2009 Christmas Card List-Tally Up!

[JuniorMintz]

Hello All!

Fall is almost here, and for those of you who have been here for a while you know that means one thing-it's time to kick off sign ups for the annual CS Christmas Card Exchange!

As (for the most part) always, the swap will be managed by JuniorMintz and the rules for participating will be the same as it was in past years (which I will review in a bit). However the means for signing up have change so PLEASE pay attention to the following information.

Pedersen, aka JuniorMintz's Second Personal Savior, was kind enough to spend nearly the past year slaving away at a nifty little program that will collect sign ups each year from here on out. :love: :worship: :love: If you decide to participate, please follow the link below, then click the even link labeled "2009 Christmas Card List". You will be prompted to enter the information needed to sign up at that point.

http://www.customerssuck.com/cardlist/

PLEASE NOTE: You will NOT be able to submit your sign up unless your address and email information is complete. Please be thorough. :)

Now, for those of you who are asking yourself "WTF is this girl talking about?!?", it's simple. Every year, a number of us exchange Christmas Cards with fellow CS members across the globe. I collect sign ups from people each year, compile a list, send it out towards the end of October, and then we flood the hell out of each other's mailboxes with Christmas cheer.

Now, for a quick FAQ List...

Can I make my own cards, or do they have to be store bought?

Either way. :)

Religious Themes: Yay or Nay?

Again, it doesn't matter. This event is about friendship and holiday cheer.

If I sign up, do I have to send a card to EVERYONE?

YES, and in a timely manner too. I cannot stress this enough. It is selfish, rude, and seriously unfair to sign up and get cards from everyone else and not send any of your own. If you wish to only send cards to a select few members of the CS community, please make such plans on your own.

Are E-Cards allowed?

No. Once the final list goes out, this becomes a snail mail event.

What happens if I sign up and don't send out my cards/don't send out my cards until after the Easter Bunny has visited?

People who sign up and don't follow through make Baby Jesus cry and thus, are automatically placed on Santa's Naughty List for the next year. Oh, and on my naughty list as well. No shows are banned from participating in future events.

But what if an emergency comes up and I can't?

I'm not an unreasonable person, and I've found that most members of CS that participate are very accommodating. If an emergency comes up, all I ask is that you PLEASE let me know. I will handle things accordingly and you will not be penalized in any way.

How Many People Will Sign Up?

It varies. As the CS community gets larger with each year, the list grows as well. I've had everywhere from 20-60 members sign up in previous years.

My FAVORITE part about our new sign up method is that it features an "Opt Out" period. Sign Ups close on October 18th, but the Opt Out period is available until October 24th, so if the list swells to an amazingly large number of people and it is no longer feasible for you to participate, you have the option of dropping out before I finalize the list.

How Much Is Postage?

It depends on where you live, how many people have signed up, and how many of the cards you send will be international.

As a courtesy, we have provided links to the US, UK, Canadian, NZ, Australian, and South African post offices on the official sign up page.

It's asking me to login with a username and password. Are those the same as my CS user name and password?

Yes. :)

I tried to sign up, but didn't get the "activation" email/The final list never showed up in my mailbox!

Check your spam box. If you still have trouble, let us know.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

I believe that about covers it. If you have any further questions, please speak up. Otherwise, if you are ready to join, have at it! :D

http://www.customerssuck.com/cardlist/
http://www.customerssuck.com/cardlist/
http://www.customerssuck.com/cardlist/
http://www.customerssuck.com/cardlist/

And again, a HUGE FRIGGIN' THANK YOU to Pedersen for all of his hard work! :yourock:

[PepSquad]

Announcement: Signups are now open for the 2009 Christmas Card List event.

You have until October 18, 2009 to sign up. After that, you will be able
to change your mind until October 24, 2009. We look forward to seeing you
sign up!

[Pedersen]

For those of you pondering signing up, I'd like to add in a simple note: Don't wait. No one can add someone to this list, period. You must add yourself. In addition, once the signups are closed, they cannot be reopened.

The end result is that if you fail to get yourself signed up on time, you cannot be added after the fact. So, don't wait, please.

That having been said, I've already done my signup. Participating for the first time this year :)

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

It's asking me to login with a username and password. Are those the same as my CS user name and password?

[Broomjockey]

It's asking me to login with a username and password. Are those the same as my CS user name and password?

Yes, they are the same.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

Well, I put in my username and password and it went right back to the first screen. :confused: Didn't let me put in my e-mail or anything. Does that mean my username or password was wrong?

[ArcticChicken]

All signed up. I bought cards last year, hopefully I won't have to buy too many more.

[iradney]

Well, I put in my username and password and it went right back to the first screen. :confused: Didn't let me put in my e-mail or anything. Does that mean my username or password was wrong?

Did it not show "welcome back IPF" at the top?

[Pedersen]

Well, I put in my username and password and it went right back to the first screen. :confused: Didn't let me put in my e-mail or anything. Does that mean my username or password was wrong?

It should have taken you back to the first screen, along with "Welcome Back IPF" at the top. From there, click the event link to sign up. You don't have to put your email in. In fact, you can't: It comes right from the CS database.

So, if it's not doing that, let me know, since that means something else weird is going on and I need to troubleshoot that.

[BookstoreEscapee]

I am in! I love the Tally up! thing. :D

[Aethian]

Love this new setup...so chic and we can enter a tally as we get them! Sweet!


Oooo get to send a card to the bestest site tech

[SteverinoNY]

It is not working for me...does not say Welcome Back or anything, just kicks me back to the 1st screen.

I don't get it haha. *is computer stupid*

[Pedersen]

SteverinoNY, check your PMs, want to work with you directly to figure out what's wrong.

ETA: Dangit, I seem to have missed him. I see some other folks logging in, but not signing up. Anybody care to provide any feedback? What's going on? Tell me if it's being a problem. I promise that, if you don't tell me what's wrong, I won't fix it :)

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

It should have taken you back to the first screen, along with "Welcome Back IPF" at the top. From there, click the event link to sign up. You don't have to put your email in. In fact, you can't: It comes right from the CS database.

So, if it's not doing that, let me know, since that means something else weird is going on and I need to troubleshoot that.

It didn't do that. Just sent me back to the first screen. It just says "welcome"; it doesn't have my name anyplace.

[Ree]

Are you able to post or send screenshots?

Did you get any kind of validation email?
Check your filters.

This is what I see when I go to the site:

[taxguykarl]

I just signed up. It will be interesting to see all the locations.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

Are you able to post or send screenshots?

Did you get any kind of validation email?
Check your filters.

This is what I see when I go to the site:

Using your screenshots to explain things more clearly, I don't get the third screen after putting in my user name and password. It goes back to the first one.

It does this in both Internet Explorer and Firefox for me.

I also haven't gotten any validation e-mail or any other e-mail saying I registered.

If this were a matter of my username or password being wrong I'd expect to see something saying that was the case.

Something is definitely wrong. :(

[Pedersen]

Merging posts:

First post:
Irv, please check my profile, and contact me via an instant message service. I want to find/fix this error, but need help from someone who's experiencing it.

Second post:
Just realized that we have a nice simple IM client available for anybody with gmail.

If you're having problems getting logged in, please contact me using Google Talk. My gmail address is mjpeder AT gmail DOT com. Using that, we can work together to get this login issue resolved.

I see a couple people having it, and I don't know why.

ETA: I've been going over the logs. I think your system might be disallowing cookies, either through the browser, or through some sort of antivirus program disallowing them. Since this is a new spot for those programs to watch for, it would be worth checking to see if maybe that's a problem source.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

Don't think cookies are the problem, since I have both my browser and my antivirus set up to allow them.

Is it okay for me to contact you via ICQ? I don't use Gmail.

[Becks]

I'm pretty sure I did it right. :D

[Pedersen]

Don't think cookies are the problem, since I have both my browser and my antivirus set up to allow them.

Double check though? Some security software is very specific, and won't allow a different base url. In our case, the card list is at http://www.customerssuck.com/cardlist and the forum is at http://www.customerssuck.com/board/ (note the different ending).

Since people are signing up, and using OSX, Linux, and Windows, also while using IE, Firefox, and Safari, it does have to be something on your system. The security software is as good a place as any to start.

Is it okay for me to contact you via ICQ? I don't use Gmail.

Absolutely. My ICQ number is 103345809.
.
I'm pretty sure I did it right. :D

Yep, you did. Go back and look at the event, and you can see who signed up so far. You're there :)

[BookstoreEscapee]

I'm pretty sure I did it right. :D


Yaaayyyy!!!!! :D

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

As far as I can tell, nothing is blocking cookies. In fact, when I looked up the list of cookies there was one from the CS.com cardlist.

I went into Internet Explorer and set it to specifically allow cookies from the cardlist and that didn't work. I turned off every anti-virus and internet privacy setting I could and that didn't work.

I give up. :( I'm thinking I'll just have to e-mail all my information the old-fashioned way. If I see you are online I will try to get ahold of you.

[JuniorMintz]

In the meanwhile, go ahead and PM me your information and I will make a note to add you myself.

[Pedersen]

IPF: You (and anybody else who is having a technical issue but wishes to sign up) needs to get together with me at some point. This tool has no facility to add someone onto the list. The person who wants to be on it must do it himself/herself. The list is automatically sent out at the end of the opt-out period.

Basically, we need to figure out what is going on. If you can get online with me via IM, I can start up a special debugging mode, and we can figure out what's going on and get this fixed correctly. I've been offline most of the day today, as we were out shopping for a friend's b'day, and attending the party. However, most times, I *am* online and visible.

Please get in touch with me so we can fix this.

[Bandit]

Actually knowing where I'll be at Christmas, I've signed up. :)

Now to get lots of paper and ink. :)

B

[JuniorMintz]

IPF: You (and anybody else who is having a technical issue but wishes to sign up) needs to get together with me at some point. This tool has no facility to add someone onto the list. The person who wants to be on it must do it himself/herself. The list is automatically sent out at the end of the opt-out period.


Oops. I'd forgotten about that.

Never mind then. :o

[ParkingWitch]

Yeah, got mine done. Apparently it didn't like "at att dot net" so I switch back to the old AOHell.

[Becks]

Yaaayyyy!!!!! :D

It'll be a hell of a road trip for you to hand deliver my card this year. :p

[BookstoreEscapee]

It'll be a hell of a road trip for you to hand deliver my card this year. :p

Yeah, well, we'll see how the fall goes.... I won't have any vacation time to use by then...;)

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

I am now pretty sure my security settings aren't the problem for me. I basically set my anti-virus and my internet security settings to "hackers and viruses welcome!" and that didn't work. I am still getting kicked back to the first page, as if I haven't logged in.

I even tried used my parents' computer to sign up. We both have dial up through the same local company. The same thing happened on their computer. Would it be possible that my ISP is doing something funny?

Pedersen, I've seen you in and out today on CS, and you seem to be offline on ICQ. I sent you a PM, and will wait to hear from you. I just hope I am not coming off as too much of a pest. :o

[Broomjockey]

Pedersen, I've seen you in and out today on CS, and you seem to be offline on ICQ. I sent you a PM, and will wait to hear from you. I just hope I am not coming off as too much of a pest. :o

Knowing him, it's probably worse for him that he can't get a hold of you to fix this bug. Dude hates flaws in his programs.

[Rapscallion]

Tried a different browser?

Rapscallion

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

Tried a different browser?

Rapscallion

I have tried it in both Firefox and Internet Explorer.

[Broomjockey]

Able to try a different computer?

[DGoddessChardonnay]

All signed up. I bought cards last year, hopefully I won't have to buy too many more.

You can always buy extras right after the holidays when they're marked down 50% and have them in a safe place for next year.

That's what I do. Not only does it save money, but I can find some really cool cards. Hopefully I have enough on hand for this year, but if the list is longer than the number of cards I have, I can simply go and buy more.

Last year we had approximately 60 signups. And every year since the first one it's increased, so let's set a record this year.:D

And yes, I'm all signed up. :p

[AdminAssistant]

All signed up! Although, it's tentative. Waiting to see the full list and then determine if I can spare the time for it. :( It's a busy semester for me, and it's not over until right before Christmas. The final for the class I TA for is on Dec. 18th, and I won't be able to go home until allllll those finals are graded and grades submitted. *humph*

[Pedersen]

Knowing him, it's probably worse for him that he can't get a hold of you to fix this bug. Dude hates flaws in his programs.

Broom's right. This is driving me nuts, simply because I hate not knowing the cause.

I've figured out SteverinoNY!'s problem, and it's got to do with his username. Have sent him a suggestion, and I'm working on alternate methods to fix. Unfortunately, his problem and yours are different Irv.

I basically set my anti-virus and my internet security settings to "hackers and viruses welcome!" and that didn't work.

Damn. that's frustrating. It's the most logical source of the problem. Well, I'll post more notes below. As to why I still think it's got something to do with your setup, I set up a test environment, and in that test environment, I set your password to be "password", and I was able to login as you. If I can do it, then it's got to be either your machine, or something even weirder that has yet to be determined. I'm still leaning towards something we've not yet identified in your setup, though, since so many other people are able to get logged in and signed up.

Would it be possible that my ISP is doing something funny?

Possible? Technically, yes. Likely? Absolutely not. This is, after all, just a cookie being set.

Pedersen, I've seen you in and out today on CS, and you seem to be offline on ICQ. I sent you a PM, and will wait to hear from you. I just hope I am not coming off as too much of a pest. :o

Very far from being a pest. I want this to work properly. Right now, it doesn't. However, I am fairly certain that it's something to do with your machine, for reasons that will take a while to explain. We just need to manage to chat.

And, of course, one of the other projects on my list would be great for that, but I haven't had time to implement that while finishing up still other projects. Anyway...

Let's check over the basics: What version of Internet Explorer are you using (as show in "Help->About")? What version of Firefox? What extensions installed in Firefox? Any add-ons installed in IE? What about Windows, which version are you using? Feel free to send via PM if you feel any of that is info you don't want to share publicly.

As for ICQ, it seems to happen (for some reason) that the people I talk to on ICQ are always showing as offline, even when online. Trying just sending me a message. Weekends are notoriously difficult to get in touch with me, but I'll still try.

All signed up! Although, it's tentative. Waiting to see the full list and then determine if I can spare the time for it. :(

Something else new is happening with the list this year, AA. And it should help to make life easier, in a big way. The list, as has been noted, is going to be automatically generated. What hasn't been mentioned is that it's going to be sent to you as a PDF, formatted to fit Avery 8160 labels. At the least, addressing envelopes should be much easier this year.

[worddork]

All signed up and have my cards ready for the list. :wave:
Can't wait to see all the cards for everyone else.

[Pedersen]

Okay, technical updates for people who are signing up: The two folks who were having issues so far had two different issues.

The first issue was due to an exclamation in the username. The only fix we have for this right now is to get the username changed, which I believe Raps can do (though you might need to bribe him to do so).

The second issue looks to have been spaces in the username, and that issue has been fixed in the code by installing an updated library, and works correctly now (from my testing, waiting for confirmation from Irv).

Sorry about those two issues folks. I'd expect a couple more bumps to occur, but hopefully we won't see too many of them.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

And.....SUCCESS! I'm all signed up.

Thanks so much Pedersen. :respect: For a while there I was wondering if I'd ever be able to get signed up.

[cinema guy]

I've just signed up. I love getting Christmas cards from all around the globe. The sign up site thingy is very cool.

A word to those outside of the US: most of the cards go to the CSers in the US, so be prepared for a large number of international cards and the postage costs. Last year mine was in excess of £30.

[Camry178]

Woo-hoo!! I'm in!!! 27 of us so far. Can't wait!! :D

[SteverinoNY]

WHEEEEEE...ALL SIGNED UP!

Thanks Pederson, Raps, and JM :)

Now to buy my cards and stamps haha! :)

All your cards really cheered me up last year as I was going through a rough time and I can't thank all of you wonderful people enough! :)

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 41 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, bookworm, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY has joined.

[Becks]

Yeah, well, we'll see how the fall goes.... I won't have any vacation time to use by then...;)

So you say... :lol:

[Rapscallion]

Thanks Pederson, Raps, and JM :)

I just provide the playground. Everyone else provides the skills, expertise, determination, and the community.

Rapscallion

[BookstoreEscapee]

I have 72 cards that I got after Christmas last year. Plus some random leftovers from previous years.


WHEEEEEE...ALL SIGNED UP!

I see you had to lose your exclamation point. That's sad. :(

:p

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

I see you had to lose your exclamation point. That's sad. :(

:p

I almost had to lose the spaces in my name. :D

"IrvingPatrickFreleigh" doesn't work quite as well for me.

[DGoddessChardonnay]

I almost had to lose the spaces in my name. :D

"IrvingPatrickFreleigh" doesn't work quite as well for me.

That just doesn't have quite the same ring to it, Irv. . .but we know who you are and we love you anyways.:D

[Pedersen]

I almost had to lose the spaces in my name. :D

"IrvingPatrickFreleigh" doesn't work quite as well for me.

Actually, you can thank Evil Queen for the space fix. I had her try it out back in April/May, and she ran into the same problem. That's why it was fixed so easily once I found out the problem.

Unfortunately, I didn't test for that !, so I don't have the fix. I know who to talk to now, and hopefully will have it soon, but can't promise anything as yet.

[Ree]

I think everybody just appreciates all the work you've put in over the past year, Pedersen.

Even if a fix wasn't possible for either the space or the '!', I think a slight change in the appearance of a username is a small inconvenience when stacked up against all the sweat you've put into this on your own time with no other benefit to you than the satisfaction of having created this program.

[BookstoreEscapee]

.but we know who you are and we love you anyways.:D

Well, we know who you are, at least ... :angel:


I keed, I keed...

[dalesys]

I almost had to lose the spaces in my name. :D

"IrvingPatrickFreleigh" doesn't work quite as well for me.
Where would this list be without the spacey?:rimshot:

[DesignFox]

Wooo! Signed up!

Pedersen, love the sign up tool. That touch to release the list fitted for labels is amazing! Can't wait to take advantage of that! Thank you! :)

[BookstoreEscapee]

Wooo! Signed up!

Pedersen, love the sign up tool. That touch to release the list fitted for labels is amazing! Can't wait to take advantage of that! Thank you! :)

Hey, cool! I missed that part!

Though I kinda like addressing the cards...I'm weird, I guess. I do still have some leftover return address labels, though. I'm sure not enough for everyone, though. I got 'em for a buck a sheet at Michael's last year so I'll have to see if they have more this year.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

Wooo! Signed up!

Pedersen, love the sign up tool. That touch to release the list fitted for labels is amazing! Can't wait to take advantage of that! Thank you! :)

Oh ho? How do you do that? I so gotta try that when I'm making out my card. Hand-writing addresses on envelopes gets tiring after a while, plus I make mistakes and have to start over time to time.

Plus it would be a great way to keep track of how many cards I've made up. When the labels are gone, no more cards to write out.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Oh ho? How do you do that? I so gotta try that when I'm making out my card. Hand-writing addresses on envelopes gets tiring after a while, plus I make mistakes and have to start over time to time.

From page 4(?):
Something else new is happening with the list this year, AA. And it should help to make life easier, in a big way. The list, as has been noted, is going to be automatically generated. What hasn't been mentioned is that it's going to be sent to you as a PDF, formatted to fit Avery 8160 labels. At the least, addressing envelopes should be much easier this year.


Plus it would be a great way to keep track of how many cards I've made up. When the labels are gone, no more cards to write out.

Hey, that's a good point. I might use labels after all... :)

[calulu]

Woohoo!! I just signed up too! This is going to be fun.

[Pedersen]

From page 4(?):

Hey, BookstoreEscapee, do me a favor? Edit your post. I typed the wrong label type in. They're formatted to use Avery 8160 labels, not the other one I said. Had that name stuck on my brain for some reason.

Hey, that's a good point. I might use labels after all... :)

I'm going to use it for the envelopes, at least. Much better to make sure that the cards get there, and don't get lost due to my horrendous handwriting.

Woohoo!! I just signed up too! This is going to be fun.

Woohoo! We've just two pages of labels with that one. 31 people on the list so far :)

[Boozy]

Hey, BookstoreEscapee, do me a favor? Edit your post. I typed the wrong label type in. They're formatted to use Avery 8160 labels, not the other one I said. Had that name stuck on my brain for some reason.

I went ahead and replaced with the correct info. Hope you don't mind, BSE. :)

[DesignFox]

hmm 8160...I think we use those at work for printing labels...wonder if I could misappropriate some company resources... :p

31 people already. WOW. I think it'll be nice to at least not have to address envelopes. I did it all by hand last year. (don't worry, the notes will still be handwritten ;) )

[Aethian]

hmm 8160...I think we use those at work for printing labels...wonder if I could misappropriate some company resources... :p

I wouldn't...just lost a good clerk because she misappropriated some stuff from the copier/fax machine.

[DesignFox]

I wouldn't...just lost a good clerk because she misappropriated some stuff from the copier/fax machine.

That was sort of a joke. Also, I don't work for a big company. I know my boss and talk to him on a daily basis. I'm sure if he learned that I had used a few sheets of labels he wouldn't even break a sweat. That's assuming I don't ask him first, which if it's a large number of labels, of course I will!

:p

[BookstoreEscapee]

I went ahead and replaced with the correct info. Hope you don't mind, BSE. :)

What?! How dare you touch my post!!! :rant:

Just kiddin'...thanks :)

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 38 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, bookworm, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead has joined.

[42_42_42]

I'm signed up! :wave:

[Bella_Vixen]

It keeps telling me that my activation code is invalid. :cry:

[Pedersen]

Okay, check my contact page, and/or use google talk (mjpeder AT gmail DOT com). Get with me on IM, and we can resolve this. Posting more in a sec, in case you don't get this right away.

ETA: Now, possible causes for this issue are pretty minimal. The activation code is 8 characters long, and must be entered exactly as you receive it in the email.

If you are clicking the link, and getting that message, though, there is likely one single cause: Having clicked the signup link multiple times. Only the last activation code sent will be valid. I would recommend deleting any/all codes from your email, and then visiting the signup link once. You should get an email pretty shortly, and then be able to click the link in that email, and be off to the address entry.

[JuniorMintz]

Bella- if I remember correctly, there should be a link in the same email that you can click on to add you directly, without copying and pasting the activation code in. Try again?

EDIT: Oops, Pedersen beat me to it. :p

[Pedersen]

Sorry, JAM. Monitoring this thread pretty vigorously. Gotta respond when needed, you know :)

[JuniorMintz]

Pff, don't mind me. Anyone who wants to make my job easier, I'm at their mercy. :lol:

[MystyGlyttyr]

Probably won't know till closer to the end date if I'll be able to sign up or not. It was fun last year but money's become more of an issue this year.

If nothing else, though, I will still do some Christmas drawings (or things loosely defined as drawings :lol: ) for the Art section mocking any favorite Christmas tales we get on the board.

Sucks because I bought a bunch of cards last year, but eh. In wait-and-see mode for now.

[JuniorMintz]

PLEASE NOTE

I have received several PMs from posters who failed to send their cards out last year, asking that I allow them to join again this year.

The answer to this question, of course, is no. Most non-participators were issued a one year ban, and will be cleared to sign up again for Christmas 2010 if they wish. There were one or two lucky ones who have been issued a permanent ban because they are repeat offenders. (!)

Rules are rules, and I intend to follow them. The ban list has been submitted, and even if I *could* change it at this point, I wouldn't. I hope you all understand, but I have to look out for what's best for those members who do keep their word yearly. A high number of no shows every year is very discouraging to those of us that do follow the rules fully.

For what it's worth, I hate having to crack down and be the Christmas Card Bitch. :blink:

[JuniorMintz]

Probably won't know till closer to the end date if I'll be able to sign up or not. It was fun last year but money's become more of an issue this year.

Mysty- I would recommend joining while you're thinking of it, then if needed, opting out before the deadline. Gives a more accurate idea overall of how many people to expect, plus you don't want to forget to join until after the deadline has passed. This year is different, once the sign ups shut down the list will go out automatically and we will be unable to make *any* changes to add or remove people.

I do hope to see your drawings, one way or the other... they were quite a laugh last year! :lol:

[JoitheArtist]

I'm so excited!! I LOVE getting Christmas cards! Well..any kind of personal mail, really. :)

I think I'm going to do one painting and see if I can get it printed out on blank card stock (hey, that "the Artist" isn't in my name for nothing!) and send that out. I hate buying prepackaged cards. :) Not getting them, just buying them.

[Pedersen]

I'll put in a "me too" type post to echo JM: Sign up. The whole list runs slightly differently this time around. If you've looked, you'll have seen that there is a "sign ups close" date and an "opt out" date. They're set for a week between them.

Basically, once the sign ups close, there's a week in which anybody can opt out without any issue or work on anybody's part. You've opted out, and your information never made it to anybody's inbox.

But, once that sign up period close, there is no way to add yourself in. Period. Cannot happen.

Far better to opt out, than to want to join up and be unable to, I think.

[technical.angel]

Pederson,

YOU ROCK!

37 sign up so far!

[ArcticChicken]

For what it's worth, I hate having to crack down and be the Christmas Card Bitch. :blink:

Thank you for doing it anyway.

[Aethian]

Thank you for doing it anyway.


Ditto.


I just realized I have no idea where I put the cards I bought last year.

[taxguykarl]

How do we locate the addresses? Or will they be unlocked after to closing deadline? I see the countries and screen names, but that's it.

[Pedersen]

Only the name and country is shown on the signups page.

However, when the opt out period is closed, you will be emailed a PDF containing the addresses. The PDF will be formatted in such a way that you can print directly to Avery 8160 labels, and stick them on the envelope.

You're still required to put something in the envelopes, and attach signatures/etc to that stuff. But at least the envelopes will be easier to deal with :)

[Broomjockey]

I just realized I have no idea where I put the cards I bought last year.

Under the bed. It's ALWAYS under the bed.

Unless you don't have an under the bed. Then it's the back of the closet.

[ArcticChicken]

Under the bed. It's ALWAYS under the bed.

That's where mine are.

[taxguykarl]

However, when the opt out period is closed, you will be emailed a PDF containing the addresses. The PDF will be formatted in such a way that you can print directly to Avery 8160 labels, and stick them on the envelope.Thank you for your prompt reply. That will make it much easier.

[technical.angel]

I know I'll enjoy not copy and pasting everything this year!!

Aethian, you reminded me that I don't remember where I put mine... The hunt will be on!

[MystyGlyttyr]

Mysty- I would recommend joining while you're thinking of it, then if needed, opting out before the deadline. Gives a more accurate idea overall of how many people to expect, plus you don't want to forget to join until after the deadline has passed. This year is different, once the sign ups shut down the list will go out automatically and we will be unable to make *any* changes to add or remove people.

I do hope to see your drawings, one way or the other... they were quite a laugh last year! :lol:

Believe me, it stays in my mind. I'm going to give it a bit more time before deciding, kind of weigh the money against the desire to do so against having to buy presents for a buncha other people. If I miss it, oh well, it's my bad and there's always next year.

And thanks, heh. My art style leaves a lot to be desired but I still like to do the comedy potential. :angel:

[Pedersen]

I just wanted to share some thoughts I had on the whole signup process, and what I'm sure some folks are thinking.

I'm sure that people are looking at this and saying some nasty things about the signups. After all, it looks like there's a whole lot more strictness in the process.

I have to admit you're right. It is more strict. As to why, I invite you to look at this thread: 2008 Christmas Card List (http://www.customerssuck.com/board/showthread.php?t=34570). Go ahead and look.

It's a huge thread. And there's plenty of posts in there that show what a huge issue it is. Manually compiling the list, trying to coordinate individual PMs from everybody who sent, making sure that the list is complete and contains all the information needed to get a card to someone, and then the confusion of trying to figure out who sent cards and who didn't; all of these things made this a lot more stressful than it needed to be.

I was on the sidelines watching, and I could see the frustration. It's not hard to find. And then the idea hit me that we have this server that we already use. Why not write a small program to help manage the list, and do all the stupid parts that make the whole thing so stressful?

I proposed the idea to JM, Raps, and Ree. They liked it, so I went to work. In order to remove the stress from the organizer (Hi JM!), the tool has to ensure that everything is done properly. This means that, in order for you to sign up, it has to verify your email address (hence the activation code. If you can receive that email, you'll receive the list, and if you can't receive that email you won't receive the list. Basically, troubleshoot the problem as early as possible, rather than later), and you have to fill in sufficient information that a label can be printed and stuck on an envelope, addressed to you (hence why every field is a requirement, including real name, since some post offices might have issues with screen names going to an address).

But that wasn't all. I specifically did not put some items in to the program: The only person who can add you to the list is you, and that's deliberate. Once the sign up period closes, it is closed. JM can't add you to the list at that point, so there's no point in asking. If you miss the deadline, tough. You missed it (oh, and the program is timezone aware, so it won't close until midnight Oct 18 has passed all around the world). So, why include this, one of the harshest features? It avoids anybody who misses being able to put a guilt trip onto JM. It's not possible for her to add anybody regardless of how much begging gets done.

I added in a place to tally up, so everybody can see who's getting what cards. You'll be able to tell if you're having problems in your Post Office, or if the problem exists elsewhere. This also means that if someone signs up and sends out no cards, everybody who participates will be able to see that 0 cards were received from that person. I would hope that would be an additional bit of social pressure to improve the actual send rate. From what I hear, it seems like the percentage of people sending out cards has gone down, and that's just sucky behavior. With a little bit of luck, everybody will record here who they got their cards from, and everybody will see pretty plainly the results.

All of which comes down to the ban list. Yes, that list was put in place, and done so deliberately. It sucks if you've been banned and wish to participate, but it didn't happen without a reason. And no one was added to that list lightly.

The tool was built to help make the list significantly easier to manage. This also means that it enforces the rules of the list more easily. I hope you'll understand why it was built that way now. And I hope you'll agree that it makes organizing and managing this whole process much easier. Is it flawless? Of course not. But, for a version 1.0 product, it seems to be doing pretty well, I think.

Thank you for your patience in reading these random ramblings.

[Bella_Vixen]

I just tried again and it still says invalid. I am soooooooooooooo confused!

[Pedersen]

Bella: Contact me via an IM service. any of the ones on my profile page, or mjpederATgmailDOTcom.

We'll work through it.

[Bella_Vixen]

Email is on it's way.

[Pedersen]

Email not so good for this. Need something a bit quicker to troubleshoot with. Are you on *any* IM service? I hope? (I'm on pretty well all of them, all the time, so we only need one)

[Bella_Vixen]

Pedersen, you are my hero. :worship::yourock:


Now all I have to do is find the cards I bought...

[Aethian]

I was going to say, why not use the chat we have?

[Becks]

Now all I have to do is find the cards I bought...

Road trip to Armetan's house!!!

[Pedersen]

I was going to say, why not use the chat we have?

I have a very good reason for that. And as soon as I find it, I'll let you have it :)

Seriously, I just always forget that it's there. Add in that I'm on Yahoo, AIM, ICQ, MSN, Google Talk, *and* have my own private Jabber server that can talk to every *other* Jabber server (well, that supports what's known as s2s communication, which is pretty well every public Jabber server), the chances are very good that you already using something that I'm on, and you are already able to chat directly, and we just don't know it.

Add in that, on occasion, we have to exchange confidential information to troubleshoot this stuff, and it can actually be better not to use our current chat (since that is all public by default).

As a final note, we've got some irons in the fire after this exchange gets closed out as relates to our chat. More on that when the time is right now.

[Evil Queen]

I signed up! :)

[BookstoreEscapee]

I signed up! :)

Does that mean you're gonna send us all cookies? :)

[Evil Queen]

Does that mean you're gonna send us all cookies? :)

Cookie shaped cards, maybe.

DUDE, that would be SO COOL!

[Pedersen]

Whew. Especially after making her help me find a bug, I was beginning to worry that EQ wasn't going to sign up. Glad she did, and without me harassing her!

Now, about those cookie shaped cards... Can I request a chocolate chip cookie shape?

[BookstoreEscapee]

I second chocolate chip. :D

[Evil Queen]

Whew. Especially after making her help me find a bug, I was beginning to worry that EQ wasn't going to sign up. Glad she did, and without me harassing her!

Now, about those cookie shaped cards... Can I request a chocolate chip cookie shape?

Well, cookie shaped cards seem to be hard to find. BUT I did find something just as nice. With Gingerbread!

http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/43_31447.jpg

I'm thinking of adding a cookie recipe though. Since the cards inside are blank.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Well last year I made cards, and a couple of them were personalized for certain people (a Sailor Jerry's Rum bottle family for idrinkarum; a baking sheet of cookies from the scrapbooking sticker section at the craft store for i8dacookie...EQ didn't have her COOKIES tag then), but I bought two packs of 36 assorted cards from the Current Catalog, on clearance right after Christmas last year. So I won't be making cards but y'all may be treated to some horrible drawings* of stuff to make you smile (or stickers...I still have stickers :D).

*There are some very talented artists in my family (most notably my brother and my grandmother)...sadly, those genes all passed me by.

[Evil Queen]

Yeah, I got my tag after X-mas. I don't remember when though.

[BookstoreEscapee]

I think one of the card designs has gingerbread men...I haven't opened them yet; just saw them online when I bought them.

[JuniorMintz]

PLEASE NOTE

I extended the deadlines for both signing up and opting out. I thought about it, and I'm used to cutting off in mid October so that I'd have to compile the list by hand, but now that I don't have to do that there's no reason *not* to push it back.

Plus, I just cannot fathom the idea of getting a Christmas card from one of you guys on or before Halloween. That would just be nuts. :lol:

NEW CUT OFF DATE
October 25
NEW OPT OUT DATE
October 31

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 42 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, bookworm, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, Evil Queen has joined.

[Horsetuna]

I almost missed the 'sign up' link to be honest, tiny text! can we make it a big fat red button next year? :)

ETA: Signed up!

I already am preparing my cards and such... I use Open Office and cheat and print all the addresses. I am pondering ways to easily tell at a glance which one is going overseas, to the US, ot to Canada for faster sorting at the PO (last year, two of the counter ladies helped me sort and apply stamps. Good thing it was slow!)

It was lots of fun. this years' gag should get some smiles.

[Ree]

I almost missed the 'sign up' link to be honest, tiny text! can we make it a big fat red button next year? :confused::confused:
Juniormintz put the signup link in the post 5 times. She had it once at the beginning, and then 4 times at the bottom.
At the time, I thought it was overkill, but apparently not. :lol:
I am pondering ways to easily tell at a glance which one is going overseas, to the US, ot to Canada for faster sorting at the PO (last year, two of the counter ladies helped me sort and apply stamps. Good thing it was slow!)
Well, when Juniormintz sent the list last year, she had it sorted by country, so I don't know why that was a problem.
As I addressed them, I used elastics and put them in bundles by country. :shrug:

[Horsetuna]

Ree: when i click on that link in the first post, I get taken to a list in tiny font:

2009 Christmas Card List Tally up! View Tallies
Thread: 2009 Christmas Card List-Sign Ups Open
Sign ups open: 2009-09-12,
Sign ups close: 2009-10-25,
Opt-outs close: 2009-10-31
Sign Up link Here (gone since I found it)

I didnt see the sign Up Link at first at the bottom of the list :)

I know this is still a WIP though so this is just a suggestion for next year is put THAT little link as a big red button :)

[iradney]

:shrug: I could see the font just fine when I went to sign up...

Getting so excited now - but I think I'll only be able to buy cards in October... :(

[Pedersen]

Ree: when i click on that link in the first post, I get taken to a list in tiny font:

One of the defaults (that I don't think I altered) from the toolkit I used was to use a 12 pixel font. Considering my screen is at 1680x1050, and it doesn't actually look small on my screen, I'd say that your screen must be fairly high resolution.

I know this is still a WIP though so this is just a suggestion for next year is put THAT little link as a big red button :)

There's a few small changes to make, and this is one of them. Basically, I've found out that, even though the tool is usable, the links can (and should) be better. I'm not going to change the system while it's in use, since that is a recipe for disaster, but I'll have a good 7 months next year to do these sorts of minor tweaks.

I already am preparing my cards and such... I use Open Office and cheat and print all the addresses. I am pondering ways to easily tell at a glance which one is going overseas, to the US, ot to Canada for faster sorting at the PO (last year, two of the counter ladies helped me sort and apply stamps. Good thing it was slow!)

Well, it won't be cheating or necessary to do that this year. You're going to get a PDF with all the addresses formatted to fit on an Avery 8160 label sheet. Stick a few of those into your printer, and go to town :)

As for sorting by country, that's actually a good idea. Let me see if I can implement that safely before the list goes out.

[BookstoreEscapee]

As for sorting by country, that's actually a good idea. Let me see if I can implement that safely before the list goes out.

I did that last year, too. Just don't do what I did and stick US stamps on the non-US cards. I bought enough stamps for all the US cards (with some extras that I was going to use for my college friends' cards), and I was just going to take the rest to the post office. Well, the Canadadada cards were on top and I wasn't paying attention and realized too late that I had put regular stamps on all of 'em :doh:. Which meant a) the woman at the post office had to figure out the balance and print stickers for them all (separately) - she was not too happy - and b) I didn't have holiday stamps for my college friends :(.

[Horsetuna]

errr, will non pdf versions (text only) be available? I print it all right on the envelopes as I can print my own return address that way in one go!

But if not, that's ok. I can manage.

[JuniorMintz]

:blink:

We can't do *everything*, you realize that right? I think you're just going to have to muddle through and take care of the return addresses on your own. I am confidant you will manage. :)

I'm hoping that everyone will take comfort in the fact that just about everything else that we could think of *has* been provided for you, including postal links for just about every country I can remember with participating members, the afore mentioned labels, and the tally up feature.

Pedersen... :yourock:

[Plaidman]

I'm sure there are two people at least that don't want me to know where they live, let alone not tell me where they live. Is it ok? I give them permision not to send me cards, and since they don't want cards from me, I wont send them ones.

[Evil Queen]

Plaidman, I think there was something about it last year. The rule still state that you must give everyone cards.

[Plaidman]

Plaidman, I think there was something about it last year. The rule still state that you must give everyone cards.

I don't want to force them to give me card when they have no want too.

[JuniorMintz]

:headdesk:

Plaidman, PM me the details and I'll discuss the situation with the mods. If there is a mutual agreement between you and the member in question, that's worth considering.

EvilQueen is right though, the rules do specifically state that you must send a card to everyone.

Another thing to consider is that there is NO way for me to filter out anyone's addresses. When the list is done, it's done. IF YOU SIGN UP, YOUR ADDRESS WILL GO TO *EVERY* MEMBER ON THE LIST. PLEASE consider this before signing up!

[Evil Queen]

Hey, I just bought a house. I'm still screaming my new address from my roof at the top of my lungs!! :bounce:

[BookstoreEscapee]

Hey, I just bought a house. I'm still screaming my new address from my roof at the top of my lungs!! :bounce:
That's what that noise was...

[Horsetuna]

JM: Oh definitely, I know. take all my ideas as suggestions but as always, I can do without them :)

I'll figure out something for the return addresses. :)

[BookstoreEscapee]

I'll figure out something for the return addresses. :)

Can't you copy and paste from a PDF? Shouldn't be too hard to copy the addresses to Excel or something.

[Evil Queen]

That's what that noise was...

Dude, you can hear me in Jersey? Awesome!! :bounce: One of these days I'll find my camera cable and post pictures. :)

[Horsetuna]

BEF : depends on the pdf... I'v efound pdfs for me at least act like 'images' or pictures. I spupose I could see if I can 'copy' the pictures into Open office. I'll have to play with it once its out.

[Pedersen]

We can't do *everything*, you realize that right? I think you're just going to have to muddle through and take care of the return addresses on your own. I am confidant you will manage. :)

Amusingly enough, I figured out a way to do just this. Basically, since the tool sends out an email to the member in question, and since that email has one PDF attached, why not include a second PDF that is a similarly formatted return address label sheet for the recipient?

Now, I'm not going to be changing production code like that while it's live, so it won't happen this year. But next year? Better plan on it :)

IF YOU SIGN UP, YOUR ADDRESS WILL GO TO *EVERY* MEMBER ON THE LIST.

Quoted, bolded, italicized, and colorized for reinforcement. Setting up a tool which will say "Oh, don't send my address to X, Y, and Z" would totally defeat the purpose of this list. I'll fight that idea tooth and nail. No, the addresses go to everybody who signs up.

That is also why there is an opt-out period at the end: You have a chance to review the list while no new people can sign up. If you feel you cannot fulfill the obligations for whatever reason (financial, social, or other), then you can opt out and the entire effect on everybody else will be minimized.

I'll figure out something for the return addresses. :)

Pssst: Here's an idea. If you're getting the Avery 8160 label sheets, it's very likely you're going to have extras. One package contains 25 sheets, each of them with 30 labels. Go to Avery.com (http://www.avery.com/), download the template (http://www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Templates-%26-Software/Templates/Labels/Address-Labels/Address-Label-30-per-sheet_Microsoft-Word.htm), and make a sheet with return addresses. Print out a couple of them, and you're done.

BEF : depends on the pdf... I'v efound pdfs for me at least act like 'images' or pictures. I spupose I could see if I can 'copy' the pictures into Open office. I'll have to play with it once its out.

Well, I can speak fairly definitively on this topic, too, for two reasons: I wrote the code that uses a pdf making library. The pdf making library allows me to use text objects or picture objects. I chose text objects. So, it'll let you copy/paste (though, with those label sheets, I think that would be a waste of time).

The second reason is that I have (on my own and with mod help) tested the whole process a couple of times. When the PDF is sent, you can open it up and do copy/paste of the text in it.

So, if you really want to, go ahead and copy/paste the address. I think you're making more work for yourself by doing so, but that is your prerogative.

[Horsetuna]

ah, cool. I will see what I can do when I get it to my place then. :) if it is too much work, then I will just use your format. :)

[Sonoma]

So glad I found the thread in time to sign up. Just bought a house, so I don't know if the budget will accomodate this, but I'm doing it anyway. :angel:

[Dips]

why not include a second PDF that is a similarly formatted return address label sheet for the recipient?

And that is why you are completely awesome. I wouldn't have even thought of that. :D

There's really no point sweating about how to print the labels months before you even have them. If you get stuck just call the 800 number on the Avery box or run a practice sheet or two on scrap paper before printing the labels for real.

Or you could do what I had to do one year when I had no access to a printer. Just write them out by hand. Everyone still got them which is what counts. :)

[Ree]

Or you could do what I had to do one year when I had no access to a printer. Just write them out by hand. What is this "writing by hand" you speak of? :p

Seriously, I don't mean to sound bitchy, but I have always done my cards by hand. It's a lot of work, I admit, but I choose to do it because I feel the giving of cards is an act of friendship and giving of yourself.

The card list has been going on since before I joined CS about 8 years ago, and I really don't recall anyone complaining about how much work it was to write out and address all those cards until the past 3 or 4 years or so. I have been so puzzled by all the people complaining about how much work it is, and wondering how to make it easier.
In my opinion, if it's that much of a hardship and so physically draining to send out such a massive amount of cards, then just don't sign up.

Again, I don't mean to sound bitchy, but every year, when I start reading all these posts complaining about how hard it is, I almost feel guilty for signing up and forcing people to exhaust themselves just to get a card in the mail for me.

[Horsetuna]

I write the messages in the cards by hand, but due to bad handwriting and a bad wrist, I prefer to print out the addresses. that's my reasoning :) Its no chore at all for me. If its easier to print out the addresses and stuff, then yay! If not... well, I'd stil do it probably as its fun.

[Broomjockey]

In my opinion, if it's that much of a hardship and so physically draining to send out such a massive amount of cards, then just don't sign up.


But addressing cards is haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd. And it's no fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. *pout*

:lol: Seriously though, the years I signed up, I used labels to print my return address just because otherwise I'd never have crammed it in to the space allotted by Canada Post (They actually have allocations for how large certain sections on envelopes can be!) and still be legible. For the To: address though, writing it out worked well enough for me. Took something like 90 minutes just to address them, which was funny. On the bright side though, now that ya don't need to spend that time on addresses, you can write more in the cards! :D

[Evil Queen]

I think last year it took me two hours. But that's because I was writing the notes, stamping and sealing as I went.

This year I'll use a sponge. Blech.

[iradney]

I agree. I remember when they used to flavour the glue on the stamps..not anymore :(

[Rapscallion]

I agree. I remember when they used to flavour the glue on the stamps..not anymore :(

I was always quite partial to shire, actually. Maybe a shetland, if I only fancied a snack...

Rapscallion

[Ree]

I can understand if a person has bad handwriting, but it was the complaining about how much work it is that gets to me.

[AdminAssistant]

I agree that if you're complaining about how much work it is...don't do it! However, if someone makes a time-saving measure readily and easily available (thanks, Pedersen!), I plan to take full advantage of it. With the way this semester is going...I need all the help I can get! But I really loved getting all that holiday mail last year, and it was really great when I got back from my week (or so) with my folks and had a HUGE freakin' stack of cards waiting for me! Yaaayyyy!!

And THANK YOU once again to JuniorMintz and Pedersen for doing allllll the extra work to make this possible. I hope Santa puts a little something extra in your stockings.

[Boozy]

I *love* writing out Christmas cards.

I put some carols on the stereo, plug in the Christmas lights, pour a glass of wine, and spend the evening in a festive mood. It's hardly work. :)

I haven't been able to participate in the past, but I'm very much hoping to do so this year.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Or you could do what I had to do one year when I had no access to a printer. Just write them out by hand. Everyone still got them which is what counts. :)

You can do that?

Just kidding. I did mine all by hand last year except for the return address labels...and I printed those mostly cuz I found fun labels at the craft store for a buck a sheet. I have some left but not enough, so I'll have to see if I can find more that I like.

But addressing cards is haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd. And it's no fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. *pout*

It is too fun! You just don't know what fun is!!

[cinema guy]

Two years ago I did them by hand.

Last year I decided it would be easier to print the addresses onto labels. It took so much time to get the addresses cut and pasted and fitted onto the pound store labels that I bought, that it would have ben quicker to do by hand. :lol:

[DesignFox]

November was so ridiculously slow at work that I just brought all my supplies with me. Spent a couple of shifts just drawing, writing, stickering, addressing.... :D

It was fun!

With the PDF readily available though... I am so taking advantage of that! It is hard work addressing all those envelopes (of course, it was a labor of love and tons of fun, so not "work" in the bad sense of the word) ;)

Thank you JM and Pedersen AGAIN! I am really looking forward to this this year!

I loved the variety of cards I received last year. It was fun showing them off to my family and hanging all of them around my desk at work. I got a ton of compliments from my co-workers and customers, too.

Now I gotta figure out what kind of cards I'll send this year and go sticker hunting...

[Horsetuna]

What I do for my cards last year is I copied all the addresses into Open Office and put one address on each page. When I set it up with a 'header' with my address on it, I jsut had to adjust the margins so that the to: address was centered....

Then I just fed the envelopes through the printer! (I did have some mix ups with the printer jamming or I put the envelopes in backwards, or sometimse it forgot where it was in the list - I had over 100 cards last year! - and would print twice. I think I endd up with three envelopes for Part time Parrothead).

then I applied stamps (I am happy Canada Post now has sticker-stamps and not lick stamps! ), checked addresses, and then wrote the messages/signed/stickered the card and double checked that each went into the right enveloped (twice even!)


I have a nifty idea for cards for everyone next year that I might pitch a little earlier next year :)

My cards spend the off season in a nice box I bought. I want to display them at christmastime but blue Tack wont work on my walls (weird) and I haven't figured a better awy to mount them all on stone walls.

[Ree]

I actually do plan to take advantage of the address labels this year. I used pre-printed return address labels last year, too.

I wasn't in the best place emotionally last year, so I was really poky with my cards, but this year, I should have no distractions...I hope.

I love making my cards and if I have time, I like making little enclosures for them as a gift.
I may try to do what I tried a couple of years ago when my husband mistakenly threw it all out because he thought it was scraps. Hard to say.

[Pedersen]

Now comes the long, long, long wait.... October 25 feels somewhere around forever away right now. And I can't wait to find out who all is on the list.

I never was very good at patience :)

[Melxb]

This will be my 4th year on the CS Card Exchange. I am absurdly excited about it!:)

Last year I bought some cards on sale but they were square. Because they weren't a standard size I had to pay more for them. Plus, there was a postage change in the middle of the year sometime and I had some left over postage. So, some people got as many as 4 stamps on their card from me! :eek: I want to avoid that this year!:D

Can't wait for the list to come out so I can start finding the perfect cards to send!

M

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 38 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, bookworm, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, Evil Queen, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb has joined.

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 35 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, bookworm, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, Evil Queen, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan has joined.

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 31 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, bookworm, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, Evil Queen, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan has joined.

[BookstoreEscapee]

If anyone needs to buy cards the Current Catalog (http://www.currentcatalog.com/~Sale~Christmas+Clearance~Christmas+Cards+Sale.htm l) has some Christmas clearance on their website.

[Evil Queen]

These are very nice. I was going to suggest The Oriental Trading Company (http://www.orientaltrading.com/).

[Evil Queen]

I've opted out of the list. I can't do anything right of late so I'm going to quit this game before I mess things up for other people.

[Pedersen]

That sucks. What's going on? Anything we can do to help make things better/easier?

[Evil Queen]

Real life stuff, mostly. Virtual life is part of it. I've been working a lot lately so that's taking a toll on things (yar, I average about 20 hours of OT a month).

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 28 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, bookworm, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, protege, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan has joined.

[ArcticChicken]

I've opted out of the list. I can't do anything right of late so I'm going to quit this game before I mess things up for other people.

I'm sorry to hear that.

[Kiwi]

After juggling with the budget I am going to sign up. I have sacrificed enough lately and this is one of the few things I look forward to every single year! Im not blamed giving this up to!

4th year in a row here I come!

ETA the "a" in my address is very important! There are "a" and "b" streets with the same street name! Please be sure you include the XXXa Ave in the address or some poor sod two streets over is going to be besieged with cards!

[Pedersen]

4th year in a row here I come!

I admit that I was surprised not to see you on the list before now. Glad to see you're signing in though!

ETA the "a" in my address is very important! There are "a" and "b" streets with the same street name! Please be sure you include the XXXa Ave in the address or some poor sod two streets over is going to be besieged with cards!

Well, hopefully, people will use the PDF as its meant to be used. Since it can be printed directly onto label sheets, that makes it pretty safe to use to address the envelope. Also makes sure that people (like me) who have chicken scratch for handwriting can't get the cards screwed up *too* badly.

At least, not for the addressing :)

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 24 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, bookworm, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, protege, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan, Kiwi has joined.

[Horsetuna]

Man I'm glad that it got extended this year. I dont know if I'll be able to do it again!

Btw, if I have to change my address, can that be done after the opt-out date has passed? I may be moving (though if I think I may be i could put down my dad's address instead and have him keep them for me...)

[BookstoreEscapee]

Man I'm glad that it got extended this year. I dont know if I'll be able to do it again!

Btw, if I have to change my address, can that be done after the opt-out date has passed? I may be moving (though if I think I may be i could put down my dad's address instead and have him keep them for me...)

I'm gonna say the answer to that is probably no. If there's a good chance you might move it's probably better to use your dad's, if that's not a problem. Can you file a change of address with the post office in Canada? Then the mail should be forwarded...

[Kiwi]

You can either get a mail hold or a mail redirect in canada (for up to a year) which is what me and the BF have.

[Horsetuna]

I will do that. When IS the cutoff date for addresses, or is it 'too late' already for changing it to Dad's?

If so then I'll do the forwarding to dad's and get it done ASAP just in case. :) I want this to be as smooth as possible.

[Ree]

I will do that. When IS the cutoff date for addresses, or is it 'too late' already for changing it to Dad's?

If so then I'll do the forwarding to dad's and get it done ASAP just in case. :) I want this to be as smooth as possible.Get a change of address with Canada Post, and have the cards forwarded to you.

[Horsetuna]

will do. I will have it forwarded to Dad's since I am not sure when I'm moving, and I dont want to miss one!

[Pedersen]

Btw, if I have to change my address, can that be done after the opt-out date has passed? I may be moving (though if I think I may be i could put down my dad's address instead and have him keep them for me...)

The card list tool has zero provision to change the address after the opt-out period has passed. Reason being that, as soon as that period is done, the email goes out giving everybody the PDF with all the addresses.

The goal here is to try to reduce the chaos. Allowing people to update their address after that has gone out means that people would have to be told "No, wait, don't use the one from Nov 1, that address is wrong, use the one from Nov 8 instead." Multiply that by the number of people who could (or would) change their address.

Then, don't forget the monetary factor. If your card has already been sent, but is still in transit, then the sender would have to send you a new card.

Contrast all that with going to the local post office and telling them to forward your mail to a new address. The mess above is much messier for everybody else, versus a single task for you when you move.

That's why tool doesn't allow it.

I will do that. When IS the cutoff date for addresses, or is it 'too late' already for changing it to Dad's?

The cut-off date is the closing date for signups, not the closing date of the opt-out period. The opt-out is meant to be a final check off for everybody: At this point, the list is done. Is there anybody on the list you simply cannot bear the idea of sending a card to? Really don't to get your address? Don't want to receive a card from? Finances tighter than you thought? Just plain got bored of the idea and want out?

That's what the opt-out is for, in a nutshell. A repercussion free "get out of the card exchange" list. No more.

Hope that all made sense. And I hope I wasn't too brusque about it. Kinda tired tonight, and probably shouldn't have replied. I apologize if I was rude.

[Horsetuna]

Nah its cool. thanks it does clear it up.

But just so I am ABSOLUTELY SURE I have it clear:

I have till the 24th to Opt out entirely.

I should probably get mail rediverted to my dad's ASAP just in case so that it has time to begin redirecting before cards get sent out.

Right?

[Pedersen]

/me goes and reads the front page on the card list manager tool, which has this to say:

Sign ups close: 2009-10-25,
Opt-outs close: 2009-10-31,

So, you have until the 25th to sign up and/or change your address. You can do this once per second until then, the tool does not care.

You have until the 31st to opt out entirely.

[Horsetuna]

That's why I doublechecked. I knew I had it mixed up. Thanks!

[Reyneth]

Yay! I haven't been here in OT much lately - too busy trying to get my Holiday Knitting knocked out - so tonight I was thinking that it should be signup time. Glad I didn't miss it, I know exactly where my cards are. :D

Thanks so much, JM and Pedersen - awesome idea!

[Pedersen]

Wow... I am impressed. 48 people so far this year. Nearly two full sheets of address labels.

I wanna have to use a third sheet though. Come on people, sign up! :D

[Horsetuna]

I have over 100 persons on my list for this year (including non CS people).

I just hope I have enough cards. I usually buy loads after christmas when they're on sale!

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 21 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, bookworm, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, protege, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan, Kiwi, Reyneth, BethB has joined.

[technical.angel]

Oh, Raps, who art in England, I have a confession to make...

I BOUGHT CHRISTMAS CARDS LAST NIGHT!!

[taxguykarl]

Oh, Raps, who art in England, I have a confession to make...

I BOUGHT CHRISTMAS CARDS LAST NIGHT!!My wife found a carton of them when she was cleaning the basement last weekend.

[BookstoreEscapee]

Oh, Raps, who art in England, I have a confession to make...

I BOUGHT CHRISTMAS CARDS LAST NIGHT!!

Ha! I bought Christmas cards LAST YEAR!!!

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 17 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, bookworm, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, protege, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan, Kiwi, Reyneth, BethB, Dips has joined.

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 14 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, bookworm, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, protege, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan, Kiwi, Reyneth, BethB, Dips has joined.

[BookstoreEscapee]

That's 51 so far...only need 15 more to beat last year :D

[DGoddessChardonnay]

Ha! I bought Christmas cards LAST YEAR!!!

That reminds me . . .where did I put my cards I bought last year after Christmas?

*thinks on that one a minute*

Oh yeah . . . file cabinet in the living room . . . and I've got my Stamps.com CD that came in last month. All I need to do now is to have my ink refilled and get the labels at Staples and I'm all set.;)

I can hardly wait to see if Stamps.com will be easier than dealing with the lines at the post office (did I tell anyone here how much I hate crowded places?) :headscratch:

[Aethian]

can hardly wait to see if Stamps.com will be easier than dealing with the lines at the post office (did I tell anyone here how much I hate crowded places?) :headscratch:

Why not just order stamps from usps.com and have your carrier deliver them?

[DGoddessChardonnay]

Why not just order stamps from usps.com and have your carrier deliver them?


I'm in the mood to play with my printer and experiment, and the software came free, so why not? I just might do the address labels on the computer instead of handwriting the addresses too so I don't have to deal with the inevitable writer's cramp.

Ordering stamps and having them delivered is fine well and good, but then I have to hide the damn things to keep my brother out of them. If I have a bunch of stamps around the house, he'll be using them up to send off for all kinds of NASCAR-related subscriptions and whatnot and we won't have any stamps left to, for example, mail out a birthday card or pay a bill . . .

[BookstoreEscapee]

I can hardly wait to see if Stamps.com will be easier than dealing with the lines at the post office (did I tell anyone here how much I hate crowded places?) :headscratch:

I go to the one office near(ish) work that's open late...there's never any lines after work :D

[Becks]

Why not just order stamps from usps.com and have your carrier deliver them?

I don't like/trust our current carrier. I miss our old one. He wants this route back.

[Horsetuna]

I'm already seeing how many cards I have... i have 77 christmas cards from last year ready. I am probably going to need more.

I can't wait. I'm already stickering them all to save me time later. This weekend we get this years' 'gifts' set up.

by the by uh, silly question and I feel embarassed, but i looked through the first page or two for what program I will need for these address labels? my dad will be printing them out for me so I need to make sure he's all set up right.

[Boggles]

Can i just ask please, are the tallies going to affect who can sign up next year?

I'm just slightly concerned that it is looking increasingly likely that the Royal mail will be launching strikes shortly and the papers are full of stories about how Christmas deliveries will be massively delayed etc. I know a lot of this is scare-mongering but i don't want to be in a position where cards are being delayed en route to me and people are losing out because of it.

Personally I will probably be posting my cards pretty soon after the list comes out to guarantee delivery in time so apologies in advance for people who get them too early!

[JuniorMintz]

Can i just ask please, are the tallies going to affect who can sign up next year?
...
Personally I will probably be posting my cards pretty soon after the list comes out to guarantee delivery in time so apologies in advance for people who get them too early!

Better too early than super late or not at all. :)

As far as the strikes go, we'll see what happens. I wouldn't worry too much about it at this point. I was unaware of the situation, Yank that I am, so I appreciate you bringing it up.

[Pedersen]

by the by uh, silly question and I feel embarassed, but i looked through the first page or two for what program I will need for these address labels? my dad will be printing them out for me so I need to make sure he's all set up right.

The labels are just a PDF file. He only needs to be able to view and print that, and he's good to go.

Can i just ask please, are the tallies going to affect who can sign up next year?

There is nothing in the code that changes who can sign up based on tallies. It's simply a reporting tool, to let people see who sent and who didn't. Next year will see another round of discussion about who sent, who didn't, and who made good faith efforts but got screwed by the local post office.

And don't worry too much about that, as it's pretty obvious when someone doesn't send anything. Trust me, you'll be able to see what I mean by January, when people's numbers are up there, and yet some people have a 0 next to their name as to how many they've sent. You won't be wondering about who signed up just to take advantage. You'll know.

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 10 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, protege, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan, Kiwi, Reyneth, BethB, Dips, Mnemjian, East Coast Subs, trailerparkmedic has joined.

[Green_Fairy]

i'm super excited to make mini packages...is that cool or can i just do cards?

*runs off to find her rolling pin and transparency paper :devil:*

[BookstoreEscapee]

i'm super excited to make mini packages...is that cool or can i just do cards?

*runs off to find her rolling pin and transparency paper :devil:*

You can do whatever you like...just make sure you budget for the possibility of extra postage. :)

[Sarlon]

This is my first year doing this ^^

I found some REALLY neat cards that I can get a custom message printed inside (don't worry I'll write something personal in my chicken scratch). Rads knows what the cards look like, but all I'll gonna let on is the message I'm having printed inside is "santa's present to the SCs of the world"

Hope you all enjkoy them ^^

[Horsetuna]

Just a question out of curiosity: How long will the tallies be open in the case of the postal system deciding to send cards on a 3 month world tour or something? :)

[JuniorMintz]

Tallies are open until 1/31/10.

This is posted on the sign up site, along with all the other important dates that have been asked about previously.

[Kiwi]

Tallies are open until 1/31/10.


Haha that took me a few minutes to figure out (Americans write their dates differently to kiwis) :D

[Ree]

Jin the case of the postal system deciding to send cards on a 3 month world tour or somethingIt's highly unlikely that every single one of the cards that you send will be misdirected.
As Pedersen mentioned, as long as we see that some people are tallying cards from you, we will understand if it ends up being a mail glitch that prevents others from getting your cards in a timely manner.

[Pedersen]

Heya folks, just a quick reminder: When PepSquad counts down the days remaining for signup, she means it. That's a hard deadline. If you're not signed up when she posts about the signups being closed, you're not going to be signed up for this year's list.

So, if you're interested, get on board quick. As I sit here now, it's October 16, and that means only 9 days left.

[Mnemjian]

Sweet! I'm really excited about this! I'm going shopping for card stuffs today. The sign up tool was super easy to use, thanks guys :D

[Horsetuna]

I went looking for cards today too. Nothing out yet! May have to wait a few more weeks.

I lucked out last year and found about 30 or so cards for 2bucks for 10, a really nice deal. We'll have to see this year.

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 7 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, Green_Fairy, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, protege, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan, Kiwi, Reyneth, BethB, Dips, Mnemjian, East Coast Subs, trailerparkmedic has joined.

[JuniorMintz]

Do they have Target in Canada? I was at ours this week and they had an entire aisle with just Christmas cards already.

[Horsetuna]

I dont think so. we have WMs and stuff... Dad told me the WM we go to wont have them up till around US thanksgiving or so.

There' no big rush or anything at this time. I may go down to the mall tomorrow and check what there is at Zellers.

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Only 3 days remain to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, Green_Fairy, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, protege, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan, Kiwi, Reyneth, BethB, Dips, Mnemjian, East Coast Subs, trailerparkmedic, Amina516 has joined.

[PepSquad]

Reminder: Final day to sign up for the 2009 Christmas Card List event!

So far, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, Green_Fairy, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, protege, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan, Kiwi, Reyneth, BethB, Dips, irateguy, East Coast Subs, trailerparkmedic, Amina516 has joined.

[Aethian]

Remind me cause I'm an idiot this early in the morning....how are we getting the list?

[Ree]

The mailing list will be sent out the same way it has been every year since we started doing this almost 10 years ago.
It will be sent to the email address you used to sign up.

[Pedersen]

To be precise, later today, October 25th will have passed around the world. Once that happens, the sign up period will be closed. Then follows a week long opt out period, during which people can change their mind for whatever reason, and get taken off the list.

After that has passed, an email goes out to the same address that was used when you got your activation code for the signups. It will contain a PDF of the addresses, formatted to fit on Avery 8160 address labels.

[PepSquad]

Announcement: Signups have closed for the 2009 Christmas Card List event.

You have until October 31, 2009 to change your mind, and opt out of this event.

As of now, Ree, JuniorMintz, Setsunaela, Becks, FuzzyKitten99, AriGriffin, Monica, taxguykarl, Boggles, Pedersen, iradney, Green_Fairy, ArcticChicken, McGoddess09, JoitheArtist, BookstoreEscapee, Aethian, I8DaCookie, Bandit, ParkingWitch, DGoddessChardonnay, worddork, AdminAssistant, Irving Patrick Freleigh, cinema guy, Camry178, SteverinoNY, BlaqueKatt, EricKei, DesignFox, calulu, Plaidman, MadMike, Part-Time Parrothead, 42_42_42, SubwayGirl, technical.angel, Bella_Vixen, protege, Horsetuna, morgana, Taboo, Sonoma, Sarlon, Melxb, MannersMakethMan, Kiwi, Reyneth, BethB, Dips, irateguy, East Coast Subs, trailerparkmedic, Amina516 have joined the list.

[Pedersen]

Woohoo! 54 isn't a record turn out, but that's not too shabby. Now we have to wait until the opt out period is closed. Time for me to go shopping finally :)

[BookstoreEscapee]

Woohoo! 54 isn't a record turn out, but that's not too shabby. Now we have to wait until the opt out period is closed. Time for me to go shopping finally :)

I got two packs of 36 cards from Current's clearance last year. So I'm all set...just gotta get stamps. I hope they have some fun holiday ones this year.

[Aethian]

Fun holiday ones won't be on sale till just after Halloween.

[Horsetuna]

Sadly I decided to opt out this year :( I think I can't afford to be sending cards this year but I will if permitted, post a picture of what would have been included in each card to everyone so you can share it online though.

[PepSquad]

Announcement: The opt out period has passed for the 2009 Christmas Card List event.

The email containing the PDF of all addresses of the participants
has been sent to the participants.

The templates to use when printing these addresses are the Avery
8160 templates. In addition, Avery has a file template that can be
used to print out your own return address labels. Go to
http://www.avery.com/ and look for Avery 8160 in the software area.

Reminder: These addresses are private! Keep the PDF itself private
please!

[Pedersen]

Okay, we had a minor address glitch that prevented the email being sent on time. I looked into it, found the error, and did a small work around. I've also verified that I got the address list, so please check your inboxes. You should have it.

There is a formatting glitch where some addresses have a black box on the line beside the address. I don't feel like it's a big deal, but I will fix the code to get rid of them (and re-send the list) if other people do. Let me know.

[42_42_42]

I got the list! :)

[worddork]

I also got the list. Although some of the address are in a smaller font than the rest.

[Pedersen]

Yes, they are. That's to make sure that the address fits onto the label. Automatic thing :)

[Monica]

I already have all my cards addressed. I am just waiting on my second order of stamps. I mailed some today. I will put some in the mail every few days.

[Kiwi]

The Canadians are getting my cards first, because... well I can canadian stamps HAHA :D

When I get near a post office I can buy the international ones.
Im going old school and addressing them by hand... partly because I can't find a place that sells those label thingys and partly because I have nothing to do!

[technical.angel]

I am being a good girl and not sending mine out until AFTER Thanksgiving!!!

Even though I should be picking up the labels tonight!

[BethB]

I don't remember which email I had signed up with and was wondering if I could get the list resent to my most used email:confused::o

[Bandit]

Labels are printed - and you'll know it's me by the return address label. ;)

They are being applied to the cards, and hope to have them on the way soon.

B

[JuniorMintz]

I don't remember which email I had signed up with and was wondering if I could get the list resent to my most used email:confused::o

You'll have to log into all of your email addresses to find it, I have no way of resending. Be sure to check your spam filters.

[Ree]

wondering if I could get the list resent to my most used emailSimple answer is no.

Pedersen made this system completely automatic. The list was designed to go out to the email address you used when you signed up.
In the same way that names can't be added to the list once the final date has passed, it can't be resent to any one person's different email address.

[Pedersen]

However, you can find the email address it went to, right here on the site.

See the menu bar across the top? Click "User CP", then you will see a menu running down the left side of your screen. In the first section (named "Your Profile"), you will see a link named "Edit Your Details". Click that.

You will now have a section in the middle of your screen named "Registration Required Information - All fields are required.", and that will have a button labeled "Edit Email & Password". Click that.

At the bottom of the form that appears, you will see the email address that the site will use to send your emails. That's where the PDF went to.

[Sarlon]

I'm waiting on my cards to arrive...

Iradney has seen them before I ordered them and she thinks (and I of course agree) that everyone will get a good chuckle out of them...make sure you guys read the ENTIRE card ;)

[technical.angel]

Walmart didn't have the 8160s, so I have to hit an office suppy co this weekend. Thank goodness for a trip back home!

[Taboo]

Yay! I'm really excited!

I am broke right now and am sending cards to everyone from here plus a good few friends, so my list tops out around 75 - so I was happy when I stumbled across a good solution. I found some really nifty postcard collections at the book store! They're really cute.

I actually won't be home for Christmas; my father just was nice enough to buy me a plane ticket so I could go see my grandparents. However there's plenty of room in my mailbox so as it turns out I'll be opening these when i get home in early January... around my birthday. It works out rather nicely! :lol:

[BethB]

found the email. going thru tons of spam mail is sooo fun:rolleyes:

[Bandit]

going thru tons of spam mail is sooo fun:rolleyes:

<cue Vikings>

SPAM! Wonderful SPAM!

SPAM! SPAM! SPAM!

<shoot Vikings>

:p :D

I'm looking forward to putting the first batch in the mail this weekend. :)

B

[Ree]

found the email. going thru tons of spam mail is sooo fun:rolleyes:Oh dear! There were 18 emails automatically sent, as well as the validation email. It's just too bad you didn't set your filters way back when the emailing was first being tested and when the reminders were going out. It would have saved you a ton of grief. :(

We did remind everybody about that, though.I tried to sign up, but didn't get the "activation" email/The final list never showed up in my mailbox!

Check your spam box. If you still have trouble, let us know.
Did you get any kind of validation email?
Check your filters.

[BookstoreEscapee]

I'm looking forward to putting the first batch in the mail this weekend. :)

B

Y'all won't be getting nuttin' from me until after Thanksgiving. Christmas exploded all over the place the day after Halloween and I just can't accept that.

[calulu]

Working my cards right now!

Got my first one yesterday and I have to say a big thanks! It made me smile. This week I had to have some not too fun medical tests and biopsies, got no get well cards or flowers but getting a Christmas card made my day!

[Rapscallion]

This week I had to have some not too fun medical tests and biopsies, got no get well cards or flowers but getting a Christmas card made my day!

Blood and sand. Hoping you're ok.

Rapscallion

[taxguykarl]

Starting to address mine now. I plan to send them out on black Friday.;)

[BethB]

Oh dear! There were 18 emails automatically sent, as well as the validation email. It's just too bad you didn't set your filters way back when the emailing was first being tested and when the reminders were going out. It would have saved you a ton of grief. :(

We did remind everybody about that, though.

I did go thru the validation and all. I just forgot. Life got in the way.

[calulu]

Blood and sand. Hoping you're ok.

Rapscallion

Yeah, I'm okay. They were looking at my digestive track to make sure my IBS actually is IBS and not something worse. It's gotten really really bad. So far everything looks like it's good.

[Rapscallion]

Oh, been through those tests. Well, in my case they went through me. Not fun, though I had a few good moments.

Filled in the form in the waiting room pre-procedure, including the part saying, "How do you like to be addressed?"

"So, come this way ... Lord Vader?"

Rapscallion

[calulu]

LOL! I never tried renaming myself like that. Sounds like a hoot, Rap!

I have a vague memory of waking up for a moment during one of the tests and being so out of it on the drugs that I started giggling about having a hose up the ass before going right back to sleep again.

[BookstoreEscapee]

LOL! I never tried renaming myself like that. Sounds like a hoot, Rap!

I have a vague memory of waking up for a moment during one of the tests and being so out of it on the drugs that I started giggling about having a hose up the ass before going right back to sleep again.

Well, this is a lovely holiday conversation...

Somehow this comment goes well with your current sig...;)

[calulu]

Whooops! Sorry!

Yeah, yeah it does.. happy holidays all and stay away from the gastroenterologist!

[Ree]

Life got in the way.It does have a way of doing that, doesn't it? ;)

Glad you got the list after all. :)

[DesignFox]

Got my first card today. LOL WOW you guys are startin' early! :D Thank you Monica!

I'm going to go be a good girl and read the instructions on how to start tallying! Woo! ;)

[AdminAssistant]

You will see nothing from me until finals week, I promise. :D

[BookstoreEscapee]

Whooops! Sorry!

No worries...I was amused :)

[Dips]

Well, this is a lovely holiday conversation...

:lol: At my previous job we'd have our holiday potluck in the endoscopy suite.

But holiday or not, every conversation with a gastroenterologist could be...lovely. :p

[taxguykarl]

I hand-wrote and addressed my cards over the weekend. I'll send them out after Thanksgiving, especially those outside the United States.

[DGoddessChardonnay]

Perhaps now we can begin the 2009 Christmas Card List Tally-Up.

My first one came today . . . seems as if Monica is the early bird.:D

I'll get mine started on after the 18th when I get paid again (sucks having a check every 2 weeks but I digress) and get the labels and ink for the printer.

[technical.angel]

I'm working on mine when I'm bored at work, but they TOTALLY won't be in the mail until AFTER Thanksgiving!!!!

[calulu]

I'm mailing mine after Turkey Day.. it's probably going to take me that long to finish my list between you guys, work contacts, friends and family. Gonna be a mighty mighty stack of cards this year! Already got a pile of Xmas stamps at Costco.

[Monica]

I like to be early so I don't forget. I am mailing a couple every day. The international ones will go out soon. I hand-addressed everything, and got them done all in one day.