Discuss New Rules for Package Trains & Win a Gift Card :)

[bargain_hunter_lola]

I think If things go back to the way they were before we are headed for a train wreck ....no pun intended...I sent out many pkges to those who were essentially ripped off by their buddy because I didn't want anyone to be unhappy in the end they didn't come back to ride trains again...currently since changes were made I have still sent out pkges to unhappy riders...again they have chosen not to come back...where does it end ? .........................sorry my "return" button is stuck so I can't create new paragraphs

I completely agree that it can't go back to the old way 100%. There were issues and that's why things changed.

I was lucky to only encounter 1 rider who did not send while conducting. But even that is disheartening and frustrating.

With riders and conductors only riding one train at a time, it limits the chances for one person to join a bunch of trains and then disappear. It obviously doesn't totally eliminate them (nothing would - scammers will always find a way to scam sadly).

[sheetsofemptycanvas]

I sent you a message telling you to go ahead and run yours like a normal train.....I even posted as did you in the sticky you were going to be running that.....Fallen Pixels and I agreed that ANY train can be held as a regular train as long as postage is 4 stamps or $3 and under for postage...

Sorry Jez, I had thought things were all good to go but then I wasn't sure! Just thought I'd double check

[Jezebel]

okay again should we have 2 trains running again ? but keep a list in the sticky of who is hosting them and when they will be posted aswell as theme ? one train can be the quick turnaround train ppl seem to be requesting right now...

[bargain_hunter_lola]

It's definitely a hard line to walk - limit chances for scamming/MIA riders while still allowing for variety and freedom. Not an easy answer!

Again, my intention is not to create drama or hurt feelings. I am simply putting my thoughts out there to help out.

[bargain_hunter_lola]

okay again should we have 2 trains running again ? but keep a list in the sticky of who is hosting them and when they will be posted aswell as theme ? one train can be the quick turnaround train ppl seem to be requesting right now...

It's an idea.

I'm wondering if others want to weigh in?

I'm just trying to help create open dialogue and hope others will chime in if they see its safe to do so.

[PammieD]

no really we are looking for all kinds of feedback so do we exclude conductors also until their trains are finished...meaning if conducting you can't ride a train except your own ? When should we declare a person ready to ride a new train ? when their tracking number is received or when their buddy receives their gift ?

I would say when their package has been received and all is in order (you could have someone submit a tracking number but it be all dollar store stuff etc...)

do we allow 1 conductor to run multiple trains at a time ? We have a guideline stating only 1 at a time and not back to back for conductors to host.... if ppl are hosting a train do we allow them to ride other ppls trains ?

the reason I am asking about conductors is I have conducted trains (cause nobody wanted to host) but DID NOT ride my own train...had no kids lol so would I then be able to ride someone elses train ...

If you think of it as "you can only be committed to sending one package at a tim" (whether you're conducting or just riding)

one other thing ..what about time frame...ppl want 2 weeks to shop and such . how do we keep shopping/mailing to just 2 weeks ? we tried that again had empty trains with ppl saying not enough time ?? Or does this not matter as there could be 10 trains running at the same time...but as long as they have different conductors and passengers it doesn't matter what the shopping/mailing time frame is ?

I suggest still having a decent amount of shop time...no need to rush it. There could be 3 or whatever trains at a time given that there's enough interest. So no need to rush closing up a train to start another etc.

If you were only conducting and not riding then I think that would be a different scenario altogether.

I think I mentioned it before, but the post count is a huge issue for me... not right now but when I go back to work (which will be very soon) I can't guarantee that I can check in every day and I would be afraid of not meeting the minimum post count for the train. I know that I'm good to send a package and I've always tried to spoil my buddy on package trains so that's not the problem...

I agree that there seems to be a "clique" of package train riders but that's also present on VWT's, Exchange Trains, etc. It is slightly intimidating through.

Agreed about the "clique" but at the same time, I think people need to take it upon themselves to give it a try. Nothing is ever going to be completely inclusive because people need to take a step out of their comfort zone as well.

Jez - is thr "post count" an issue for the people wanting to conduct? Or just people wanting to ride...

[Jezebel]

it is a very thin line and while some are saying there is a clique of Pkge train Riders as Sheets pointed out it is the same with VWLT always the same riders...which is why I don't ride those type of trains...................it is such a fine line and no mater how much I/We try not everyone is going to be happy . .......................although I note the unhappy ppl are not posting here nor privately p'ming me to say what has to change for them to participate in these trains....

[bargain_hunter_lola]

I would say when their package has been received and all is in order (you could have someone submit a tracking number but it be all dollar store stuff etc...)





If you think of it as "you can only be committed to sending one package at a tim" (whether you're conducting or just riding)



I suggest still having a decent amount of shop time...no need to rush it. There could be 3 or whatever trains at a time given that there's enough interest. So no need to rush closing up a train to start another etc.



Agreed about the "clique" but at the same time, I think people need to take it upon themselves to give it a try. Nothing is ever going to be completely inclusive because people need to take a step out of their comfort zone as well.

Jez - is thr "post count" an issue for the people wanting to conduct? Or just people wanting to ride...

Agreed

[sheetsofemptycanvas]

To be honest, I just can't afford them right now... I think it was already mentioned, but I like the idea of a "challenge" train, like "see how much you can buy for X amount of dollars, using coupons, promos, etc."... that might be a little more doable for me and for others who may be in the same boat. I miss package trains!!!

I don't envy you your job on here Jezebel, I certainly wouldn't want to take all this on! I didn't want to say anything because I really didn't want to step on any toes LOL

[Jezebel]

I would say when their package has been received and all is in order (you could have someone submit a tracking number but it be all dollar store stuff etc...)





If you think of it as "you can only be committed to sending one package at a tim" (whether you're conducting or just riding)



I suggest still having a decent amount of shop time...no need to rush it. There could be 3 or whatever trains at a time given that there's enough interest. So no need to rush closing up a train to start another etc.



Agreed about the "clique" but at the same time, I think people need to take it upon themselves to give it a try. Nothing is ever going to be completely inclusive because people need to take a step out of their comfort zone as well.

Jez - is thr "post count" an issue for the people wanting to conduct? Or just people wanting to ride...

the post count is with both groups who want to conduct and ride...riding we have never turned anyone away who sent me a private message...regardless of their post count...I just buddied them with myself to reduce any type of potential mishap so it wouldn't affect any rider on the train who had enough posts

[bargain_hunter_lola]

it is a very thin line and while some are saying there is a clique of Pkge train Riders as Sheets pointed out it is the same with VWLT always the same riders...which is why I don't ride those type of trains...................it is such a fine line and no mater how much I/We try not everyone is going to be happy . .......................although I note the unhappy ppl are not posting here nor privately p'ming me to say what has to change for them to participate in these trains....

Excellent points.

"Cliques" happen, it's hard to avoid. I see it with VWT's also but because there's so many running, it gives people more options so they may not feel as intimidated.

I'd love to hear from the unhappy riders - even via PM or rep or any way. I'd hate to think people aren't speaking up because they are intimidated. Thoughts and opinions may differ but everyone's input matters and should be heard.

[Jezebel]

To be honest, I just can't afford them right now... I think it was already mentioned, but I like the idea of a "challenge" train, like "see how much you can buy for X amount of dollars, using coupons, promos, etc."... that might be a little more doable for me and for others who may be in the same boat. I miss package trains!!!

I don't envy you your job on here Jezebel, I certainly wouldn't want to take all this on! I didn't want to say anything because I really didn't want to step on any toes LOL

no toe stepping don't worry It can be very overwhelming at times trying to keep everyone somewhat happy

[PammieD]

should we lower the number of posts one has to have in order to host trains ? if things basically go back go the way before of anyone can host a train. what do we do when we end up with many ppl not getting gifts ? including conductors who received a gift but didn't send one and just left sc.....this is partly why they were cancelled before

I don't think the limit should be low. Need an "active" member that's online a fair bit participating in the forum in order to host.

having a list of upcoming trains running gives ppl the choice to pick and choose what trains they want to ride....without excluding anyone as you wont miss boarding as you will already know when they will be posted.....................we can try having 2 running again with one being smaller and less costly /limits being chosen by conductor/riders,,,

Agreed. Let's be honest here. We're all adults. We can try to change things up to entice more people to join, however....people need to make their own decisions. If you post in the sticky, which trains are boarding when, then it's up to people to decide how they want ro proceed. You can't be everything to everyone.

Jez, If people arent providing input, then go on without it. You're not a mind reader. Again, we're all adults.

[bargain_hunter_lola]

no toe stepping don't worry It can be very overwhelming at times trying to keep everyone somewhat happy

I've said it before but I think it's warranted again: Jez is amazing!

Your job is insanely hard and under appreciated. It's wonderful of you to do all this work and to try and make people happy.

At the end of the day, you can only do so much - especially if the people that are unhappy aren't communicating why.

Please know that you are AMAZING!

[Jezebel]

Excellent points.

"Cliques" happen, it's hard to avoid. I see it with VWT's also but because there's so many running, it gives people more options so they may not feel as intimidated.

I'd love to hear from the unhappy riders - even via PM or rep or any way. I'd hate to think people aren't speaking up because they are intimidated. Thoughts and opinions may differ but everyone's input matters and should be heard.

I have only received 3 p'ms since I opened this thread...I was hoping for more either public or private...