So there's this swap site called Swap-Bot. It's a site whose members swap different items through the post and online. I recently joined up and have begun participating in some stationery and sticker swaps because that's what interests me.
The swaps are designed and posted by other members and HONESTLY, you wouldn't believe how rule-oriented and detailed some swaps are. Exactly 2 of this, 5 of that, 1.5 of this other thing, and all for postage under .46. WHAT?! I must be too eager to give my stuff away because earlier this week I packed a whole envelope full of goodies before I realized that the postage for that swap was only supposed to be about .65. Oopsie. So I unpacked it and repacked it in another recycled envelope.
I hope my swap mates will be pleased with the items I select. I've got some really cute stuff but I know that I also have eclectic taste that might not appeal to everyone. We'll see!
I received a couple postcards and 2 sets of note cards from folks on Swap-Bot. While I like getting mail, I've realized that I don't care too much about receiving postcards from folks with whom I have no relationship. So I don't think I'll be doing any more of those types of swaps. Also, I don't recall sending postcards the way they were sent to me (I put mine, unused, in an envelope) so I'm not sure whether they got the swap wrong or I did. I gave them all 5 points anyway, since I really don't know how it was supposed to go and they did hold up their end of the bargain. There is an elaborate rating system that influences which swaps you can participate in, and coordinators of swaps can "ban" you if they don't think you meet their requirements. It's a little nerve wracking.
I don't know how long I'm going to do this Swap-Bot thing. It's been more anxiety-producing than fun (I know I think and worry too much) and the pay off is hit or miss. Besides, with the Month of Letters coming up in February, I already have a list of new folks to write to and I'd rather exchange letters and connect with people than anything else.
1/25/2013
I've decided to ditch Swap-Bot. I got a message from a fellow swapper telling me that I'd gotten the swap wrong and why did I do that. ?!??! I certainly wouldn't misunderstand on purpose. She was nice about it after I explained myself, and she did give me a 5 rating for the swap but I'm ditching Swap-Bot nonetheless. They won't let me close my account today... I guess I have to wait to be rated by everyone who received something from me. I can understand the purpose but I'm REALLY looking forward to closing my account. I just don't have the patience for it and prefer to write real letters with people with whom I can build a relationship.
3 comments:
I've used swap-bot a few times, but mostly within communities I'm already a part of--I've never just gone and looked for random swaps, never even thought about it!
I used to swap a bunch, though, back in my early scrapbooking days, and after so many "flakes" and needing to find "swap angels" to fill the abandoned spots, I really appreciate the swap-bot ratings and filtering systems.
Sorry they didn't work out as well for you.
I like the concept of swap-bot but am glad I'm not the only one who isn't too sure about it. You can always put it on the back burner and go back to it later.
I recently joined and have participated in one swap. It was a simple and easy send a letter to get a letter swap and it was fun. The letter I got from Korea was from that swap and the one I sent to my partner garnered a heart for me.
I'm not sure I'll do anymore swaps, though, at least not right now. I have plenty of folks I've already connected with in some way and would rather put my efforts into them and the folks I've come across on the LetterMo site.
I'm watching several swaps, though, but haven't joined because the stringent rules of some of them are a bit too anxiety inducing for me. Just reading them makes my heart pound and not in a good way! If it does that to me, it's probably not something I need to get into.
Writing to you and the others whose blogs I read doesn't induce anxiety in me and receiving mail from y'all makes my heart pound in a good way!
I think I'll stick with that. ;)
Sorry you're not having the greatest experience with Swap-Bot. I think it has changed an incredible amount since I signed up and I tend to stay away now as I am not too fond of overly picky people and it seems to breed those folks :p
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