Ann, pop over to Exchanges and you will find that a number of us do check over there occasionally! I like your idea for a theme. I will have to think about participating because I am crazy busy these days and also because I'm a little broke.

I think its a wonderful idea...I will have to wait to hear all the details before I commit to joining as like Pam, I have a lot on my plate with the new job and "spring" things around my home.

Cheers!
Susie

I have been checking there too! I was just afraid the traffic was too light to get enough participants. I also know that finances are tight for so many, so I'm open to creative ideas... maybe put a max and min price limit? maybe an option for home made or home grown? All input welcome!

That sounds like a really neat idea! I'd be up for it, if you have enough interest.

I'm happy to play too!

I'd play but I need to know more details. This would be a first for me and I'm not sure about all the "ins and outs".

jude

I always enjoyed the swaps, but sometimes felt that some of the lovely, generous people on here went a little overboard? Perhaps we could consider lowering the suggested limit to $20 or $25 (not including the shipping)? And, I wouldn't feel cheated if I only received two spring items instead of three.

Teresa

I like that idea Teresa I think it may allow more folk to play.

Jude,
I found this from a thread that Ann_T started when she ran one in 2008.

-----------------------

The feedback I've received on the last couple of swaps has been in favour of keeping the number of items sent to a minimum. I like the idea of a one item swap, but I know that there are a few of you that will find that difficult. So lets use the same theme as last time - "Your Favourite Things" (Cooking related) but make it optional as to whether you send one, two or a maximum of three items.
The rules are the same as before.
1.

New members are welcome to join in the fun as long as they have been active on the forum for at least three months AND have posted at least 20 times since November 4th, 2007. Most members prefer to send and receive from people that they have come to know. If you don't qualify for this swap, please continue to post so that you can play in the next Swap.

2.

You must commit to spending a minimum of $30.00 on your swap box. This is the minimum. There is no maximum. The cost of Shipping is EXTRA.

3.

Mail your gift box on or before the "Mailing Date" of Friday , March 14th, 2008.

4.

Once the packages have started to arrive please try and participate on some of the follow-up threads.

-----------------------

One thing that I know Ann really worked at was trying to make sure that people didn't get the same partner they had in the past. She ran an amazing 15 swaps over the years. Since it's been so long since the last one, I was hoping I didn't have to worry about that part :) and just do more of a random "pull names out of a hat" approach. SO I would need all participant names and addresses and permission to give the swap partner the same. Then once you get your partners name, it's up to you to figure out from previous posts a bit more about the person. And you can hint around, but not reveal your partner or come right out and give suggestions of what you'd like either.

And I can't exactly remember, but I think there was an option to request not getting an international partner if paying extra shipping costs would be a hardship.

I think that's about the gist of it.

Theresa, Pam, I'm definitely open to making it more modest than in the past. I think the idea is just to get to know CFers a bit better.

And as I recall, Ann always gave everyone a generous amount of time to do the swap, so it helped for those strapped for time and it was fun getting lots and lots of updates over a couple of weeks.

Swap experts, let me know if I missed anything!

I agree! Seems like a lower limit might allow more to participate. Maybe "between $15-$25 sort of range to allow some flexibility?!?!? Just a thought.

I'd be interested!

Deanna

Thank you, Ann, and I agree with Teresa and/or Deanna. Count me in!

jude

Spending limit sounds good. I wouldn't like the idea of telling someone they had to spend at least a certain amount, especially because some people around here have awesome home canned stuff!!

Could you give some examples of springlike things?

Jessica, a value range (min-max $), and maximum number of items are ways to try to give people reasonable expectations. For example, if I sent a swap partner one jar of my peach jam, and someone sent me a package that included something much more elaborate and/or expensive, I might feel embarrased both in what I sent and overwhelmed with what I received. By the way, in that example, though I am very proud of my peach jam, I probably wouldn't send it because I know many folks don't eat homemade canned goods from strangers.

Anyway, back to examples, that's the fun part! The title is purposely vague and your job is to investigate your swap partner by reading posts to get clues about what things he/she might appreciate.

Hope this helps!
Ann

Ann, Unfortunately I'm going to have to back out.

We just decided this weekend to take an extended road trip late March and April.

Next time......

Sharon

I want in! I've been checking Exchanges and was thinking of volunteering to organize as well, but...

Ann, let me know if you'd like any help!

Elizabeth

Jessica, many times people would have "themes" too, and that was kind of fun. My theme was usually "stuff in a box", LOL, a mish-mash of what I thought they might like.

But I did a "mexican" themed box once with masa harina, an electric tortilla press, homemade salsa and a platter for the tortillas, and David sent me a "picnic" themed box with a great picnic basket, fully loaded with a picnic cookbook, a blanket that folds up and zips into a pillow, a handheld fan. It was great fun.

I'll have to skip this one, I have that May wedding and the swaps make me crazy, I worry and worry about what I'm sending and change my mind a zillion times and always wonder if I ended up doing it right. I'm just not going to be in a good mind-set to swap, the timing isn't good for me.

I'll love watching, though.

Annie

Elizabeth, thank you for the offer. Yes, I'd love the help. However, so far it does not look like there's enough interest. Let's see how the response is this week.

Thanks for weighing in, Annie. Yep, weddings are pretty much all consuming.

Sharon, road trip... Wonderful! Will look forward to hearing about it in the upcoming months.

You might want to post on the main page that this thread is here. I think some folks don't check the Conversations side very often, but might be interested in participating.

Deanna

The minimum's perfectly fine with me-- I have no creative skills and no home canned stuff to share. But, just for the record, if you canned it safely, I'll eat it!! :-)

Put me down as a likely too.

Life is just too darn crazy in the spring... I barely have time to read the forum right now! I am sorry I have to pass but that's how it is.....

Alexa

I'm interested - if we lower the minimum a bit.

Teresa

It seems my life is getting rather like caliloo's so I'm gracefully(?) bowing out. Y'all have fun.

jude

I've got to pass too - spring won't work for me, unfortunately. Have fun!

Sue

Oh well. I tried. Looks like the interest is not there.
The "Nays" have it.
Ann

As I mentioned on Spacific's other thread, I had been planning to organize an April swap. But then I realized with all I have going on that wasn't going to work for me. It seems like spring is not a convenient time for many of us here. Maybe summer will be a better.

Is there a time preference over a late May/early June or a late June/early July swap???

Ann

I'm thinking a late June/early July might work best for some who have children. After school gets out but before many take vacations?

I'm fine with either, but the earlier May/June would be a preference (after garden planting and before harvests begin).

Deanna

I'll play. Just let me know when. I'm not here often anymore - life is hectic, so please email me if you decide to go ahead with one in late Spring/early summer.

I might be interested in something later, too, but can't promise. We've been hit with too many expenses, and I don't know when that's going to stop. The swaps are great fun, though, so I'm tempted to join in if we have one later, but not at this time.

Sally

After May 21 would be good for me, LOL, so I guess that would make my vote for the summer...

Annie