The 2008 CS Christmas Card List - Discussion

[JuniorMintz]

Got Ree's card today. Huzzah!

And to all those that haven't got their cards out yet (SG15Z excluded since they *have* been posting updates which I appreciate)-Shame on you.

One more week and after that, you're on the black list for next year.

Thanks to all who did and are still participating.

[Evil Queen]

I'm starting to think that, for the sake of finances, next year's list should come out a bit sooner? Not by much, maybe a week or two. What do you think JAM?

[BookstoreEscapee]

I got cards for next year already. I got an assortment pack from the Current Catalog after-Christmas clearance.

[protege]

Thanks for the card, Ree! It arrived Wednesday.

[Aethian]

I've got 90 cards for next year...

[Sandman]

I got Ree's card a few days ago! Thanks Ree!

[Ree]

I'm starting to think that, for the sake of finances, next year's list should come out a bit sooner? Not by much, maybe a week or two. What do you think JAM?

JAM usually starts compiling the list about mid-August and aims for an Oct 15 release date.

She had a slight problem with an injured arm this time that made it difficult to get the list out as scheduled, and so, was a week or so late with it.

The delay, however, was not entirely JAM's fault.

There were still some people who failed to follow the basic instructions, and she had to hunt them down for missing details, causing even more of a delay. This is a common problem every year.
Every single year, there is at least one person who fouls it up for everyone and holds up the release of the list.

Honestly, I don't know how much earlier we could go on this.

It's ridiculous that we should have to start any earlier than midsummer.

People are warned going in that the postage can be expensive. They are told that they don't have to buy cards, and they can make their own, if money is tight.

It's difficult to give any type of ballpark figure on the budget range, since we never know until the list is complete exactly how many people are participating, but we tell them that $50 is a good starting figure.

If everyone would just read and follow the instructions and get their info to Juniormintz on time, then there should be no issues with the mid-October release date.

I am inclined to say that, rather than go any earlier, we stand firm on that date, and anyone not getting their full details to Juniormintz by that date misses out.

If money is tight for people, then they could start now to set a little bit aside each week. (If a person started now, putting about $1-$2/week away, they would probably have close to enough, or at least a good start by October.)

[Evil Queen]

This was my first Card Event. I believe it cost me approximately $32 USD. Most of the cards were "local" (in the continental US) so I expect it would cost more if you're from outside the same country you're mailing from. Next year, if I join up again, I'll budget for closer to $50, sans the cost of cards.

I never said JAMs broken arm (I thought it was her hand?) was her fault. I don't think anyone thought that. It just happened. Oh well.

The date is good. I think we should advise card senders to get the foreign cards out sooner then the local ones. That way it at least arrives closer to the expected holiday.

[Ree]

I never said JAMs broken arm (I thought it was her hand?) was her fault. I don't think anyone thought that. It just happened. Oh well.

Ummm....I don't believe I said that, either.

I said the delay wasn't all to be blamed on her arm injury. (Yeah, maybe it was her hand. It was last fall, and if I couldn't even remember to send out my cards on time, then forgive me for being fuzzy about which body part was injured. )

Each year, I usually try to post the "Last date for Christmas delivery" dates from the Post Offices in each country so people have an idea of when to send them.

It ends up being a bit cheaper for US participants, as the majority of the cards are sent there. Canadian and international members will find the cost higher because international and cross border postage rates are higher.

[Evil Queen]

heehee... body parts.

[JuniorMintz]

Honestly, I've started taking sign ups as early as July in some years and people STILL end up having problems.

Hell, last year I played an April Fools joke and posted the 2008 thread and had almost a dozen people sign up on the spot, barely taking notice at how early it was.

I don't know what else I could possibly do to make this easier for everyone other than to remind you all that Christmas is, as always, December 25th. Since this project has been going on for pushing a decade, the only people who should be surprised by deadlines/postage costs are new members. Even then, they can only be surprised once.

I know that unexpected things happen (family emergencies, financial problems, etc), and I don't know why some people have the impression that I am some sort of Card Nazi hell bent on bitch slapping you all with the Christmas Spirit. All I have *ever* asked is that people communicate with me. Sadly, this rarely happens, and it's seriously frustrating to everyone else involved.

I don't know why some people get so confused about this exchange, BTW. It's Christmas Cards. My niece sends them out and she's 11.

All I can say is, if anyone else thinks they can do a better job of it without cracking and is interesting in taking the reigns, be my guest. I enjoy doing it but I'm starting to be tired of the headache that accompanies.

[Evil Queen]

Wait, what? No Bitch-Slap of Christmas Cheer?

You disappoint me.

[SteverinoNY]

Grateful to all of CS-dom who sent cards

I'm personally grateful to all the members of CS-dom who sent me cards this year as it greatly helped to brighten my mood as I was in New York City and needed something to cheer up my space, but didn't want to spend any money. It made the holidays a whole bunch brighter.

And to everyone who understood when my cards were getting returned to them as of changes in my address and everything I struggled with over Christmas and New Years, I greatly appreciate it and owe you guys and gals a lot for your patience!

Kudos to JM for doing this every year and taking on the big challenge of organizing the whole thing. I am going to buy cards for next year's card exchange ASAP (when money allows) and be ready to do it again because it was a hell of a lot of fun!

P.S: Dn't get discouraged JM, we all appreciate you and what you do for us. It is not your fault some of our members cannot read signs (much like the SC's we loathe)

[AdminAssistant]

*biiiiiig hugs for JM*

I mean, it was kinda hard for me to afford it and get them all done on time in the midst of finals, but I felt a sense of obligation. It really was fun during that stressful time to get all those wonderful well-wishes and holiday greetings and such. I got several different cards and had fun trying to match up the card to the person...hee hee.

Thank you, JM!!!

[Monica]

I had fun getting the cards like always. I also stocked up on cards when they had the end of the year clearanace sales! The best time to buy the cards because they are cheap!