let's talk: swaps

[jedi_librarian]

I know life gets in the way sometimes. But if someone is hosting a swap there is that much more on their shoulders, and if they can't cope with that then they should'nt take it on. Yeah, s**t happens. That's why I won't host a swap (apart form being in the UK where there are fewer scrappers to come in anyway). But having sent my stuff off extra early (to allow for the distance) and sent extra postage to cover the return leg, to get nothing really s***ks.

I'm just going to buy my stuff from now on - it honestly won't cost me any more than taking part in a swap where I get NOTHING back!

Bitter? Maybe. I think you would be in my shoes!

I agree with this. The last time I was in a swap with her, and we didn't get her stuff, she had another crisis going on, which made me surprised to see she was hosting one. Sorry, I'm bitter about this too. Only because I had a feeling something like this would happen based on my experiences with her with swaps, and exchanges, for that matter. I just thought this time would be different - plus, I really wanted to participate in a resort swap

 

[maria34a]

I have to say this is all scaring me! I am new to all this and have just started signing up for swaps and am in quite a few of them and I am putting a lot of effort into my work. One reason, because it is being sent out to several people, and I do not want to be embarrased! Second, because I take pride in my art and what I do and I want to make something that everyone will enjoy and be able to use but I want it to last and leave a lasting impression as well. Thirdly, I really enjoy looking at everyone elses work! I like to see the different methods of craftmanship, ideas and just about everything! It never fails to amaze me what the mind can come up with!

I really hope that the people who are always late are reading these posts and thinking about what these people are writing and take a step back and realize that they need to be a bit more considerate in getting their projects in on time. Even if you are a procrastinator like me! Waiting till the last possible minute! Sometimes that's when you do your best work! Put a phoney deadline on yourself, that way you will not be late! That's what I do, I always tell myself they are due at least one or two weeks ahead, so I have time to mail them out.

Those of you who sign up and don't follow through, maybe it's because you forget? Print out the assignment and post it on your refridgerator! A constant reminder! Post it on your calendar! You really shouldn't just blow it off, that is just not polite. People do spend a lot of money and time on these projects and you all need to think about that when you sign up for these things, Its not just you, there are a lot of other women out there some on a budget I am sure who just like to do this for fun! Please just think about them the next time you are going to "blow off" another swap project.

Well, I am done for today! Sorry about the ranting or preaching, whatever, but that is just how I feel. I really hope it doesn't happen in any of the swaps I am in, because it would just make me sad, because when we all signed up everyone was just so excited! Just remember the excitement!

 

[PrincessNancy96]

I have to say this is all scaring me! I am new to all this and have just started signing up for swaps and am in quite a few of them and I am putting a lot of effort into my work. One reason, because it is being sent out to several people, and I do not want to be embarrased! Second, because I take pride in my art and what I do and I want to make something that everyone will enjoy and be able to use but I want it to last and leave a lasting impression as well. Thirdly, I really enjoy looking at everyone elses work! I like to see the different methods of craftmanship, ideas and just about everything! It never fails to amaze me what the mind can come up with!

I really hope that the people who are always late are reading these posts and thinking about what these people are writing and take a step back and realize that they need to be a bit more considerate in getting their projects in on time. Even if you are a procrastinator like me! Waiting till the last possible minute! Sometimes that's when you do your best work! Put a phoney deadline on yourself, that way you will not be late! That's what I do, I always tell myself they are due at least one or two weeks ahead, so I have time to mail them out.

Those of you who sign up and don't follow through, maybe it's because you forget? Print out the assignment and post it on your refridgerator! A constant reminder! Post it on your calendar! You really shouldn't just blow it off, that is just not polite. People do spend a lot of money and time on these projects and you all need to think about that when you sign up for these things, Its not just you, there are a lot of other women out there some on a budget I am sure who just like to do this for fun! Please just think about them the next time you are going to "blow off" another swap project.

Well, I am done for today! Sorry about the ranting or preaching, whatever, but that is just how I feel. I really hope it doesn't happen in any of the swaps I am in, because it would just make me sad, because when we all signed up everyone was just so excited! Just remember the excitement!

You are absolutely right.. I have notes for my notes for my notes/notes!
I just hope that new swappers won't get the wrong message and let a few individuals ruin this for them!!

 

[Downrivermama]

I guess I'm getting stiffed in the Resort swap also. It took me a long time to try a swap, cause it seemed really intimidating. Anyways I took a plunge with the AK newbie swap in Feb and the hostess was great. I think what is aggravating is not posting why things are delayed.

Things have been upside down since my dad passed away in August. Now I'm the executor of the estate and dealing with a difficult sibling. But I made a committment and crafting has always helped me through the rough spots in life, so its good therapy!

I'm one of those weird people, if I commit to something, I do it come "heck or high water!"

So I agree with ya'll.

 

[ksjayhawks]

I hate to see this happening. We had some trouble about a year ago--people were afraid to swap. We took a deep breath and jumped in again with swaps and have had great luck until just recently.

It does seem to be the same people who "flake" lately. Life happens and if you cannot keep your commitment, just let the hostess know so she can try and get an angel if needed. That seems to be just plain ole common courtesy to me. I don't think any of us would put down someone who has troubles and cannot finish if they would just let the hostess and us know!

The big key in any swap is communicate, communicate, communicate! If you are a hostess and running behind in swapping out, let the swappers know! If you are going to be late mailing, let the hostess and your group know! As long as we know what is going on, it keeps the anxiety level down!

Okay fellow swappers, everyone take a deep breath and let us charge forward!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I'm putting in my 2¢ here as one of the veteran DIS'ers.

1) Yes this has happened before and I'm sure it will again.
2) No the Mods will not get involved nor should they. It is Swap At Your Own Risk!
We are all adults here and should be responsible to follow through on our commitments. We do not need baby sitters. Well maybe a nanny to watch the kids but that's another thread.
3) I do not think a public list of flakers is necessary. We all know who the chronic flakers are and the hostesses do pass info along to each other. I think the best way to handle it is to PM the flaker and politely decline their offer and explain why. Now how do we get them back in the loop and off the naughty mat? I have no idea but I'm open to suggestions. Maybe limit their participation to one group after their time out. They must prove themselves.


I have 4 stages currently on my swap:
1) You get a if you have checked in since 10/1
2) You get a PM, if you have checked in at least once, reminding you to please check in so you can get a and to see how you are progressing
3) You get a PM if I have not heard from you on this board but have been around other forums to check on your status.
4) You get a PM if you have been MIA since sign ups giving you 2 days to respond or I am angeling out your spot. Harsh? Yes but I need to know if you are in or out.

All of these PM's go out at the 1 month mark. I don't think giving someone 1 weeks notice from the due date is wise. You would be hard pressed to find an angel who could get supplies, ideas, and finish the project in that amount of time.
I will be the first to admit that I am down to the wire sometimes, ok, all the time. However I do still get my stuff in on time. Ask Nancy I sucked up the $36 to over night the rare character swap but that was my fault for being late.
You know, my very first swap I participated in had a due date for the same day DD was due. DH knew that he would have to pinch hit for me and do the swap stuff if DD came on time. I got it done though.

For all you newbies, please do not let this turn you against swapping. It is fun to do and remember that we do some Newbie only swaps which I hope to pick up again after the first of the year. We hit some rough patches every once in a while but all families go though this.

I think I will try to set up a new swap calendar to get stickied. I will talk to Kayla.


Happy Swapping everyone!!!!!

 

[MazdaUK]

Where its the hostess who flakes, I wonder what she's done with all our hard work?

I am trying to keep cynicism in check, but I can't help thinking of all those "grab bag" auctions you see on e-bay (and I have had some good stuff - none handmade! - from one seller). Or is it all just lying around in piles gathering dust?

I'm so depressed I'm actually going to do some work!

 

[ddavis860]

 

[Twigs]

I know this is easy for me to say, as I have received my swap items. I do understand why you are all upset, and I have been there. I also don't think that anyone is wrong to be upset. But I do not think that the hostess has taken your items for her own. And I do think that you will get them back. when I cannot say. The hostess has been around here for a long time and I really don't think she is intentionally holding this up. I was in a swap last year that really got these boards steaming as the hostess dropped out of sight. To my surprise and other's we did get our items about 10 months later. I had chalked that one up to a loss.

I do want to say one thing about grief. I know that scrapping can be very therapuetic. When my mother was killed in a car accident a little over 2 years ago, I was about to get involved in another swap, but didn't think I could handle it. With some encouragement from the hostess, who is missed very much here on these boards, I went for it. I did find it helped to keep my mind off things. Then to this past summer and the 2nd anniversary of her death. Somehow this really hit me, and my son's this year. I have been very depressed and could not even attempt any scrapping. I was feeling like I couldn't do something that made me feel good. I just got out of it, but it just goes to show that when a person is feeling grief, what works for one person doesn't work for another. So I am hoping this hostess will get the strength to get herself together, and my prayers are with her.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I was thinking the same thing. Do you think it was a get the money and run kind of thing? The people that didn't get theirs back, did they send cash instead of stamps? Just wondering if there is a pattern of some kind as to who got theirs back and who didn't.

I hope we don't see any of that swap stuff on eBay. I'll be the first one to turn her in. That's just wrong. I understand your cynicism. I was really upset when it was 2 months late. It's just such a shame that there are so many hurt feelings!

I sent cash and I did get mine back. She said she had 4 that did not go out. Are there more than four that did not receive?

 

[Downrivermama]

I sent a $4.05 priority stamp and haven't received it. Oh well.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

I sent cash. I counted seven who have not reported as receiving their items. I checked back through the thread as I wanted to know if just one group but it was random.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I sent cash. I counted seven who have not reported as receiving their items. I checked back through the thread as I wanted to know if just one group but it was random.

But she said she sent out all but 4.

 

[ddavis860]

I know everyone deals with grief differently. I too lost my Mother suddenly, so I'm not a stranger to it either.

Hopefully everyone will get their things.

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

I TOTALLY think there should be a flaker list! I feel bad for those of you who didn't get their swap stuff returned ... I've been there!! I'm still waiting for a CJ to be returned to me (combo twopeas/DIS cj). The person who has it has been totally ignoring my e-mails for months! She said she was sending it back to me ... I never received it. RUDE! I've also received swaps MONTHS after the due date ... if you make a commitment STICK TO IT OR DON'T SIGN UP ... that's all I'll say...

 

[MazdaUK]

She said she'd PMd 4 people who hadn't sent mailing addresses (and that was beofre the closing date I think). She'd had mine AND they were on the envelope and on the inside as well.

It would be nice to think we'd get our stuff eventually.

I know grief affects everyone differently. My father died after long and painful cancer the day I went back to work after maternity leave. We've all had pain and we all handle it our way. But we're not in a creativity zone here - the stuff is done, it just needs putting in an envelope and posting.

I'm going to stop now before I say something rude.

 

[kaylajr]

Okay gang

I Understand your feeling here I participate alot in the Exchanges and we have flakes too

As Mods we can not and will not get invloved as has been said swaps are at your own risk

as a Exchange hostess I always make sure that everyone who signs up also gives me an email address so i have more than just PM's to communicate with people

I know your frustrated and upset but just remember to keep this thread friendly and no direct personal attacks OK??

I know you haven't yet just a reminder

 

[Quinn222]

My house really did catch fire. Really. I even have pictures!

However, when I knew it was going to cause a problem I begged for (and rcvd) an angel.

 

[Mickster]

You didn't beg. You just asked nicely.

 

[Downrivermama]

I got home to find the package from the Resort Swap. Did anyone get thiers?
Everything looks great!