Rainy Day Swap

What a wonderful idea! and thanks for the lead time, that totally convinced me to sign up! can't wait to put one together and to get one...

you shouldn't say that heart will be given because someone send extras... hearts are given by the recipients on their own free will. Read the FAQs about givings. There is nothing that says when hearts will be given!

@dabble Thanks! I'm pretty excited too.

@Susi Sorry about that, I revised it.

I am watching the swap but just in case I do join I just wanted to say that I don't mind getting stuff from the dollar store. In these tough times it's one of the best places to shop. Besides just because it's from the dollar store doesn't mean it's crappy. I've gotten some really neat stuff from there that people were surprised to find out came from the dollar store. Plus if it's in good condition it shouldn't matter how much it costs. All that should matter is that someone saw it and thought you might like it.

Hey, I'm just curious if handmade stuff is all right. Like, I make a lot of my paper products- journals, cards etc. Just curious, watching!

would it be at all possible to join as a new person? this swap is so appealing as I am currently at home most days and get myself thinking about things to do to fill my time...

i'm watching for now, until I get my swaps down a bit but just wanted to say this is a great idea! The only thing I ask is no chocolate for me! as much as I love it, it ALWAYS melts on it's way here. It's gets up to 120 degree in the summer, so it just doesn't stand a chance :-)

@shfacey I agree that if something is well made and nice looking it doesn't matter if it's from the dollar store. I've found many nice things from the dollar section at Target.

@hereintherain Handmade things are okay as long as they are well made which I'm sure they are.

@AisforAmy Because of the nature of this swap it would be very difficult to angel. There is still time though. maybe you can try and get a few ratings beforehand.

@Mywindowtoyours

I do have one swap under my belt (as of today!) and currently have a 5.0 rating. I'm trying to gather a few more ratings though so hopefully, by the time the sign-up deadline draws near, I'll be a better candidate to let in. :/ (It can be tough for a new person!)

I wanted to message you about joining this swap. I have just sent out my first swap, and I am just waiting for my ratings. I have alot of things in mind for this swap and I WILL NOT flake. I see things through. I would love the opportunity to prove to the swap-bot community that I mean business, please consider letting me join this swap. Thank You!

@mywindowtoyours

I would love to join the swap...I just don't want to be flaked ... it appears that there are some users signing up here that only have email swaps but have not done any real swaps yet, so i am a bit wary....

I have been flaked dozens of times, so I am just very, very cautious and usually join swaps where the rules are pretty strict...

I think it's fine for more expensive swaps like this to restrict newbies...or those who have no real swaps that they have been rated for yet, anyway....I had to start out with small swaps, like dollar store swaps, bookmark swaps, etc, so I don't see anything wrong with requiring that before they can get involved in bigger swaps like this one.....

.I have sent out WAAAAY too many nice, expensive packages which I spent a lot of time shopping for and packaging nicely, not to mention waiting on line at the post office, and received nothing in return. That is very depressing and almost always, the person who flaked on me is a newbie who either has no ratings or one who has done a bunch of email swaps, but has not done any real swaps....

Well candigirl I'm watching this because I, too, recently have been flaked on. Once was not her fault. Once was. And I've sent really nice packages to every swap and there is just no way to guarantee that whoever gets you will be as nice as you are to others. But now, sadly, I pay for delivery confirmation on more expensive swaps (or swaps where someone says they never got it but the other partners you sent to did and it was all sent the same time) because sometimes things get lost. But if I'm spending $20 on a swap, I am hoping someone will be nice about the time I spent, too. It's thought that counts a lot.

There do need to be restrictions, granted. And so while I love this idea and want to do it, I am going to watch for now. In the past I didn't have a problem with flakers but as the economy changes, some people sign up and then realize they can't do it and it's too late once partners are assigned. That part is kinda hard, too. Wish there was a way to fix that.

Awwwww...... I really want to do this one but i have a rating of 4.6235... O'well maybe new time! :(

I agree can we set some parameters-

Just in case some people don't know about this, you can send goods flat rate from the post office. For heavy/large items, it costs less to send things this way than regular first class. It's pretty fast, too. http://www.usps.com/prices/priority-mail-prices.htm

I'd hate to get flaked on, but I think my main concern with this swap is that I'll get a partner and have no idea what to send. That's the major reason I'm hesitating with this swap. I hope people will fill out their profiles big time! :)

I really do not understand the heart system then. If it is just a whim, then what is the point? If you went over and above, put more of the items of the swap in or made the package really pretty, then why stiff someone on a silly heart? I have also went a bit overboard perhaps in dealing with my swap partners by sending lots of extras or making an interesting wrapping for them and I not only didn't get a heart, I didn't even get a thank you. I had put my foot down today after mailing another international swap that I wasn't swapping anymore, it is too disheartening to send a nice package to someone and not even be thanked for the effort. Plus there are times I must wonder if my swap partners were even in the same swap as I was or if they had read my profile at all! Even after all that putting down of the foot, here I am looking through the swaps! I am watching this swap, hopefully I will join.

Wiccan3: My thoughts on the heart system ... Hearts aren't about extras that people put in packages (although it seems a lot of people are under that assumption). I give hearts for the heart that went into the swap. Here are two very recent examples that have nothing to do with "extras."

I was in a quote postcard swap. Simply send your partners a postcard with a quote on it. One of the post cards I got had a quote that knocked me for a loop -- it was just what I needed to read the day it arrived (the Universe sending me a message/confirmation of something I've been dealing with). I gave that swapper a heart.

Another example is a swap that came today. When I opened my mailbox there were three envelopes. One of them has five tiger profiles on it. No matter what was IN the envelope, that swapper was getting a heart from me because of the way I felt about that envelope. She went out of her way to find an envelope she knew I'd love (profile-based) to send the swap in.

Hearts are subjective. A bunch of extras thrown in to "get" a heart doesn't mean the package is heart-worthy in the receiver's eyes. Do I giggle when I open a package or envelope? Does it lift me when I'm down? Does the technique the artist/swapper used intrigue or astound me? Did the packaging make it so awesome I didn't even want to open it? If there are extra items, do they enhance the swap or is it a ploy to get a heart? These are all very subjective questions, and no, they don't apply to every swap I send or receive.

Sending a swap package to get a heart is, to me, defeating the purpose of the swap which -- again, to me -- is about sharing creativity with a like-minded creative person.

Yes, it's frustrating when people don't rate, but that is another issue entirely.

HTH, Peace to you.

I always go by profile but a lot of times profiles are on the thin side. You don't get a lot of likes from them. I don't do anything as a ploy and I don't expect a heart, I just don't understand why the heart system to be so complicated when all it says on the voting page is: This was an extra special package. Give a heart!

I was just in a spa item based swap. $10 for pampering yourself items. Fortunately, this weekend past was a 75% off sale at a bath/spa shop, but the person I am sending things to never put in the swap comments or in her profile what scents she like or hated. All she said was she was student and a Christian. Since I am neither of those things I had to wing it a bit.

I got a LOAD of spa products for the $10 limit thanks to the sale and they were not sample sizes either. I know she like hot cocoa so I put a few flavored packets in as well since I consider a good cup of cocoa a pampering thing. I sell my own jewelry, so I made her a simple summer necklace. For fun, I added a "cone" of locally made salt water taffy pieces.

I put the soaps in a pretty bag with lots of fluff; I tied a organic wash cloth ball to the top and set the thing in a deep box. I put the food items in a zip lock then I filled the box in, wrote her a note and on the top of the stuffing I put a lime green rubber duckie to peek out at her when she opened the box. It is something I would love to get in a swap. I think it is worthy of at least a thank you, don't you? Did I get one? No.

I don't do these swaps to get a big pat on the back but being a Southerner I expect common courtesy and unfortunately courtesy, like so many things these days, is a lost art.

Wow, that sounds like a killer nice swap you sent. (Lucky with the sale!) Especially with the organic wash cloth ball and rubber duckie to top it off!

I think swaps are fun because you get the opportunity to know someone else and it could potentially be a pleasant distant friendship. That's what keeps me going, despite the ugliness that can happen. A 5 is the most that I hope for, a heart is a pleasant surprise.

So far I haven't encountered any major rudeness or anything like that here on swap-bot... but even with swaps that I send extras with, read their profiles carefully, or put in a lot of effort, I'm very nervous that people won't like them.

Sometimes, I just don't know if I overlooked something or if I think something isn't "overly cute" but the receiver does... I don't know, sometimes people just don't care for what they receive, and I think to myself, "Okay, I won't send anything like that to them next time. I'll try this other thing they mentioned instead."

In your case, though, I think it was just a sad deal. :/ If the effort and care is apparent, and the profile has virtually nothing to do with the swap on it... What can you do?

I think I filled out my profile enough to drive anyone nuts, but if there are still questions or a gray area, I'd rather have them ask me than guess. I wonder if it's a faux pas to ask your partner certain swap questions before mailing?

I agree with mintcondition -- the package you put together sounds fabulous. And yes, there are many lost arts today, common courtesy among them.

One thing you can do to combat flakers, non-raters, etc. is to join or start a group where the members are vetted by the founder/officers or host swaps where you're in control of who is ultimately admitted. Of course, neither of those measures guarantees a positive experience.

I've been swapping since 2004 and have been flaked on more times than I can count and it's not fun at all -- especially when I've put time, money and effort into a swap package. Ultimately though, we all assume the risk when we join swaps.

And to answer MC's question: no, I've asked partners for more info and have had people ask me for more info or preferences. I think that's part of the communication process that makes swaps successful.

Artistic: Thanks, that's really good to know. I wasn't sure if not knowing who your partner is until the package arrives is all part of the fun for everyone. (For me, I think it is, but... hmm... If someone wants to really zone in on the loves, questions don't hurt.)

Hey guys, I have changed the requirements to protect honest swappers and will be thoroughly checking all profiles before assigning partners. If you have any questions it's better to send a message since I don't check the comments every day and it will be quicker to receive a response. Thank you all for joining the swap so far and rest assured that I will do everything I can to avoid flakers and possible flakers.

As for the hearts, I give hearts when I can sense a person really put their heart into what they send. Extras are not necessary to me personally, but I know some people feel only extras deserve hearts which is why I added that. I just really want people to consider hearts because sometimes you send something you really put your heart into and get a 5 and nothing else.

I usually give hearts even for postcards. If someone sends me a lovely card, they deserve a heart. If someone sends something that barely resembles a card, I give them a 5, but I won't give a heart.

Hmm, I've already sent off 9 snail mail packages, but I've only received 3 ratings. Since there's only 2 days until the sign-up/drop, and I know one of my receivers is out of the country for most of the month, I think there's slim chance I'll make the 6 mailed swaps requirement. It's my fault for being a newbie. I'll be withdrawing now. Take care! :)

You know, it sounds like a great group of swappers here who are interested in this swap. I try with every swap I send to include something extra from the partner's profile just because I like them to know I took the time to read their profile and try to find something that fit the partner and not me. I may love something that they hate and vice versa. So after watching this for quite some time I am going to join. And btw, for those who don't know, the flat rate boxes at the post office do hold quite a bit even though they are expensive to use. Well worth it. Especially when you consider that they arrive in a very timely fashion.

You know, it sounds like a great group of swappers here who are interested in this swap. I try with every swap I send to include something extra from the partner's profile just because I like them to know I took the time to read their profile and try to find something that fit the partner and not me. I may love something that they hate and vice versa. So after watching this for quite some time I am going to join. And btw, for those who don't know, the flat rate boxes at the post office do hold quite a bit even though they are expensive to use. Well worth it. Especially when you consider that they arrive in a very timely fashion.

Please no book for whoever gets me. I have soo many, Thank you so much <3

Oh rats. I have to drop out. I just realized I probably am not going to be able to fit this into my budget. Hope there's another later!

I have no plans to drop from this swap, on principal. A Host shouldn't change swap rules just because a few people complained. It's ridiculous. Just because you have a lot of swaps completed doesn't mean that this one is not going to be one that you flake on for the first time or whatever. I shouldn't be penalized just because I'm new. I've got a solid rating. Not a ton of swaps but only because I refuse to over-extend myself. I deserve a chance to prove myself just as much as someone who has completed 300 swaps. I deserve to be afforded as much consideration as all of these other swappers who are complaining about being flaked on.

I have to STRONGLY agree with AisforAmy. I believe that if you want to set parameters for a swap that is fine so long as you do it when you set it up, but do decide on the very day of the deadline to drastically edit the requirements is RIDICULOUS! I understand that if you get flaked on that it probably stinks,but come on. Anyone could flake, newbies and Original Members. We are all entitled to an OOPS, but who is to say which on will drop. I had my heart set on this swap, I felt that if would be THE swap to introduce me to the

"Larger" mail swaps, and I will not drop this unless I am kicked off, but people you need to lighten up and enjoy these swaps, you are so concerned with dumb hearts and flakers, that you have forgotten to enjoy the swap. If you know you did a good job then that is all that should matter. And if you get flaked on, then report them end of story, but give people the free will to decide if they are going to be a flaker and a fantastic swapper. Now...I'm off my soap box and I hope that this is a happy swap!

For a second I thought I was in the forums. :o)

@Beadweaver ... I second your second thought !! Too much drama for me ..... :(

Good lord. Instead of throwing a hissy fit, why not just send me a message? Sometimes a kindly worded email is worth a lot. I'm trying to do my best to please everyone. Why should we not care about flakers? It's disheartening to put work into something and receive nothing. It's called swap-bot not charity-bot. That's why when someone sends out a package to fix another person's mistake, they're called an angel.

It's not all about receiving "free things" it's about getting a package from a complete stranger and learning a bit about them in the process as well. The sender that brightens their partner's day should also have someone brighten theirs.

And also, I didn't change the requirements on the exact deadline. If you are so outraged by this and are banned, just make a duplicate of this swap with your own rules. It's as simple as that. I honestly don't mind. Even when I ban people, I truly hate clicking that button and I apologize in the message even if the person is clearly just out to get a freebie.

This swap is supposed to be about relaxation and happiness, and I'm not sure why everyone is up in arms. I'm just trying to prevent people from being flaked on. Even with all the requirements is it still possible? Yes, but at least I tried.

I am in the process now of sifting through every profile. I'm halfway finished. There are a lot of ratings to get through.

And yes, too much drama for me also. I'm just trying to please everyone and it doesn't seem to be working.

This will probably be my last time hosting a swap on here for awhile. I just received this message:

How fucking rude of you to ban me for a 1 from OVER A YEAR AGO when I have SEVEN HUNTDRED AND TWENTY fives. You must still be new at this to not understand that sometimes you get a rating from stupid people that you cannot fix. I'M NOT A FUCKING FLAKER. Sorry to be so rude to you but it was pretty rude of you to ban me for bull shit like this. I guess I can't have people who have no understanding skills in my groups so you are now dropped from

I didn't include the groups so I wouldn't show who sent it. Seriously though, I don't understand. if you don't send me a message, how am I supposed to know? When I had a 1 because of a misunderstanding I always let the swap coordinators know.

I'm only posting this so you see what I and other coordinators deal with and so you will please try to have some patience.

wow, i just so happened to take a peak at this swap to write down my partners address & see if she left and comments about her swap preferences. she did not. however, i felt the need to ramble a bit:

it is sad when adults resort to being rude and cursing out other adults over a fairly simple hobby (..a very fun, addicting, hobby.. but still, swapping isn't that complicated..).

i am new to all of this. swap-bot has been very enjoyable so far and i take my responsibility of being fair to other swappers seriously.. but sometimes i just think sometimes people get carried away with themselves. if you screwed up and aren't allowed to join a specific swap.. SO WHAT? apologize for your mistake, try to correct it, and move on. not being allowed in a certain swap is a bit of a bummer, i'm sure.. but it's not worth all that. jeez people, simmer down.

swapping is a fun pass time and it should remain just that - a fun pass time - not a way of life! why so many debates and arguments over the politics? why so many nazi sticklers who obsess over who gets hearts and who does not?

i aim to please every single swap partner i get to the best of my ability. i ALWAYS read profiles and take into consideration their likes and dislikes. however, some people may just not be on the same page as me when it comes to what i THINK they may like to receive. maybe their profile says that they like the color green, so i knit them an olive green scarf and it turns out they actually hate olive green and prefer a more john deere shade. oh well, i'm not always going to be rated fairly and receive a heart i feel is well deserved, but at least i know that MY heart is in the right place.

it is crappy that some people are just in this for the receiving end of things and don't really put any effort into what they send to people.. but i guess selfish people are a part of life and that, in my opinion, is the risk you take when you sign up for swapping with people you barely know. not knowing what you are going to get is part of what makes it so fun!

the point is... i am with everything who said to just enjoy swapping for what it is, and stop taking everything so seriously. be the best swapper you can be, and just have faith that everyone else is doing the same. :)

Mywindowtoyours - i'm sorry you have to deal with all of that poo.. people freaking out on you like not being allowed in a swap is the end of the world. i think the Rainy Day Swap was a wonderful idea, and one of the best organized swaps that i have joined yet. i hope you still continue to host swaps in the future!

@mfinley524

Thank you for your kind words. It seems silly to be affected by people yelling on the internet, but things in real life have been hard lately and little things sort of get to you when you're not 100% yourself.

mywindowtoyours-Stick to your guns girl! I am sorry too about the 'poo'. One of my life lessons is that you can NEVER please everyone! I am excited for this swap-don't let anyone ruin it for you!

A Priority Mail package was mailed out this a.m. to my partner. Enjoy!

I have a quick question, no complaint just a question. when did the "Date items must be sent by change from Aug 3 to Sept 1? Thanks.

i don't understand why the send by date changed? People really need another MONTH to rate? I don't understand, rating can be done at anytime. That sucks for everyone that did it correctly and now have to wait possibly a month to get their package??

I'm thrilled the due date was extended.

My reason: I have most of my partners surprises, a few handmade. I was just putting the finishing touches on it and ended up in the hospital for over a week. I was worried because I had two swaps to get out while I was there. I was thrilled when I found out this one was pushed back ( it took the pressure off me to get a quicker swap out instead of an awesome swap) I e-mailed the other swap I had to get out and did not get too kind response. That really stung me. the reason I didn't get the swaps out a little sooner is I have been sick for a while now and was just too scared to go to the hospital uuntil I had no choice.

Now the date has been changed to Sept. 30? It would just be nice to have an explaination.

YOU KNOW I AM SO WITH WHIMSEEMOM,,,, I TO WOULD LIKE A EXPLANATION. I LOOKED BACK AT THE PARTICIPANTS AND ALL BUT SEVEN HAVE SENT THEIR PACKAGE OUT INCLUDING THE HOST :(. WHAT ABOUT US THAT MET THE FIRST AND 2ND DEADLINE.