and YT Members, please do not make her feel bad about it. These rules were made by the Admin Team, not her.

If you can't or don't agree with the Gift Exchange rules, we are sorry you feel that way. We are not forcing anyone to join the Gift Exchange. This is a friendly event for our members as a bonus for being on YorkieTalk. But we are not going to change the rules, as this is the only way of protecting each and every member from a potential empty basket. Your deposit is completely refundable and will be refunded after your secret buddy confirms receipt of their gifts.

We will make this exception for our Donating Members, if you have donated $20 or more to YorkieTalk, you can join the Gift Exchange without doing the deposit.

rnnw62 · 07-21-2005, 04:59 PM

Thank-you to both Natalie and the Admn for your prompt response in
explaining the rule changes implimented for the up and coming gift
exchange. It was never my intent to disrespect or make anyone feel
bad in stating my own personal feelings. I know the generous time
involved on everyone's part to make this work for all that choose to
participate. I more than appreciate the personal touches by many
on this sight and I think that is why this forum is as successful as it
is. I don't know where I got the idea that I didn't qualify last exchange
but I apologize for the error in that thought on my part. It was never
my intention to stir any pots up but at the same time I do not regret
having a better understanding of the rules as well as the thoughts
behind them and I hope this helps other people that may have been
feeling the same way that I did. Again Thank-You Natalie as well as
the Admn.

ssguzzy828 · 07-21-2005, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnnw62

I also would have to agree with the thought that the deposit seems high.
It's too bad that as usual a few have to go and wreck it for the majority.
I was unable to participate last time because I didn't meet the requirments
then and now these new changes more than frustrate me. It's not that I
can't afford the deposit that isn't even the issue. I am on this forum almost
day and night 7 days a week and I am not about to begin to start posting
generically just to meet that 500 post free pass line. Some people just
don't post as much as others but it doesn't make their value here any less
in my eyes. I have no problem with paying something to participate but I will
admit that I feel I am being penalized both because I have under 500 posts
and I was unable to participate in the last gift exchange. No, offense to you
Natalie or the admn...I know you put a lot of work and thought into this but
wouldn't it have made more sense to set the minimum post limit in the way
that you did and then collected a MUCH smaller non refundable deposit from
EVERYONE that did not meet that first requirement? I think many would feel
it was fairer. You would have the money needed to cover anyone that didn't
follow through on their commitment as promised and then whatever was left
could have been knowingly donated to either YT or the new Millbuster sight.
I am not into playing musical money and I am sure there will be many others
that feel the same way. This also would have saved you time after the fact
in regard to having to return deposits. But that's JMO!

i know it does seem a bit strict but please dont feel offended. Its just that some people didnt receive their gfts after sending out theres. Admin just wants to make sure that everyone recieves thier gifts. I hope you are able to participate but understand your point.

Also Im with schatzies mom any season is good for me!!!!!!! Any reason to shop is a good reason to me

Mystify79 · 07-21-2005, 07:14 PM

This sounds like a lot of fun! I hope I can get up to enough posts to participate.

I like the idea of a Fall/Winter theme.

scrappymomma · 07-22-2005, 10:37 PM

I am so excited! I am kinda happy there is a deposit because it gives me a chance to play now. I dont have tons of posts but I am here everyday. I hate to post a bunch of nonscense just to post. KWIM? I love any occasion to shop!

kewtee · 07-22-2005, 10:54 PM

Great! I was sad when I read:

Quote:

Until, we just agreed on 500

"¤"%¤#%¤#" Just because I don't spam every thread I see, makes me a less trusted member despite my 50$???????

But then I saw admins post!

Quote:

We will make this exception for our Donating Members, if you have donated $20 or more to YorkieTalk, you can join the Gift Exchange without doing the deposit.

Whew! What a relief!

I don't know if it will fit my budget yet, but we'll have to see. It's already a gift to be a member of this community, both for me and the girls

letty00 · 07-23-2005, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natalie

I believe Admin will approve of Yorkie mixes. As long as they are some part Yorkie.

Thanks...I was just asking cuz I wasn't sure if he'd be able to join in all the fun!!!

07-21-2005, 03:29 PM	#51
rnnw62 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Gilbert, Arizona Posts: 1,610	I also would have to agree with the thought that the deposit seems high. It's too bad that as usual a few have to go and wreck it for the majority. I was unable to participate last time because I didn't meet the requirments then and now these new changes more than frustrate me. It's not that I can't afford the deposit that isn't even the issue. I am on this forum almost day and night 7 days a week and I am not about to begin to start posting generically just to meet that 500 post free pass line. Some people just don't post as much as others but it doesn't make their value here any less in my eyes. I have no problem with paying something to participate but I will admit that I feel I am being penalized both because I have under 500 posts and I was unable to participate in the last gift exchange. No, offense to you Natalie or the admn...I know you put a lot of work and thought into this but wouldn't it have made more sense to set the minimum post limit in the way that you did and then collected a MUCH smaller non refundable deposit from EVERYONE that did not meet that first requirement? I think many would feel it was fairer. You would have the money needed to cover anyone that didn't follow through on their commitment as promised and then whatever was left could have been knowingly donated to either YT or the new Millbuster sight. I am not into playing musical money and I am sure there will be many others that feel the same way. This also would have saved you time after the fact in regard to having to return deposits. But that's JMO! __________________ Shelly, Teddy, Toby,Hanne & Indigo Last edited by rnnw62; 07-21-2005 at 03:33 PM.

07-21-2005, 03:58 PM	#52
TeddyBear Hey Cutie! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,677	I think we should do a fall and winter gift exchange and another one around Valentine's day for all our little sweet 's!! __________________ Love, Leigh, Starsky and Shylah: You can never get enough Yorkie kisses!!! Proud member of the CrAzYcLuB http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DenverYorkies/

07-21-2005, 04:59 PM	#55
rnnw62 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Gilbert, Arizona Posts: 1,610	Thank-you to both Natalie and the Admn for your prompt response in explaining the rule changes implimented for the up and coming gift exchange. It was never my intent to disrespect or make anyone feel bad in stating my own personal feelings. I know the generous time involved on everyone's part to make this work for all that choose to participate. I more than appreciate the personal touches by many on this sight and I think that is why this forum is as successful as it is. I don't know where I got the idea that I didn't qualify last exchange but I apologize for the error in that thought on my part. It was never my intention to stir any pots up but at the same time I do not regret having a better understanding of the rules as well as the thoughts behind them and I hope this helps other people that may have been feeling the same way that I did. Again Thank-You Natalie as well as the Admn. __________________ Shelly, Teddy, Toby,Hanne & Indigo

07-21-2005, 07:14 PM	#57
Mystify79 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 565	This sounds like a lot of fun! I hope I can get up to enough posts to participate. I like the idea of a Fall/Winter theme. __________________ Pixie 2005-2015 "If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever."

07-21-2005, 09:39 AM	#47
kittendes Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2005 Location: Perkasie, PA Posts: 214	I would love to participate, but with the deposit & a purchase it's out of my budget. What a bummer...... Oh well. Desiree

07-21-2005, 12:30 PM	#48
goldcupmom YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 373	I think if we don't have time for a halloween & a christmas, then it should be a fall & winter, then the other could be a spring & summer and do it twice a year. JMHO

07-21-2005, 01:59 PM	#49
wendybee BANNED! Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 966	yes please id like to join, hope its haloween coz i dont no what fall is? wendy and rosie

07-21-2005, 04:24 PM	#53
natalie Owned by Fred Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,352	The problem with the first gift exchange was that there were zero requirements to be met. Anyone and everyone could join, even members who were a day new or who had one post in a year. And, in the end, everyone did get their gift.. but it was because of a few generous members that were offering to help take on two buddies while they only got one package in return. I thought that was unfair and I am going to take money out of my pocket to thank them for it. I just don't know how to thank them, yet! The beginning post limit was at 200 but Admin thought it should be raised higher than that. So, it was raised to 250. Until, we just agreed on 500. It is a bit high and I do understand what you mean by some people who do not post as much are still as valuable to this board as anyone else. I know that there are people who may not post a lot but when they do post, give very valuable information. But, the deposit has nothing to do with the value of the member but when new members sign up, we cannot predict how long they will stay. This was mistake #1 in the first gift exchange. We let everyone participate and some were here for the first month of the gift exchange to sign up and a week after everything was together, they left YT and I never heard from them again. In return, their buddy never received their gift but they received theirs and never said a word to their buddy. Not even a PM to say Thank You. So Admin and I agreed that although it may be a little too high, it ensures Admin that the member with 500+ post has been here long enough and will stick around. And with the monetary deposit of $25.00, I didn't agree with this in the beginning either. It didn't make sense since the YorkieTalk Gift Exchange is solely based on TRUST and when you participate, you are taking the risk of not receiving a gift. This was the rule in the first gift exchange. But, after everyone received their gift, there were a lot that had not. That put A LOT of guilt on me and Admin both because we felt like it was our fault that we did not check out the buddies as much as we should have. So, I was going to take it out of my pocket to give all of those Yorkies that did not receive a gift something, too. (Before the other awesome members helped and volunteered their kindess) It is a security deposit, just to know that whether or not your buddy will send a gift.. you WILL get a gift in return. Since it was Admin's idea for the deposit, he has been the one who has taken up the responsibility of returning them. It is a bit time consuming to return deposits but we will take any measures we can to make sure that everyone gets a gift and everything is fair with noone feeling left out or guilty. A non-refunable deposit is pretty much paying to join. The reason why we do not want to have non-refundable deposits is because we do not want members to have to pay for this privilege on YorkieTalk. You have to keep in mind that we want things to be fair and everyone to receive a gift. We do understand that there are some people who cannot afford the deposit, but perhaps there are other alternatives such as waiting for the next round on the Gift Exchange when you do have more money. I wanted this to be a fun, enjoyable experience for everyone and while I know I cannot make everyone happy and grant everyone's wishes, I am trying my best.

07-21-2005, 04:26 PM	#54
admin *Administrator* Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: USA Posts: 3,246 Blog Entries: 3	We do realize some of the rules may seem harsh to you, but we have to protect our members. We tried this TRUST ONLY thing last time, and several people were left without presents. That is just unacceptable to us, we do not feel anyone should be ripped off in a friendly gift exchange. We also don't believe in taking money from everyone to offset the persons that don't send out a gift, as that takes away financially from everyone. Natalie is donating many, many hours of her time for this effort out of love for YT and YT Members, please do not make her feel bad about it. These rules were made by the Admin Team, not her. If you can't or don't agree with the Gift Exchange rules, we are sorry you feel that way. We are not forcing anyone to join the Gift Exchange. This is a friendly event for our members as a bonus for being on YorkieTalk. But we are not going to change the rules, as this is the only way of protecting each and every member from a potential empty basket. Your deposit is completely refundable and will be refunded after your secret buddy confirms receipt of their gifts. We will make this exception for our Donating Members, if you have donated $20 or more to YorkieTalk, you can join the Gift Exchange without doing the deposit.

07-22-2005, 10:37 PM	#58
scrappymomma Currently Suspended! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 697	I am so excited! I am kinda happy there is a deposit because it gives me a chance to play now. I dont have tons of posts but I am here everyday. I hate to post a bunch of nonscense just to post. KWIM? I love any occasion to shop!