YorkieTalk Gift Exchange - Open for Suggestions!

[Gypsy & Me]

Originally Posted by Wabbit

OK My two cents:

I'm not exactly sure who you are referring to with your "woe is me" paragraph but apparently I was "guilty" of starting a thread that was ALL IN FUN...about Daizy being mopey.....If my secret buddy took that as an "insult" then I am VERY SORRY!!!! Because it was all done in fun...I was sitting around bored....and was just playing around....I do NOT consider that thread as an insulting thread where I was attempting to TARGET my secret buddy....though..correct me if I am wrong..

I said "In the past", it could of referred to any of the GE's I've been in since I joined YT. If you notice my previous posts in this thread you'll see I quoted and agreed with Chattiesmom that I'm not referring to any threads that were teasing threads and I believe your thread was a teasing thread, was it not? A thread with a photo of their dog looking sad followed by a funny comment about it isn't anything like what I'm talking about. The whole point I was making, which that paragraph went hand in hand with the previous ones, was about threads where people "complain" about not having received theirs yet. So yes, I'm sorry but you are mistaken as to what I'm talking about and taken it completely out of context.

Originally Posted by Wabbit

I think there are many with "good intentions" and then there are some, that are still fuming over the last GE that wanna institute ALOT of unnecessary rules...Like others have said..."If it's NOT broke, don't fix it"..

I don't believe that anyone is fuming or anyone ever was. There were hurt feelings yes but I don't believe that anyone was actually mad. There were misunderstandings but as far as I was aware it was all resolved privately and everyone is okay. There was a thread prior to this GE starting up about revising the rules so I doubt that admin posting a thread now was sparked just by this GE specifically. I don't see as anyone on this thread has bought up any additional rules other than discussed the ones that admin raised in their initial post. So I really don't see how anyone is trying to institute anything as nothing different has been suggested?

Originally Posted by Wabbit

And I do agree that if someone is concerned or still waiting after the deadline...they should contact ADMIN and let them handle it...before starting a thread about not receiving their gift....am I wrong or was there actually ANY Threads started about people NOT receiving their gifts other than (ONES DONE IN FUN OR GEST)?? Because I honestly do not remember seeing any of those...other than a couple posts....that started alot of controversy...

That is what I'm referring to, not the ones in fun. I wasn't the person that inititally brought it up about "complaining" though. Admin made the suggestion and it is being discussed, whether it has or hasn't happened in the past is irrelevant.

[QuickSilver]

No, no, I meant I was "out" as in I expressed my opinion five times, and people had probably gotten the point. I have had a great time both GEs, and while I think it's great that admin is open to changing the rules and possibly improving the experience, I think it all works out very well.

There are so many possible ways people can get upset if they choose. They spend a lot and their buddy doesn't, so they feel cheated. They spend the minimum, and their buddy doesn't, so they feel embarrassed. Their buddy doesn't give a nice enough thank you, so they feel hurt. They send their gift early in the month, and don't receive a gift until the end. Etc, etc. This is NOT directed at anyone specific AT ALL, I just mean that you can't control everything and guarantee 100% that everyone will have pure, unadulterated fun. Hopefully most of us have a lot, that's a good goal to shoot for.

[celstu1]

The reason I suggested a raised minimum is because I read that the minimum you can spend is $20. Ok I thought, I can afford $20 I'll do the GE. (I am currently on reduced pay due to the economy and pay a mortgage alone and money is tight right now) AFTER I signed up, I bought my buddy some things and I think I was up to $38. I was going to stop. THEN a thread was started asking people how much they spend on their buddy and people were posting in the $80+ range. I thought CRAP I gotta step this up to be in line and fair with what others are doing. The people who DO participate in the GEs go above and beyond what is required, everyone is very generous. However I think having a higher minimum would forewarn newbies (esp) that $20 is very low in comparison. I was not prepared to spend $80, I mean don't get me wrong I loved buying for my buddy and could have easily spent $300, but when you are told minimum $20 and then people say they spend $80, suddenly some can feel really over their head and unprepared, kind of like I felt!

I hope that makes sense somewhat

[yorkiepaws]

Sorry to change the subject, but trying to find out when the next exchange is and how to sign up. I'm sure it's posted somewhere but I can't find it.

[celstu1]

Originally Posted by yorkiepaws

Sorry to change the subject, but trying to find out when the next exchange is and how to sign up. I'm sure it's posted somewhere but I can't find it.

Not posted yet July 1st I believe is when sign ups start, you'll see a new thread posted by admin right in this section! So glad you'll be joining!!

[yorkiepaws]

Originally Posted by celstu1

Not posted yet July 1st I believe is when sign ups start, you'll see a new thread posted by admin right in this section! So glad you'll be joining!!

Thanks, can't wait!

[aquinn]

If the goal of the minimum & maximum suggestions is to make things more fair, why not have multiple different tiers members can sign up to?

I know a lot of members have wanted to participate in the past but didn't because they were afraid they would spend the required amount and have a box sent to them that went way over the required amount and felt that would be unfair. If we had a lower tier that was $15-$25 this group may be more likely to join in on the fun.

I know there are others who like to spend $60+ Wouldn't it be nice to get the same in return? What about a high tear of $60+ for these members. There wouldn't be a cap here.

Then, we could have one for the average spending, which is probably $25-$60

What about that? It would make for more even exchanges, and prevent hurt feelings. Sometimes, members who spend $30 and get $60 are the ones who feel the worst, so it wouldn't be to just stop hurt feelings of those who spend over the limit and expect the same, but also those that spend the limit and get way more.

Thoughts?

[luckylady]

Originally Posted by admin

As our current Gift Exchange is over (with just a few packages yet to be delivered), we are now looking for suggestions and or feedback on how we can improve our future Gift Exchanges.

Here's a few ideas we have been thinking about:

- Create a maximum spending amount of $50 for the gift you send and raise the minimum spending amount to $25. If you hand-make items, it would just be the cost of the materials which would count towards the $50. If you purchase a $20 item on sale for $5, then only $5 would be counted towards your spending amount.Keep a mininum amount for sure be it $20 or $25, but a maximum???? That would be hard for me to keep track of, as many of my gifts come from a box of goodies I collect over time when I find good sales. I surely don't keep receipts on all of that and would never remember how much was spent on each item. I also believe that if someone wants to splurge on their buddy, or if someone else can only afford the $25 minimum, either way is fine and fun!

- Require pictures to be posted in Thank You threads.Hmmm, "require"? That's a tough one. Personally I would love for everyone to WANT to post pics of their gifts......even just one picture of their yorkie with all of his gifts would be great (maybe make THAT a requirement). I'll leave the "requirement" decision, your call.

- Require the thank you threads to be posted within two weeks of receiving the gift. I think you're being overly generous here. Unless there is an emergency reason that someone could not post a thank you thread, two weeks sounds like a long time before saying thank you? It doesn't take a lot of anyone's time to post a simple thank you.

- No "complaining" or public posts of not receiving gifts allowed until after two or three weeks after the Gift Exchange deadline has passed, as there are senders who send from overseas in most GE's and those take a bit longer than domestic shipments.I don't know that any complaining or concerns about not receiving gifts should be public. I can see how feelings could be hurt or messages be taken or read in the wrong context. If someone has a concern about not receiving their gift, it should be taken up only with the admin.

Feel free to comment on our suggestions (good or bad) or write your own suggestions as well. Thank you!

I don't have any suggestions on how to improve future Gift Exchanges, but I will post my comments on the ideas. I have taken part in the last 6 GE's and have made great new friends & have thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them. I don't think there is anything wrong with the GE rules as they stand, and agree with the others who said.....if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Thanks admin for everything you do to keep YT running smoothly & making it a fun place to be!

[linda44]

Well I just have two things to get off my chest.
First I was one that posted how Dakota was sad cuz the ups truck passed us, (and it for real did), so I have to apologize if I started or contributed to someones hurt feelings. I was honestly teasing and for real anxious. Then I also got caught up in watching everyone open gifts but got wayyyyyyy confused. I asked teasingly for Toy to help me keep track. Both myself and Toy Im sure were not keeping tabs on who sent late etc. but more who can we look forward to see open their gifts. So for this I have to apologize.
The second thing is this, I get carried away buying too, but I enjoy it. But speaking from my heart, my dogs would be happy with one toy in a box. They all just love to open bags, packages and like. I do not purchase my gifts with the idea I will get the equal. When I sign up I read the 20 dollar minimun. And I still signed up.

Again to all of you that were in this GE if I started something I am sorry. I had so much fun teasing, anticipating, and watching. It for me is one place you can have fun, be silly.
Sincerely Linda

[FlDebra]

I agree that only having 3 possible problems among all the GE participants was a pretty good score! I thought every gift collection I saw was nicely put together both in value and thoughtfulness. I had such a great time putting together the GE package I sent and watching as my Ben thoroughly enjoyed every item in his thoughtfully prepared package.

It was such a positive experience that I wound up voicing my sympathies for another GE participant who had not received either of her gifts. It was a case of "the better you have it the worse you feel for someone that is missing out." I meant my posts as caring about one member but inadvertantly hurt another members feelings -- one that I was not even referring to -- but whose gift had not been received by their SB either. Seeing how much hurt feelings were caused by that, I would definately be for a rule of etiquette to NOT post about not receiving one's gift and to handle it through admin. I do not ever want to feel like I have made another member, especially one I was not even knowing about, feel so bad again.

To be fair, the person I was sending sympathies for had only posted as she was worried she would wind up missing the package as she had included two addresses and her itinerary. So, it was not that she posted trying for sympathy or complaining. She was sincerely concerned about the packages arriving at an empty house. As far as I know she is still waiting on one.

I really think this was all a weird miscommunication after a complicated situation that might never recur. But to make sure feelings are not hurt, a rule to not address late packages until 2 weeks past the deadline for mailing and then only address them through admin might be a good idea. But then, maybe we don't really need anything. I would be okay with that too and maybe this was just an isolated incident?

I also like Admin's suggestion about pictures. I agree that everyone who participated had avatars so they must have access to cameras. You could make it so they can have this requirment waived upon notification of reasons to admin. That way if someone was having a temporary problem (camera broke, etc.) they could still be okay and also explain in a post listing the gifts. I totally enjoyed seeing the creativity so many put in their gifts. It was as much fun as opening our own.

I also agree that those not posting a thank you within a week of receiving their gift gets a suspension from the next 3 GE and a ban from future GE if they have a second offense. If it is a case of someone not picking up their mail, or having to leave on a trip, then they have not actually received it yet, so they would not be included in that rule. But for the person who picks it up, opens, and then is never heard from, that should not be allowed. The most fun of the exchange is seeing the other Yorkie enjoying the package you send!

As to the dollar amount. I really think the minimum should be raised to $50. There were no packages less than that anyway (to my knowledge). It would give first timers a better starting place. I was glad we had a couple of posts about how much is usually spent. It helped as no one wants to send too little. I would not worry about a maximum. Those that spend a lot do so with an open heart and I don't think they expect everyone to go way over.

Since it is difficult to have an exact "must be delivered by" date, I think we need to strictly enforce the "mail by date" and then make a statement in the rules that "members should take in to consideration the mailing times and use the appropriate mailing options and mail a little earlier if they are mailing out of the country." I thought having a whole month to shop was more than adequate and I even ordered two items that had to be mailed to me first (one specially made too). If I had to send it overseas, I would have probably had my special order items mailed direct instead of waiting for them. I think it is doable for everyone if they know for sure what is expected. I do not feel there is any excuse for not mailing by the deadline (unless there was a death in the family). That should be grounds for not participating in the next 3 GEs. A second offense would ban them from all GEs. And no matter what, if anyone thinks a gift might arrive late, they should contact the recipient through admin or a third party. People should not wait for that last item to complete a package IF that will make it late. They should instead send what they have, and then send another package along when the item arrives.

Again, I apologize that my consoling comments to one member hurt another's feelings. I feel sorry for those still waiting on their GE package and those waiting for a thank you thread. I am grateful to both of my SB's, both the one I sent a package to and the one I received from -- they made the experience so much fun, I can't believe I waited so long to join in! And to Admin -- thanks for continuing the Gift Exchange!

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by linda44

Well I just have two things to get off my chest.
First I was one that posted how Dakota was sad cuz the ups truck passed us, (and it for real did), so I have to apologize if I started or contributed to someones hurt feelings. I was honestly teasing and for real anxious. Then I also got caught up in watching everyone open gifts but got wayyyyyyy confused. I asked teasingly for Toy to help me keep track. Both myself and Toy Im sure were not keeping tabs on who sent late etc. but more who can we look forward to see open their gifts. So for this I have to apologize.
The second thing is this, I get carried away buying too, but I enjoy it. But speaking from my heart, my dogs would be happy with one toy in a box. They all just love to open bags, packages and like. I do not purchase my gifts with the idea I will get the equal. When I sign up I read the 20 dollar minimun. And I still signed up.

Again to all of you that were in this GE if I started something I am sorry. I had so much fun teasing, anticipating, and watching. It for me is one place you can have fun, be silly.
Sincerely Linda

Linda, I thought your posts about the ups man passing by your house was hilarious. And I thought it was delightfully funny how you and Toy were tracking gifts.

I can only speak for myself, but the fun teasing threads about being sad, and the ups truck passing you up were hilarious. What I was talking about was posts that could be taken seriously. I'm not even sure that there were such posts in the May GE, but in times past it has hppened and feelings were hurt.

[linda44]

thanks but I feel totally bad if I hurt someone's feelings. I just got caught up in the fun. So if I did Im sorry

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by aquinn

If the goal of the minimum & maximum suggestions is to make things more fair, why not have multiple different tiers members can sign up to?

I know a lot of members have wanted to participate in the past but didn't because they were afraid they would spend the required amount and have a box sent to them that went way over the required amount and felt that would be unfair. If we had a lower tier that was $15-$25 this group may be more likely to join in on the fun.

I know there are others who like to spend $60+ Wouldn't it be nice to get the same in return? What about a high tear of $60+ for these members. There wouldn't be a cap here.

Then, we could have one for the average spending, which is probably $25-$60

What about that? It would make for more even exchanges, and prevent hurt feelings. Sometimes, members who spend $30 and get $60 are the ones who feel the worst, so it wouldn't be to just stop hurt feelings of those who spend over the limit and expect the same, but also those that spend the limit and get way more.

Thoughts?

I like the two tier Gift Exchange Idea but I wonder if people would be reluctant to participate in the lower amount. Would there be a stigma of not affording the big exchange? I don't know. Just asking. But I can see how it could really benefit those that would like to sign up multiple dogs too. I am being wishy washy today -- okay if there are two tiers or okay like it is.

I can handle the larger amount and would sign on for it. I actually want to make a better showing next time -- not of dollar value so much, but of creativity. I was wow'ed by the handmade items and some that were so personalized.

[FlDebra]

One more note: I am only throwing out sugestions because they were solicited. I would also be perfectly fine if no changes were made. I did not want any of my "lengthy" comments to be construed as unhappy with the current rules. I am fine with no changes at all too. As long as I get to play, I will be fine with whatever rules apply.

[Gypsy & Me]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I agree that only having 3 possible problems among all the GE participants was a pretty good score! I thought every gift collection I saw was nicely put together both in value and thoughtfulness. I had such a great time putting together the GE package I sent and watching as my Ben thoroughly enjoyed every item in his thoughtfully prepared package.

It was such a positive experience that I wound up voicing my sympathies for another GE participant who had not received either of her gifts. It was a case of "the better you have it the worse you feel for someone that is missing out." I meant my posts as caring about one member but inadvertantly hurt another members feelings -- one that I was not even referring to -- but whose gift had not been received by their SB either. Seeing how much hurt feelings were caused by that, I would definately be for a rule of etiquette to NOT post about not receiving one's gift and to handle it through admin. I do not ever want to feel like I have made another member, especially one I was not even knowing about, feel so bad again.

I really think this was all a weird miscommunication after a complicated situation that might never recur. But to make sure feelings are not hurt, a rule to not address late packages until 2 weeks past the deadline for mailing and then only address them through admin might be a good idea. But then, maybe we don't really need anything. I would be okay with that too and maybe this was just an isolated incident?

I think if it's a written rule then any new member that participates in the GE that maybe hasn't seen this situation would know and it can prevent it happening again. I'd hate for it to repeat itself and maybe not be resolved as amicably as it was.

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I also like Admin's suggestion about pictures. I agree that everyone who participated had avatars so they must have access to cameras. You could make it so they can have this requirment waived upon notification of reasons to admin. That way if someone was having a temporary problem (camera broke, etc.) they could still be okay and also explain in a post listing the gifts. I totally enjoyed seeing the creativity so many put in their gifts. It was as much fun as opening our own.

Exactly. I completely agree with this, there are always ways and means.

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I also agree that those not posting a thank you within a week of receiving their gift gets a suspension from the next 3 GE and a ban from future GE if they have a second offense. If it is a case of someone not picking up their mail, or having to leave on a trip, then they have not actually received it yet, so they would not be included in that rule. But for the person who picks it up, opens, and then is never heard from, that should not be allowed. The most fun of the exchange is seeing the other Yorkie enjoying the package you send!

I know what you're saying but it would probably make it hard to know if someone genuinely didn't pick it up till 10 days after it was delivered or they were just saying that because they didn't want to get in trouble. I do think there needs to be a time limit to how long till someone posts a thank you but it would be hard to work how long when a lot of people use PO boxes.

Originally Posted by FlDebra

Since it is difficult to have an exact "must be delivered by" date, I think we need to strictly enforce the "mail by date" and then make a statement in the rules that "members should take in to consideration the mailing times and use the appropriate mailing options and mail a little earlier if they are mailing out of the country." I thought having a whole month to shop was more than adequate and I even ordered two items that had to be mailed to me first (one specially made too). If I had to send it overseas, I would have probably had my special order items mailed direct instead of waiting for them. I think it is doable for everyone if they know for sure what is expected. I do not feel there is any excuse for not mailing by the deadline (unless there was a death in the family). That should be grounds for not participating in the next 3 GEs. A second offense would ban them from all GEs. And no matter what, if anyone thinks a gift might arrive late, they should contact the recipient through admin or a third party. People should not wait for that last item to complete a package IF that will make it late. They should instead send what they have, and then send another package along when the item arrives.

I completely agree with all this except for the part about mailing earlier if your overseas... I want as much shopping time as everyone else! I know what you mean though and I've always taken shipping time into consideration in all my past exchanges and I believe so have the other UK members in the past. When you're waiting on an item and you've been told it's arriving on X day and you're holding out on it it's hard to know when to say "that's long enough, I'm mailing anyway". With my past it would come the following day.

Originally Posted by FlDebra

Again, I apologize that my consoling comments to one member hurt another's feelings. I feel sorry for those still waiting on their GE package and those waiting for a thank you thread. I am grateful to both of my SB's, both the one I sent a package to and the one I received from -- they made the experience so much fun, I can't believe I waited so long to join in! And to Admin -- thanks for continuing the Gift Exchange!

I'm pretty sure it's all in the past.