I think my post got lost in the last thread since people are still posting about 2000 posts.
please vote if you agree with the criteria below. if you do not agree, please post what revisions you would make.
(looking for consensus/alternative solutions from you all): - 500+ posts? if you think less, please share the amount of posts you think it should be set at. 500 is a low amount for an long time, active member. My feeling is that if you don't have 500 posts, you can wait until next year when you do. - email name, address, and phone number? - $20 spending minimum (if you find a bargain all the better, but SPEND no less than $20) - sign up deadline? - assigned SS notifications sent on what date? - mailing deadline? I think we also required a mailing confirmation last year? should we require an email to SS when the gift(s) are sent?
am I missing anything?
__________________
"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
If someone has less than 500 posts, but has participated in (and not bailed out of) SS in the last couple of years, IMO they should be allowed to partake in SS again. I don't know if this applies to anyone though.
If someone has less than 500 posts, but has participated in (and not bailed out of) SS in the last couple of years, IMO they should be allowed to partake in SS again. I don't know if this applies to anyone though.
If someone has less than 500 posts, but has participated in (and not bailed out of) SS in the last couple of years, IMO they should be allowed to partake in SS again. I don't know if this applies to anyone though.
Everything else sounds cool.
I don't know that it applies to anyone either, but that's only fair.
__________________
"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
Also, this probably won't happen or apply to anyone but...I think we should exclude members that have recently reappeared over a long absence (unless they have participated in good standings in past years!)
Secret Santa sign up dealine: November 25 Secret Santa notification: December 2 Mail dealine: December 17
It gives you plenty of time to sign up, a week to organize, and two weekends to shop for a gift and get it mailed. The mail deadline might seem early for some, but with the holiday mailing rush you want to make sure it makes it on time!
I think we may want to move the deadlines up some (at least the mail one). I know that I (and others) will be traveling that week and would hate to have my present sitting on my doorstep all week.
__________________
"Despite all your best intentions, sometimes, fate wins anyway."
Thanks for starting the date recommendations, Cortney. Heather - you have a point about moving the ship date up. I'll take this into account when putting together the rules.
Blubirde - I believe in years past the amount was just plain $20. The issue in the past has been people spending less than twenty (just to recieve a $20 gift in return) on what they feel may be perceived as $20, when it fact it is not, resulting in someone getting something cheap and crappy (complaints were made about this.)
I also want to encourage others to get the most bang for their buck. The SS gifts I found I hunted for -- flea market for a vintage apron, $50 cookbook for $15, etc. I spent a little over $20, but the value of the gifts were probably closer to $50-$70 -- but that's me -- I love to bargain hunt.
I think setting the amount at $20 (and no less than $20) will help ensure someone doesn't get a crappy obligatory participation gift to get a $20 gift in return. Does that make sense? I feel like I got a little run-on there...
__________________
"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
I agree completely with what D said about the $20 minimum. We are gals who love shopping, and part of the fun of the Secret Santa (and present buying in general) is the hunt.
I like the dates that Cortney suggested, but would move up the mail-date just a bit. Here's my suggestions:
Secret Santa sign up deadline: November 21 Secret Santa notification: November 28 Secret Santa wishlist and/or like/dislike list: November 28 Mail deadline: December 12
I know that really puts a lot of people into a time crunch but here me out...
The Sign-deadline gives people a week and a half to decide if they are in or out and also gives people a week and a half to log on and to sign up.
The SS notification gives the volunteers a week to get everything combined and then sent out- I know this is over the holiday but the sooner we know the better gifts we can start searching for.
The SS wishlists need to be out at the same time people find out who they are shopping for. Doesn't make much sense to have one without the other.
The mail deadline gives people two weeks to shop (short, I know!), but also gives the mail delivery system time to get the package sent and arrive by the time people might start traveling.
Dates are so iffy since we are such different people with different schedules. The girls in school...what do those dates mean to you with exams? Also, people should definitely think about whether they can meet the dates (whatever they end up being) when deciding to participate. Even if you really really want to participate and have every intention of following through- if you know beforehand that you are busy and can't meet those dates, then I would suggest thinking twice.
__________________
"But I want you to remember, I intend this breast satirically." Susan from Coupling
Everything sounds good to me. Just wanted to know if we were going to have some sort of theme like we did last year. I think last years was pink, right?
Everything sounds good to me. I like relrel's date suggestions - it seems a smidge rushed but considering all the mailing that needs to be done, we need to leave time to allow the packages to make their way to everyone!
__________________
Fashion is art you live your life in. - Devil Wears Prada | formerly ttara123
Blubirde - I believe in years past the amount was just plain $20. The issue in the past has been people spending less than twenty (just to recieve a $20 gift in return) on what they feel may be perceived as $20, when it fact it is not, resulting in someone getting something cheap and crappy (complaints were made about this.)
I also want to encourage others to get the most bang for their buck. The SS gifts I found I hunted for -- flea market for a vintage apron, $50 cookbook for $15, etc. I spent a little over $20, but the value of the gifts were probably closer to $50-$70 -- but that's me -- I love to bargain hunt.
I think setting the amount at $20 (and no less than $20) will help ensure someone doesn't get a crappy obligatory participation gift to get a $20 gift in return. Does that make sense? I feel like I got a little run-on there...
Sounds good to me. I officially give my SS permission to get the most bang for her buck.
Again, the minimum idea is a good one, for all the reasons you said.