SDMB Valentines Exchange '07

[BrattiAtti]

It's time for our annual Valentines exchange. Yay!

Our esteemed SkipMagic has given permission. Thanks!

Rules are as follows:

If you are at least 18 years of age, and if you have a valid, paid subscription to the SDMB, you may participate. Send an email to SDMB2007VDExchange@gmail.com. Be sure to include your username, real name*, mailing address, and the ideal number of Valentine cards you would like to mail and receive. If you live in the US, please state whether you are willing to mail to foreign countries. If you live outside the US, please don't hesitate to sign up. This is open to everyone (erm... if you aren't eliminated by the rules in the first sentence of this paragraph, I mean).

I'll take emails until January 31st. I'm aiming to distribute the lists late Friday February 2nd. Let's get specific and say 11:00pm Mountain, 10:00pm Pacific. Public displays of impatience and harrassment are forbidden until that time.

So... questions? Comments? Concerns?

Let the email frenzy begin.


*If you don't mind receiving envelopes addressed to your username, you are not obligated to share your IRL name.

[BrattiAtti]

On the list:

Kythereia

Don't hesitate to sign up if you only want to send a few cards. There will be others who want the same number. I promise.

Morning bump.

[twickster]

Ooh! Ooh! Me too!

I like this even better than the Secret Santa, because I get lots and lots of mail.

Now, to decide -- handmade this year, or not?

[Pandora]

I wanna play too!!!!

(e-mail sent)

[Santo Rugger]

Sounds like fun!

Just one question, shouldn't we include our gender and sexual pref. in the email?

[twickster]

Originally Posted by Pygmy Rugger

Sounds like fun!

Just one question, shouldn't we include our gender and sexual pref. in the email?

These tend to be G-rated greetings, not X-rated propositions.

[Susie Derkins]

Woo-hoo, I love the Valentine's exchange! Email sent.

Thanks for organizing, BrattiAtti!

[Scuba_Ben]

I found this to be a good way to meet Dopers, back in '04 -- that's how twickster, Pandora, and I discovered we were in the same area.

So I'm in. Email coming right up.

[gigi]

What's the minimum size for a piece of mail? I'm picturing sending out those tiny Valentine's we swapped in elementary school

[twickster]

Originally Posted by gigi

What's the minimum size for a piece of mail? I'm picturing sending out those tiny Valentine's we swapped in elementary school

People send those -- but usually put into a bigger envelope.

[Sunspace]

Y'know, I was going to be my usual Valentine's-Day Scrooge and ignore the whole thing, but I've changed my mind. Count me in. In a G-rated sense, that is. I'll email when I get home.

[Anaamika]

I'm in. Will send e-mail shortly.

[freckafree]

I am exceedlingly dense AND did not become a Doper until March of last year, so can someone please 'splain to me exactly how this works?

[freckafree]

(Yeah, I know it says Jan 2006. That's when I registered, but I didn't pay up and become a regular until March.)

[gardentraveler]

It's easy, freckafree (except for the part BrattiAtti has kindly volunteered to do).
1) You let BrattiAtti know you want to participate and give her the information she specified in the OP.

2) She puts together the list that you're sending to and e-mails it to you.

3) You send Valentines to the people on your list.

4) Since a bunch of people have you on their list, you also get a bunch.

It's lots of fun. You should play. There was lots of variety last year; some were homemade, some were boughten.

I'm in; about to send the e-mail.

GT

[Kairos]

I seem to be becoming all sociable and friendly in my old age. I wonder how that happened.

I'm in!

[freckafree]

Cool! I'm in. E-mail soon to be dispatched.

[GorillaMan]

Originally Posted by BrattiAtti

SDMB 2007 VD Exchange @ gmail.com

[Sunspace]

Email sent!

And honest. It's virus-scanned.

[Squeaker Snow]

Count me in! I already sent my e-mail!

Oh, I do love Valentine's Day!

[Asgardking]

Well since this is my first valentine's Day since my divorce, I might as well give it a try.

[BrattiAtti]

Originally Posted by GorillaMan

It's a joke.

Updated List:
amarinth
Anaamika
Asgardking
freckafree
gardentraveler
Kairos
Kythereia
OneCentStamp
Pandora
Pygmy Rugger
Scuba Ben
Squeaker Snow
Sunspace
Susie Derkins
The Punkyova
twickster

If you don't see your name, I've not received an email. Please try again.

Also, a reminder: double-check that you've included your SDMB Username in the email you send. Thanks.

In other news, driving home this evening it occured to me that keeping the rules short nixed a lot of info. Sorry about that.

Rules continued: On the given day (Feb 2nd), you will receive a list of names and addresses. The list will be sent to the email address you used to send me your info. Once you receive your list, you will know to whom you are mailing Valentines. You may purchase pre-made cards. You may make your own. They can be simple or not. It doesn't matter. Love doesn't discriminate against bad taste. OK, maybe it does, but we'll forgive you anyway.

Put your cards in the mail. Be sure to affix proper postage. (Speaking of, if I owe you or your postmaster 26 cents from last year's St. Paddy's Day exchange, send me an email. I'll send you a check. Or not. It's the thought that counts, right?) Soon the mail-fairy will shower you with love in the form of Valentines from other people.

Um, I hope that covered most of what I decided to leave out. My apologies.

[BrattiAtti]

Monday morning-ish bump.

There have been requests for up to 100 cards. Please sign up if you've been considering but haven't done so yet. There will be "space" for you. I promise.

[Sunspace]

Well, if there turn out to be a hundred cards, that's okay, I'll deal with it... I just wasn't expecting it.

[Nawth Chucka]

Email sent! This is a lot of fun to do.

[Avarie537]

Ooh ooh ooh! I'm SO in! This is my favorite exchange of the year. I was eyeing doilies and stickers at the dollar store yesterday, but I hadn't seen this thread yet. I'm gonna get started early this year. I swear!

[Avarie537]

Just an FYI, for those of us who are neurotic about having appropriate stamps, you can buy some lovely ones that look like this for your valentines. I must have them.

[notthatagain]

Now that I've sent the email, I've got to hurry and hunt down some manly doilies & stickers I guess...

[Sunspace]

Originally Posted by Avarie537

Just an FYI, for those of us who are neurotic about having appropriate stamps, you can buy some lovely ones that look like this for your valentines. I must have them.

Well, actually, I was thinking of taking advantage of this custom stamp service from Canada Post.

They're even printed by Canadian Bank Note, one of the companies who print our regular stamps. There's a three-week lead time, though, and I don't know how many people I'd be sending to. Plus they're domestic-rate stamps, and I'd have to double up or more for international. Plus, they're freakin' expensive: $40 for 40, or twice the nominal cost.

Well, I may send with normal stamps, but it doesn't mean the cards will be normal!

[twickster]

Originally Posted by Sunspace

Well, I may send with normal stamps, but it doesn't mean the cards will be normal!

Your cards are excellent. I framed the one of a polar bear from a couple of years ago -- it's on display in my living room. Seriously.

[Sunspace]

Originally Posted by twickster

Your cards are excellent. I framed the one of a polar bear from a couple of years ago -- it's on display in my living room. Seriously.

Awww...
:: blush ::

[purple haze]

Well, I'm in! Now I can have fun shopping for supplies!

[Alan Smithee]

Originally Posted by twickster

These tend to be G-rated greetings, not X-rated propositions.

You said "tend to be." So if we want X-rated propositions, can we sign up for those, too?

[twickster]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

You said "tend to be." So if we want X-rated propositions, can we sign up for those, too?

...which reminds me, I owe you an email .... **angelic smiley**

[BrattiAtti]

The Updated List:

amarinth
Anaamika
Asgardking
Avarie537
freckafree
gardentraveler
Kairos
Kotick
Kythereia
Nawth Chucka
OneCentStamp
Pandora
Purple Haze
Pygmy Rugger
Scuba Ben
Squeaker Snow
Sunspace
Susie Derkins
The Punkyova
Tripler
twickster
Way Too Happy

If you aren't on the list, please send another email! I can take requests at brattiatti @ gmail . com if you have issues getting through to the other address.

[tarragon918]

I hope I'm not too late to get in on this. My daughter and I would like to try this together - she's artistically inclined (me not so much at all! LOL). We're also going to -attempt- to make our own, but I can't make any promises that might not get kept. Anyway, off to send the email. Oh boy, valentines!!

[BrattiAtti]

tarragon918 has been added to the list.

It is definitely not too late to sign up. Keep those emails coming.

[BrattiAtti]

malkavia has been added to the list.

I decided to scrap my usual plan of not working on my cards until the day before they are to be mailed. I created some perfect[-ly generic, but you'll still like 'em] valentines this weekend, IM[NS]HO.

It was fun. I'd like to make more. But that want is dependent on the slackers out there who haven't yet emailed their information. Yes, I'm referring to you. Send your info. Thanks.

[Nawth Chucka]

I can't wait, this is gonna be so much fun! Especially excited to see how my HouseDoper's valentine's turn out, I haven't ever seen him make something free hand.

Who all's making theirs by hand?

[Sunspace]

I'll be drawing mine, then getting printouts at Kinko's.

Time to read a little non-Euclidean geometry and then get started, I guess...

[The Blue-Sighted Shadow]

Yay, valentines! Now I don't have to sulk past all those pink holiday displays.

[twickster]

Originally Posted by Nawth Chucka

Who all's making theirs by hand?

I'm making mine by hand, but not drawing them ('cause I can't draw) -- stickers and rubber stamps.

[TwoOnSunday]

E-mail sent!

But, do we have to exchange VDs? Can't we just send cards?

Not that I have any to exchange, thankyouverymuch!

[BrattiAtti]

Originally Posted by TwoOnSunday

But, do we have to exchange VDs? Can't we just send cards?

I'd rather participate in activities that carry the possibility of the former, but pickings 'round these parts* are slim. Cards it'll be.

Jahdra and TwoOnSunday have been added to the list. Thanks for signing up.



*'round my physical location, not the boards. Though if there are enough volunteers, something could be put together.**

**I'm kidding. Please, Mods, don't shoot! Let's keep it G-rated, folks. C'mon now. Knock it off.

[Nawth Chucka]

I'm going to get materials today! Has the list changed much since the 16th, Miss BrattiAtti?

[Nawth Chucka]

Sory for the double post; does anyone know a serviceperson overseas who might like to be sent Valentines?

[BrattiAtti]

Here's the current list:

amarinth
Anaamika
Asgardking
Avarie537
BrattiAtti
freckafree
gardentraveler
Jahdra
Kairos
Kotick
Kythereia
malkavia
Nawth Chucka
OneCentStamp
Pandora
purple haze
Pygmy Rugger
Scuba Ben
Squeaker Snow
Sunspace
Susie Derkins
tarragon918 with assistance from her daughter
The Punkyova
Tripler
twickster
TwoOnSunday
Way Too Happy

If you would like to join in the fun, please send your info. I won't cut off the emails until almost a week from now. Don't assume you're too late to be allowed to participate.

I plan to buckle down Saturday morning and finish at least the card portion of my valentines. I found some pretty paper to complement the construction paper cut-outs. No laughing at the uneven lines and poor centering, m'kay?

[Nawth Chucka]

The assembly and creation of many fun Valentines took up a good 2.5 hours last night, and the time flew because it was SO much fun! I also went to anysoldier.com and picked out some people there to send some to. Wheee!

[anyrose]

email sent (to both edresses) just under the wire

and a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to BrattiAtti for organizing this year's exchange

[BrattiAtti]

anyrose, you are officially on the list. Thanks for signing up.

If you want to sign up and haven't yet, now is the time to do it. You have just over fifteen hours to jot off a two-minute email. Please don't hesitate to join the card exchange. [wheedling] You'll help make it something even more special than it is. We'll all be appreciative that you are pitching in to help make this more fun for everyone.[/wheedling]

Slick, eh?