FAQ - New to swaps? start here.

[bubbasmom99]

to the DIS Swap Board! We are very happy to have you here. This thread is meant to provide you with information about swapping on our board. Please look through the list of questions and answers below to get started or just figure out what we are all about!

Swapping

Q - What is a "swap"?
A - A scrap swap is when a group of people exchange scrapping elements. Typically, you make a set # of elements, one set for each person in your group. You send them all to the hostess, who swaps them out, and sends back to you. Example: there are 5 people in your group. You make 5 pieces of the same thing. You send them in and will get back 5 different pieces, 1 from each person in your group. It's a great way to build your stash of different elements without having to make individual ones of every piece! A swap can involve handmade items, store-bought items, or just about anything! Scrappers of ANY level are welcome on the DisBoards swaps, unless otherwise noted. We welcome newbies and would love to help you out with your first swaps. Please don't be afraid to ask questions!

What is an element?
A - An element can be many things – title box, tag, journaling box, photo mat, library card & pocket, file folder, slide mounts, etc. Size specifications for elements can vary. Each swap posts their specific requirements. Visit the Swap Glossary thread for photo and information regarding the most commonly produced elements.

I’ve scrapped before but I’ve never swapped. How do I get started?
A – As we said above, Scrappers of ANY level are welcome to join swaps here, unless otherwise noted. We host designated “newbie” swaps throughout the year so that new swappers can get their feet wet in a low stress environment. While these swaps are specifically for brand new swappers, you should feel free to sign up for any swap that is open.

How do I tell which swaps are open?
A – The Swap Calendar lists all swaps that are scheduled to take place on our board. Swaps are organized by month and list the sign-up date, due date and hostess. This is done so that all participants know what is coming up and can plan their participation accordingly. The thread also contains links to swaps that are currently underway. On the sign-up date listed, the swap hostess will create a NEW THREAD on the Swap Board with specific instructions for that swap.

How do I sign up for a swap:
A - 1. Check out the Swap Calendar.
2. Once you see a swap you like, check the Swap Board for a sign-up thread. The thread will list specific instructions and guidelines for that swap.
3. Post on the thread to sign up for your desired spot or to ask questions about that particular swap.

What do I do if I know I want to participate in a swap but I will be on vacation/at work/on a business trip when the sign-ups start?
A – Most swap sign-ups are left open up to a week to allow people a chance to join. If you know you won’t be available during that time or are just concerned that you won’t get a spot, send a PM (private message) to the swap hostess listed on the calendar and let her know that you are interested but won’t be available. She will do her best to work with you to make sure you get a spot. We’ve all done this at one time or another. After all, trips to the World are more important than swap sign-ups!!

I’ve swapped on other boards. Do I have to join the Newbie swaps or can I do others?
A – The newbie swaps are for people who are new to swapping and/or new to our board. If you have swapped before and want to join an open swap, please feel free to do so. No one is required to do a newbie swap first.

I don’t live in the US. Can I still participate?
A – Absolutely! We have regular swappers from the UK and welcome anyone, anywhere.

Where can I see samples of completed swap items?
A – Visit our Swap Photo Gallery thread for links to past swaps.

I’ve never done this before and I’m worried my work won’t be good enough.
A - Don’t worry! We were all new to swapping and/or this board at one time and we were all worried that our items weren’t going to be “good enough”. Most of us look back at our first swap items and see how far we have come. Many of us still PM each other pics of works in progress to get inspiration and ideas. The point is that we’ve all been there and we are here to help. Do your best, follow the guidelines for your swap and that is the most we can ask. Everyone has to start somewhere and we are happy for this to be your place! And don’t forget that one of the best things about swapping is getting back all different sorts of things that help to make your pages look wonderful!

How big are the photo mats and photo frames suppose to be?
A - Unless otherwise specified in the swap directions, they should fit a 4 x 6 photo without any cropping necessary. This means that the first mat should be slightly larger than that, usually 4 ¼ x 6 ¼, with additional mats being incrementally larger. Check the guidelines for your specific swap for additional information. Your swap hostess can also clarify for you.

Is it okay to make the topper smaller than 8 inches?
A - If the size is not specified in the swap guidelines, you could probably make it smaller, but it would be best then to poll the swap participants to see if they would mind.

Do I mail the items I have made for myself?
A - Yes, you send the hostess all the elements that you made for your group, including your own. That way the hostess does not have to figure out who gets what and every package mailed out contains the same items.I’ve signed up for a swap but I won’t be able to finish it. What do I do?
A – As soon as you know that you won’t be able to complete your spots, PM your swap hostess to let her know so that she has time to find an angel. Do please remember however that you are making a commitment when you sign up for a swap. Fellow swappers still have to purchase supplies and spend the time to make your elements even if you drop out. While we all understand that life happens, we ask that you think twice before joining a swap if you think there might be a chance that you won’t be able to finish it. The most important thing in this situation is communication. Let your swap hostess know if you are having a problem. Chances are, she will be able to help you work something out.

I have an idea for a swap. Where do I post it?
A – New ideas are always welcome! First, check the Swap Calendar to see if there is a similar swap scheduled to take place. If not, post an interest thread on the main Swap Board. These are usually titled something like, “Is there any interest in a (fill in the blank) swap?”

Are hostess gifts customary for a swap?
A – Absolutely not – they are totally optional! They are welcome and appreciated but never expected. Please don’t feel as though this is something you have to do.

Hostessing

I’ve swapped and hosted swaps on other boards. How do I host a swap here?
A – We like to get to know swappers before they become a hostess. As such, we prefer that new posters complete three swaps on time and according to guidelines before hostessing their first swap. After the completion of the required swaps, post on the Swap Calendar thread that you are interested in hosting and you will receive additional instructions. Each first time hostess will work with a hostess mentor on their first swap. This person is an experienced hostess who will help “coach” the new hostess through their duties and act as back up as needed. After the first successful swap is completed, you are welcome to host any future swaps that will fit on the calendar.

I don’t want to participate in three swaps before I host one. Can’t I just host a swap now?
You are free to post a swap at any time. The issue is that most swappers on our board won’t sign up for a swap hosted by someone they don’t know or who didn’t follow the above process. We do this to protect our significant investments of time, money and creativity.[/I]

A final message from Webmaster Alex on swapping on the DIS Boards. See the word “swap” where he has written exchange.

Originally Posted by webmasterAlex
I thought I would give everyone a refresher on the DIS exchange rules.
The DIS boards will not, under any circumstances, become involved in disputes over exchanges. All exchanges are at your own risk.
We specifically will not allow threads attacking anyone or attempting to shame someone who did not follow through on an exchange. That must be kept to private message or email.

I still don’t understand how all of this works. What do I do?
A – If you’ve read this far and you still have questions, please post a thread on the main Swap board and someone will answer. Remember, we were all new once and we recall how it felt so we are all happy to help a newbie along. It will be no time at all before you are swapping away. Just be prepared ‘cause it’s addictive!!!

 

[PrincessNancy96]

Great thread Joy!!!
Thanks for starting this!!! It's awful early right now.. so I'm not thinking clearly to ask/answer a question..but I will try that later!!! Thanks!!

 

[Twigs]

Great idea Joy. How about:

Q - Do I mail the items I have made for myself?

Yes, you send the hostess all the elements that you made for your group, including yourself. That way the hostess does not have to figure out who gets what, every package mailed out contains the same items.

 

[KAMommy]

As a newbie, will all of the old pro's in a swap be really upset if my stuff is not quite up to the par of their's? I am proud of what I did for my first swap, but then I look at pictures from some past swaps and I think I am completely outclassed.

 

[pjpoohbear]

As a newbie, will all of the old pro's in a swap be really upset if my stuff is not quite up to the par of their's? I am proud of what I did for my first swap, but then I look at pictures from some past swaps and I think I am completely outclassed.

Everyone has to start somewhere. I was a newbie once too, and for my very first swap the hostess asked me if she could use my pieces as inspiration for hers, I was very flattered. Do your best and that is all that we can ask for. Be sure to read any instructions for the swap you are in, fufills those and you will be good.

Penny

 

[New England Eeyore]

I know before my first swap I had some questions about what some of the elements were exactly (slide mounts, library pockets, etc). It would be helpful to have a link to example(s) of each one here. I'm way too tired to do it myself right now, but that would be good to have here. I know I've bookmarked Disneyland Emily's Webshots page and I'm constantly looking at old swaps for inspiration.

 

[PrincessNancy96]

Here's one I thought of....

Q: What if you can't finish your swap?

A: At your earliest convenience, contact the swap host and tell her that you will be dropping out. This will allow her time to find an angel to take your place.

Also, New England Eeyore.. I have the same link saved in my favorites.. I'll try to pull some pictures together tomorrow, unless someone else beats me to it..... I never thought about that; someone might not know what some elements are..

 

[lewdyan1]

Great thread ladies! I just made it a stickie.

 

[lewdyan1]

Everyone has to start somewhere. I was a newbie once too, and for my very first swap the hostess asked me if she could use my pieces as inspiration for hers, I was very flattered. Do your best and that is all that we can ask for. Be sure to read any instructions for the swap you are in, fufills those and you will be good.

Penny

It was me and they were beautiful!

 

[PrincessNancy96]

Maybe you veterans can help me out with this one....

Q: How big are the photo mats and photo frames suppose to be?

I'm sure big enough to hold a 4x6 photo..but are there any required measurements?

Q: Is it okay to make the topper smaller than 8 inches?


Thank Dyan for making this a sticky already!!!

 

[Twigs]

Q: How big are the photo mats and photo frames suppose to be?

Unless otherwise specified in the swap directions, they should fit a 4 x 6 photo, which means that the first mat should be slightly larger than that. Otherwise there are not any required measurements, unless specified in the swap directions.



Q: Is it okay to make the topper smaller than 8 inches?

If the size is not specified in the swap directions, you could probably make it smaller, but it would be best then to poll the swap participants to see if they would mind.

 

[PrincessNancy96]

Thank you Twigs.. Those were my initial thoughts but being fairly new myself I thought I'd ask to make sure the right answer was given!!!

 

[MyLittlePiglet]

Thanks for everyone guidance!

I understand the idea of swap and the items. I guess most of my questions concern signing up for them. They all seem so large 5 groups of 10-12 people but they all fill up. How do you make sure you get in on a swap?

Thanks
M

 

[PrincessNancy96]

Thanks for everyone guidance!

I understand the idea of swap and the items. I guess most of my questions concern signing up for them. They all seem so large 5 groups of 10-12 people but they all fill up. How do you make sure you get in on a swap?

Thanks
M

Most of the hostess' put an interest thread out there..and as soon as she gets enough interest she puts out the sign ups... Than you just look for the thread... most of us know when they are going up and pop in here.. look at the list and than request to be put on.. The hostess than adds you to the list..

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Thanks for everyone guidance!

I understand the idea of swap and the items. I guess most of my questions concern signing up for them. They all seem so large 5 groups of 10-12 people but they all fill up. How do you make sure you get in on a swap?

Thanks
M

I think this could be solved by using the calendar. Like in Shaunas thread for the non newbie MGM thread, she posted the date for signups, May 7 I believe.

Or maybe if sign ups were on a week day set aside one group for weekend DIS'ers?

I'm just thinking out loud.

Q: If you don't hear from someone say in 2 weeks after signups how long should you wait before you angel out their spot? Especially if they have been on line and read but not responded to PM's. Should you say in sign ups "if I don't hear from you for 2 weeks your spot will be automatically angeled." ??

 

[ddavis860]

Here's one I thought of....


Also, New England Eeyore.. I have the same link saved in my favorites.. I'll try to pull some pictures together tomorrow, unless someone else beats me to it..... I never thought about that; someone might not know what some elements are..

I think this would be really helpful. I have looked at past threads as to what people have written, but it would be great to have a place with swap examples listed with general sizes, followed by pics. Everyone is so creative here!

 

[Mickey Fanatic]

Is there a place with examples of different elements? I have been lurking around the swaps for a while. I would love to participate but there are some elements that I am not familar with.

Thank you

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Is there a place with examples of different elements? I have been lurking around the swaps for a while. I would love to participate but there are some elements that I am not familar with.

Thank you

This is the most comprehensive link from Disneyland Emily. Swaps are #13-24

http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumList?u=4084831

 

[ddavis860]

This is the most comprehensive link from Disneyland Emily. Swaps are #13-24

http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumList?u=4084831

Yes, I agree, this one is great.

 

[Twigs]

Look at the other sticky at the top of these threads started my Bubbasmom. It is titled "Swap Calendar and Links to past swaps with photos". There are a lot of photos of past swap items you can use for ideas for yourself, or even what is required for a swap.