Penpals, Scrapbookers, Postcard Artists and Other Creative Types

[nanners]

Laruss, I am in agreement with you that there needs to be some rules around this.

I like your ideas of a shorter time to get them done, so people can look forward and anticipate if they have time to do them.

I also think that if you don't get your project mailed by the deadline day, that you automatically cannot participate in the next one. (That would be ME for the next one) and honestly, I was going to bow out until winter knowing how many plans I have coming up.

I don't keep track of others, and I'm new to this thread so I really don't feel I can say anything there.

I sure hope you get mine soon, I'm getting worried about them.

[nycfem]

Yes, we do have the same people repeatedly drop out. If it becomes too glaring, I bring it up either on the thread if it seems appropriate or 1:1 if not. Sometimes I think the people who always drop out don't even realize that they always drop out. I've never had anyone I've directly addressed it with come back at me in anything but a kind way (maybe because I also approach them in a kind way).

I definitely don't think anyone who dropped out in one project should get to sign up for the next, but that's usually not how it works. They know to keep a distance for a project or two or more and then reappear. It's hard because we are a friendly group, and they may happen to be our good friends. But I think it needs to be called out when it happens repeatedly.

We have two type of drop-outs:

1) People who are completely new to the thread and they sign up for something and then disappear

and

2) People who occasionally turn in a project but often don't. Sometimes these people are great artists and their work is enjoyed but when I see their name on a list, I clench up a bit, knowing what we may be in store for, and also knowing that fairly new people don't know that this person is not that reliable or consistent.

On a positive note, we also have a decent size group of people who are very reliable.

I think it's very much about being open and direct. People who constantly make excuses don't always realize they do. I've never had someone who I've confronted in a nice way, challenge me and say: "I'm signing up anyway." If we get too specific in our rules, we risk people getting around the system (e.g. if they just have to skip one project, then they will be back and do it again.). That being said, if someone has dropped out twice, whether in order or not, they're usually not reliable in my book.

[sis]

..... as I expressed previously, I have location challenges that create a challenge for me to participate. I loved this project and believe my life has been blessed by being able to participate.

Yes, I would like to participate more often; but, no, I'm not going to put the group through the lack of reliability known as China Post! However, I would be open to participating in a single item exchange (think decorated Altoid Tin) as I was successful in sending this out via Hong Kong several years back. That way, I only affect ONE PERSON should they not receive it. And, hopefully, said person will be understanding and able to wait until I can mail something from Canada.

Also, I think our lists are simply too large. While this was a simple project for me ..... having to make 15 items can be daunting. Perhaps, we need to have smaller groups but have two projects going at the same time. Or, sign up to wrangle a project that will be posted and completed within a two-month period.

Another idea, if people were willing to share their personal info, we could 'pen pal' our projects to the people of our choice. The commitment then becomes ours alone and does not affect the wrangled group.

Deb

[Gemme]

Those who have been here and there (over yonder...back in the day, etc) for years now do know who is more reliable and who is less reliable. The new folks will catch on soon....unless they fall into the latter group.

I think the idea of having multiple projects going on at the same time would be a train wreck. Absolutely. We have a hard enough time getting everyone to fully participate in one project. Imagine two. Or three.

We've been pretty relaxed about the deadlines because life does happen and sometimes people have genuinely important reasons for not being able to fulfill their obligation. Still, it sucks to have to wait weeks or months after we were supposed to get something before it's done. Know I say this as someone who has dropped the ball a few times over the years.

BUT

This is not for a degree. Or a raise. Or anything that is a matter of life of death. And it shouldn't be taken as such. We are all passionate about this stuff; that's why we post here and why we want to participate in projects. We should have some give and take, but only if it's balanced. Not too much take and not too much give.

I like the idea of the wrangler posting all the details and not accepting any sign ups for a few days, in order to give folks time to really dig into their supplies or check their schedules and see if it's really feasible for them to participate.

I also like the idea of being firmer with the deadlines in general. Or have a deadline for each part of the project. We kind of do this now but maybe a deadline to sign up. A deadline to finish and post that you are finished. If someone doesn't post that date, the others can take their pieces for that person out of the package. A deadline to mail by. A deadline to receive the projects.

I think a little more firmness while still being fair and reasonable is good.

[nycfem]

I agree with all of this, Gemme. We have problems with accountability with one project. Imagine with a few at once! I also agree about firmness with the deadlines. Let's have a little more of it. Now, this is going to mean more drop outs but, fuck it, if people drop out more than once, this probably isn't the party for them anyway, and I think we need to speak up more when that becomes the case. Finally, I agree, that there's no need for total rigidity. A week late, yeah, two months late, no.

[amiyesiam]

Originally Posted by sis

..... as I expressed previously, I have location challenges that create a challenge for me to participate. I loved this project and believe my life has been blessed by being able to participate.

Yes, I would like to participate more often; but, no, I'm not going to put the group through the lack of reliability known as China Post! However, I would be open to participating in a single item exchange (think decorated Altoid Tin) as I was successful in sending this out via Hong Kong several years back. That way, I only affect ONE PERSON should they not receive it. And, hopefully, said person will be understanding and able to wait until I can mail something from Canada.

Also, I think our lists are simply too large. While this was a simple project for me ..... having to make 15 items can be daunting. Perhaps, we need to have smaller groups but have two projects going at the same time. Or, sign up to wrangle a project that will be posted and completed within a two-month period.

Another idea, if people were willing to share their personal info, we could 'pen pal' our projects to the people of our choice. The commitment then becomes ours alone and does not affect the wrangled group.

Deb

I still have my altoid tins!

[Tommi]

Here-->

I love doing the Penpals, Scrapbookers, Postcard Artists and Other Creative Types projects. It is relaxing and fun.

So, in keeping with the momentum of happiness and joy and R & R, I suggest, we do what is best for the majority.

Hard deadlines. No extensions, and the flow for the majority will continue.

Seeing the Raffle Deadline for shipping not too far around the corner. There are no extensions, as there will not be anyone going to the post office for late stuff. Registration cutoffs for the Reunion and cutoffs for booking the hotel, etc. exist for the tally, and the majority

Thus, if no grace period, no late projects, and the majority get to create more often. We had a really good flow going for a while, with that kind of pattern.

Guess that was more that 2 cents here->

[sis]

..... is there a method to monitor we are 'all on the same page at the same time'? A few of us had our art shipped BEFORE some people dropped out. And, in some cases, had labeled the art for specific people.

Regarding my previous comment about having two projects going at the same time ..... the other component would be a maximum of 5 or 6 participants. Thus, less to do and perhaps not as daunting. However, I do agree that two projects of 10+ participants would be a challenge.

Anyhow, off to watch some guy paddle across Lake Winnipeg to raise money to help save the lake! Have a great Saturday!

Deb

[nycfem]

Yeah... I made that mistake.. for the umpteenth time! I often do like to individualize my art and will continue to do that (to use the person as my muse) BUT from now on I'm going to do the "Gemme" thang (that's who I associate with this technique), where I put the art in a little plastic bag (or whatever) and put the label on the bag instead of on the actual art. That way, at the very least, when people drop out and the art is sent back to me, they are still inspired by someone but don't say: "To: xxxx From: nycfem" on them.

In regard to how many people participate, I'm for leaving it up to the wrangler. There's some pros and cons to small and large lists.

Originally Posted by sis

..... is there a method to monitor we are 'all on the same page at the same time'? A few of us had our art shipped BEFORE some people dropped out. And, in some cases, had labeled the art for specific people.

Regarding my previous comment about having two projects going at the same time ..... the other component would be a maximum of 5 or 6 participants. Thus, less to do and perhaps not as daunting. However, I do agree that two projects of 10+ participants would be a challenge.

Anyhow, off to watch some guy paddle across Lake Winnipeg to raise money to help save the lake! Have a great Saturday!

Deb

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by nycfem

Yeah... I made that mistake.. for the umpteenth time! I often do like to individualize my art and will continue to do that (to use the person as my muse) BUT from now on I'm going to do the "Gemme" thang (that's who I associate with this technique), where I put the art in a little plastic bag (or whatever) and put the label on the bag instead of on the actual art. That way, at the very least, when people drop out and the art is sent back to me, they are still inspired by someone but don't say: "To: xxxx From: nycfem" on them.

In regard to how many people participate, I'm for leaving it up to the wrangler. There's some pros and cons to small and large lists.

I second this Emotion.
THEN, if your piece IS returned, you have the option of dealing with the dropout personally ~ LATER. One on one does not delay those waiting with bated breath.


“Shall I bend low and, in a bondman’s key, / With bated breath and whisp’ring humbleness, "
/ Say this ...”.
Shakespeare
“Every eye fixed itself upon him; with parted lips and bated breath the audience hung upon his words, taking no note of time, rapt in the ghastly fascinations of the tale”
Mark Twain

[laruss]

Check in...

Artist Trading Cards Mixed Media

1. laruss - Received
2. Jennifer -Received
3. Gemme - Received
4. Wryly
5. Tommi - Received
6. nanners - mailed July 15
7. Deb aka sis - Received
8. Maryam
9. Bleu - Bowed Out
10. LaneyDoll - Bowed Out
11. candy_coated_bitch - mailed July 16 they were returned so she is expediting them to my house.
12. justanolecowboy - heard from - expediting
13. Pixie - mailed July 18
14. Katniss - Received
15. Deb0670 - Received
16. One for the Reunion

Wryly and Maryam can you please check in and let us know if yours have been mailed yet, if not they will need to be expedited to get here in time.

I will still be mailing them out on the 1st or 2nd so any that are not received by then will be returned or sent to the reunion (you can let me know).

Thank you,
laruss

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by nycfem

Yeah... I made that mistake.. for the umpteenth time! I often do like to individualize my art and will continue to do that (to use the person as my muse) BUT from now on I'm going to do the "Gemme" thang (that's who I associate with this technique), where I put the art in a little plastic bag (or whatever) and put the label on the bag instead of on the actual art. That way, at the very least, when people drop out and the art is sent back to me, they are still inspired by someone but don't say: "To: xxxx From: nycfem" on them.

In regard to how many people participate, I'm for leaving it up to the wrangler. There's some pros and cons to small and large lists.

It's my thang.

[LaneyDoll]

Just my $.02 from someone new to this thread...

I elected to bow out when I realized that some of my supplies were unusable. It would have been easy for me to replace them then get my ATCs out within a few days but my understanding was that they were due to be sent within two days of my withdrawing. Two days would be impossible with obtaining a new media and allowing things to dry. But, a week would have been ok. (I think I bowed out approximately two weeks ago)

If there is an absolute deadline, people may or may not withdraw because of whatever circumstances they have going on. If the deadline is 2-4 weeks from the close date to sign up, that should not be an issue the majority of the time.

BUT, whatever is decided with regards to deadline needs to be enforced. I have been sitting out this project because I respected the deadline set. I stepped back knowing how much I was going to miss being part of this but I did it because I felt it was the right thing to do, since a deadline was posted.

My time on BFP has significantly decreased and I miss hanging out here. Being part of these projects and the greeting cards project allows me to still feel that closeness to the people here. I really do not like missing something because I followed the rules though

[candy_coated_bitch]

Just wanted to update you all. I went to the P.O. this weekend and am literally in the post office tight now and have no idea what to do. My cards got sent back to me for some unknown reason so now I'm looking at having to send them next day in order for them to get there in time for laruss to send them out. That would cost $68 because Canada is technically international mail. The next best option is 3-5 days, is still hella expensive and wouldn't help out anyways.

I just really don't have that kind of money right now and I'm really sad because I worked really hard on my cards and did individualize them and all that. Not sure where to go from here. I'd be willing to send them to folks individually to whomever would be willing to give me their address. Stupid incompetent fucking postal service!!!!!!!!

Please advise. I feel like crying, seriously.

[nycfem]

Sometimes these things happen. My vote is: mail them individually.

Originally Posted by candy_coated_bitch

Just wanted to update you all. I went to the P.O. this weekend and am literally in the post office tight now and have no idea what to do. My cards got sent back to me for some unknown reason so now I'm looking at having to send them next day in order for them to get there in time for laruss to send them out. That would cost $68 because Canada is technically international mail. The next best option is 3-5 days, is still hella expensive and wouldn't help out anyways.

I just really don't have that kind of money right now and I'm really sad because I worked really hard on my cards and did individualize them and all that. Not sure where to go from here. I'd be willing to send them to folks individually to whomever would be willing to give me their address. Stupid incompetent fucking postal service!!!!!!!!

Please advise. I feel like crying, seriously.

[nycfem]

Candy Coated Bitch and I like to make a sub group of ATCs called inchies and a subgroup within a subgroup of ATCs called micro-inchies. They are ATCs that are an inch by an inch (for the inchies) and half an inch by half an inch for the micro-inchies. And no we didn't make up the concept. They are popular amongst the nerdiest of the nerds in the ATC community. I love miniature art, and these are badass. We should really do a group exchange sometime...

[candy_coated_bitch]

Originally Posted by nycfem

Sometimes these things happen. My vote is: mail them individually.

That was my gut instinct. Fuck spending like $68 on postage LOL. I think I'm don having a meltdown. If everyone will just send me their individual address that would be WONDERFUL.

I made cards for those who ended up dropping out, so if you would like it please send me your address as well.

An YES inchies!!!!!! Best invention ever, I swear. And microinchies as well. I am addicted to miniature stuff.

[laruss]

candy_coated_bitch I am so sorry for all your troubles, I have no idea why they were sent back originally.

You have my address so you can just send me mine. Hopefully everyone else gives you theirs. sis is the only one you have to worry about it getting there on time now, and that should not be a problem. Don't forget to send me your address so I can send all your other ones out.

I am sorry that me living in Canada became such a hassle for so many of you. I loved wrangling because I got to see them all, but it might not be worth it to everyone else to have me do it again.

Note: nanners and pixie I got yours today. YAY!!

Everyone did such amazing and very different work, i am so impressed.

I am in for any miniatures you want to do.

[nanners]

CCB, I pm'ed you my address!

Laruss, you'd laugh if you heard the HUGE sign I just let out when I read you got mine today! So...the extras that we sent for people that did not participate, can you send them back to us so we can choose what to do with them when you send out the packages for each of us?
Remeber the Reunion Raffle ones come to me. I am doing something special with them per Tommi's instructions.

I am so relieved!!!!

So, were we the last two? Or are we waiting for justanolecowboy still?

I'm leaving for vacation on Saturday and I'm not back until the 13th or so, so I can imagine I will not get mine until after I return anyway.

Now I'm really excited to see everyone elses!

[candy_coated_bitch]

Thank you everyone who has sent me their address so far and also reached out to calm me down and help me feel better. I do feel MUCH better.