Okay, this forum is generally *SOOOO* drama free that it seems like a lot is going on at once. ROFL

So, I mentioned earlier that we will be instituting some more *specific* guidelines for swaps, concerning who can participate, shipping issues, requirements for participating, repurcussions for dropping out/not sending, things to discourage last minute drop outs and the like.

Until then....(which hopefully will be in the next week or so)

Please, let's not make any changes to swaps that are already in place. Yes, it's frustrating when people flake, totally...I *get* that, and I understand wanting to make square swaps as varied as possible. Until there are set rules in place for what happens within a swap I think it's best to keep things as they stand, and no other quilt square swaps start until *after* the new guidelines.

I have spoken to Jo about a feedback forum *SPECIFICALLY* for the sewing forum...this is independent of the feedback forum for transactions here at amity. this is solely for use in swaps. This will likely be more of a 'ratings' system, where the moderators will update each member (who will get thier own thread in the forum) and there will be a tally of successful swaps, swaps that were delayed, swaps that have been dropped out of, and swaps that were flaked on. There will be a cooling period for those who repeatedly drop swaps, those who flake, etc.

Anyone hosting a swap will *have* to take on the responsibility of making sure that all joining their swaps are in good 'swap standing', as a mod, I don't have time to check everyone involved in every swap for their status.

The feedback forum will likely *not* be open for anyone to post things such as "So and so flaked two days before the ship date and ruined for all", but simply a way to tell at a glance, who is repeatedly flaking, who has unfullfilled swaps, etc. and the *hostess* will be in charge of restricting participation for those that are not in good swap standing.

I *hope*, truly, that someting like this will discourage flaking and disappointment, no one likes to have bad marks against them publicly. As far as those that drop out, I *genuinely* don't know what to do for repurcussions. Someone suggested a shipping deposit, but, I'm not sure how to enforce that...then what is done with the forfieted money? would the hostess keep it? would it go to charity? who decides? Also, for me, I like to send in my own envelope so that I can pay all the shipping at once (to and back) rather than having two shipping transactions.

As for labeling the individual squares LOL, I really wasn't *excited* about it :lol: I just know I don't have the time, or desire LOL :p

with the squares also, I suggest that the hostess decide how many squares/slots *minimum* they would want in the swap and state that the swap will not go through unless there are X number of participants...then once that number is reached, participants could purchase thier fabric...so that 10 don't buy fabric, the swap get cancelled, or whatever, and people are left with fabric they wouldn't have wanted. I understand that it's nicer to have 30 different fabrics then 30 squares of 10 different fabric prints...but if things aren't thought out up front (which is what we are learning right now) it's hard to try to think it out halfway through :/.

I really hate to see people upset and frustrated over fabric LOL...I hope I haven't hurt anyone's feelings while trying to figure this all out...it certainly was NOT intentional...I'm trying to learn what to do too :D


(((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs to all the mamas))))))))))))))))))

The forum is up, but Tuesday needs to go in and post the first feedback thread so that everyone can have the exact same format. So hang on everyone :)

~jo

Thanks so much Jo. I really hope that this will encourage lots of participation in the swaps, good feedback is always nice :D I also hope that it will help the hostesses to know who is or is not oustanding on swaps when they take sign ups :D

Thanks Jo, and I will update the sewing forum as soon as we work out what appropriate form the feedback would be in :D

So I have a question...what if someone is constantly late on swaps, or just drops at the very last second? What kind of "damage control" are we talking about?

So I have a question...what if someone is constantly late on swaps, or just drops at the very last second? What kind of "damage control" are we talking about?

I think she said there would be some sort of cooling off period.

So I have a question...what if someone is constantly late on swaps, or just drops at the very last second? What kind of "damage control" are we talking about?
Yes, Stacy is right. I think there would be a period of 30-60 days to give the swapper time to get their life in order to do what needs to be done to make the swaps on time. And, I don't intend for it to be for someone who ships two days late out of 6 of thier swaps, but for people who are habitually late shippers, holding up swaps by a week or two or more. But, to be honest, there's only *so* much I can do...kwim? I just really hope that some new guidelines will encourage people to not be so slack on meeting swap requirements.

darnit - I thought you were going to whip me ;)

Oh, wait that would ENCOURAGE slow shipping, wouldn't it? :smirk: