Get ready to flame me...

[sweet maxine]

I'm lifting my foot and stepping into some yucky stuff, but here goes.

I think it's time we just put a hold on any new swaps of any kind right now. When I first found this board it was a close-knit group of people who shared a love of scrapping ( and good food too!), and we all seemed to get along.

Now, it seems that there's just so much mess going on with the swaps (and not just the ones I'm involved in). I try to represent myself as I am, an honest person. I do my best to get my swap stuff finished in a timely manner, and mailed off to the hostess for redistribution to the rest of the group. I try to be patient with extenuating circumstances, and we all do here. But I think it's time to just kind of let the dust settle for a little while, and maybe try all the swap thing again some other time.

I don't love swapping anymore. And the excitement I used to have for packages to arrive in the mail is now just an uneasy feeling that they may never come.

Am I the only one who feels this way? Maybe it is just me, and if so, I apologize to everyone here. I just think things are starting to really get out of hand...

 

[nicurn]

amen sister! maggie

 

[potterphreak]

Wow, I have been really looking forward to joining in the swaps, has something happened that I missed? Sorry you feel that way, I do love coming here-because of my fellow nuts I am BRANCHING out!!! Oh my goodness!! More stuff with Sizzix, bought my first set of embellishments last week, WHEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Hope we can keep the good vibes rolling

 

[Spinning]

You know sweet maxine, a while back prior to all of these swaps starting at once many of us asked if they could slow down or be put on hold and we got a lot of grief about how it wasn't fair to the new people on the board. That if we didn't want to join in we didn't have to.
Bla bla bla
So I just ignored many of the swaps till one really caught my eye.
I kept also an eye on all the other swaps that were taking place too. I am amazed by some of the rules and even statements. Such as I will hold the swap for one week for any stragglers, or something like that. Or even the fact that waiting is ok. Deadlines are their for a reason.
I realize there are many times where things come up and people can't finish their items. And I think I can speak for many on this board, we are ok with those who keep us updated and we have some wonderful angels that will step in and help.
I would really hate to see swaps no longer allowed on this board due to flakers or people not holding up their end.
This is one of the best boards I know of for information, swapping and sharing.
So all I ask, if you are hosting or are in a swap please do stick to the rules and guidelines. Don't ruin this for all of us.

 

[WDWMom]

Spinning, you are so right. It is a shame that people can't get their elements in on time and that hostess can't get them out on time.

The fall sports swap I just hosted was due (or mailed by) Nov. 10. I mailed the last packages on Nov. 21. One reason the hold up - one person sent her items to the wrong swap. Crap happens and I didn't hear anything bad and it wasn't a problem for me. The hold up was that I decided to add something at the end (because I was waiting) and then they got wet, I worked more than anticipated. BUT....I kept everyone informed. When a few packages didn't go out when I first thought they would, I let them know even though it was Monday instead of Friday. And I felt very guilty because I was the hold up.

The problem at hand now is that there is a swap that was supposed to end over a month ago. If I remember correctly, no one has heard from the hostess in over a week. No one has received information or ther swap. Nicurn is not the only one worried we may never see them. I, too, and wondering.

It would be a shame that swaps had to stop. I have been doing them for about 3 years, but I am swapped out now. I am still going to host a winter sports swap if anyone is interested, but other than that (and maybe a spring sports swap), I will no longer be involved, or at least for a while.

 

[sweet maxine]

WDWMom, that is just how I feel. I really wanted to do the fall sports swap, especially since this is my DD's senior year in CC, cheerleading, and soccer. But I had to withdraw my name from the swap, because I realized that I was busy with other swaps, and I didn't want to be the one to hold everyone up. I'm really sorry that I couldn't participate in that swap, and I'm wishing I hadn't used my time for another swap I may never hear from again, instead of doing the fall sports swap.

I'm just really bummed about all of this tonight. I worked so hard to make something cute that I thought everyone would enjoy, and now it looks like we may never see any of those things again. I'm not the only one who has worked hard on these swaps---many of us have. It takes not only time, but supplies and money and hard work to participate.

 

[WDWMom]

That's how I feel too. I was bummed that you could participate but you were honest in that you couldn't come through. Not sure if I told you, but I really appreciated your honesty then.

 

[pppiglet]

I haven't a clue how a swap works. But doesn't sound like something I would want to do. I understand Sweet Maxines' feelings.

 

[American Scrapper]

I enjoy doing the swaps and appreciate all of the work that the hostesses do. I have received some wonderful items from very talented ladies. While I have only done two (and it seemed that I was always running right into the deadline date to send it out) I always made sure that the hostess knew it was on its way. I have always said that I would work on them as soon as I join, but things always get in the way. One thing I realized is that if the date is pretty far in advance the longer I wait to work on it figuring I have time, but boy does that time come way too fast.

I would understand if the Swaps no longer happened, but wanted to share my appreciation for a job well done to all of you hostesses!! Oh, and WDWMom, I thought you did a wonderful job on the fall sports swap! I loved that it there was not a large amount of items to do and that we received items that had our team colors! I know i will be able to use everything I recieved in this swap with my son's football pages.

Kathy

 

[PoohBearLovinMama]

Wow, I really don't know what to say. I was so excited to be hosting a swap. It's my first time participating in one on these boards and my first time hosting a swap. And quite frankly it makes me really sad to know that people want to stop something I was so excited about. I didn't know that people felt this way, but I can certainly understand your frustration. Swaps should be something that is fun, not a hassle. I'm not sure what to do now.

 

[goofymom/pop]

I love the swaps but I passed on the recent page kits one because I haven't recieved my last swap yet. I cannot afford to pay for all the elements and then not recieve them. So hear hear sister...for voicing what others are afraid too. I don't want to see them stop but lets keep it a little more timely if we can.

Being someone who had a serious family illness during last years swap I can understand how life gets in the way...however I made a quick post here, someone stepped up to help me out and I still got my things in on time that way. I hope others will follow suit and ask for help in the future.

 

[sweet maxine]

FWIW, I'm not trying to stop the swaps going on here. I just feel that as far as I'm concerned, starting more swaps right now might not be a good idea. There's still 5 groups of swaps out there that haven't been returned yet. One of them I am very worried about.

When all of these swaps started up, I expressed my concern over people being too overburdened or maxed out on swaps. I think for the most part, people have tried to be timely in getting their items finished. But when a swap has gone well over a month past the deadline, there seems to be a problem.

The way I feel about it is, I just can't commit any more of my time, money, supplies and effort to something that is not certain. That's the way I feel about it, and I have to do what is best for me. My life at home is pretty full as it is, and swapping and scrapping are sideline things for me when I have the extra time.

My biggest disappointment right now is the fact that I put so much work into something for nothing. I feel I deserve to know the truth about where my things are, and what happened to the postage I sent. What is going on????

 

[bubbasmom99]

Well, I completely understand your frustrations. As a swapper, I apologize for having been a late mailer on the Epcot swap (I was waiting on a part for my Wishblade -- I ordered it with PLENTY of time but one package got lost and the other got delayed, which pushed me right up till the last minute).

As a hostess, I am curious to see how everyone feels about the rules. I do allow one week for stragglers, but that is more to account for a mail delay than giving a grace period for procrastination. I suppose I could say "must be received by xx/xx or else you will have your items returned to you" but that seems kinda harsh to me. I have tried asking for people's personal info, emails, phone #s so that I could try to head off potential flaking in advance of the swap date, but then got grief for asking for too much personal information. I have seen on other boards where they ask all swappers to check in *weekly* or else they're bounced from the swap. I guess we need to figure out if there is a way to keep swappers on track without feeling like we're invading privacy or playing big brother.

As a swap recipient, I agree that it is disappointing to not know where the items are... but having been through a personal tragedy this year, I know that sometimes things just come up.

 

[PigletsPal]

Another one joining the concern band wagon. I also try my very best to get my swap items in to the host in a timely manner and this isn't the first swap I've been in on this board that has gone way past it's due date. Yes, life sometimes get in the way and I'm sure it's has happen to all of us and we understand. But we at least keep people informed. Communations is a beautiful thing.
I really hope this swap doesn't turn into a FLAKE...............keeping fingers crossed.

 

[faireygod mother]

I am an outsider who has been lurking and conteplating these swaps. I am doing a CJ and declined another because I was afraid I would not be able to meet the commitment. I am ashamed for mailing mine 4 days late because the post office is not open when I get off work (I did let everyone know). I will do my best (now that I see how it impacts others) to mail early.

As for the swaps. I hope they continue and I am still looking for something that strikes my fancy. Maybe others need to learn to say "no" and not over extend themselves or at a minimum keep everyone posted. More importantly, I am glad that you all had the courage to express how you feel so others can see what an impact their actions have people.

I hope you all will receive your "missing" swap items and everything works out. I also hope all is well with the host who is missing.

I look forward to advice, sharing tips and getting me motivated.

 

[Honeybehr1]

I havent had the courage to try a swap yet for two reasons. One being-what if the stuff I make isnt as "good" as the others. And two-from past experiece, people dont always follow through with their word and dont send the stuff out. i dont want to get burned.

I was on a birthday exchange loop and my son got his gift this year almost 2 months late. Two years ago-he got it 4 month. Plus a scrap box swap has been lost in peoples house and has only made it to 4 houses in over a year.

 

[missmulan]

Sweet Maxine I feel what you're feeling. I was in a swap and I sent my stuff in 2 weeks before deadline. There were two who were late. But after all was said and done, those who were late got their packages first and despite returning my stuff back on time, I was one of the last three people to get my package and this after TWO months the swap ended. I even asked the host if I were being punished for something I said in a post perhaps?? I don't know. I felt like my package was being held hostage week after week and I even started sucking up to him/her. Yuck, I felt low and lacked self respect.

Every week I would come on the boards and all I see is other swappers getting excited about receiving their packages. Every day I look in my front porch for my package just to get disappointed. Every time I asked the host about it, I felt like I was "nagging". Every week there was something going on in his/her personal life that held my package up.

My feeling is that if you send one package out, send them all out the same time. I understand that hosting is a tough job but please, be fair. Those who return their stuff on time should receive due diligence.

Can I join you inside your flame suit?? I see it coming now!

 

[dreams91]

I'm not sending any flames your way. I agree. So many of our swaps are going way over deadlines. What good is a deadline?

 

[pjlla]

I have to say, this is PRECISELY why I have not participated in any of these swaps. I love to scrap and I've seen what you all can do (amazing!).... but I have been known to PROCRASTINATE! I didn't want to hold up the whole swap. Maybe others join thinking about how much fun it would be, but then lack the gumption/time/money to follow through. Then they get embarrassed about not finishing, etc, etc, etc. Before you know it the whole swap is held up due to this one person.

Maybe each swap should start with the disclaimer..."Procrastinators need not apply!"
Hope everything works out well....................P

 

[Twigs]

There were a lot of swaps going on this past fall that I did not join because I knew I wouldn't have the time to work on them. I think as pjilla said, maybe there should be a sentence in the swap info stating to look at what you have going on in your life, and to be sure this is something you have time to work on. I would not mention anything in the final details about extending the deadline at all. I know that I can be a procrastinator, and if I knew I had a week or so to extend the time, I just might use that time to finish the swap. Things always do come up in our lives, and those things can be considered as they happen. I am looking forward to the upcoming swaps after the holidays.