Lou in DC posted a question about donations. That has prompted me to post this message about pen and wood swaps.
These swaps of pens and wood have become a popular part of this IAP Site. The 2006 Pen In The Hat had a large participation, and there are several others being discussed for the future. However, they are not without their problems. One of these problems is the growing number of "no shows" that are evidenced by the messages in the PITH-2006 thread.
I have no idea what others may have experienced with these swaps, but mine hasn't been good. Prior to the PITH-2006 for which I am waiting, I have participated in 3 pen and 2 wood swaps, and I mailed out my 3 pens and 2 packages of wood. In exchange I received 1 pen (Thank you, Old Griz), no wood, and no acknowledgement that anything I had sent had been received.
I think that is a sorry response. And, that is the reason that you won't be finding my name among the participants in future swaps.
From my perspective, these exchanges have been a failure. Have others had a similar experience?
Do we need to start making rules?? Making folks use real names and addresses might solve one problem and create another. Would kicking them out of the IAP prove anything to someone who has only posted 2 messages in the past 2 years? Would haveing a 2-star membership requirement make the swap any better?
Maybe the solution is just sitting back and not making commitments that we are unable to keep, and keeping those we make.
I will get off the soapbox now.
These swaps of pens and wood have become a popular part of this IAP Site. The 2006 Pen In The Hat had a large participation, and there are several others being discussed for the future. However, they are not without their problems. One of these problems is the growing number of "no shows" that are evidenced by the messages in the PITH-2006 thread.
I have no idea what others may have experienced with these swaps, but mine hasn't been good. Prior to the PITH-2006 for which I am waiting, I have participated in 3 pen and 2 wood swaps, and I mailed out my 3 pens and 2 packages of wood. In exchange I received 1 pen (Thank you, Old Griz), no wood, and no acknowledgement that anything I had sent had been received.
I think that is a sorry response. And, that is the reason that you won't be finding my name among the participants in future swaps.
From my perspective, these exchanges have been a failure. Have others had a similar experience?
Do we need to start making rules?? Making folks use real names and addresses might solve one problem and create another. Would kicking them out of the IAP prove anything to someone who has only posted 2 messages in the past 2 years? Would haveing a 2-star membership requirement make the swap any better?
Maybe the solution is just sitting back and not making commitments that we are unable to keep, and keeping those we make.
I will get off the soapbox now.