Secret Pals 4

Secret Pals 5

2005-05-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Sign up for Secret Pals 5 has begun over at the SP5 site.

Rox from Fearless Knitter has been passed the SP torch and I know it's going to be great.

If you are interested in SP5 - be sure to sign up before May 29th.

Reveal this Weekend

2005-04-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry my friends, I've been swamped at work (can you believe I have to earn a living?) and haven't had a chance to send out an email.

I'm going to try to get out an email this weekend, but in case any of you were wondering, this is the weekend to reveal yourself to your SP.

Because of the time zones, you can reveal yourself anytime this weekend.

I hope you have a blast finding out who your pal is and keep posted to this blog for post-SP4 info.

Okay, now, GO!

Important Update on SP5

2005-04-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

I've got an important update on the status of SP5.

As some of you are aware, due to circumstances, Alice will not able to host the next Secret Pals event, SP5.

I did have another volunteer, Morgan who is willing to host this event.

I will update you as events unfold, Morgan is in the process of creating a website and I will post that address as soon as possible.

Also next weekend is the end of the event and I will be sending out mass mailings this week to let everyone know when to 'reveal' themselves.

Keep posted to this page for updates.

Cheers,
Jacqueline

Help Wanted for Secret Pals 5

2005-04-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

Given the tremendous amount of participation, I think it should be assumed that hosting these events have grown into a 'more than one person' job.

Alice, who is hosting SP5, has asked if I can send out the call for anyone who can offer technical support for then next event.

You can reach her at brokedown_tiger at yahoo.com for more details about what she'll need exactly.

I guess this would be a good opportunity to share what I've learned about hosting these events - for future hosts

1. As just stated, it has grown into a 2+ person job. We had 365 and if I hadn't had the help I received I would have been pretty screwed. If you are planning to do this solo, I'd put a cap on participation at 250. Sending out the email alone is a huge undertaking.

2. There might be some thought of doing other SP's broken down to 'Domestic' SP'S (for instance U.S., North America or Europe) for those participants who which to stay on the same continent and then an 'International' SP for knitters who would prefer exchanging world wide. (Also, maybe Spanish and French language SP's). The event is large enough now to probably accommodate this and would ease a lot of the organizational hurdles for the hosts.

3. NEVER use an excite account as the main email address. I found it wonky (undelivered mail) and pretty much useless for sorting emails. I'd suggest either yahoo or gmail.

4. Place more specific deadlines or parcels. I'd suggest that if a participant wanted to just send one big package, that they do that within the first month. This way you know who is still participating.

5. Given the international participation of this event, give the heads up on the cost and time delay of sending overseas. While a lot of people like to exchange internationally, they may not be aware of how much more the shipping costs.

6. I would revise the list of rules and regulations that were used in this event. I did a lot of cut and pasting from previous events and I realize now that perhaps some of the rules of engagement were vague. Everyone has different expectations, and it might be better if everything is explicatly spelled out.

7. Explain how the SP event works right up front, specifically, who remains anonymous to whom. I kind of assumed that everyone was familiar with the structure of these events so we have a few accidental reveals. So that is something I'd explain right up front.

So that's it for my thoughts. If anyone has any constructive thoughts, send them to me at secretpals4 at exite.com and I'll try to compile another list.

Coming into the Home Stretch

2005-04-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of postings. When in rains it pours and we have been very busy over at our house lately.

Now, the most important piece of information, SP4 is still continuing until the END of April – so be sure not to reveal yourselves before then. I will most likely get out an email the weekend BEFORE the 30th to remind everyone to reveal themselves. The reason I don’t want to do it on the 30th is that it does take me so long to get all the emails out.

Three pieces of housekeeping:
If you still haven’t heard anything from your SP, please let me know asap. There is still an opportunity to get you an angel and I don’t want anyone missing out – but please let me know.

If you have not sent any parcel to you SP by this time, please let us know if you are still participating or when you plan to send out your parcel. Some of you wish to send one big parcel and if this is the case, it would be appreciated if you could get them out shortly so that your pal can get their pressie before the end of the event.

If you have received a special gift – please remember to thank your SP either through email or on your webpage. That acknowledges a received gift and lets your pal know that her efforts are appreciated.

So that’s it for me – hope you are all enjoying yourselves as we come into the last month of SP4. In the next week or so I hope to post some of my thoughts on the event and give some recommendations for anyone considering hosting future events. Please feel free to send me some of you ideas too – send them to glacia@gmail.com
PS – anyone interested in the next Secret Pals event should go directly to www.sp5.blogspot.com

Ciao for now!

Update on SP4

2005-03-23T10:48:00.000-08:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been almost 2 months since the beginning of SP4. (Wasn't it a week ago that I was matching everyone up?) Sorry for my silence for the last couple of weeks - my sister is moving in with us and we've been busy packing her up, etc.

By all accounts it seems to be a big success and everyone seems pretty happy. The number of mix ups have been very, very low - in fact a LOT lower than I had anticipated.

This isn't to say that I don't have a whack of advice for anyone considering hosting further SP events. Top item would be to never, ever use excite as their email address.

So spring is here and Easter is coming up for those who celebrate it. What a great opportunity to send a spring surprise or a chocolatey bunny.

Have a great time - get out there and do some frolicking as the weather warms and the snow starts to melt.

Oh - p.s. thanks to all for the Irish blog info. I'm really itching to get over there now - I just see myself with my pint knitting a nice aran sweater..aaah.

SP 5

2005-03-07T07:13:00.000-08:00

This was long overdue posting, but here is the website for SP5, run by the lovely Alice:

http://SP5.blogspot.com

If you are interested in signing up for SP5 she has left some instructions on her site.

Let me know how you're doing and if you need some assistance. The issues we have had all seem to be working themselves out so that's good news. Also, everyone's been very good natured when the goof ups have occurred and that makes everything so much better.

Oh, one thing, I'll take advantage of a captive audience for my own personal quest. Does anyone know of any Irish knitting blogs? I'm planning a trip in October and would love to hook up with the knitting community over there before going over. If anyone is aware of some, could you let me know here or at glaciaatgmaildotcom? Many thanks.

End of Month 1 Fast Approaching

2005-02-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

Okay - so that was an awkward title.

Anyway, we're coming around the corner of the end of month 1 and it looks likes things are going swimmingly. I've loved reading the blogs and how happy people are with their SP's.

IMPORTANT
On March 1st, I am going to start employing our Angels to replace people who are not actively participating in this event. So with that in mind I urge you to contact your pal if you haven't done so already.

YET MORE IMPORTANT INFO
One other point - if you haven't sent a present yet, could you just give your SP an indication of when you will send. There were no strict time lines for when your gifts are to be sent, but a curtsey email if you are planning to send your gift after March 1st would be appreciated.

I know someone of you are planning to send 1 large gift or you are making something for your SP which means that your present will arrive later. If this is the case, please, please just let your SP know. This will reduce anxiety.

That's it for now - keep enjoying those pals!
Jacqueline

Ring-A-Ding-Ding

2005-02-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

Okay, worst title ever? Possibly.

Our clever participant Karrie has set up an SP4 web ring for those of you who'd like to join!

Click right here, and click on "join the ring" at the top of the page. You'll be asked to complete a short form with some basic information. Once you submit your form, Karrie will cross check your site against the list of SP4 participating sites, and then you're added!

There is a little chunk of code that needs to be pasted into your site, so you will get the image for the ring navigation. (you can see it under the list of blogs in our sidebar) It's easy-peasy, the only trick is that in the code, there is a generic "IMAGE" tag, which you must replace with the path for the SP4 button of your choice. Karrie and I will surely be happy to help anyone who has questions about that part.

Now go forth and be a joiner!

It's oh so quiet

2005-02-10T05:03:00.000-08:00

Well gang, it looks like everything is well under way and that you're all enjoying your Secret Pals.

I've been surfing around the blogs and I can't believe how many of you have already received your first packages. How fast and how exciting!

Anyway, just wanted to give a quick reminder to contact your SP if you haven't already done so and if you SP has sent you an email, please send her an acknowledgment.

Also, be sure to keep your blog up to date so that your SP knows all about what makes you tick.

End of nagging.

Now - Valentine's day is coming up so be sure to be creative and sneaking with that. I'm trying to think about the different ways it's celebrated around the world. Don't they give out marshmallows in Japan?

Ciao for now knitters!

Quick update

2005-02-04T06:05:00.000-08:00

Hi guys!

Sorry for the silence - we've had some projects at work that need to get completed and have been taking up my brain space. Then I spent last night doing this strange thing involving a pair of sticks and some string - I don't know if you've heard about it - it's called knitting. I seem to remember doing something like that in the past....

Anyway two quick things.

#1 - if you haven't had an opportunity to send your SP an email to say 'hello' - you might want to do that. Even a fast e-card just to let your pal know that you have their name.
And if you have heard from your SP - please send them a quick note to let them know you've received their mail. There is concerns that some of the emails - especially from anonymous email may be considered 'spam'.

#2 - Suzanne has emailed me to let me know that if there are any other vegans out there (or people shopping for vegan pals) she know where to get vegan treats to send out. Just email me (Jacqueline) and I'll let her know you're interested.

Mailings

2005-02-04T04:01:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder to take a flip through the FAQ before you send a mailing to your SP. We are getting some great information in the comments, specifically around valuing your package if you are sending out of your country. Value over a certain monetary amount will result (possibly!) in your pal having to pay duty on the package.

Another cute SP4 button!

2005-02-02T14:43:00.000-08:00

Kitty Kitty from knit buddies sent us another button for SP4!

It's in the sidebar for your use. We have so many cute buttons now that I think I'd have to rotate them each week to use them all!

Frequently Asked Questions

2005-02-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

Folks who haven't played in a previous Secret Pal incarnation might have some questions about logistics. (I know I have had some!) Enter the FAQ for SP4 post. We'll list the questions being asked about how this all works, and keep those answers right here for your reference. It will be updated whenever a new question comes across our desks.

I have a favor to ask. If any of you talented button-creators have one more left in you, I could really use a button that reads "SP4 FAQ". That way I can set it to the permalink of this post, and keep it in our "Important Info" area. If you feel like whipping off another button, please email it to miriroosa AT gmail DOT com, and thanks in advance! The always helpful Andrea from mellowtrouble comes through again! Link is now in the sidebar!

Now - onto the questions!

Basics:

How the heck does this work, and who is it that is not supposed to know my identity?

You are keeping your identity secret from the person you are sending to.

This is how the whole system works.

If there were only 4 participants, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ I would have matched them up as such

A sends to B
B sends to C
C sends to D
D sends to A

If you were participant ‘B’ you would know who ‘C’ was but you would keep your identity secret from them. ‘A’ would send to you but you wouldn’t know who they were.

Do we reveal our identities at the end?

You bet!

I haven’t heard a peep from my SP, what do I do?

Let Jacqueline know!

I just got dissed on someone’s blog! What do I do?

Let Jacqueline know!

I have a question about how this works! How do I get it answered and then added to the FAQ?

Mail your question to either Jacqueline or Miri!

Blogs:

My blog’s link or title is wrong on the SP4 page, how does it get fixed?

Email your corrections to Miri

I’m the only participant from Kuala Lumpur! Won’t my blog give me away?

If you are the only participant from your state/country/planet, email Miri or Jacqueline. We may use some ‘ringer’ blogs - blogs that are not participating, but may be from your state/country/planet and could be used to throw an investigation off track. If you know of other knit blogs from your state/country/planet that can be used, please let us know.

I’ve never done this blog thing before! How do I get help?

Try these sites for assistance:
Knitblog
Lissa Explains

I am part of SP4! Can I use these buttons? When can I use them? Which one do I use?

Yes you can! Place them on your site whenever you like! See the help sites above if you do not know how. And you can choose whichever one strikes your fancy!

Some of these blogs are not in my language! Is there help if I want to read them?

Oui! Si! Ja! Try the online translator!

Mailings:

Okay, seriously. What’s the story with sending chocolate?

Some folks have experienced trouble, some have not. Our best advice is to double check before sending chocolate/foodstuffs to another country. If its not permitted and you send it anyway, it may get through, or it may be sent back to you, delaying your entire gift to your pal. When in doubt regarding what can or cannot be mailed, check with your local postal station first.

Got any tips for mailing?

One of our brilliant participants posted this info:
If you are sending a package to your secret pal from the US to another country you should definately mark your custom form as a gift and not merchandise. Merchandise would cause your pal to have to pay a duty on the item. You should also say that the value is below $50. Since usually boxes that are above that value get tagged by customs and searched. Pack as lightly as possible, since if you go over a certain weight you have to fill out the big customs form vs the small easy one.

She also suggests the following:
1) Don't wrap since atleast for me those packages that have wrapped items always get hand searched and the gifts opened anyway. The person may never know you spent a long time wrapping. Or worse have a damaged gift.
2) Be sure to write in a permenant pen and include the address inside. If the package gets wet in customs and your forms get smugged you always have another address inside the box for them to use

Good tips.

Won’t my pal find out who I am as soon as I mail something and my name/return address is seen?

Jacqueline worked hard to try to match the SP’s with enough distance that they hopefully won’t know each other by address alone. As for the name, the suggestion is: use an alias! Now is your chance to become Queen Elizabeth I or Zazu Pitts. (Suggestion: you know that there are names out there that would just attract postal searches. Don’t use those, okay?)

If I want to create a DIY knit kit, can I copy a pattern from a book?

Sticky wicket, this one. Safer bets include buying the book for your pal as part of the kit, or providing the only the supplies and referencing the suggested pattern and book it’s found in, or making the item itself from your own book and gifting your pal with the completed item.

For copyright info, check these sources:
Copyright: A Primer for Knitters
The Copyright FAQ for Knitters

Now With Expandable Posts!

2005-02-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

In order to keep the front SP4 page from being buried under the long FAQ post, I have made posts expandable. You will see a link at the bottom of each post that reads "click to read more" - if you click it, you will see any additional content. The FAQ post (forthcoming in a moment) will have the actual FAQ content hidden, and you will need to expand it to read the full post.

Clear as mud!

FAQ's

2005-02-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

Okay - so Miri is going to post some FAQ's later to help everyone out.

Right now though, I thought I'd cover one issue - which I probably SHOULD have done right from the get-go. A lot of people aren't sure how the secret pals were distributed and who's to remain anonymous to whom.

This is how the whole system works.

If there were only 4 participants, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ I would have matched them up as such

A sends to B
B sends to C
C sends to D
D sends to A

If you were participant ‘B’ you would know who ‘C’ was but you would keep your identity secret from them. ‘A’ would send to you but you wouldn’t know who they were.

You are keeping your identity secret from the person you are sending to.

Gift Suggestions

Here were some suggestions posted on SP2 - please feel free to add to this list:

1. Handmade soap or candles

2. Other bath treats--lip gloss, lotion, etc.

3. A bottle of wool wash. (Come on, admit it--you usually use dish soap!)

4. Candy

5. Music - make a CD!

6. Small knitted items, or a kit (make it yourself!)

7. Postcards and other mail (blank, or written to your pal by you!)

8. Other types of crafts that you do--quilting, papermaking, etc. Or maybe supplies for a new craft.

9. Books

10. Containers to hold your knitting supplies. Here you can get really creative!

Also, remember, Valentine's day is around the corner.

The 'How Many People from France' contest

The prizes - loverly stitch markers - for this contest are going out today! Yeah!

And for those of you who asked...here are the stitch markers created by my sister (with me as her wee elf.)

Your update

2005-02-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

So I think I've worked through most of this issues - but please let me know.

And if you haven't heard from me - bug me. Now is the time to be the squeaky wheel. With all the names out, I have more time to fix things. In addition, I think I blew out the 'keeping everything straight' chip in my brain - so just hassle me.

We have two more buttons which are long overdue for being posted on this site. Which is a shame because they are really amazing.

Thanks to both ladies.

Elabeth

Andrea

You're all very welcome

2005-01-31T08:14:00.000-08:00

First, and very, very important – I want to take this opportunity to thank YOU!

Seriously, when I started this event – I braced myself because I thought – man, whenever you get a big group together, there’s always gonna be a few grouches, cranks, etc.

Not this group – every, single, solitary one of you have been completely amazing. I cannot believe how positive, enthusiastic, funny, supportive and sometimes down right cute you’ve been.

Even during the slip ups and boo-boo’s you have been incredible.

Which just goes to prove once again, that knitters are clearly the coolest people on earth.

I stand on my chair right now and applaud you all.

Second – the many beautiful thank yous I’ve been receiving. You are very, very, very welcome. It was a big job, but I honestly had a blast and was probably as excited sending out the names as you were to receive them.

Third – I see a lot of people are asking for my snail mail address in order to send me a treat.

This is very unexpected and while it’s really not necessary – I won’t pretend I don’t love treats and that I don’t love surprises.

So Miri has agreed to hold my mailing address for anyone who wants to contact her - and vice-versa, I have her address if anyone wants to send something to our Lady of the Links. You know where to reach me and you can contact Miri at miriroosa AT gmail DOT com.
Keep in mind too, that I’m an easy lady to please and even postcards from far away lands (like Kentucky) bring me much pleasure.

Four – please don’t hesitate to contact me about any difficulties you might be having. I think a few of you have felt bad about emailing me - but it’s not a bother and that is what I am here for.

Finally, as promised, we’ll be getting a lot more info up here over the next while - I do have some more buttons too that are fab – btw!

Oh, - just to let you know about the chocolate front – I was just letting you know that you need to proceed with caution when sending chocolate outside of your country. Just be prepared for the package to be returned to you if the chocolate is sniffed out. But who knows what percentage are sniffed out. (I myself received contraband chocolate just recently with no problems. )

They're out there

2005-01-30T14:32:00.000-08:00

5:31 pm - Toronto time.

With the help of a lot of Gypsy King tunes, a patient spouse and a few shots of French vodka - I was able to finish all the sp mailings.

(I like someone's comment - 350 doesn't seem like a lot at first -until you see all those blogs listed. My thoughts exactly.)

So, now is the time for you to let me know about any issues you have, such as:

1) Hey, I didn't get my sp.
2) I got a blank email from you, what the ??
3) Ooops, I accidentally let my SP know who I am.
4) Are you SURE Dick Cheney is my new Secret Pal?

Questions such as these should be sent to secretpals4@excite.com or a comment left here (if you are leaving a comment, just let me know who you are).

The one thing to remember is if there has been some kind of giant mess up - don't panic. While I can't solve the mid-east crisis, I will most likely be able to solve any SP issues. The worse case scenario is you might be a day late out of the gate.

I do need to walk away from this for a 24 hour period so if you don't hear from me until Monday night or Tuesday, don't worry.

But for now, this little canuck girl is going to go enjoy the sophisticated pleasure of her couch, a beer, her husband, an extra large veg pizza and Playstation 2.

Enjoy your pals!!

Clarification

2005-01-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to assure everyone that the SP names are still be sent out.

Originally I thought I could get all the names out by Friday - but that was before we had so many participants. This means I will need the weekend to finish up - so rest assured the names are going out.

Also, if your blog is not listed on the side, that doesn't mean you aren't in the event. It might just be that we're having problems with your blog addy. I'm working with the always charming and lovely Miri to get as many blog links up and operating as soon as possible. It may take until after the names have all been sent out however, to fine tune and correct any mistakes.

So chins up gang, with a little British luck, we'll get through these rough waters.

Your ever persistent navigator, Jacqueline

Added To Bloglines

2005-01-28T14:13:00.000-08:00

In response to a request, SP4 is set for Bloglines. If you are using Bloglines and want to add SP4 to your subscribed list, click the button in the upper right corner.

(big thanks to Andrea at mellowtrouble for literally making this cut and paste simple!)

Participating Blogs List

2005-01-28T13:05:00.000-08:00

In the interest of clarification:

If you received confirmation that you are included in the SP4 swap, and your blog is not listed in the participant list, please send an email to miriroosa AT gmail DOT com and let me know. I know some folks were setting up blogs later, and some folks had blog addresses that didn't work. I'll happily add you to the list if you email me with your correct URL and blog title. When registration closed we didn't necessarily have correct and complete blog info for everyone, so some housekeeping here is expected.

Participant List is UP!

2005-01-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

The list of blogs participating in SP4 is now up! Surf around and check out who's playing!

Some of you have changed blog addresses since the list of participants was created. I did my level best to ensure I have the correct address for everyone, so please click your blog link and just make sure it goes to where you expected it to. You can report any problems in the comments and I'll get right on fixing it for ya.

If anyone was missed, you can also put your info in the comments and I'll get you added.

Where We're At

2005-01-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

So I started sending out the SP names and I'm loving how excited everyone is!

I thought I might be able to get all the names out by the end of the week, but unfortunately, because of the numbers I'll have to used this weekend to finish up.

Good things coming....

Miri is almost ready to post the blog links so keep an eye out for that.

There has been a blogline set up and I'll try to get that up on the sidebar today.

Thanks for the suggestion about the webring, I'll work on that after the names go out.

I'm also composing an FAQ and some gift suggestions to be posted next week.

Oh, I did want to mention something about the gifts. I'd suggest using caution when sending chocolate outside of your own country.

I know that no chocolate may be sent to Canada and any package containing chocolate into the U.S. needs a 'prior notice number' - which is a bit of a pain to get. So double check the recipient's country before shipping out any food but especially chocolate.

Anyway - today is an 'office' day for me so I won't be able to deal with too many issues until I get home tonight. Meanwhile, keep knitting, enjoy the SP's you've received and if you haven't received yours yet - hang tight, they're on their way.

Request

2005-01-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

This isn't desperately urgent, but if I could find one more person outside of France who can read French (or can fill in the blanks with the assistance of an online translator) that would be great.

You don't need to communicate in French, just be willing to read a French blog.

This is directed to those who haven't already indicated that they can read French.

BTW - I'm going to start sending out some of the SP matches tonight. ;-)