Fish Extenders

[Lisanell]

Can someone tell me what I need to do to start a fish extender group. Just in case no one on my cruise wants the job.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Can someone tell me what I need to do to start a fish extender group. Just in case no one on my cruise wants the job.

SETTING UP A FE GROUP
There really are no “rules” as to how a FE program runs. Basically someone will step up and say “I’ll maintain the list”. This means they maintain the list of those who wish to participate. The group can decide on what information is necessary to produce FE gifts. A basic list may only have DISname/room number/number of people in the room. A more involved list could be first & last names/ages/room number/ favorite character/ favorite color/allergies/whatever is deemed necessary to know in order to create the gifts. Also a decision can be made as to size of FE group. Some groups break out the list(s) at 10-15 rooms max, so that there are multiple lists (and some people will participate in more than one list). Other groups just make one big list (upwards of 20-30 rooms).

The easiest, most private way to handle the information necessary to prepare the list (many people prefer not to put sensitive information on a public forum), is to use the “Conversation” feature here. There needs to be at least two people to start a conversation. Only the starter of the conversation (usually the organizer) can add additional people into the conversation (as long as they do NOT select “Allow anyone in the conversation to invite others” at the bottom of the reply window). Then when new people express a desire to join, usually by just saying “we want to join the FE”, the organizer can add them by clicking on the “Invite more” button in the “Conversation Participants” window (lower right of conversation page). Only those people participating in the conversation can see what’s posted there, and respond there. I will also note, to participate in conversations, everyone needs to have at least 10 posts. For those who wish to use this option for private conversations that don’t have 10 posts yet, head over to the Test Board to post and up your post count. http://www.disboards.com/forums/test-board.88/


Up to 20 people can participate in any given conversation.


At some point the list will “close”. Typically this happens 30-45 days out from the cruise, so that everyone participating has time to organize/prepare their gifts. Shortly before this time (about 2-3 weeks prior) the organizer will post the list, either directly on the Cruise Meet thread, OR via private conversation, or, possibly, via e-mails. This is to confirm everyone on the list is still participating. It’s important to make a statement about “anyone not confirming by XX date will be dropped” at this time. A little harsh, yes, but often there are people who will post on the cruise meet thread as soon as they reserve the cruise and say “I want to participate”, and are never heard from again.


Once the list closes, the organizer will post the final list. Also, a decision must be made as to whether to allow late additions. Sometimes there is a “pixie dust” list. That is, basically, a latecomers list that gets posted about a week out from the cruise that others (on the main FE list) may or may not add to their “final” list. Be sure the “pixie dust” list participants realize they may or may not get gifts from others, but are expected to provide gifts for the other FE participants anyway.


The other “biggie” is no other social media sites are allowed to be linked or search directions posted as to how to find that other site here on DISboards. Please read this: http://www.disboards.com/threads/im...uise-meet-and-fish-extender-programs.3353477/


SUMMARY

Basically, someone just says “I’ll maintain the Fish Extender list”. Then a decision needs to be made as to what info is necessary to include in the list. Also a decision as to whether or not there will be a cut off date. And if it’s when X number of rooms has signed up (many groups limit themselves to 10-15 rooms), or a specific date (early enough for everyone to get their gifts prepared before the cruise).


At some point (generally about 2 weeks prior to the cut off date) the organizer will post the list for everyone to confirm their participation and correctness of info on the list. It’s very important that it’s clear that “ANYONE NOT CONFIRMING WILL BE DROPPED”. There are a lot of people who, when they first make a cruise reservation, are so gung-ho about everything cruising they will say “I want to participate” and then you never hear from them again (maybe because they cancelled, or just decided not to do it). And then, after the cut off day, post the final list and say “this is it!!!”

 

[Shanti]

Can someone tell me what I need to do to start a fish extender group. Just in case no one on my cruise wants the job.

There are two main places these are set up. One is via Disboards' Cruise Meets board, and one is via Facebook. Choose whichever you prefer or that seems to have the more active group.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

One is via Disboards' Cruise Meets board, and one is via Facebook.

Just going to point out that a FE group on another social media site is not a DISboards FE group.

 

[Lisanell]

Dear PrincessShmoo, Thank you, thank you. Your response was exactly what I needed. So far I only have one interested room but my daughter says to relax since the cruise isn't until the end of January 2018. Any advice on how to drum up excitement for FE.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Dear PrincessShmoo, Thank you, thank you. Your response was exactly what I needed. So far I only have one interested room but my daughter says to relax since the cruise isn't until the end of January 2018. Any advice on how to drum up excitement for FE.

Just frequently mention that you're setting up the list (if you opt to do it) and keep talking on your cruise meet thread. Not just about the FE, but all the other exciting things you're looking forward to.

Typically, interest in FEs will start picking up around 4-6 months out, so be ready.