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*Farmgirl Barter™:  Swapping/barter subject that needs to be addressed  |
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mtngirljon
True Blue Farmgirl
539 Posts
Jonnie
Webster
Texas
USA
539 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 9:47:20 PM
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Victoria, I am also glad that you had the courage to bring up this topic. It's something I've been thinking about for a while. I haven't really been burned yet by not receiving anything, but know that some of you have. I'm not sure how to handle this and hate to respond with no solution, but know that I must say that I believe that something should be done. I think the phone number thing is a good idea - the swap mama should get the numbers. If someone doesn't want to share her number, maybe she should re-think being involved in a swap. And an awareness of how many swaps one is attempting at once is good, too. I overloaded myself when I first started as I also have a full-time office job, was making Christmas gifts and was involved in a round-robin quilting group. I know that I have a tendency to over-commit and get overly enthusiastic. 
I have also experienced a problem with "quality" of the items that I have received. Some have been unusable. So, I'd like to suggest that we all be aware of what we are sending out. I would never send anything that I did not love myself or would not use myself. I'm looking forward to the year-round Secret Santa swap that starts in a few days!
I love MJF - it helps me get through the day some days - to know that others of you are out there experiencing the same joys and problems in your life that I am.
Let's figure this out. I'm having fun getting to know you.
Jonnie
Farmgirl #648
"Turn your face to the sun, and the shadows will fall behind you" - Maori Proverb
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EastTXFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
731 Posts
Victoria
Farmgirl #549
TX
USA
731 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 06:53:23 AM
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I think we all feel the same and I'm not sure there is a solution. It does feel good to be able to vent now and then. One thing that might be good is to bump this thread to the front every once in a while and swap mamas ask that the participants read through the posts before the partner assignment is made. And a few days before the partners are assigned give everyone an opportunity to rethink and a way out if they need it. Have a roll call of sorts. Ask everyone that has signed up to make a simple post prior to partner assignment anyone that does not post contact by email. If they do not respond in a specified number of days do not include them in the swap. I think had I done that on the apron swap we would have not had this issue. All but one of the non-followthroughs were difficult to contact when partners were posts. Or just prior to the partner assignment the swap mama could shoot out an email to all that have signed up asking them to respond by a date to be included in the swap. Explain that they will be expect to complete and mail the project by the mail date. Non-responders would not be included in the swap. I agree with Grace we can not expect MJF to monitor this. The rating system would require a complete computer program. But there may be little steps we can take to help curve the behavior. I'm here to tell you ladies there are some awesome people on this website that are the best partners in the world. I have been luck enough to get some of them. If we try to be too overbearing such as telephone numbers we may lose some of the good one too. I won't give out my telephone number. The only reason I have a phone is so work and my 80 year old mother can track me down. lol
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 08:06:44 AM
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Maybe this has been mentioned, but a swap that I just participated in on Ravelry had a requirement that all swap partners post an email to the general thread weekly - just saying something like "still working on it" or "planning to mail it next week", something like that. Anyone who didn't post weekly to the swap thread was going to receive contact from the swap organizer and potentially that swap would be reassigned. In my case, my swap partner didn't respond to my emails and within three days of being assigned, the swap organizer had me with a new partner.
Just tossing this out as a thought....
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
Crochet Geek, Newbie Fiddler, Would-be Farmer, Backyard Chicken Rancher, Soon to Be Podcaster
http://beesinourbonnetsintheburbs.blogspot.com/
Podcasts at http://thefannyfarm.blogspot.com/ |
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Futters
True Blue Farmgirl
608 Posts
Michelle & Ashley
CA
USA
608 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 08:19:25 AM
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It just boils down to the simple fact that we are/can only be responsible for ourselves. If you wish to attempt to make contact with your partner prior to sending your package out, then do so. If you wish to just send your package out, then do so. Swaps/Barters are supposed to be fun for all. We can't burden the swap mamma or this site for keeping track of anything. There is no way to punish anyone for not following through. For a lack of better phrasing, just try to protect yourself as much as possible.
Hope to swap/barter with you all in the future!
Have a good day!
Michelle
Farmgirl #760
Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.
http://thetatteredquiltcottage.blogspot.com/ |
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antoinette
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Toni
East Freedom
PA
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 1:16:54 PM
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WOW!! I know of only one swap that I owe for and it is going out on Saturday.
Marcy Jo, my sincerest apologys for not getting it to you sooner. I have had it
done but packaging things is not my forte", but that is no excuse and I shouldn't
have made it. I don't ever want to be on the muck list!!! Thank you Victoria for
posting this topic!! Toni |
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vtstevens
True Blue Farmgirl
88 Posts
Virginia
Woodinville
WA
USA
88 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 12:45:09 PM
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I have had only good swaps on MJF. In the interest of being a "farming" community online, I don't think it is appropriate to post a "muck" list. Would you do that in real life to your neighbor down the country road? I think the internet makes it too easy to "chastise" each other by sitting down and typing a few lines and, voila! perpetrator punished! In real life it doesn't happen that way for a reason - written things, and stigmata stick to people.
I see several problems with swaps:
- it is easy to overcommit due to all the fun posts
- shipping is getting much more expensive
- it is more labor intensive to make, pack up, and go ship than it is to barter with geographic neighbors
I think you assume the risk that it won't work out if you sign up for a barter. That's the case in the real world. With all the barter on MJF, the law of averages would dictate if you sign up for 100 barters, they won't all work out.
Sorry to be so extensive, but it is sad to see this conflict.
Virginia
I don't suffer from stress. I'm a carrier.
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Edited by - vtstevens on Jan 01 2010 12:49:35 PM |
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KellyWall
True Blue Farmgirl
336 Posts
Kelly
Apison
Tn
USA
336 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 6:38:52 PM
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THis reminds me of the mini apron swap from, lets say LAST February! I have not participated in another mini swap, I am still patiently waiting on my aprons. I sent mine and paid shipping, never got mine till this day, Maybe I will be surprised and get them this Valentines Day????? I have always held up my end of the swap, and have only been "burned" twice. I am picky with my swaps, as I can only do so much.
Kelly Wall |
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5 acre Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1007 Posts
~~~*Terri*~~~
WA.
USA
1007 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 6:50:02 PM
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Aren't we as humans funny, we think that because noone says anything to us about this or that, that it truly hasn't happened or isn't happening...noone likes to be wrong, that is just the way it is as humans....
BUT..when we realize none of us are perfect, and acknowledge it, then we can grow and be liked....
I agree, lets not just ignore it!!!!
If I have forgotten and anyone has not gotten what we swapped for, from me, PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!!!!
let me know.....
Farmgirl Sister #368
~~~**Terri**~~~
My blog is up again, please go and read....
http//:thecontentedwoman.blogspot.com |
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queenofdreamsz4u
True Blue Farmgirl
3845 Posts
Stephanie Suzanne
Smoky Mountains Tennessee
USA
3845 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 7:53:08 PM
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A simple solution to keep up with Swaps and Barters would be to ask Carol at the farm office to set 4 new topics and make them *sticky* (they will always stay at the top of the first page).
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Name them:
Swap Feedback (Positive and Neutral Response)
Swap Feedback (Negative Response) This allows you to just say that Swapper (screen name) never followed through...the end of it...this officially records the date that you responded and you can enter the deadline that had been set for sending out this item....this will allow you and other members ONE place to look to see if a pattern is being established. It accounts for a time line without public humiliation.
Barter Feedback (Positive and Neutral Response)
Barter Feedback (Negative Response)....same idea as for the negative swap feedback.
These feedback topics will provide accountability and a support system for the Barter forum and since so many Swaps initiate through it then it could apply to them as well.
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I've been selling and buying on Ebay for 13 years. Their feedback system has proven to be a good one. It allows buyer and seller to resolve any issues. Without this there would be mass mayhem. :0) As it seems is on the verge here in this forum.
Katmom is correct in saying that this is an issue on all forums...some handle it by having policies from the onset of the swap or barter, some let it destroy friendships and even the forum in the long run.
Since I know that Mary Jane Butters has a real heart for the concept of Bartering I do feel that she will want to improve how this section of the forum is operating...no one wants to hear that it has a bad reputation, right?
This is a start....that can be tweeked but with the growth of this Bartering area it makes sense to add a feedback system.
 Queen of Dreamsz ~ keeper of dream kingdom
* * * * * * www.queenofdreamsz.blogspot.com * * * * * *
"Imagination is more important than knowledge"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Albert Einstein ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ |
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Moodene
True Blue Farmgirl
353 Posts
Nadine
Devers
Texas
USA
353 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2010 : 05:08:51 AM
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Well said-Stephanie!
Love me like I am. farmgirl #801
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2010 : 07:28:20 AM
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I remember that mini apron swap that never got finished. Many gals lost all the minis they sent in including me. I feel bad for the gals who were new to swapping and got burned then. I am also owed some aprons from there. The swap hostess has stopped posting a long time ago and the whole situation was not good way back then. Once in a while we lose an item that is being traveled or moved from farmgirl to farmgirl....and I think because it is shared we just take the chance and let it go after a few reminders.
To skiddish or formerly burnt farmgirls I would suggest to watch and read the posts and get to know some of us before entering a swap again but PLEASE don't give up. It is too much fun! There are different people hosting them as well as new people joining.
When I had questions or concerns sometimes I would post them to the topic's public forum and sometimes to the hostess/mamma and sometimes to a member I had gotten to know.
I am going to keep hosting some and I'll be more diligent about deadlines and watch closely how things are going.
Now is probably a good time to get feedback and suggestions from the long time official Moderators.
[size=4][red]
Linda in Scranton, PA
I see trees of green and red roses too...skys of blue and clouds of white, and I think to myself...what a wonderful world.
Louis Armstrong |
Edited by - yarnmamma on Jan 02 2010 1:09:50 PM |
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cinnamongirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1682 Posts
Carrie
Canada
1682 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2010 : 08:21:23 AM
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This really is not an issue for the farm as it is a matter of a person's character. If someone cannot follow simple rules and the consideration of emailing or posting on the thread of the swap then they should think twice about signing up.
Being in Canada and a swapper I have never lost an article in the mail going or coming. Touch wood!! Most swaps give ample time allowance so there is no reason for people not to post or have the decency to let someone know they cannot complete a swap. Just as there is no shame in not being able to complete.
People need to think twice before signing up and be more considerate of others feelings there is no real reason for inability to make contact and that is the issue here and before. Or excuse after excuse. The person should be excused from swap after a few of them.
It is easy to get caught up in doing to many at once or the time of year. Soul search ladies that is being a farmgirl and neighbourly acts are expected from all of us. There is no reason for not keeping track of what you sign up for either that is under your profile.
I personally perfer the paired system with name posted as you know up front who is not pulling thier weight.
This being said I think those who have not made contact do not be afraid to now as this is all people want and it doesn't mean you will be crucified for not doing it earlier. 
http://cinnamongirlsthreads.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - cinnamongirl on Jan 02 2010 08:25:14 AM |
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createmyworld
True Blue Farmgirl
295 Posts
Beth
Akron
PA
USA
295 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2010 : 11:34:34 PM
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Wow... I have been in a few group swaps and a few individual swaps and I guess I have been lucky to have had all great experiences... I remember one group swap where someone couldn't follow through, but everyone's extra item then was just sent back to them... I honestly don't even remember the farmgirl who didn't/couldn't follow through... I tend to be pretty organized and have a great memory so I am pretty sure that I have never been a swapping offender... but I am human, so if I have forgotten something, then I hope the party would contact me directly to resolve any issues.
On one occasion I replied to a thread with interest to a certain member's swap posting, but then a fellow farmgirl with whom I had several great swaps saw my post and warned me via PM about her bad experience with the other farmgirl, since I hadn't confirmed that I would swap with her, I had just showed interest in what she was putting up for barter, I backed off from it graciously and came out unscathed... so perhaps we could just try to "look out" for each other and notify via private message when we see a posting of a potential swap being set up with a known offender?? I'm not really sure if that would become too "gossipy", but not sure how else to solve the problem to suit everyone, as some are unhappy with the idea of a public listing... I hope that just seeing this thread will motivate offenders to make amends and to not let this happen in future swaps! Thanks for bringing up a topic which seems to have affected many!
www.createmyworld.etsy.com
http://www.soopsee.com/profile/createmyworld/
"He who works with his hands is a laborer, he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman, he who works with his hands, head and heart is an artist." -St. Francis of Asisi |
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khartquilt
True Blue Farmgirl
1176 Posts
USA
1176 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2010 : 09:37:38 AM
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After rereading some of the comments,I just needed to make one more of my own.
I am glad not to see finger pointing. That just would not be a proper farmgirl thing. And I am still on the line as to the posting of names of offenders. Part of me thinks its a good idea and part of me things not.
If an offender is reading these comments, she knows who she is. She should now email her partner and let them know if the item is going to be mailed or not. And if you have not received your item, take a moment today and email your partner. Maybe you will receive a response.
But I do think that the barter and swapping topic should be divided. Swapping is a group thing. Bartering is a one on one thing. We have so many different topics in this barter forum that maybe that is part of the problem too. Topics get lost so quickly sometimes. Before you know it, it is on page 6 or 7.
Again just a thought.
Kathy H
Farmgirl Sister #81
"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world..." (anomymous)
http://khartquilt.blogspot.com |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2010 : 2:20:25 PM
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I second the idea of a seperate barter and swap spot. It is really confusing sometime to come here and have to go back so many pages. And there are swaps all over this forum going on, too. In different sections. So it's good to write where the swap is for future reference. I have lost a few that way not remembering where it was I saw it in the first place.
I also have a little book I write in when I am in a swap. Name, address, what I'm supposed to be doing and the date it's supposed to go out. I'll cross it out when I have mailed it. I have always gotten whatever I have swapped for. And bartered for, too.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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cinnamongirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1682 Posts
Carrie
Canada
1682 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2010 : 4:04:14 PM
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I did put it in suggestion this am but I think they should put it back where sewers go in the sewing room or give swaps thier own section. PPPPPPPPPPPPlease
http://cinnamongirlsthreads.blogspot.com/ |
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coffeemom
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Melody
Carlinville
IL
USA
160 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2010 : 4:20:22 PM
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I appreciate this topic being addressed as well. Since I am fairly new to the Farm, I had no idea what the swaps were. I joined the coffee mug swap and didn't have a clue what was involved. I received a wonderful package of goodies with my new mug from my swapping partner. I appolagized to her because I felt like she got the shaft from ME!!!
It was a lesson learned and I am a little more knowledgeable about the swaps. It is important to make sure we have all our info and that we are able to actually participate. We also need to cut new chicks a little slack until they learn the ropes. I appreciate you all so much.
Melody (coffeemom - #833)
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Karrieann
True Blue Farmgirl
1900 Posts
Karrieann
Northeast
Georgia
USA
1900 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2010 : 4:57:16 PM
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...one way that I keep a track of the swaps and barters that I personally is involved in.. I subscribe to the topic, then when I am all done with that topic, unsubscribe it.
Karrieann ~ Farmgirl Sister #766 (29 Sept 2009)
My etsy: Yesterday's Scraps, Tomorrow's Treasures http://www.etsy.com/shop/2TomorrowsTreasures |
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cinnamongirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1682 Posts
Carrie
Canada
1682 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2010 : 6:48:27 PM
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Melody this is likely more directed to repeat offenders or those that do not bother to answer people. We always try to give everyone a chance to follow through. After all that is what sisters do
I do not think anyone should have bad feelings for people expressing themselves like adults just roll with what is said and try to understand how you would feel if you didn't receive your swap after sending out and keep it in mind.
The issue of swaps and barters in the same place should be addressed though as it just gets crazy here.
http://cinnamongirlsthreads.blogspot.com/ |
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MrsDirtDoctor
True Blue Farmgirl
165 Posts
Hallowell
Maine
USA
165 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2010 : 6:52:18 PM
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I think a separate swap section is a brilliant idea, i've noticed that theres not as much traffic going on in the craft room anymore since it has been moved to the barter section. maybe it should be moved back there since most of our swapping has to do with crafting and sewing and such..just my thoughts
Shayna |
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geminidream62
True Blue Farmgirl
74 Posts
Molly
Spokane
Washington
USA
74 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2010 : 3:44:37 PM
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Wow, this has been an interesting and eye-opening thread to read. I stopped swapping years ago after getting repeatedly burned in quilt block and Y2K swaps. The Christmas Apron swap here was my first swap again after so many years and have to say it was scary and I didn't commit till I'd searched my heart and knew I had time and resources to sent a good apron and 'tuck' to go with it. Since I am not a gambler, I figure that joining in another swap was as much excitement as I can handle in life anyway. <G>
So many good ideas and comments have already been posted, seems we farmgirls are really a very like-minded and fair bunch. While I haven't had as much time for posting in the last few months as I'd like, I'll still keep reading with interest to see how this all turns out. Sure hope that soon I'll be able to be back here on the forum as often as I'd like and keep getting to know you ladies better. (and participate in another swap or two!)
Molly
http://geminisdream.blogspot.com/ |
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mtngirljon
True Blue Farmgirl
539 Posts
Jonnie
Webster
Texas
USA
539 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2010 : 06:19:24 AM
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Karrieann, I also subscribe to the topics. That way I know when something is posted and it's very simple. I've been printing information out and keeping it in a binder, too. I also second the idea of separating swaps and barters. It's really hard to dig through all those pages. My sister and I were looking last night for a page that she had found earlier yesterday and we never did find it.
Jonnie
Farmgirl #648
"Turn your face to the sun, and the shadows will fall behind you" - Maori Proverb
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4HMom
True Blue Farmgirl
720 Posts
Kelly
Montana
720 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2010 : 2:54:43 PM
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I got burned in a barter, but decided it really was my own fault...it was with a new farmgirl who had only posted a couple of times...she hasn't posted since I sent out my end of the barter, and hasn't responded to emails. It's one of those live and learn things. From now on, with barters at least, I am going to make sure that I've "gotten to know" the other gal a little first. As far as the swaps go, I've had very good luck. One thing I sent never made it to the other end, (lesson here...insure when sending out), but hers never reached me either, so I guess we're square. I would hate to see the swaps end because I've had so much fun getting to know the farmgirls involved!
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
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Kayce
True Blue Farmgirl
290 Posts
Kayce
Sebring
FL
USA
290 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2010 : 10:30:12 AM
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Alot has been said and covered. This IS a very HOT topic. I agree with most of what has been said. I am very thankful for EastTXFarmgirl to be tactful and bold to post this. Hopefully it will be bumped up every so often so newbies can read. I, being a newbie myself. It may make some scared or leary, others encouraged to be realistic not to over-commit. No, this isnt a perfect place either. There are wonderful, wise, compassionate, fun women with good character here. Stuff happens.
It impresses the importance... though you might get excited and want to participate, just try your very best not to over commit, keep your committment and when not possible to keep it... to communicate. There are several swaps that I would like to participate in but reality is that I just cant...no matter how much I want too.
Bunches of hugs to everyone
Learning to appreciate having a glass..not half full or empty..just thankful for a glass :) |
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mrspinsneedles
Farmgirl in Training
12 Posts
Kimberly
Salt Lake City
Utah
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2010 : 03:09:26 AM
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from EastTX FARMGIRL"In theory that works but we had a case in the Apron swap where a farmgirl signed up for 2 partners, made initial contact with both partners but never posted again on the site and did not respond to emails. Both partners emailed me with concerns of sending. The farmgirl was new to the site, had only a couple of previous posts, and on her blog wrote of some very hard times. I encouraged both partners to take a chance and send the aprons. This was the farmgirl's first swap and I really wanted to give her a chance (I figured if she did not return I would be making 2 more apron). They did and both received beautiful aprons in return. So I really don't want to start "profiling". "
THANK YOU for having patience with me over not getting to e-mails on the Christmas apron swap....I had never used a forum in my life and in fact am still learning....Even now reading through all these posts on this subject I learned you could subscribe to a topic, I am so new to this I did not even know that(see learn something new everyday).......Anyway I did sign up for two aprons and only ended up recieving one.......(the other one I recieved I did not post pictures of to the group but it was absolutely the nicest apron I have ever recieved Thank you MOLLY) I kinda of felt like I could live with not gettting the one since the other one was so lovely.........Anyway I WAS and am STILL disappointed on the person not following through. It hurts to put love into something and then to never hear from the person after recieving theirs. Anyway I do hesitate to do another since it was my first ever on this forum...........One think I would like to throw out there is this.........Other swap group I am on and have loved, they do take phone numbers and you have to e-mail several times to the swap momma during the course of the swap and you have to post to the blog or board a certain number of times, But the biggy is this If you do not receive an item you are angeled by someone in the group(yes it is all volunteer)Right after I did not get my apron from the Christmas swap on this site I angeled someone a package on the other site, cause I knew how it felt to be "left out".....Feels just like it did when you were always the last one picked to play ball in school....(so not cool)Anyway maybe a "angeling" and listing who is having to be angeled would help...Might even by nice if it was somehow tied to earning a sisterhood merit badge......A sisterhood angeling badge would be something fun I think. Anyway rambling I will shut up Now
Kim Cherrine-Bell
www.greenhoneyhive.blogspot.com
www.greenhoneyhive.blogspot.com |
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*Farmgirl Barter™: Swapping/barter subject that needs to be addressed |
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Swapping/barter subject that needs to be addressed
