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GAF Secret Santa 2012

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nicoga3000 said:
Hey guys -

There are a LOT of people who haven't responded to my PM's regarding your TT not having received their gift. I've stalked a bunch of folks and seen them posting...I need your response soon or else you'll be tossed on the black list. The date is firm at 2/1/13.
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I think that's kind of late. If there are a few exceptions that you've spoken with that's one thing, but the TTs who didn't receive gifts could end up waiting until mid-February or later to get something.

Not really second guessing so much as I have little hope that people who haven't responded to PMs by now are going to have a change of heart as time goes by. It's not like they didn't notice - Christmas is 2 weeks past and it's easy to assume anyone you haven't personally communicated with has no intentions of following through on their end of the deal. Especially in the cases where a *"deadbeat" SS received a gift him/herself

I do wonder if publicly announcing the fund for the giftless set up an incentive for posters to freeride. Even a blacklist wouldn't deter someone motivated by that as it's probably not too difficult to set up an alt account (or several).


*I use the term "deadbeat" for lack of a better term. Financial or other hardships and extenuating circumstances could be playing a part for some and I don't mean to characterize those people as someone willfully "stiffing" their tiny tims.
 
turnbuckle said:
I do wonder if publicly announcing the fund for the giftless set up an incentive for posters to freeride. Even a blacklist wouldn't deter someone motivated by that as it's probably not too difficult to set up an alt account (or several).
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I doubt it. These people probably would've done the same thing even without the "giftless fund." Some people just like getting something for nothing.

I do think some form of public shaming is called for.
 
turnbuckle said:
I think that's kind of late. If there are a few exceptions that you've spoken with that's one thing, but the TTs who didn't receive gifts could end up waiting until mid-February or later to get something.

Not really second guessing so much as I have little hope that people who haven't responded to PMs by now are going to have a change of heart as time goes by. It's not like they didn't notice - Christmas is 2 weeks past and it's easy to assume anyone you haven't personally communicated with has no intentions of following through on their end of the deal. Especially in the cases where a *"deadbeat" SS received a gift him/herself

I do wonder if publicly announcing the fund for the giftless set up an incentive for posters to freeride. Even a blacklist wouldn't deter someone motivated by that as it's probably not too difficult to set up an alt account (or several).


*I use the term "deadbeat" for lack of a better term. Financial or other hardships and extenuating circumstances could be playing a part for some and I don't mean to characterize those people as someone willfully "stiffing" their tiny tims.
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The window will be shorter next year. There's not much we can do about it for this year. And honestly, your estimate on when those gifts will arrive is probably too optimistic. Consider that we need to gather the Tim fund, shop and ship. That is going to take some time...particularly if that list of people who got stiffed doesn't shrink...but I hope we can make it worth the wait. That's the goal.

Incidentally, there were a couple Santas having trouble putting food on the table who came through for their Tims. I won't identify them, but I just want to say I admire their commitment.
 
distantmantra said:
I doubt it. These people probably would've done the same thing even without the "giftless fund." Some people just like getting something for nothing.

I do think some form of public shaming is called for.
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Yeah, I would think that those who are in worry of black listing have more to worry about. :)

Next year, I intend to get things set so that there's NO excuse for not having your gift delivered by Christmas. The cutoff date with be January 1 (mainly because people will be wrapping up the holidays). But when you have people who play their ignorance card, they don't deserve to participate anymore.
 
distantmantra said:
I doubt it. These people probably would've done the same thing even without the "giftless fund." Some people just like getting something for nothing.

I do think some form of public shaming is called for.
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You and Nic would know better than me, perhaps the giftless rate is on par with other years. I could be being too cynical, but when I hear the stories of people who fulfilled their santa role despite hardship I feel even less of those that dodge the thread once they're signed up. It's one thing to come out and say that you're not going to be able or willing to send a gift, but ignoring the thread and those who spend a lot of their time and energy orchestrating the thing is pathetic.

-

Just looked at the OP again. Damn, nearly 15-20% of the people who participated didn't receive a gift. Hopefully there's a few absent santas that were paired with each other. Nic hasn't received a gift either. Goddamn
 
turnbuckle said:
You and Nic would know better than me, perhaps the giftless rate is on par with other years. I could be being too cynical, but when I hear the stories of people who fulfilled their santa role despite hardship I feel even less of those that dodge the thread once they're signed up. It's one thing to come out and say that you're not going to be able or willing to send a gift, but ignoring the thread and those who spend a lot of their time and energy orchestrating the thing is pathetic.

-

Just looked at the OP again. Damn, nearly 15-20% of the people who participated didn't receive a gift. Hopefully there's a few absent santas that were paired with each other. Nic hasn't received a gift either. Goddamn
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That's pretty similar to past years. Doesn't make it better, though.
 
Gemüsestäbchen;46077326 said:
Sorry for the delay - thanks again to GreyMatter and The Baroness - I was PMed after whining in the thread around the last few days before Christmas, so I knew something was coming...

So I opened up the massive box and got these wrapped goodies:



I think the German Zollamt decided to open one for kicks, so a lone "Pikmin Star" was already out of his wrapping.



I opened everything at once... (Terrible photos since I had to take them in the dark quickly yesterday!)

The Sackboy is super cute! And thanks for the handmade Pikmin Stars :)

There was some sweeties (I love candy canes!) badges and... I have to confess, I don't recognise the anime girls dressed up in animal hoodies

The posters were some of the Bayonetta limited edition posters, I think GameStop gave out a few years back!

Here's a close up of one:



I'm going to put one up at work to make people feel awkward :D

Finally, I got an Adventure Time MadLibs, so that's why I was asking for your help...
Here's the story in it's GAF glory:

madlibxxzev.jpg
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I'm so glad you liked your gifts :) GreyMatter needed some help figuring out gifts so I chipped in. I thought the mad libs were cute, so glad you posted them here! I'm glad you liked the Bayonetta posters too!! They were indeed the exclusive Gamestop ones from back when I still worked there. She's my favorite video game gal, I just never had anywhere to putt them, again so glad you liked your gifts. I'm just disappointed they didn't arrive sooner. Maybe got held up in customs?
 
nicoga3000 said:
I have received a few PM's with late shipment info, so that at least helps a little.

And yeah, I'm currently without gift. That's the way these go, though - it's always a possibility.
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I never got shafted when running SS, you'd think that whoever gets the dude who runs the whole thing would know better.

You'd think everyone would know better, but welcome to the anonymity of the internet.
 
distantmantra said:
I never got shafted when running SS, you'd think that whoever gets the dude who runs the whole thing would know better.
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Fortunately this situation looks like it will be resolved within the next day or two, and Santa has a (reasonably) good excuse for the tardiness. We can all keep our pitchforks and torches stowed.
 
I'm saying this on behalf of Soccergoaliepro because the red man is keeping him down,

He got his gift. He he says thanks. He likes it a lot. Oh and thanks for running it SS, he said too.
 
Hey polg - can you quote that picture? It's a bit huge. :)

I'm still waiting on a few PM's. There have been people who have told me the gift was sent recently (within the past week), so those should be showing up soon. Outside of that, I will likely start contacting folks regarding the Super Secret Santa Fund soon.

If you have interest in this and want to contact me first, PM me. Make the title Super Secret Santa Fund so I can filter the PMs accordingly. I'm not going to be asking for much. A few bucks here and there should help, depending on how many people get shafted.

For the record, I'm happy that a good number of the gifts have gone out (according to the info I have available at least), but I am a bit disappointed that some people waited this long. Next year will be very different in terms of cutoff dates and blacklisting. I hate having to be "that guy", but it sucks to not receive a gift. Even more, it sucks to have to track down the rogue Secret Santas and arrange all this when some people simply refuse to reply, check messages, or participate as needed.

BUT! High hopes to those who still haven't received their gifts. It sucks that it's so late, but no worries...This has been a fantastic way of learning what works, what doesn't work, and the general state of the community here at GAF.
Which is, for the most part, awesome.
 
1) I've been meaning to post this for awhile, but nic & echo: amazing work, both of you. Thanks very much for organizing the whole thing.

2) Publicly shame the blacklist! I mean, I don't know what the mods would think about making the list of deadbeats public, but it just seems like the right thing to do.
 
Would it be too much to ask for possible suspensions next year at the lack of gifts or is that being too evil about it all?

What I will say echoes the post above and that this is my third year being a part of it. Ive enjoyed doing it- both the gifting and the getting, so definitely great work guys. Thanks again for hosting!
 
So I've been outrageously caught up and pre-occupied, I realized I completely forgot to post my Secret Santa pics.

I've been in the process of applying for a work Visa to work in the US, and my mind's been all over the place. I got my Christmas gift before Christmas and it's absolutely unbelievable. Absolutely perfect and I couldn't have been luckier.
IMG_20121217_171006.jpg

IMG_20121217_171022.jpg

IMG_20121217_171015.jpg
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My secret santa clearly did his homework, and I can't believe how perfect these are. I've been a huge fan of that Zu album ever since it came out, but never had seen it in stores to own a copy on wax. As for the poster, I'm without words. Wong Kar Wai's my favourite director, and I'm unbelievably excited for this movie.

If I could, I'd kiss you. Thank you so much SystemShark!!!
 
vulva said:
So I've been outrageously caught up and pre-occupied, I realized I completely forgot to post my Secret Santa pics.

I've been in the process of applying for a work Visa to work in the US, and my mind's been all over the place. I got my Christmas gift before Christmas and it's absolutely unbelievable. Absolutely perfect and I couldn't have been luckier.


My secret santa clearly did his homework, and I can't believe how perfect these are. I've been a huge fan of that Zu album ever since it came out, but never had seen it in stores to own a copy on wax. As for the poster, I'm without words. Wong Kar Wai's my favourite director, and I'm unbelievably excited for this movie.

If I could, I'd kiss you. Thank you so much SystemShark!!!
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You are very welcome! I had a lot of fun trying to find a gift for you and I learned a bit about experimental music along the way. ;)

I'm very glad you like it. And I hope you have a turntable! Merry Christmas!
 
SystemShark said:
You are very welcome! I had a lot of fun trying to find a gift for you and I learned a bit about experimental music along the way. ;)

I'm very glad you like it. And I hope you have a turntable! Merry Christmas!
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I feel so awful it took me forever to post about this, but I didn't want to rush or anything. I wanted to make sure I posted just how much I appreciated it. Out of curiosity, did you find me talking about Zu or did you just have a feeling it was a good call?


EDIT: and yeah, I have a usb turntable!
 
vulva said:
I feel so awful it took me forever to post about this, but I didn't want to rush or anything. I wanted to make sure I posted just how much I appreciated it. Out of curiosity, did you find me talking about Zu or did you just have a feeling it was a good call?


EDIT: and yeah, I have a usb turntable!
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I actually was trying to get Crystal Castle III but when I went to the record shop there was a recall or something? So that was a no go. I then tried to find something by Boris and again nothing. The record store guy actually recommended Zu to me and played the album to let me hear it. I actually thought it sounded really good so I took the chance that you would agree.

I actually had a lot of fun skimming your old posts looking for ideas but you left a lot to the imagination. You almost got Mark of the Ninja for Steam, but that was way to easy on my end. Though that was another fun quest to find your Steam ID!

I'm very happy you like it. Now I can not wait for next year.
 
I got a package from "USA" yesterday, I thought it was it finally...but then I went to the Post Office and it was my sister's package. I was pretty disappointed.
 
I got my package early January and it's pretty awesome. I got The Walking Dead Compendium 1.

Thanks SS! Sadly I already have it so I'm not sure what to do. Return it to the address listed? SS you knew me a bit too well haha. Really appreciate the gift!

Glad to see my TT got his thing too! Hopefully they enjoy it.
 
I actually received my gift more than a week ago now, but quite forgot to actually take pictures of it! Apologies to my SS who was perhaps unaware of my receipt (though i did inform Nicoga).

Anyway, here it is:
5xk2R.jpg


Gifts are:
An issue of Retro Gamer magazine
A box of 'Festive Friends' biscuits (already eaten by the time of this photo, they were awesome)
A box of Yorkshire Tea
Some Sherbet Candy thing
A micro Sd card doohickey

I still haven't been able to get into the Sherbet, but otherwise a very pleasant selection of gifts.
 
Soooooo another thing, Android still hasn't picked up his gift that was sent to him apparently. It has been sitting in the post office for a bunch of days.

Not sure if I can say who sent it? But he obviously doesn't want anyone to think he didn't send anything. So android if you're reading, GO PICK IT UP NOW.
 
Still haven't seen or heard if my tt got his second package. Said it was delivered a long time ago, hope his neighbors or delivery guy didn't take it lol
 
-Pyromaniac- said:
Soooooo another thing, Android still hasn't picked up his gift that was sent to him apparently. It has been sitting in the post office for a bunch of days.

Not sure if I can say who sent it? But he obviously doesn't want anyone to think he didn't send anything. So android if you're reading, GO PICK IT UP NOW.
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I've been in camp at a mine in northern bc from the 9th until I get out on the 28th. Had to head back to work...hopefully it's still there when I get released from "prison". And unfortunately I live alone and no one is checking my mail nor can...keys are here.
 
I kinda wish my TT would have said if they were happy with their gift or not. They posted that they received a package before xmas, but never replied on here again since xmas. I just wish I knew if they liked it.
 
Finally got back into town and... nothing.

A couple of other packages were there, so it probably wasn't stolen while I was gone.
 
Well, my POS local post office finally came through.

I finally got my gift, and it seems my Tiny Tim received their gift as well!

It's late here and I'm without a camera, so I'll wait until morning to open it and grab some shots to post here.
 
My haul: a whole lot of interesting chocolate! I'll have to hide these from the housemates!

r6s7Rl.jpg


Sorry for the crappy phone cam shot. I was in a rush, and just opened the box and snapped the pic during my lunch break.

I've tried some of the Firecracker flavored ones. First impression was that it was pretty good, and then the aftertaste kicked in. Pretty awesome! Thanks so much to my Secret Santa, whoever you are!
 
I got a card through my door this morning saying there was a package to collect at the depot that was too large to push through the letterbox.
I've just picked it up and...

nqJQO.jpg


Yay! It's my Secret Santa present! What's inside?

aXLq8.jpg


Only an awesome Black + Blum lunch pot! I'll definitely be making use of this every day!

8lPn2.jpg


With bonus peanut butter M&Ms, my favourite :) Hang on, there's something rattling in the small pot...

McnKa.jpg


MINIFIGURES!!!! Series 5 too, which I haven't got any of.

QFFj1.jpg


"Did you get lost?" Asked Santa. They all laughed and drank brandy until they passed out. The End.

Thank you so much Sora_N! It got here eventually :) Happy Christmas!
 
So glad you got it! I was afraid my gift wasn't good enough, but reading your post makes me feel better since you can use your gift everyday. ;)
 
finally got back home to Singapore not too long ago.
turned out that my family mixed up the gifts from my SS with a bunch of other mail.

I'll post pictures later but thanks for the gift SS :D I hope you left a card so I knew who you were! but we're loving the Pac Man stuffies and the Sonic mints :D
 
Got my gift!

Warning, pictures were taken with a webcam so expect blurry images and poor lighting.

Nice greeting awaited me when opening the box.

Zwm6H.jpg


My gifts.

2rLVW.jpg


From the top left, Mario stickers, a daruma (traditional Japanese doll), Dragon Quest Monster Museum figure, cup with a mosaic of what I guess is Mt. Fuji in the background and a whale, a packet with mysterious contents. Haven't opened it up yet but the picture on the front is a blue ogre and red ogre chilling over a cup of tea??? Maybe it's some sort of drink.

Bottom left, Funghi from Touch Detective, a postcard with sumo maneuvers and a letter from Secret Santa.

A closer look at the DQ figure

KLegx.jpg


I've never played any of the games but all I know is it's a slime.

A nice selection of items from Japan. My favorites are the cup and daruma. Thanks SS. :)
 
My TT hasn't posted here since well before Christmas :/ It's nowhere near the same level as you who didn't receive any gift at all, but it still sours it a bit. I even wrote a letter and all, I wanted to know what he thought of the gifts :/
 
OK - doing some LONG needed cleaning of this thread/OP. Sorry for the delay! I've been busy with work and real life so it's been hard to dedicate a chunk of time to this.

I DO need to post this though!

F7442F7C-6A87-4427-8C7C-8EBBFAC93A2B-20675-00000CE42096F515.jpg


My SS rocks! A crazy Gundam kit and a $25 iTunes gift card! I'm finishing up another kit at the moment, but this one has been added to my backlog of fun! :) Many many thanks SS!
 
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