secret quonsar 2011: Signups are Open! November 11, 2011 12:21 PM Subscribe
It's secret quonsar time again! The randomized draw will be on American Thanksgiving, November 24, and the send by date is Monday, December 5. Please sign up by 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, November 22. Spending Limit: $15. Note: We are doing things a bit differently this year.
We are not using Elfster this year. You can see some of the planning discussion here: misnamed secret quonsar 2012 thread. Instead, we've put together a google forms/documents/humans solution. Read on.
Signing Up
There will be a link at the end of this post. Follow it. We need a MeFi handle, an email address you check, your address, and some good guidance for the person who draws your name.
You will get your draw via email. It will contain key information about the person you will be gifting: MeFi name, real name, mailing address, and hopefully helpful guidance from the person you drew, and should allow you get off to a running start.
We will not share, abuse, sell, or spindle your email address. The person who draws your name will not get your email address. I will delete all emails sent at the end of the sq season, and flush the address book.
The Rules
If you failed to send your giftee a gift last year, don't even bother signing up. You've been banned from this year's festivities. You can try again next year, but two strikes and you will be out. If you don't send a gift this year, you will be banned next year. You will get only one second chance.
If you find that you can't participate after signing up but before the draw, after all, then send me a MeMail or an email to the address below. I'll remove your entry.
If you find that you can't participate after all after the draw, please send an email to that same gmail account as soon as possible so we can contact the folks who drew you and whom you drew and redirect or reassign as appropriate.
Hey! You have a question!
Do you have a burning question for the person whose name you drew? Do you need more information? We're here to help! Send us an email and we will follow up! Phunniemee will be helping me during this anonymizer phase. If you draw my name and need answers from/about me, contact her directly; if you draw her's, contact me. We'll do our best to get folks the answers they need.
After the gift giving frenzy has begun, We are happy to follow up on your behalf after a suitable period has passed - to check in with a giftee to see if a gift has arrived, or to check in with a sender to see what the status is. Crunchland will be helping with this phase, so contact him to follow up on me. During this time, we will also reassign folks who are getting stiffed to our fine band of second chancers - folks who have volunteered to step in and make sure every gets a gift. If you want to be a second chancer drop me a memail or an email.
If you know your gift will be arriving late (for instance, if you are making it), we would be happy to let your quonsee know they have not been forgotten and it is on the way.
A Note About the Swap Groups
I've set up some basic groups based on previous years and interest expressed in the previous thread. If we do not get enough people to do a swap in a group (i.e. 2), I will contact folks in the underpopulated swap groups to see what can be done in the week before Thanksgiving. I will take suggestions, so if you want to suggest an alternate swap group (e.g. Mars only), those can be added.
A Note about International Swapping
I STRONGLY recommend mailing as early as possible if you are going to send anything internationally, especially if the US is involved. Customs held up lots of packages last year for a long time, some it seems forever. Some countries have announced surcharges for sending to the US. Ordering online might be another good option.
Communicating with us
Unless you need to contact us specifically about one of the organizers, please use our gmail account secretquonsarswap. This will help us make sure we don't overlook anything and can be as efficient as possible.
The signup link
Sign up for Secret Quonsar 2011
Also: ThePinkSuperhero is spearheading the The Third Annual Holiday Gift Drive again this year! Why not do both?
We are not using Elfster this year. You can see some of the planning discussion here: misnamed secret quonsar 2012 thread. Instead, we've put together a google forms/documents/humans solution. Read on.
Signing Up
There will be a link at the end of this post. Follow it. We need a MeFi handle, an email address you check, your address, and some good guidance for the person who draws your name.
You will get your draw via email. It will contain key information about the person you will be gifting: MeFi name, real name, mailing address, and hopefully helpful guidance from the person you drew, and should allow you get off to a running start.
We will not share, abuse, sell, or spindle your email address. The person who draws your name will not get your email address. I will delete all emails sent at the end of the sq season, and flush the address book.
The Rules
If you failed to send your giftee a gift last year, don't even bother signing up. You've been banned from this year's festivities. You can try again next year, but two strikes and you will be out. If you don't send a gift this year, you will be banned next year. You will get only one second chance.
If you find that you can't participate after signing up but before the draw, after all, then send me a MeMail or an email to the address below. I'll remove your entry.
If you find that you can't participate after all after the draw, please send an email to that same gmail account as soon as possible so we can contact the folks who drew you and whom you drew and redirect or reassign as appropriate.
Hey! You have a question!
Do you have a burning question for the person whose name you drew? Do you need more information? We're here to help! Send us an email and we will follow up! Phunniemee will be helping me during this anonymizer phase. If you draw my name and need answers from/about me, contact her directly; if you draw her's, contact me. We'll do our best to get folks the answers they need.
After the gift giving frenzy has begun, We are happy to follow up on your behalf after a suitable period has passed - to check in with a giftee to see if a gift has arrived, or to check in with a sender to see what the status is. Crunchland will be helping with this phase, so contact him to follow up on me. During this time, we will also reassign folks who are getting stiffed to our fine band of second chancers - folks who have volunteered to step in and make sure every gets a gift. If you want to be a second chancer drop me a memail or an email.
If you know your gift will be arriving late (for instance, if you are making it), we would be happy to let your quonsee know they have not been forgotten and it is on the way.
A Note About the Swap Groups
I've set up some basic groups based on previous years and interest expressed in the previous thread. If we do not get enough people to do a swap in a group (i.e. 2), I will contact folks in the underpopulated swap groups to see what can be done in the week before Thanksgiving. I will take suggestions, so if you want to suggest an alternate swap group (e.g. Mars only), those can be added.
A Note about International Swapping
I STRONGLY recommend mailing as early as possible if you are going to send anything internationally, especially if the US is involved. Customs held up lots of packages last year for a long time, some it seems forever. Some countries have announced surcharges for sending to the US. Ordering online might be another good option.
Communicating with us
Unless you need to contact us specifically about one of the organizers, please use our gmail account secretquonsarswap. This will help us make sure we don't overlook anything and can be as efficient as possible.
The signup link
Sign up for Secret Quonsar 2011
Also: ThePinkSuperhero is spearheading the The Third Annual Holiday Gift Drive again this year! Why not do both?
In yet again. I love all y'all for setting everything up and being awesome as usual. Let me know if I fouled up anything since I have a feeling I'm near the first in :)
posted by deezil at 12:42 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by deezil at 12:42 PM on November 11, 2011
If we're willing to send out multiple gifts (say, one domestic and one international), can we sign up more than once? I love picking out presents for people and getting cool stuff in the mail, so I would like as many Quonsars as I'm allowed to have without violating the Quonsar Code.
posted by decathecting at 12:46 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by decathecting at 12:46 PM on November 11, 2011
This is my first Quansmas. What's the recommended price point for gifts?
posted by donajo at 12:59 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by donajo at 12:59 PM on November 11, 2011
Nevermind, I just saw it in the post. I'm signed up. :)
posted by donajo at 1:02 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by donajo at 1:02 PM on November 11, 2011
In it to win it! Well, with out the winning part. Or it.
posted by iamkimiam at 1:06 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by iamkimiam at 1:06 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Quonsmas! The mostest specialest time of the year! I'm ready to inflict my gift upon some hapless Quonsee! I'm putting this sentence just because I want to use another exclamation point!
posted by owtytrof at 1:13 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by owtytrof at 1:13 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Signed up, and already ridiculously excited about the whole thing. Thanks to all involved for arranging this, it's great fun.
posted by malibustacey9999 at 1:34 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by malibustacey9999 at 1:34 PM on November 11, 2011
In it to win it!
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:34 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:34 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
It's not a secret that I'm all schmoopy about this. Thanks to all of Quonsar's Little Helpers.
posted by sarahnade at 1:43 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by sarahnade at 1:43 PM on November 11, 2011
I signed up, hurray!
I hope whoever draws me doesn't judge me based on my nonsensical "helpful" guidance answers. I'm cool, I promise.
posted by Phire at 1:44 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
I hope whoever draws me doesn't judge me based on my nonsensical "helpful" guidance answers. I'm cool, I promise.
posted by Phire at 1:44 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Done!
The guidance box turned my brain to mush.
posted by knapah at 1:57 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
The guidance box turned my brain to mush.
posted by knapah at 1:57 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
I am back in after a one year hiatus. Thanks for running this julen, it seems like the new setup should make things run more smoothly this year.
posted by burnmp3s at 2:00 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by burnmp3s at 2:00 PM on November 11, 2011
Hooray, my first quonsar! Can't wait to send someone presents!
posted by alynnk at 2:11 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by alynnk at 2:11 PM on November 11, 2011
I just signed up again. I love Quonsmas and can't wait to find out who I'll be sending a present to. Thanks so very much julen, phuniemee, crunchland, and IndigoRain. Hugs to everyone!
posted by angiep at 2:25 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by angiep at 2:25 PM on November 11, 2011
Yaaaay! Last year was loads of fun. I can't wait to start stuffing a box of goodies for my quonsee!
posted by rhiannonstone at 2:41 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by rhiannonstone at 2:41 PM on November 11, 2011
Hooray for Quonsmas!
So excited to be helping out, too! I welcome your m/emails!
posted by phunniemee at 2:47 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
So excited to be helping out, too! I welcome your m/emails!
posted by phunniemee at 2:47 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Julen, you are my Quonspiration. IndigoRain, you are my Junior Quonstar. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
posted by Madamina at 2:58 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Madamina at 2:58 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
woo-hoo!! I'm in !! can't wait to quonsarshare!
posted by seawallrunner at 3:20 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by seawallrunner at 3:20 PM on November 11, 2011
Thanks for the plug, julen :)
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 3:33 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 3:33 PM on November 11, 2011
Oh, dear, an essay question.
I'm in. And I apologize in advance to my SQ for the length and breadth of my instructions.
posted by SMPA at 3:35 PM on November 11, 2011
I'm in. And I apologize in advance to my SQ for the length and breadth of my instructions.
posted by SMPA at 3:35 PM on November 11, 2011
I really want to do this.
But I'm really concerned about Canada/US Customs. Many things I've sent to the US since last year have had major delays. And I just recently ordered a tiny turntable cartdridge from Indiana that took 3 weeks to get here; the same item took about 5 days a few years ago.
Something is seriously crazy lately with US/Canada mail.
posted by chococat at 3:36 PM on November 11, 2011
But I'm really concerned about Canada/US Customs. Many things I've sent to the US since last year have had major delays. And I just recently ordered a tiny turntable cartdridge from Indiana that took 3 weeks to get here; the same item took about 5 days a few years ago.
Something is seriously crazy lately with US/Canada mail.
posted by chococat at 3:36 PM on November 11, 2011
Something is crazy with the US mail - Canadian mail is fine.
Though actually my Canadian relatives did get their Christmas cards last year a mere 3 weeks after I mailed them, technically only 145% of the time projected by the post office.
posted by SMPA at 3:40 PM on November 11, 2011
Though actually my Canadian relatives did get their Christmas cards last year a mere 3 weeks after I mailed them, technically only 145% of the time projected by the post office.
posted by SMPA at 3:40 PM on November 11, 2011
Yay! I'm in.
And I'm glad you went a different direction than Elfster this year. Hope it makes it easier on the much-appreciated organizers!
posted by misha at 3:50 PM on November 11, 2011
And I'm glad you went a different direction than Elfster this year. Hope it makes it easier on the much-appreciated organizers!
posted by misha at 3:50 PM on November 11, 2011
We have a Canada-only swap group this year, so you can participate without having to worry about US customs!
posted by julen at 3:55 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by julen at 3:55 PM on November 11, 2011
:D I'm in for my third year! This is my favorite thing about the internets.
posted by d13t_p3ps1 at 3:56 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by d13t_p3ps1 at 3:56 PM on November 11, 2011
I filled it out between meetings, which means I might have asked for jibberish and a 6% raise.
posted by Zophi at 4:27 PM on November 11, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by Zophi at 4:27 PM on November 11, 2011 [3 favorites]
julen: We have a Canada-only swap group this year...
Oh great, that's gonna be fun trading maple syrup with each other. Why's it still acceptable in 2011 for this type of segregation to exist?
posted by gman at 4:42 PM on November 11, 2011
Oh great, that's gonna be fun trading maple syrup with each other. Why's it still acceptable in 2011 for this type of segregation to exist?
posted by gman at 4:42 PM on November 11, 2011
gman: I admire your clever obfuscation of the clear Canadian conspiracy to monopolize all maple syrup and prevent its export to a country that, through no fault of its own, can't produce enough maple syrup to give each and every person the 1/2 cup of maple syrup/day we so clearly deserve.
Errors made in entries: I will contact folks if I see something in their entries that might need fixing (super-obvious typos like 123 Tjck Ave, Tulsa, OK.). If you want to change your swap group, I can fix that, too. Just let me know.
I will also remove duplicate entries (double-hitting the submit button).
Unfortunately, it's one quonsar exchange per person, decathecting.
posted by julen at 5:02 PM on November 11, 2011
Errors made in entries: I will contact folks if I see something in their entries that might need fixing (super-obvious typos like 123 Tjck Ave, Tulsa, OK.). If you want to change your swap group, I can fix that, too. Just let me know.
I will also remove duplicate entries (double-hitting the submit button).
Unfortunately, it's one quonsar exchange per person, decathecting.
posted by julen at 5:02 PM on November 11, 2011
Sign me up!
(By which I mean, "Heigh ho, I'm off to sign myself up.")
posted by Orinda at 5:10 PM on November 11, 2011
(By which I mean, "Heigh ho, I'm off to sign myself up.")
posted by Orinda at 5:10 PM on November 11, 2011
Oooh, I can't wait to quons and be quonsed.
posted by ocherdraco at 5:17 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by ocherdraco at 5:17 PM on November 11, 2011
This is my very first time...I wrote a paragraph in the "what do you like" section that'll either be fun or utterly hellish for the person who gets me...sorry! I can't wait to send gifts!
posted by xingcat at 6:03 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by xingcat at 6:03 PM on November 11, 2011
Super excited! I also wrote weird stuff in the "what do you like" box. Good luck to whoever gets me. :-)
posted by guster4lovers at 6:37 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by guster4lovers at 6:37 PM on November 11, 2011
I'm in!
As someone who regularly sends Christmas gifts between Australia/New Zealand and Europe, I would recommend that anyone downunder sign up for the Australia/Asia group even if you'd rather be totally international. It is already possibly too late for Christmas gifts sent from Australia to be guaranteed to reach Europe. Every year where I have missed my end of October self-imposed deadline, someone's doesn't arrive on time.
posted by lollusc at 7:06 PM on November 11, 2011
As someone who regularly sends Christmas gifts between Australia/New Zealand and Europe, I would recommend that anyone downunder sign up for the Australia/Asia group even if you'd rather be totally international. It is already possibly too late for Christmas gifts sent from Australia to be guaranteed to reach Europe. Every year where I have missed my end of October self-imposed deadline, someone's doesn't arrive on time.
posted by lollusc at 7:06 PM on November 11, 2011
This is so great, thanks to both of the organizers for all you're doing. Hope this goes much easier this year!
posted by Miko at 7:34 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by Miko at 7:34 PM on November 11, 2011
I promise that everything I'm going to write in the guidelines for me is true. Even if it doesn't seem like it. Sane people shouldn't be part of MetaFilter anyway.
posted by theichibun at 8:03 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by theichibun at 8:03 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Unfortunately, it's one quonsar exchange per person, decathecting.
Bummer. I wanted to sign up more than once, too. I guess the second chancer list is an option. I have a lot of cool things I need to get rid of so if anyone is looking for, say, art books let me know (deezil & gman are already on the list).
posted by mlis at 8:24 PM on November 11, 2011
Bummer. I wanted to sign up more than once, too. I guess the second chancer list is an option. I have a lot of cool things I need to get rid of so if anyone is looking for, say, art books let me know (deezil & gman are already on the list).
posted by mlis at 8:24 PM on November 11, 2011
I'm a quonsar virgin and am a'tremble with anticipation.
posted by SweetTeaAndABiscuit at 8:29 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by SweetTeaAndABiscuit at 8:29 PM on November 11, 2011
SweetTeaAndABiscuit, just send me something eponysterical and I'll love you forever.
posted by maryr at 8:45 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by maryr at 8:45 PM on November 11, 2011
IN SO HARD I ALMOST BROKE IT.
that sounds very unintentionally dirty.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing this. I had super fun doing it last year, and am excited to be doing it again.
I swear to god I am not using euphemisms
posted by bibliogrrl at 8:49 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
that sounds very unintentionally dirty.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing this. I had super fun doing it last year, and am excited to be doing it again.
I swear to god I am not using euphemisms
posted by bibliogrrl at 8:49 PM on November 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
I've had a bunch of stupid things happen today so YAY FOR SECRET QUONSAR.
posted by cobaltnine at 9:39 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by cobaltnine at 9:39 PM on November 11, 2011
Signup was easy. Yay! Thank you Julen and cheers once again to IndigoRain!
posted by mochapickle at 9:50 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by mochapickle at 9:50 PM on November 11, 2011
Abuja mlis, what I would give for a wall of Dutch Baroque. Or even enough sky and space themed stuff to cover a good portion of the ceiling.
posted by theichibun at 10:19 PM on November 11, 2011
posted by theichibun at 10:19 PM on November 11, 2011
lollusc is right in that the Dec 5th date is way too late for things from NZ at least to make it to Europe or the US, and Nov 26th may be too late too. But that's just the cutoff date for guaranteed delivery before Christmas Day, the gift will still arrive and generally only a few days afterwards (in my experience at least, it may be different this year). I always just signed up for international and told the person that it would likely arrive a bit late, and it was never a problem (my gift in return was also always late, which I'm totally used to living so far away from everything). So it depends on how much you worry about exact timing and about not annoying your quansee.
Now I live on the other side of the world, I know where the terrible/awesome Irish kitsch can be bought for inflicting upon others (my family will confirm this, shamrock socks all round!), and I'm looking forward to participating again.
posted by shelleycat at 1:24 AM on November 12, 2011
Now I live on the other side of the world, I know where the terrible/awesome Irish kitsch can be bought for inflicting upon others (my family will confirm this, shamrock socks all round!), and I'm looking forward to participating again.
posted by shelleycat at 1:24 AM on November 12, 2011
I completely blanked on what I like. Seriously, what do I like? I don't even know.
I do know that I have a baby, so by association I don't like things that are breakable. Or that bag of lead paint chips you were going to send. Yes, you. Don't deny it, I can see it right there.
posted by sonika at 3:52 AM on November 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
I do know that I have a baby, so by association I don't like things that are breakable. Or that bag of lead paint chips you were going to send. Yes, you. Don't deny it, I can see it right there.
posted by sonika at 3:52 AM on November 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
I have a small request. I have all packages sent to my boyfriend's place of work - it would be bad if the package had my name on it at his workplace. Should I just put this information into the address field?
(the cat is sitting on my chest making it nigh impossible to type; damn, she's lucky she's so cute)
posted by sciencegeek at 4:04 AM on November 12, 2011
(the cat is sitting on my chest making it nigh impossible to type; damn, she's lucky she's so cute)
posted by sciencegeek at 4:04 AM on November 12, 2011
I think special address guidance (if it needs to be addressed to someone else, if it should be sent to a different address if sent after 12/1) should go into the address field, too.
posted by julen at 5:18 AM on November 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by julen at 5:18 AM on November 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Thanks Julen, Madamina, and everyone. I love Secret Quonsar!!
posted by IndigoRain at 5:48 AM on November 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by IndigoRain at 5:48 AM on November 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
If the bit.ly shortening address in the post doesn't work for you, here's the direct link to the google form to sign up!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dEUwSjU1SnV6cEZzYUw1TlU5SGNqT3c6MQ#gid=0
posted by julen at 6:08 AM on November 12, 2011
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dEUwSjU1SnV6cEZzYUw1TlU5SGNqT3c6MQ#gid=0
posted by julen at 6:08 AM on November 12, 2011
I've signed up! Thanks again for organizing, Julen!
posted by mlle valentine at 11:45 AM on November 12, 2011
posted by mlle valentine at 11:45 AM on November 12, 2011
Just a quick suggestion - if you are willing to do international swap and you want to do something from the internet - like Etsy - you can look for sellers in your Quonsee's country and see about having it shipped directly to that person. I sent someone a very very nice scarf a couple years ago doing just this, and only paid the British postal rate, which was just as reasonable as anything else.
Happy Quonsmas! So excited to be participating again.
posted by Medieval Maven at 12:21 PM on November 12, 2011 [7 favorites]
Happy Quonsmas! So excited to be participating again.
posted by Medieval Maven at 12:21 PM on November 12, 2011 [7 favorites]
In. Hope somebody wants ridiculous Hello Kitty Japan stuff.
posted by emmling at 8:43 PM on November 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by emmling at 8:43 PM on November 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Y'all have made me like the holidays again... thank you for this.
posted by patheral at 8:17 AM on November 13, 2011
posted by patheral at 8:17 AM on November 13, 2011
$15 USD, thereabouts.
posted by mochapickle at 11:19 AM on November 13, 2011
posted by mochapickle at 11:19 AM on November 13, 2011
In! Wish I could do international again year, but sadly lacking funds.
Maybe someone will quonse me a job. :)
Thanks for setting this up, julen & Phunniemee! And thanks everyone for making this such a success each year!
posted by zennie at 12:44 PM on November 13, 2011
Maybe someone will quonse me a job. :)
Thanks for setting this up, julen & Phunniemee! And thanks everyone for making this such a success each year!
posted by zennie at 12:44 PM on November 13, 2011
Oh, and thanks crunchland too!
No thanks, me, for missing words and people.
posted by zennie at 12:46 PM on November 13, 2011
No thanks, me, for missing words and people.
posted by zennie at 12:46 PM on November 13, 2011
I joined too! This is my first year doing it. I love this sort of thing!
posted by apricot at 3:00 PM on November 13, 2011
posted by apricot at 3:00 PM on November 13, 2011
Oooh phew, almost missed this thread! I'm in!
posted by addelburgh at 4:30 PM on November 13, 2011
posted by addelburgh at 4:30 PM on November 13, 2011
In! Like a thing that is in a thing! But not in a dirty way! Just in a happy quonsar kinda way!
posted by shiny blue object at 7:24 PM on November 13, 2011
posted by shiny blue object at 7:24 PM on November 13, 2011
^ Better.
posted by mochapickle at 8:48 PM on November 13, 2011
posted by mochapickle at 8:48 PM on November 13, 2011
I'm in!
This is my first Quonsmas, I'd be savouring the first excitement, but I hear that unlike Christmas, it gets better every year rather than just more expensive and making me more fat.
posted by greenish at 3:25 AM on November 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
This is my first Quonsmas, I'd be savouring the first excitement, but I hear that unlike Christmas, it gets better every year rather than just more expensive and making me more fat.
posted by greenish at 3:25 AM on November 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'd sign up, but I'm still giggling about the fact that julen means Christmas in all the Nordic languages (in definite form; use Google Image Search limited to .dk, .se or .no to see).
posted by Harald74 at 6:06 AM on November 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Harald74 at 6:06 AM on November 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Seriously? julen, is this a sockpuppet account? Are...are you Santa?
posted by maryr at 7:45 AM on November 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by maryr at 7:45 AM on November 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Santa, me? Ho ho ho!
How droll! Santa is uh, he um, he had to run out to the store to special order some lutefisk for the holidays. He'll be back real soon now.
Hey, um, look! Over there! At the... uh, thing. Yeah, the copier. Uh, don't you think that hum is a little louder than it was last week? Maybe we should call someone to come fix it.
posted by julen at 8:31 AM on November 14, 2011 [4 favorites]
How droll! Santa is uh, he um, he had to run out to the store to special order some lutefisk for the holidays. He'll be back real soon now.
Hey, um, look! Over there! At the... uh, thing. Yeah, the copier. Uh, don't you think that hum is a little louder than it was last week? Maybe we should call someone to come fix it.
posted by julen at 8:31 AM on November 14, 2011 [4 favorites]
In again, yay Canadian group!
If Santa brings you lutefisk, be happy - it could have been Smalahove.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 9:18 AM on November 14, 2011
If Santa brings you lutefisk, be happy - it could have been Smalahove.
posted by Hardcore Poser at 9:18 AM on November 14, 2011
Jeez, any Norwegian delicacies that are still in as SQ gifts? *crosses lutefisk and smalahove off list*
posted by Harald74 at 10:09 AM on November 14, 2011
posted by Harald74 at 10:09 AM on November 14, 2011
Who wouldn't enjoy several pounds of syltalabb?
On a more serious note, yes, I'd be happy to change folks' swap group selections - a few people have written me to say they meant to choose a different swap group than the default (international - ship anywhere, receive from anywhere) but didn't. Drop me an email or memail and we'll fix that right up for you.
posted by julen at 10:30 AM on November 14, 2011
On a more serious note, yes, I'd be happy to change folks' swap group selections - a few people have written me to say they meant to choose a different swap group than the default (international - ship anywhere, receive from anywhere) but didn't. Drop me an email or memail and we'll fix that right up for you.
posted by julen at 10:30 AM on November 14, 2011
I'm in like Flynn and happy to be participating again! I aspire to select gifts with class and good taste, but if that fails, expect a banjo carved from a tater and a bag of cocks.
posted by Diagonalize at 10:47 AM on November 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Diagonalize at 10:47 AM on November 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm in! Had great fun with the SQ exchanges the last two years. Thanks for setting this up again!
posted by dorey_oh at 11:19 AM on November 14, 2011
posted by dorey_oh at 11:19 AM on November 14, 2011
Those cinnamon buns from IKEA are lovely, Harald74.
*ducks*
posted by maryr at 2:57 PM on November 14, 2011
*ducks*
posted by maryr at 2:57 PM on November 14, 2011
Heck yeah! It's hard to believe this is my third time around. All you Quonsees who don't have a lengthy posting history from which to glean gift ideas, please give useful hints to your Secret Quonsar in the signup form!
posted by usonian at 2:01 PM on November 15, 2011
posted by usonian at 2:01 PM on November 15, 2011
BTW, I was a second-chance gifter last year and would love to do it again this year (though of course I hope everyone steps up so it's not required!). Are you taking volunteers?
posted by rhiannonstone at 7:44 PM on November 15, 2011
posted by rhiannonstone at 7:44 PM on November 15, 2011
Absolutely! Although we hope we won't have to use any of our second chancers, we are making a list of volunteers.
posted by julen at 9:17 PM on November 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by julen at 9:17 PM on November 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
In for the first time - can't wait!
posted by in the methow at 11:14 AM on November 16, 2011
posted by in the methow at 11:14 AM on November 16, 2011
we are making a list of volunteers.
how are you going about making that list if we already have signed up. Should we go back to the site and put in a new entry or post here?
posted by lampshade at 3:37 PM on November 16, 2011
how are you going about making that list if we already have signed up. Should we go back to the site and put in a new entry or post here?
posted by lampshade at 3:37 PM on November 16, 2011
To volunteer to be a second chancer, send me an email or memail. (If you volunteered in the previous post, you're on the list already.) If you haven't signed up for the regular swap, tell me where you are so we can assign folks smartly.
I'm keeping a separate spreadsheet for second chancers that we'll consult when we need to reassign someone. Then we'll check in with the second chancer that they are still able and willing to send a gift, and if so, tell them whom to gift.
posted by julen at 4:36 PM on November 16, 2011
I'm keeping a separate spreadsheet for second chancers that we'll consult when we need to reassign someone. Then we'll check in with the second chancer that they are still able and willing to send a gift, and if so, tell them whom to gift.
posted by julen at 4:36 PM on November 16, 2011
Yay, in. I hope there are plenty of other UK mefites in there.
posted by Magnakai at 8:43 PM on November 16, 2011
posted by Magnakai at 8:43 PM on November 16, 2011
Thanks for putting this on the sidebar or I'd have missed out!
posted by rouftop at 9:33 PM on November 16, 2011
posted by rouftop at 9:33 PM on November 16, 2011
I'm in. Thanks so much for doing this, and for the sidebar.
posted by MustardTent at 6:44 AM on November 17, 2011
posted by MustardTent at 6:44 AM on November 17, 2011
Repeat Secret Quonsar-er. In for this year, too! Woohoo!
posted by schleppo at 7:41 AM on November 17, 2011
posted by schleppo at 7:41 AM on November 17, 2011
Game on. Time to find the super awesome $15 widget that everyone needs.
posted by Nackt at 8:01 AM on November 17, 2011
posted by Nackt at 8:01 AM on November 17, 2011
Yay! My first Quonsmas!
posted by aaronbeekay at 9:18 AM on November 17, 2011
posted by aaronbeekay at 9:18 AM on November 17, 2011
Wow, that came around fast. Where *does* the time go?? SO TOTALLY IN. Thanks!
posted by ZakDaddy at 10:09 AM on November 17, 2011
posted by ZakDaddy at 10:09 AM on November 17, 2011
Signed up--thanks for setting this up!
posted by Stephanie Duy at 10:44 AM on November 17, 2011
posted by Stephanie Duy at 10:44 AM on November 17, 2011
This sounds like so much fun! Thanks for arranging it.
posted by keeo at 11:57 AM on November 17, 2011
posted by keeo at 11:57 AM on November 17, 2011
I enjoy quonsmas. mystery presents for the win!
posted by sandraregina at 12:02 PM on November 17, 2011
posted by sandraregina at 12:02 PM on November 17, 2011
thanks! oddly enough I remember/enjoy picking out my quonsar's gifts the most (though what I got each time was still awesome).
posted by ejaned8 at 12:08 PM on November 17, 2011
posted by ejaned8 at 12:08 PM on November 17, 2011
The US customs is the grinch of international christmas.
They now do extra security checks on parcels over 450g (1 pound, I assume), and charge the sending post office for the privilege. Australia post charges a $9 fee on top of postage for these parcels destined for the USA, and I know other countries have similar fees.
So if your quonsee is in the USA, choose some lighter presents!
posted by bystander at 12:55 PM on November 17, 2011
They now do extra security checks on parcels over 450g (1 pound, I assume), and charge the sending post office for the privilege. Australia post charges a $9 fee on top of postage for these parcels destined for the USA, and I know other countries have similar fees.
So if your quonsee is in the USA, choose some lighter presents!
posted by bystander at 12:55 PM on November 17, 2011
Yeah! I'm in, and thanks to the organizers!
posted by amelliferae at 2:08 PM on November 17, 2011
posted by amelliferae at 2:08 PM on November 17, 2011
I'm in! Very excited.
Puppies for everyone!
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:53 PM on November 17, 2011
Puppies for everyone!
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:53 PM on November 17, 2011
I'm in! Trying unsuccesfully to dampen squeals of excitement!
posted by t0astie at 7:45 PM on November 17, 2011
posted by t0astie at 7:45 PM on November 17, 2011
OK, despite always overthinking things and getting all crazy-anxious over gift buying...I'm in again this year.
posted by JoanArkham at 8:02 AM on November 18, 2011
posted by JoanArkham at 8:02 AM on November 18, 2011
Yay! Looking forward to yet another MeFi Quonsmas!
posted by Sublimity at 6:01 PM on November 18, 2011
posted by Sublimity at 6:01 PM on November 18, 2011
oh damn, HAH - the second just slipped past. well, i still feel lucky - so glad this was posted on the sidebar and i saw it in time! i did secret quonsar... 2 years ago? i think? and still think back on it fondly. it's just as much fun gifting as getting!
posted by lapolla at 11:14 PM on November 19, 2011
posted by lapolla at 11:14 PM on November 19, 2011
I'm so excited for Quonsmas! I'm signed up!
posted by julie_of_the_jungle at 6:45 AM on November 20, 2011
posted by julie_of_the_jungle at 6:45 AM on November 20, 2011
In again! Very excited.
posted by craven_morhead at 3:24 PM on November 20, 2011
posted by craven_morhead at 3:24 PM on November 20, 2011
The guidance box turned my brain to mush.
You aren't the only one. "Uh, yeah, I guess I like, uh. Stuff? I guess? You don't have to get me that, though. I wouldn't say no to some booze. I guess I like drinking. You probably shouldn't send me weed through the mail. Probably."
posted by Uppity Pigeon #2 at 7:39 PM on November 20, 2011
You aren't the only one. "Uh, yeah, I guess I like, uh. Stuff? I guess? You don't have to get me that, though. I wouldn't say no to some booze. I guess I like drinking. You probably shouldn't send me weed through the mail. Probably."
posted by Uppity Pigeon #2 at 7:39 PM on November 20, 2011
Disclaimer: Don't send illegal shit through the mail. That is stupid.
posted by Uppity Pigeon #2 at 7:41 PM on November 20, 2011
posted by Uppity Pigeon #2 at 7:41 PM on November 20, 2011
Signed up!
As my metafilter profile provides no information about me other than the fact that I work in a library and apparently enjoy giving bad relationship advice to strangers (oh dear), I did fill in the box with some stuff wot I like.
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 3:37 AM on November 21, 2011
As my metafilter profile provides no information about me other than the fact that I work in a library and apparently enjoy giving bad relationship advice to strangers (oh dear), I did fill in the box with some stuff wot I like.
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 3:37 AM on November 21, 2011
And absolutely none of the purchasing guides are tailored for the librarian-who-likes-to-dispense-relationship-advice-to-strangers-crowd. A travesty!
posted by Harald74 at 6:24 AM on November 21, 2011
posted by Harald74 at 6:24 AM on November 21, 2011
Harald74 -- I know right? Surely there's a good buck in that market!
oh wait
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 7:12 AM on November 21, 2011
oh wait
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 7:12 AM on November 21, 2011
What I received last year put what I sent to shame. The game shall be upped.
posted by DigDoug at 7:50 AM on November 22, 2011
posted by DigDoug at 7:50 AM on November 22, 2011
There are a little over 12 hours left to sign up! The signups close at midnight.
posted by julen at 8:43 AM on November 22, 2011
posted by julen at 8:43 AM on November 22, 2011
I still haven't thanked my giver from last year! It's been on my to-do list for a while, because they were super-friggin-awesome gifts that I used nearly every day this year. I suppose I should get on that.
posted by piedmont at 1:02 PM on November 22, 2011
posted by piedmont at 1:02 PM on November 22, 2011
Yeah, we recommend thanking your secret quonsar in a somewhat more expedited fashion.
posted by julen at 1:49 PM on November 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by julen at 1:49 PM on November 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
This is going to be fun. Ready to put some thought into it!
posted by fightoplankton at 6:24 PM on November 22, 2011
posted by fightoplankton at 6:24 PM on November 22, 2011
Oh crud, just missed it. Let me know if someone drops out and you need another participant for someone! And thanks!
posted by theredpen at 4:02 AM on November 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by theredpen at 4:02 AM on November 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
IN! Woohoo - can't wait!
posted by SisterHavana at 10:20 PM on November 23, 2011
posted by SisterHavana at 10:20 PM on November 23, 2011
The secret quonsar draw email notifications just went out. If you detect any issues, please send email to the gmail account, secretquonsarswap. Use the same account if you would like us to get more information from the person you drew (if you drew my name, contact Phunniemee directly; if you drew hers, contact me directly to get answers and preserve anonymity).
If a day goes by and you do not see the email, send mail the gmail account and we'll get you that information again.
After Christmas has passed, Crunchland will be helping me follow up with people to make sure they got gifts or sent them, so if you need to find out if we got our gifts, you can contact the other person if you want to preserve your anonymity.
Some fun facts while you are getting to know your secret quonsar:
315 people signed up.
There are 6 swap groups: International, USA only, UK only, Canada only, Europe, Asia & Australia.
54% of people who signed up went for International (send anywhere, receive from anywhere).
There is 1 instance in which person A is sending to person B and person B is sending to person A.
Guidance ranged from 2 words to more than 500 words.
33 of the people who signed up used the phrase "go nuts" or some variant thereof in providing directive guidance. 1 used it in reference to him or herself.*
* The help text on the guidance entry included the phrase "go nuts".
posted by julen at 2:35 PM on November 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
If a day goes by and you do not see the email, send mail the gmail account and we'll get you that information again.
After Christmas has passed, Crunchland will be helping me follow up with people to make sure they got gifts or sent them, so if you need to find out if we got our gifts, you can contact the other person if you want to preserve your anonymity.
Some fun facts while you are getting to know your secret quonsar:
315 people signed up.
There are 6 swap groups: International, USA only, UK only, Canada only, Europe, Asia & Australia.
54% of people who signed up went for International (send anywhere, receive from anywhere).
There is 1 instance in which person A is sending to person B and person B is sending to person A.
Guidance ranged from 2 words to more than 500 words.
33 of the people who signed up used the phrase "go nuts" or some variant thereof in providing directive guidance. 1 used it in reference to him or herself.*
* The help text on the guidance entry included the phrase "go nuts".
posted by julen at 2:35 PM on November 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
THANK YOU SO MUCH JULEN!!!
posted by bibliogrrl at 3:07 PM on November 24, 2011
posted by bibliogrrl at 3:07 PM on November 24, 2011
w00t! I just checked my mail and got mine. Prepare to be dazzled giftee! (Quonsee? Heh!)
posted by t0astie at 3:48 PM on November 24, 2011
posted by t0astie at 3:48 PM on November 24, 2011
So what is the protocol around letting the recipient know who the gift giver is? Should we or not?
posted by yellowcandy at 5:07 PM on November 24, 2011
posted by yellowcandy at 5:07 PM on November 24, 2011
It's entirely up to you. Some folks like to sign their gifts with their MeFi Handle, others prefer to wait until the gift is gladly received. Some folks like to remain mysteriously in the shadows.
posted by julen at 6:03 PM on November 24, 2011
posted by julen at 6:03 PM on November 24, 2011
Got my quonsee. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
(oh, did I say that in my outside voice?)
posted by LN at 6:27 PM on November 24, 2011
(oh, did I say that in my outside voice?)
posted by LN at 6:27 PM on November 24, 2011
Important Announcement
Google has suspended the secret quonsar account. I'm trying to get it back, but it is refusing to accept my other gmail account (that I have open on another machine right now) as a real account. GRRR. Will update when I have an update.
posted by julen at 7:06 AM on November 25, 2011
Google has suspended the secret quonsar account. I'm trying to get it back, but it is refusing to accept my other gmail account (that I have open on another machine right now) as a real account. GRRR. Will update when I have an update.
posted by julen at 7:06 AM on November 25, 2011
Aw, julen! I am so sorry you have yet another thing to deal with. I mean, really. You are some kind of holidaytime mensch to keep plugging away.
posted by Miko at 9:03 PM on November 25, 2011
posted by Miko at 9:03 PM on November 25, 2011
Google! I don't want my next blog entry to be The Grinch that Stole Quansmas.
posted by zennie at 2:35 PM on November 26, 2011
posted by zennie at 2:35 PM on November 26, 2011
Oh, FFS Google!
julen, did they even give a (clearly BS) reason?
posted by iamkimiam at 3:09 PM on November 26, 2011
julen, did they even give a (clearly BS) reason?
posted by iamkimiam at 3:09 PM on November 26, 2011
We are still waiting, but suspect a holiday weekend may not be the best time to get speedy service.
In the meanwhile, folks wanting answers should feel free to drop a memail to Phunniemee or me asking us to ask their secret quonsar interesting questions. We'll handle it via memail until we get our address back.
To be fair, this is a combination of their poor UI and us clicking on the wrong thing and getting into a situation where an answer had to be given to use the account. It turns out that Google didn't like the answer. So we have to share the blame for answering poorly. Undoing that click requires going through their process to unsuspend. The ball is in their court. We have sent them the information they need to undo it. Yesterday.
We have also drawn a line in the sand which is our minimum OK outcome, which is basically, if they send us the spreadsheet we want, we can live without that account. We want the account back, but we need the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet shall be ours. We are positive-thinking, forward-focus, punch-buggying, napa-hat-sighting, four-leaf-clover-spotting people.
So let's not take up pitchforks until they actually tell us "You can't have it back." As of now, we are merely waiting.
posted by julen at 3:17 PM on November 26, 2011
In the meanwhile, folks wanting answers should feel free to drop a memail to Phunniemee or me asking us to ask their secret quonsar interesting questions. We'll handle it via memail until we get our address back.
To be fair, this is a combination of their poor UI and us clicking on the wrong thing and getting into a situation where an answer had to be given to use the account. It turns out that Google didn't like the answer. So we have to share the blame for answering poorly. Undoing that click requires going through their process to unsuspend. The ball is in their court. We have sent them the information they need to undo it. Yesterday.
We have also drawn a line in the sand which is our minimum OK outcome, which is basically, if they send us the spreadsheet we want, we can live without that account. We want the account back, but we need the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet shall be ours. We are positive-thinking, forward-focus, punch-buggying, napa-hat-sighting, four-leaf-clover-spotting people.
So let's not take up pitchforks until they actually tell us "You can't have it back." As of now, we are merely waiting.
posted by julen at 3:17 PM on November 26, 2011
I'll fess up: it was my chubby thumb that screwed things up. Serves me right for trying to get a jump on the SQ rush with my phone.
I've sent all the info I can to google, and am waiting to hear back. Meanwhile, nothing to do but sit back and twiddle my thumbs. (My chubby, chubby thumbs.)
posted by phunniemee at 6:02 PM on November 26, 2011
I've sent all the info I can to google, and am waiting to hear back. Meanwhile, nothing to do but sit back and twiddle my thumbs. (My chubby, chubby thumbs.)
posted by phunniemee at 6:02 PM on November 26, 2011
I am also happy to act as a go-between for random quonsar/quonsee relations because I LOVE GIFT-GIVING!!!!!!11!!!!ONE!!!
posted by Madamina at 9:46 AM on November 28, 2011
posted by Madamina at 9:46 AM on November 28, 2011
Finally, finally, FINALLY we've got our account back again!
Any questions you've got for your Quonsees can be sent to secretquonsarswap@gmail.com and either Julen or myself will act as a go-between. Business as usual.
For those who have contacted us saying they didn't receive their swap assignments, I'm looking into it. Expect an email soon!
posted by phunniemee at 1:07 PM on November 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
Any questions you've got for your Quonsees can be sent to secretquonsarswap@gmail.com and either Julen or myself will act as a go-between. Business as usual.
For those who have contacted us saying they didn't receive their swap assignments, I'm looking into it. Expect an email soon!
posted by phunniemee at 1:07 PM on November 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
phunniemee and julen, assuming one or both of you have personal google accounts, you might want to share all your quonsar google docs with those accounts, just in case. Thank you for organizing everything!
posted by ocherdraco at 2:28 PM on November 28, 2011
posted by ocherdraco at 2:28 PM on November 28, 2011
Oooh, good call, ocherdraco! I just went in and shared it with myself.
posted by phunniemee at 2:46 PM on November 28, 2011
posted by phunniemee at 2:46 PM on November 28, 2011
So glad we're back. Whew, and many thanks to Phunniemee for doing the super-persistent following up. So very glad.
Sharing the docs is an excellent thing. Woo. I also downloaded a copy so that if a giant meteor takes out Google on Thursday at 1:44 pm, we will still have access. Yay for backups!
If you didn't get your swap info via email, please let us know. We'll get that info to you asap.
posted by julen at 3:36 PM on November 28, 2011
Sharing the docs is an excellent thing. Woo. I also downloaded a copy so that if a giant meteor takes out Google on Thursday at 1:44 pm, we will still have access. Yay for backups!
If you didn't get your swap info via email, please let us know. We'll get that info to you asap.
posted by julen at 3:36 PM on November 28, 2011
Hi everyone!
There are a number of requests for more information from your quonsar out there. Please take a moment to check your email and send us a response if you have an outstanding email from us (or if it's average, ba dum dump.)
If you know your gift will be running a bit late or have any special messages, we're happy to pass that mention on to your quonsee, too.
Thank you everyone for your good humor and for putting up with our unscheduled delay. As always, the folks who participate in this are a kind, interesting,supportive, fun group of people.
posted by julen at 8:04 AM on November 29, 2011
There are a number of requests for more information from your quonsar out there. Please take a moment to check your email and send us a response if you have an outstanding email from us (or if it's average, ba dum dump.)
If you know your gift will be running a bit late or have any special messages, we're happy to pass that mention on to your quonsee, too.
Thank you everyone for your good humor and for putting up with our unscheduled delay. As always, the folks who participate in this are a kind, interesting,supportive, fun group of people.
posted by julen at 8:04 AM on November 29, 2011
Argh, I missed this!
Nuts - guess I'll have to wait for next year :(
posted by Julnyes at 2:07 PM on November 29, 2011
Nuts - guess I'll have to wait for next year :(
posted by Julnyes at 2:07 PM on November 29, 2011
Is secret quasar completely closed? Should it be removed from the sidebar to reduce disappointment?
posted by jadepearl at 6:54 AM on November 30, 2011
posted by jadepearl at 6:54 AM on November 30, 2011
For folks who missed the announcement -- is there anything else we can do to get the word out? It seems like every year we have a small group of folks who missed the signups and swap. Ideally, we'd like to get everyone who wants to participate in the swap.
posted by julen at 4:30 PM on November 30, 2011
posted by julen at 4:30 PM on November 30, 2011
Is this where I say how awesome it is that I actually got Death Star blueprints? And how awesome that is? And how there's no way the wife is ready for the level of nerdness that's about to ensue?
Also, I only knew about it this year because I know to look for it. Maybe something super obvious? I know banner announcements are really tacky, but it's something to consider.
posted by theichibun at 9:06 AM on December 1, 2011
Also, I only knew about it this year because I know to look for it. Maybe something super obvious? I know banner announcements are really tacky, but it's something to consider.
posted by theichibun at 9:06 AM on December 1, 2011
I don't know that Metafilter has anything more obvious than the sidebar. A banner announcement seems like overkill for this. Shouldn't those be reserved for (planned) site outages, major changes, etc?
posted by maryr at 9:23 AM on December 1, 2011
posted by maryr at 9:23 AM on December 1, 2011
Yeah, I think the issue was less that people didn't know, but that some people did know but missed the deadline. So I think maybe emailing everyone who participated last year [if they say okay] along with an earlier sidebarring would be useful. Because of mailing and that sort of thing, the announcements and slotting happen much earlier than I think people are really thinking about holidaytime and I'm not sure if there's anything really to be done about that.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:41 AM on December 1, 2011
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:41 AM on December 1, 2011
Hrm. An opt-in email link might be a good idea. Let me look at my options. I've already said I'm going to clear the email addresses and messages re: this year's quonsaricity at the end of the quonsar season, and I think it's a good idea to keep the notification list and the current year participants separate.
I (or the organizer if not me) can also post it closer to American Thanksgiving next year (assuming I'm still doing it next year). We usually have more than 50% sign up for the international swap, and international shipping at Christmastime is always tough and slower, so I'm reluctant to do the swapping any later.
Aside from the one error on our part, the google solution has been working out well for us. Doing the swap and notifications was a breeze, and having a helper for the human aspects of it (asking questions anonymously, helping to deal with the mechanics, later tracking down) has made it timely and smooth, so far.
posted by julen at 11:40 AM on December 1, 2011
I (or the organizer if not me) can also post it closer to American Thanksgiving next year (assuming I'm still doing it next year). We usually have more than 50% sign up for the international swap, and international shipping at Christmastime is always tough and slower, so I'm reluctant to do the swapping any later.
Aside from the one error on our part, the google solution has been working out well for us. Doing the swap and notifications was a breeze, and having a helper for the human aspects of it (asking questions anonymously, helping to deal with the mechanics, later tracking down) has made it timely and smooth, so far.
posted by julen at 11:40 AM on December 1, 2011
OK. I went ahead and set up a signup notification form via google forms. I can easily use that to send out an email to everyone, and the information will be attached to the secret quonsar account for easy transition.
Sign up to be notified once a year when secret quonsar signups go live.
posted by julen at 11:56 AM on December 1, 2011
Sign up to be notified once a year when secret quonsar signups go live.
posted by julen at 11:56 AM on December 1, 2011
Eeeeee! I got a box yesterday from an address in a town where I don't know anyone. Inside it are several cheerfully wrapped Things. I have them perched on the windowsill so I can just look at them for a couple of days.
DAMN THIS IS GREAT
posted by shiny blue object at 1:29 PM on December 1, 2011
DAMN THIS IS GREAT
posted by shiny blue object at 1:29 PM on December 1, 2011
A few days ago I came home to what was, quite possibly, the most fitting and awesome Secret Quonsar gift ever. The box. The contents. Thank you!
Also, when talking about "secret santa" I got it confused with "white elephant" and came up with "white santa" and "secret elephant." Secret Elephant: You know he's in the room.
posted by SemiSophos at 11:22 AM on December 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
Also, when talking about "secret santa" I got it confused with "white elephant" and came up with "white santa" and "secret elephant." Secret Elephant: You know he's in the room.
posted by SemiSophos at 11:22 AM on December 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
My Quonsmas gift has arrived and it's sitting there wrapped looking deliciously unknown. Tonight is Tree Decorating Night at my house and I'm going to open it up then to kick off the season.
posted by Miko at 12:47 PM on December 6, 2011
posted by Miko at 12:47 PM on December 6, 2011
I am on the cusp of sending my gift out to my Secret Quonsee, who has such marvelous taste I had a hard time narrowing down which gifts to give! Love this, and thanks again for organizing!
posted by misha at 1:08 PM on December 6, 2011
posted by misha at 1:08 PM on December 6, 2011
I sent off my Secret Quonsar gift yesterday, which may well be the earliest I've mailed it off, ever--and that includes the year I ordered it online and had it shipped directly to them. It'll probably still take 2 weeks to arrive (hello, customs) but I'm really excited for my Quonsee to get it.
I hope they still like me afterwards.
posted by Phire at 1:44 PM on December 6, 2011
I hope they still like me afterwards.
posted by Phire at 1:44 PM on December 6, 2011
My Secret Quonsar gift is in the mail, one day past the prescribed deadline. I am sorry, Secret Quonsee! I ran out of gas. I had a flat tire. I didn't have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn't come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake. A terrible flood! Locusts! IT WASN'T MY FAULT I SWEAR TO GOD!
(Still, current USPS delivery estimate is Dec. 9, which is not bad.)
posted by usonian at 1:54 PM on December 6, 2011
(Still, current USPS delivery estimate is Dec. 9, which is not bad.)
posted by usonian at 1:54 PM on December 6, 2011
WAIT. That was not my Quonsar gift. It's something else I ordered for my brother. Sorry if I confused my Secret Quonsar!
posted by Miko at 2:42 PM on December 6, 2011
posted by Miko at 2:42 PM on December 6, 2011
Usonian is my soul mate - Secret Quonsee, I didn't get to the post office until on my way home from work this evening. You should still be receiving it within a couple of days. A thousand apologies! Really! Big fat abject ones!
I so hope you like it.
posted by faineant at 4:20 PM on December 6, 2011
I so hope you like it.
posted by faineant at 4:20 PM on December 6, 2011
I sent mine as well. It has to travel over 5000 miles (as the crow flies) though, so although they say it *should* arrive on time, who knows?
posted by knapah at 4:27 AM on December 7, 2011
posted by knapah at 4:27 AM on December 7, 2011
My gift arrived, the day after I shipped mine out! Clearly holiday karma is in play. My Secret Quonsar researched well--not only did I get chocolate and bunnies, two of my favorite things, but the bunnies are doing it. Also one of my favorite things! I've been having a really tough week at work and this cheered me right up. Thank you, Secret Internet Friend adiabat!
posted by rhiannonstone at 3:37 PM on December 7, 2011
posted by rhiannonstone at 3:37 PM on December 7, 2011
Yay! I received my Secret Quonsar package today!!!
...
OH SHIT, SECRET QUONSAR.
...
Browse, browse, browse, add to cart, SEND.
posted by Deathalicious at 8:49 AM on December 8, 2011
...
OH SHIT, SECRET QUONSAR.
...
Browse, browse, browse, add to cart, SEND.
posted by Deathalicious at 8:49 AM on December 8, 2011
So my quonsee's gift went out (just) on time, and I'm pretty sure it should have arrived by now. I hope I hit the mark, so to speak.
posted by owtytrof at 8:50 AM on December 8, 2011
posted by owtytrof at 8:50 AM on December 8, 2011
deadline. oh boy. I'm working on it.
posted by sciencegeek at 12:38 PM on December 8, 2011
posted by sciencegeek at 12:38 PM on December 8, 2011
Out of curiosity, what happens if we mail the package but our quonsee never checks in that it's been received? Where do we fall for next year? Are we permitted to take part?
(Read that as I mailed mine on Saturday, and have trust issues when it comes to the USPS.)
posted by librarianamy at 2:06 PM on December 8, 2011
(Read that as I mailed mine on Saturday, and have trust issues when it comes to the USPS.)
posted by librarianamy at 2:06 PM on December 8, 2011
I think it has to do with people reporting they never received anything, vs. people reporting that they did.
posted by JoanArkham at 2:08 PM on December 8, 2011
posted by JoanArkham at 2:08 PM on December 8, 2011
Mine's going out tomorrow. Because I'm a bad person. Actually, because my son had the stomach flu and then a cold and then his flu shot. So really, it's all That Baby's fault. HE's the bad person. I'm just his enabler.
posted by sonika at 2:42 PM on December 8, 2011
posted by sonika at 2:42 PM on December 8, 2011
librarianamy:
Out of curiosity, what happens if we mail the package but our quonsee never checks in that it's been received? Where do we fall for next year? Are we permitted to take part?
We are happy to check in with your quonsee to see if the gift arrived and to work with the sender if it never arrives. Just ask!
If we don't know that someone got stiffed, there's nothing we can do about it.
If you have been banned for the subsequent year, you will know it.
Giftees: if you haven't gotten a gift by Christmas and haven't already heard from us, drop us a note, and we'll investigate. In some cases, it's a simple international shipping delay. In others, a company is backordered but didn't tell the sender. In still others, it's a postal issue. We'll find out what is going on and help resolve it (if possible).
posted by julen at 4:58 PM on December 8, 2011 [1 favorite]
Out of curiosity, what happens if we mail the package but our quonsee never checks in that it's been received? Where do we fall for next year? Are we permitted to take part?
We are happy to check in with your quonsee to see if the gift arrived and to work with the sender if it never arrives. Just ask!
If we don't know that someone got stiffed, there's nothing we can do about it.
If you have been banned for the subsequent year, you will know it.
Giftees: if you haven't gotten a gift by Christmas and haven't already heard from us, drop us a note, and we'll investigate. In some cases, it's a simple international shipping delay. In others, a company is backordered but didn't tell the sender. In still others, it's a postal issue. We'll find out what is going on and help resolve it (if possible).
posted by julen at 4:58 PM on December 8, 2011 [1 favorite]
I got my real Quonsar box! So excited. It says "don't open until Quonsar Day" and I'm not sure when that is, but maybe it will be Sunday. Fun fun!
posted by Miko at 8:51 AM on December 9, 2011
posted by Miko at 8:51 AM on December 9, 2011
My Quonsee's Quonsmus gift has been ordered - according to the site, it should arrive within 7-10 days. : )
posted by SisterHavana at 12:24 PM on December 9, 2011
posted by SisterHavana at 12:24 PM on December 9, 2011
Thank you so much amelliferae! Man, that was one serendipitous Quonsmas gift! And of course I'll be playing my new game with the kids. But will I let them win? Muahahaha
posted by MustardTent at 2:36 PM on December 9, 2011
posted by MustardTent at 2:36 PM on December 9, 2011
My Quonsee lives in another country so I ordered something from an Etsy seller in that country. Now I'm worried she's not going to know who it's from! I didn't think to include a note with my username until later, so am not sure the seller put one in the package.
I hope she got it and likes it!
posted by apricot at 5:18 AM on December 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
I hope she got it and likes it!
posted by apricot at 5:18 AM on December 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Mine sat in my car for a week. It finally visited the post office yesterday and I bumped up the postage to make up for my slack. I sure hope the receiver enjoys it!
posted by DigDoug at 12:31 PM on December 10, 2011
posted by DigDoug at 12:31 PM on December 10, 2011
My spouse and I are both late mailing our gifts (boo) but my quonsee lives close so . . It should be okay. I thought the deadline to get your gift to your quonsee was the 16th? am I hallucinating?
posted by Medieval Maven at 2:48 PM on December 10, 2011
posted by Medieval Maven at 2:48 PM on December 10, 2011
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posted by julen at 12:24 PM on November 11, 2011 [4 favorites]