279 replies to this topic

[TBT!]

GroundHog, you did a great job and it seems things went pretty smoothly. Thank you for taking the time to set this up.

Also, well done to all those who took part, this sort of thing wouldn't work if all of you hadn't gone above and beyond with some of the gifts and got your stuff out without drama.

Well done everyone!

T.

[Bob Harris]

Great job, Granny!

I really enjoyed it - and I'm still looking forward to get my gift. No worries, Sweet Santa O' Mine, a belated present is still an awesome one!

And I really liked the international thing, putting all participating members in one hat. Thing is, it's about giving (and receiving, I know, I know...) and I don't mind to send some stuff and pay a little more for shipping. This way, we are all in one boat and not seperated by regions. Or oceans that is. (After all, I do know more oversea-versers than I do know European ones. Don't even mention continental Europe. That's Aapje and me, right? )

So, all in all one of the best Secret Santa thingies I've ever participated in. (And I'm saying this without gotten my package yet.)

Go Granny!

[groundhog7s]

If I end up doing it next year (or suggesting for anyone that replaces me) I will probably give the option to be in one of two matchings-one for no international at all and one for everyone else. I probably wasn't as clear in the directions about shipping outside of your country, but think that can easily be explained differently next year.

[boyd]

I thought this went great this year, thanks to all your planning and assistance. You should give yourself a big pat on the back.

Some suggestions:

I do think that dividing it into an international / domestic group is a good idea. Also, maybe starting a little sooner this year, like getting the names before Thanksgiving. And everyone should get a pony.

[blacksun1520]

Secret Santa is so much fun, and I think you did an awesome job running it this time around GH I'm looking forward to this years festivities already.

BS

[karamazov80]

I think you also did a swell job, Super Smashed-Up Piggy.

Not sure about the international thing. I kind of agree with Bob, in that it seems like a real single community that you are interacting with. But on the other hand, it is much easier for folks in the U.S. to print out postage and stick a padded envelope in your mailbox. So from a laziness standpoint, I like that idea. But whatever the case, giving folks some extra time seems like a good thing, since postal services are usually at their slowest at this time of year.

[groundhog7s]

I think the timing issue can be blamed on not knowing if this was being done this year. The prior years was able to start quicker than this one and I'm sure 2011 will start sooner. I'm thinking next week.

[karamazov80]

No, I'm pretty sure you are to blame for the timing issue. Scapehog.

[buttheadsmate]

.............I think the timing issue can be blamed

I'd agree that the timing issue was unforeseen.....let's face it... Secret Santa.....Christmas .....who would have guessed???

[Nessex]

G-Hog, i think you did a bang-up job.
I REALLY liked the international thing. I'm always happy to ship overseas, otherwise, i'd have the same person every year for SS (I think there's only a couple of us in Aus). Sure - the shipping rates suck, but i don't mind spending the money to be a part of the MMMV and bringing someone some x-mas chher (not to mention getting some in return ).
Thanks for organising this years festivities. It was jolly good fun

EDIT: I meant x-mas cheer, not x-mas chher. . . x-mas cher would be something truly disturbing!

Edited by Nessex, 19 January 2011 - 05:44 PM.

[jcastick]

Mattillica you not so directly say?

Wow, that makes me feel a bit like Yoda when you put it that way.

Was only meant with the best of intentions

I'd really like to thank Mattillica (finally) for the wonderful gift, Thanks man!!!

And I think you did a great job working this thing out, everything seemed to go on without a hitch!

[eclipse]

yes you did very orginized -supurb job

[buttheadsmate]

yes you did very orginized -supurb job

Thank goodness the dictionary & ferret arrived safely.

[Shanester]

Echoing others, this was a well organized event and I appreciate the efforts involved to make it so.

[homestar17]

Bro, you did great!

I agree with Bob & some of the others -- I like everything to be a mixed bag, international & domestic all together. Maybe give people the option when you (or whomever does it in the future) put up the info to be filled out, like if they want to stay local or not. That way, everybody's happy!

[Robbie]

Everything was well done and I really enjoyed taking part. Thanks for doing a great job Groundhog!

[youbastards]

I'll echo every-one's statements! Great job, Mr. Hog! Now get your @$$ back to the forums, you've been noticeably quiet lately...

[buttheadsmate]

Groundhog is currently very busy packing large brown cartons for the needy people in the UK.

[groundhog7s]

Um, actually Groundhog was busy with packing...up his nose. I had sinus surgery that was supposed to correct a messed up sinus surgery from a few years back and there ended up being complications this time (complications=lots of bone being chiseled away inside my nose). And having packing and splints up my nose for a couple weeks really took more out of me than I expected. Anyways...

If no one minds, I'll organize Secret Santa again this year. I've learned a few things and it should go smoother this time around. Expect an announcement around the beginning of November and there will be two groups-one for anywhere in the world and one for US only. Thanks for all the feedback and I'm glad things went well this time.

Edited by groundhog7s, 04 February 2011 - 09:41 AM.

[youbastards]

Welcome back GH, hope recovery goes well, that sounds like a painful surgery.