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Nov 12, 2019 4:17 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Lisa
Boston, MA. (Zone 6a)
Birds Dog Lover Foliage Fan Hummingbirder Seed Starter Winter Sowing
Avid Green Pages Reviewer
I was just scanning the offerings and looking at our groups numbers this year.

We have far exceeded last year already! Here's we stand right now.

2222 types offered
5627 packets offered
3956 wish listed to date.

I'm going to ask each person in the swap to tree mail me an answer to my question below.

Do you believe there should be a minimum number of offerings for returning players? I mean players that have joined in the year before and possibly the year before that.

I noticed a few things when I went back to last year's swap to check the stats and compare them to this year numbers.

The answers that I get will not be posted! It is for my eyes only!

I'll be removing the people with zero offerings UNLESS they have never participated in a g.org swap before and possibly others. This will be decided by the majority of yays and nays...

I'm looking forward to another great swap and hoping to get more seeds entered in before the gates open!

Group hug
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Nov 12, 2019 4:21 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Lisa
Boston, MA. (Zone 6a)
Birds Dog Lover Foliage Fan Hummingbirder Seed Starter Winter Sowing
Avid Green Pages Reviewer
Ooops. I was thinking 24 hours before I have to start deleting players that have not responded to emails or entered in seeds...
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Nov 12, 2019 4:56 PM CST
Name: Ronnie (Veronica)
Southeastern PA (Zone 6b)
Count your blessings, be grateful
Region: Ukraine Organic Gardener Keeps Goats Zinnias Dog Lover Morning Glories
Annuals Bee Lover Dragonflies Butterflies Hummingbirder Birds
Scairt me for a second Hilarious!
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
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Nov 12, 2019 9:43 PM CST
Name: Karen
Maryland (Zone 7b)
Charter ATP Member
oops
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free ... Till by turning, turning we come round right." Shaker Hymn, Joseph Brackett
Dogs and Critical Thinking must be leashed. Oella MD
Last edited by Bluespiral Nov 13, 2019 9:53 AM Icon for preview
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Nov 13, 2019 9:48 AM CST
Name: Michael Haftl
Walnutport PA (Zone 6b)
I can't wait Lisa!! Smiling

~michael Hurray! Hurray!
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Nov 13, 2019 11:04 AM CST
Name: Maggie
Sierra Foothills, Calaveras Co (Zone 8b)
Region: California Seed Starter Enjoys or suffers hot summers Vegetable Grower Winter Sowing Cat Lover
Lisa's Question - First, I will say I do enjoy being generous. Some of you may remember I chose to send the packets last year but not collect any. And, I like to send lots of packets at the secret Santa swaps and in other places.

That said, this is listed as a swap and, as a 'not from the seed rack swap' at that. Watching Dave's video, it is about first putting in what you have to swap with and then, at the end, how to get things back. Dave created this space for swapping. There are places for newbies or people who have lost a lot due to moves, weather and what not to ask for and receive free seed in the forums here and over on Gardenweb. I find most of us are very generous with these people.

It would sour a lot of folks if people started abusing these swaps. Say you get 3 packets first night, 6 packets second, 12 third, 24 fourth.

I could see asking Dave to give the admins of the swap (or whatever name we'd give Lisa) the ability to set that anyone with less than say a dozen packets (or whatever number) enters the swap on Day 4.

That way, folks who have been working to gather, dry, pack, label their seeds and do all the data entry still have a chance of getting what's at the top of their wishlist and folks who have less can still, on the fourth day and forward, get many many packets of wonderful seed for their substantially less effort. Especially with Lisa asking about repeaters with substantially less entered.

If someone added, say just 6 packets and got more than a hundred back – and did that a few years in a row (so are they even growing what they collect?), is that fair to others here that they won't take the time to share yet can nab the most prized and sought after seeds? I understand sharing and always in swaps send more (like 5 to 1) for what I collect back. At the same time, I think people who put in the effort should feel rewarded and not abused by a few who can't make the effort to collect and list. There are so many on the internet who take advantage – it would be nice to find a way to keep those people from abusing these swaps. Otherwise, word may be spread among the 'takers' and the swaps here could be inundated.

I also understand that folks running the swaps can see what was sent in in years past and what people got – so they do know when someone is really not 'playing nice with others', offering a few and collecting more than a hundred repeatedly. The admin should be able to restrict these folks.

For everything above, I think if there's zero entered - people should be sent to the forums. Takers would figure out pretty fast that they could just create a new id repeatedly to join and collect and trot off. Let the swap space be about swapping.

Touched base with Lisa and told her I'd share my two cents here. I do think some thought to keeping abusers at bay will contribute to keeping these swaps a rewarding experience.
Remember, it is dangerous to the environment and ILLEGAL in MANY states (CA is one) to mail plants/bulbs/cuttings in. Let’s all practice Do No Harm while we walk this earth and find other ways to connect to one another through gardening.
Last edited by Faerygardener Nov 13, 2019 11:20 AM Icon for preview
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Nov 13, 2019 11:14 AM CST
Name: Alana H
SE Kentucky (Zone 7a)
Greenhouse Hibiscus Seed Starter Container Gardener Keeper of Poultry Rabbit Keeper
Frogs and Toads Dog Lover Plant and/or Seed Trader Annuals Bee Lover Butterflies
That late entry idea is interesting, Maggie.

I haven't hosted in a couple of years, but I recall that anyone who joins but has zero seeds available can see the swap take place but will not be awarded any "dibs" until and unless they add seeds, effectively locked out of choosing seeds. Unless something has been updated in the system that I missed. I confess that I miss a lot.
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Nov 13, 2019 11:36 AM CST
Name: Maggie
Sierra Foothills, Calaveras Co (Zone 8b)
Region: California Seed Starter Enjoys or suffers hot summers Vegetable Grower Winter Sowing Cat Lover
Thanks Alana, not sure about the zero but Lisa had mentioned deleting them UNLESS, so thought I'd touch on it.

I feel for the hosts and hostesses who can see years' past stats and know they have abusers in their swap - it must be so hard to pack their stuff when the time comes. I imagine it could really sour the experience for them. I know I'd be muttering and unhappy the whole time I was packing for someone who was playing the system - even though I enjoy giving away seed. I'd probably have indigestion!

Thanks to you for starting and Lisa for continuing these swaps - it's a lot of work!

And, Michael - Thanks for your generosity. I was able to re-establish my Nigella stand beautifully from what you sent in a Secret Santa swap (in that other space Smiling ).


Thumb of 2019-11-13/Faerygardener/dce846



Thumb of 2019-11-13/Faerygardener/188e99



Thumb of 2019-11-13/Faerygardener/758e26
Remember, it is dangerous to the environment and ILLEGAL in MANY states (CA is one) to mail plants/bulbs/cuttings in. Let’s all practice Do No Harm while we walk this earth and find other ways to connect to one another through gardening.
Last edited by Faerygardener Nov 13, 2019 11:38 AM Icon for preview
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Nov 13, 2019 11:57 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Lisa
Boston, MA. (Zone 6a)
Birds Dog Lover Foliage Fan Hummingbirder Seed Starter Winter Sowing
Avid Green Pages Reviewer
@faerygardener. That is an interesting idea about waiting until day 3 or 4... This would allow players with less to offer the chance at some good seeds to try out BUT would also allow those that have taken time to collect, dry, bag and tag seeds first choice.

I don't want to scare anyone away with a new rule BUT
I saw a pattern when looking back at last years to give everyone numbers.

I'll have to take a look later this evening at entries and try to make a decision on how to continue.

Thank you to everyone for messaging your thoughts. The general consensus is to put some type a limit on players that haven't listed many types.
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Nov 13, 2019 12:43 PM CST
Name: Diana
Southeast Missouri (Zone 6a)
Cat Lover Vegetable Grower Enjoys or suffers hot summers Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Region: Missouri Irises
Canning and food preservation Hibiscus Dog Lover Daylilies Enjoys or suffers cold winters
poisondartfrog said:That late entry idea is interesting, Maggie.

I haven't hosted in a couple of years, but I recall that anyone who joins but has zero seeds available can see the swap take place but will not be awarded any "dibs" until and unless they add seeds, effectively locked out of choosing seeds. Unless something has been updated in the system that I missed. I confess that I miss a lot.





That was my understanding - that no tickets would be issued. However, it seems that in a previous swap, the total number of people on the list, whether or not they offered anything, got factored into the calculation of the multiplier, resulting in so many excess seeds that the multiplier had to be upped mid-swap. It was crazy for me, because I had limited my wishlist to just a few packs over what the original multiplier would have allowed, since I had mainly dibbed on what others didn't want anyway. I was still working then, and having to go back to revise the wishlist mid-swap put me in an unanticipated time crunch.
If anyone hasn't listed anything and hasn't responded to a treemail from Lisa by now, I think it is fair for Lisa to simply remove them from the swap.
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Nov 13, 2019 12:50 PM CST
Name: Alana H
SE Kentucky (Zone 7a)
Greenhouse Hibiscus Seed Starter Container Gardener Keeper of Poultry Rabbit Keeper
Frogs and Toads Dog Lover Plant and/or Seed Trader Annuals Bee Lover Butterflies
Another aspect of that Diana, is that the presence of non-participating players in the swaps skews the statistics. I like following and manipulating the data, and the presence of dummy participants renders the statistics much less meaningful.
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Nov 13, 2019 1:50 PM CST
Name: Diana
Southeast Missouri (Zone 6a)
Cat Lover Vegetable Grower Enjoys or suffers hot summers Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Region: Missouri Irises
Canning and food preservation Hibiscus Dog Lover Daylilies Enjoys or suffers cold winters
I agree
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Nov 13, 2019 1:55 PM CST
Name: Christine
North East Texas (Zone 7b)
Shine Your Light!
Heirlooms Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Hummingbirder Bee Lover Herbs
Butterflies Dragonflies Birds Cat Lover Dog Lover Garden Photography
I'm good with whatever ishareflowers - Lisa, our hostess decides. Thumbs up Her name says it all, doesn't it!? I believe Lisa offers to do this swap because she enjoys sharing and it would be a shame if she lost that.

As mentioned, she can see better what's going on behind the scenes. But, I do agree that if a participant hasn't submitted any seeds for trade before the swap begins, they should be deleted. I'm guessing they have probably been sent a tree-mail to give them a chance to respond otherwise?

This issue should definitely be addressed in the rules for future swaps! It's a shame there always seems to be those that will ruin a good thing for everyone else. Too bad there isn't someone dedicated to looking for this type of abuse to give the hostess a heads-up! To quote Maggie, "Let the swap space be about swapping".
May your life be like a wildflower, growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day --Native American Proverb

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Nov 13, 2019 2:21 PM CST
Name: Kelli
Northern Nevada (Zone 6a)
Morning Glories Organic Gardener
i'm also good with whatever Lisa decides! if anyone ever feels im not listing enough or anything please send me a treemail to let me know! i've decided on a few things not to post them this year because i've passed them on in previous swaps and i can now see some new happy owners posting theirs, which makes me really happy!! Lovey dubby
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Nov 13, 2019 2:25 PM CST
Name: Karen
Colorado (Zone 5b)
Hi everyone,

I'm one of those who has participated for a couple years and you all have greatly helped me increase both my volume and diversity of plants. I have messaged Lisa already regarding her question but am happy to share with all of you also...

Like many of us, our circumstances change, our growing successes ebb and flow, personal lives get in the way of our love of gardening Whistling ... In the past you all so graciously allowed me to offer purchased seeds in this swap. Now I want to transition to just those I have grown as the name suggests. I successfully got about 6 things to grow and able to move with me to harvest. A pitiful showing by even my standards. I've been wanting to post on the wish list that I "wish" for more time, and more growing space to grow what I already have. Hilarious! but figured I'd not make that thread digress from what it should be.

So with all that. I will offer what I can and I'd be totally fine with sitting out the first couple of days. AT this point I clearly do not have the room or ability to grow what I do have. I do love being a part of your group and wouldn't want to miss the event entirely even though I'm not able to participate as fully as I'd like. I hate to think of anyone in this community gaming the system or taking advantage of every one's generosity but unfortunately those people do exist. I'm just happy to be here and will contribute in any way I can.

Thanks to you all.
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Nov 13, 2019 2:51 PM CST
Name: Christine
North East Texas (Zone 7b)
Shine Your Light!
Heirlooms Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Hummingbirder Bee Lover Herbs
Butterflies Dragonflies Birds Cat Lover Dog Lover Garden Photography
Now see, Karen, I want to share any and all of my seeds with you!! You're so sweet! This is only my second year in this swap, so I think you're all great! For the most part, we all just like to grow things and share! Lovey dubby

PS ~ tomorrow's the big day and I'm pretty excited!! Hurray! Hurray! Green Grin!
May your life be like a wildflower, growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day --Native American Proverb

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Nov 13, 2019 7:34 PM CST
Name: Jeanne
central Ohio (Zone 6a)
Sorry I'm so late to the party, thanks for leaving the light on for me! Check out my offerings, I grow mostly Ohio valley natives. Thank You!
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Nov 14, 2019 4:51 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Lisa
Boston, MA. (Zone 6a)
Birds Dog Lover Foliage Fan Hummingbirder Seed Starter Winter Sowing
Avid Green Pages Reviewer
Today is the big day!

We have new numbers due to a player leaving for medical issues. Let's wish @thomasjones2266 well!

The new numbers are

1809 types offered
2878 seed packets
4286 wishes

Let's play a little game today while we wait..😄

This will be for a packet of seeds of your choice.

What Is the highest number of wishes on one players list? I just discovered that I can see these numbers so why not make a game if it.. lol
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Nov 14, 2019 5:19 AM CST
Name: Alana H
SE Kentucky (Zone 7a)
Greenhouse Hibiscus Seed Starter Container Gardener Keeper of Poultry Rabbit Keeper
Frogs and Toads Dog Lover Plant and/or Seed Trader Annuals Bee Lover Butterflies
It seems I've put 1 of almost everything on my list. I can't believe I did that, lol. I'll try to add in a few more and whittle that down today if I have time.

In the meantime, I'll guess 209.
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Nov 14, 2019 6:21 AM CST
Name: Ronnie (Veronica)
Southeastern PA (Zone 6b)
Count your blessings, be grateful
Region: Ukraine Organic Gardener Keeps Goats Zinnias Dog Lover Morning Glories
Annuals Bee Lover Dragonflies Butterflies Hummingbirder Birds
Feel better @thomasjones2266 Group hug

I'll guess 235
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

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