YorkieTalk Gift Exchange - Open for Suggestions!

[QuickSilver]

I want to agree with FLDebra, except that I would have been banned from the GE, both for posting a late thank you and for missing the ship date. I shipped 6/3, and yes, it was my fault, I made a mistake when ordering some things I wanted to send. That kind of bums me out! I've said before that both times I've been in the GE, I do feel that I am rushing to get the package out on time, even though I do order things right away. This time it was my mistake, but last time, I ordered something online that did not meet my expectations, and I had to find another site and get it rush delivered to me.

I feel like strictly enforcing any rule would probably convince me not to join the GE, because I would rather not risk the embarrassment of being banned. I feel like the GE is supposed to be this fun, happy little thing, not Christmas behind bars. Even if I didn't get a gift at all, I think I would live through the experience. I'd probably be more upset if I didn't get a thank you, but even then, I believe I would chalk it up to bad luck and give it another whirl. Neither of these things has happened to me, so I can't say for sure. But that's what I think I would think, if you know what I mean.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by Gypsy & Me

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.

You're probably right -- a rule to not post about undelivered gifts and to only notify admin if the gifts were not received by 2 weeks after mailing deadline would make sure it did not happen.


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

I'm glad about that!

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

I want to agree with FLDebra, except that I would have been banned from the GE, both for posting a late thank you and for missing the ship date. I shipped 6/3, and yes, it was my fault, I made a mistake when ordering some things I wanted to send. That kind of bums me out! I've said before that both times I've been in the GE, I do feel that I am rushing to get the package out on time, even though I do order things right away. This time it was my mistake, but last time, I ordered something online that did not meet my expectations, and I had to find another site and get it rush delivered to me.

I feel like strictly enforcing any rule would probably convince me not to join the GE, because I would rather not risk the embarrassment of being banned. I feel like the GE is supposed to be this fun, happy little thing, not Christmas behind bars. Even if I didn't get a gift at all, I think I would live through the experience. I'd probably be more upset if I didn't get a thank you, but even then, I believe I would chalk it up to bad luck and give it another whirl. Neither of these things has happened to me, so I can't say for sure. But that's what I think I would think, if you know what I mean.

Sorry, Quicksilver! It's that military background of mine. A rule's a rule. So give me 20 pushups! One, up, two up, ........... okay, we're all good now.

[QuickSilver]

Hopefully puppy pushups will be enough! I'll get Thor on it later.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

I want to agree with FLDebra, except that I would have been banned from the GE, both for posting a late thank you and for missing the ship date. I shipped 6/3, and yes, it was my fault, I made a mistake when ordering some things I wanted to send. That kind of bums me out! I've said before that both times I've been in the GE, I do feel that I am rushing to get the package out on time, even though I do order things right away. This time it was my mistake, but last time, I ordered something online that did not meet my expectations, and I had to find another site and get it rush delivered to me.

I feel like strictly enforcing any rule would probably convince me not to join the GE, because I would rather not risk the embarrassment of being banned. I feel like the GE is supposed to be this fun, happy little thing, not Christmas behind bars. Even if I didn't get a gift at all, I think I would live through the experience. I'd probably be more upset if I didn't get a thank you, but even then, I believe I would chalk it up to bad luck and give it another whirl. Neither of these things has happened to me, so I can't say for sure. But that's what I think I would think, if you know what I mean.

I have always found Admin to be more than fair and have found that rules were enforced fairly and equally. That is one of the things that I love about this site. I also believe that Admin has provided this wonderful social activity for us to enjoy and rules were put into place as the need arose. Most of the rules were set into place because of incidents that occurred in various exchanges that made implementation of specific rules necessary for the continued success of exchanges.

I have also found that Admin is not looking for reasons to "discipline" the members who participate in GE's. If you have a few items that arrive late you have a couple of viable options -- send two shipments or pm Admin and let him know that you will be shipping a few days late. That way if he gets an inquiry he will be able to provide information.

The November 2007 exchange will always stand out in my mind as a personal nightmare. I was overwhelmed with orders for the exchange and had reserved the last few days for me to get together my buddy's gifts. Lo and behold, I had a serious 4 wheeler accident on 11/28, had emergency surgery, was in the hospital for 3 days and then flat on my back for six weeks recovering. I worried sick about my buddy. Admin was aware of the situation, many people sent my buddy gifts to "tide her over" until I recovered sufficiently to finish up her gift and shipped it out. Maybe I should have been banned from participaing in future GE's, but I thank my lucky stars that once again Admin showed disgression and compassion.

[xxmxaxrxyxx]

Originally Posted by Gypsy & Me

....

If it's mine you were referring to, (there was only 2 overseas gifts and one was received fast), then my tracking information clearly says it was delivered on the 10th but my buddy didn't post and still hasn't posted to say it was delivered.

this post made me feel as i am being ungrateful since i have not post about receiving the package that you sent...i am sorry my flight flew out on the 9th...i have no idea if it was delivered or not for i am in FL and will not be home until the 30th. I am sorry for all the commotion that this has caused for I had no intention of it. I guess I will go ahead and thank you and said yes I saw the deliver confirmation that admin pm'ed me but I don't know if it here or not for I am still in FL. Sorry.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

I have always found Admin to be more than fair and have found that rules were enforced fairly and equally. That is one of the things that I love about this site. I also believe that Admin has provided this wonderful social activity for us to enjoy and rules were put into place as the need arose. Most of the rules were set into place because of incidents that occurred in various exchanges that made implementation of specific rules necessary for the continued success of exchanges.

I have also found that Admin is not looking for reasons to "discipline" the members who participate in GE's. If you have a few items that arrive late you have a couple of viable options -- send two shipments or pm Admin and let him know that you will be shipping a few days late. That way if he gets an inquiry he will be able to provide information.

The November 2007 exchange will always stand out in my mind as a personal nightmare. I was overwhelmed with orders for the exchange and had reserved the last few days for me to get together my buddy's gifts. Lo and behold, I had a serious 4 wheeler accident on 11/28, had emergency surgery, was in the hospital for 3 days and then flat on my back for six weeks recovering. I worried sick about my buddy. Admin was aware of the situation, many people sent my buddy gifts to "tide her over" until I recovered sufficiently to finish up her gift and shipped it out. Maybe I should have been banned from participaing in future GE's, but I thank my lucky stars that once again Admin showed disgression and compassion.

I think Admin should always have the discretion to make allowances for just these kinds of circumstances. Every rule is going to have an exception. You wouldn't even get a virtual push-up assignment for an accident like that. It takes a pretty compassionate person to be in the hospital and still worrying about someone's Yorkie gift exchange! But it is easy to picture you doing just that! Nice to hear how others pitched in and sent gifts! That is a good story to hear about the extra nice things that happen in a GE! Not you getting hurt part! But the way others pitched in to help.

I don't think anyone should be banned for a first offense even if no extenuating circumstances existed. Maybe a suspension for 2-3 GEs and then a banning only on repeat offenses. Even if a person is not in the hospital things might happen in their own life that upsets their normal way of handling things, maybe something they don't even want to explain. There has to be some deterrant, but maybe not a banning for the first time. That is my thinking anyway. And always Admin could use their own logic and common sense to override any rule when needed.

[FlDebra]

No bannings are permanent the way the rules are now. Even someone who did not send a gift at all in one gift exchange, then gets banned, can buy their way back in to future Gift Exchanges for $75.

I had not remembered that until I just re-read thru the existing rules. Most of the rules say "may be suspended" or "may be banned" but it also says if any of the rules are broken, the member will have their YT account suspended for one week. Not sending a gift = banned forever (except for the $75 buy in). Members late sending gifts may be suspended or receive a penalty. If you do not thank your gift sender or break other GE rules, you may be permanently excluded from future YT GEs.

So, not really any hard and fast rules about who gets suspended, banned, penalized, or excluded.

[TOY]

I think the "warm, fuzzy" feelings we get from this experience come primarily from being able to surprise and "pamper" a fellow Yorkie lover and their dog. I enjoyed it from the get go even though my clues/hints were probably the worst in the history of the GE.

There are some other possibilities if anyone is ever interested in pursuing them...like a "Scrooge" exchange in December where you absolutely cannot spend more than $5. Now that would be a challenge, for sure!

You could also do a Scrooge exchange where whatever you send your person has to fit into a business sized envelope and no money or gift cards/certificates allowed. Or...you could do one where you can only use the flat rate shipping box and everything you send has to fit inside it.

There are ways to include those who want to participate but cannot due to the expense. In fact, those take a lot more thought and are the hardest.

I loved my experience with the GE and personally wouldn't change anything (except I might bug Admin a litle less with my messages to Christina...LOL) and I definitely would chat with Linda via PM...LOL (Sorry, Linda...)

Just to share with you an experience I had once with a secret pal. We drew names at the beginning of the school year (teachers) and kept the same pal all year. I pulled out all the stops trying to make each holiday special, etc. and you know what she later told me she loved the most? We were always paid on the 25th or the last working day nearest that date. On those dates I would put a Pay Day candy bar in her mailbox. Just the candy bar...no card or anything and that's what she liked the most during the entire year!

There's just something about being thought about that causes one to feel so special. I definitely don't think it's the money we spend at all...it's the feeling we give to our SB by just spreading a little sunshine along the way...or our not-so-random acts of kindness.

Here's the way I look at it for whatever it's worth... If everything in the GE that could go wrong did go wrong, would I still want to participate? You bet! I had a blast and in the process began a lot of friendships with some wonderful women. How cool it that?

[FlDebra]

TOY -- you are a joy! I think a lot of us feel like we got to know YOU better through this gift exchange and all of your posts. It's been a true pleasure!

[annamalyssa]

I will say once more.. THANK YOU's should be MANDITORY OR YOU SHOULD BE BANNED FROM FURTHER GE's because WE DID NOT GET A THANK YOU NOR A PM OR A REPLY ON OUR OWN THANK YOU TO OURSELVES THREAD... and it hurt my feelings a great deal, seeing as I put a lot of effort and time into our package. I was very dissapointed with the way that went down for me this go round. I hope my next buddy sends at least a PM thank you.

[TOY]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

TOY -- you are a joy! I think a lot of us feel like we got to know YOU better through this gift exchange and all of your posts. It's been a true pleasure!

What a sweet thing to read at 3:15 in the morning when I've awakened way too early...actually sweet at any time. Thank you.

[Wabbit]

Originally Posted by annamalyssa

I will say once more.. THANK YOU's should be MANDITORY OR YOU SHOULD BE BANNED FROM FURTHER GE's because WE DID NOT GET A THANK YOU NOR A PM OR A REPLY ON OUR OWN THANK YOU TO OURSELVES THREAD... and it hurt my feelings a great deal, seeing as I put a lot of effort and time into our package. I was very dissapointed with the way that went down for me this go round. I hope my next buddy sends at least a PM thank you.

I'm so sorry that happened to you Adrianna and I ABSOLUTELY agree...that's JUST AWFUL that your buddy NEVER even BOTHERED to thank you at ALL!!! I certainly hope she's banned from future GE'S!!!! That is JUST WRONG!!!!!

Gypsy: thanks for responding....and explaining...I understand now where you were coming from...

Linda: You couldn't OFFEND anyone if you tried!!!!! Your a doll~!!

AND thank goodness MERCURY...cuz you scared me there girl!!! lol

I think the "TIER" thought...is a GREAT idea.....for newbies....or others that just can't afford to spend alot...but don't want to miss out....and then they won't feel guilty for spending the minimum...

I'm sure however ADMIN decides.... change the rules/don't change the rules ...it will only serve to make future GE'S even better!!! COUNT ME IN!!!

[Gypsy & Me]

Originally Posted by xxmxaxrxyxx

this post made me feel as i am being ungrateful since i have not post about receiving the package that you sent...i am sorry my flight flew out on the 9th...i have no idea if it was delivered or not for i am in FL and will not be home until the 30th. I am sorry for all the commotion that this has caused for I had no intention of it. I guess I will go ahead and thank you and said yes I saw the deliver confirmation that admin pm'ed me but I don't know if it here or not for I am still in FL. Sorry.

Mary, my intention wasn't to make you feel bad at all and I certainly don't think that you are being ungrateful because I know you're not at home. The reason I posted that was because of this comment...

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Originally Posted by QuickSilver
I thought the current rule set worked very well. The only thing I would change is the deadline for gifts arriving (as opposed to the deadline for gifts being sent), since at least one gift coming from overseas spent a long time in transit.

...I was merely pointing out that my package didn't spend a lot of time in transit as everyone, including myself, originally thought.

[Gypsy & Me]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

I want to agree with FLDebra, except that I would have been banned from the GE, both for posting a late thank you and for missing the ship date. I shipped 6/3, and yes, it was my fault, I made a mistake when ordering some things I wanted to send. That kind of bums me out! I've said before that both times I've been in the GE, I do feel that I am rushing to get the package out on time, even though I do order things right away. This time it was my mistake, but last time, I ordered something online that did not meet my expectations, and I had to find another site and get it rush delivered to me.

If there was an issue sending out in time and admin is PM'd, (as the rules already state), then I don't think anyone would be banned/suspended or whatever, unless of course they PM'd and said "I can't be bothered to post until next week". As long as everyone is sure to inform either their SB or admin if they can't make a deadline for making a thank you post or sending then no one would get in trouble.

Originally Posted by Wabbit

Gypsy: thanks for responding....and explaining...I understand now where you were coming from...

No problem.