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

[Granger]

Have Ridden - Halloween this past year, currently riding pampered guys

Time between trains - is fine as is, I like picking and choosing, personally for me it is a treat as opposed to a regular activity (I know that is different for everyone), but I understand how after chatting on the thread ppl may feel like they miss out if they don't ride the next one, it is a social activity too

Posting times - would be nice to have dates the trains are going to be posted in the sticky, it could even be just a week before it is posted, I have missed boarding because I didn't check SC for 2 days

Limits - I like a target as opposed to a limit, e.g. minimum of 10 wishes, you can do more, but that way if you have met the minimum there is no reason IMHO to feel bad

Items - I find people request brand name items too, despite the request not to do so overly, I try limit it to a few items (the ones we would not use a different brand for) or put Chips in a can (e.g. like Pringles, but any brand okay). Maybe sometimes it's that the words Pringles, Kleenex are used to mean chips in can or tissues?

Question - Re: $1Store items, $2 items count, $1 items extra don't count...what if the $1 item is a wishlist item? I know the reason is to avoid giving "junk." E.g. scenario stickers...not special specific stickers, just stickers. I know it would be different for an item like a spatula. I just have this thought everytime I read the rule, I follow the rules set, but always have the thought.

Newbies to pkg trains- this may sound mean, just need to get over their fear and participate, every time I have taken a risk on SC there have been people to help me, once I got an exchange wishlist where I could not give EVEN ONE coupon, the conductors are there to help you, the mods are there to help you, I didn't run and hide, I asked the conductor for help, start with a card exchange, I rode my first package train with an embarrassingly low trade rating, but Jezebel approved me because I met all other requirements and am an active member, at the end of the day if the pkg train isn't for you or your felt like it hurt your budget too much then don't ride again

All this being said, thank you for everyone's involvement in making the pkg trains possible, especially Jezebel. You are doing and amazing job, probably don't need to change a thing, but the fact that you are looking for feedback shows these trains will keep getting better and better!!!

[Jody22002]

I think a good idea for the post count (since that is what I received complaints about and spoke to Jezz about) is that buddy questions are PMed to all riders by a conductor/helper to remind them to post those without people feeling required to 'spam'

On another site, we ran a christmas exchange & we used to have 'elves' who were chosen because they could not/did not ride and they would PM your buddy any specific questions you had for them - got people who were just under the post count or could not afford to ride or just wanted to ease in before they participated a chance to interact with them too

I like this idea.

The post count idea is somewhat of an issue for me. I read the pkg train thread multiple times a day....everyday. There is lots of chatter going on which is great but I generally don't have anything to add. I always put a lot of thought into my gifts. Always mailed on time. I can't always ride though because I am worried I might post only 30 times instead of 35. I wish there was a way to check in without necessarily posting because after working all day, I am sometimes lost on the conversation so I don't actually post even though I always read.

[K8's Fate]

I like this idea.

The post count idea is somewhat of an issue for me. I read the pkg train thread multiple times a day....everyday. There is lots of chatter going on which is great but I generally don't have anything to add. I always put a lot of thought into my gifts. Always mailed on time. I can't always ride though because I am worried I might post only 30 times instead of 35. I wish there was a way to check in without necessarily posting because after working all day, I am sometimes lost on the conversation so I don't actually post even though I always read.

You sound just like me! I read every post, but am often so exhausted or do not have anything to add that hasn't already been said. Some days after teaching and driving 2 hours a day, it's difficult to make semi-intelligent posts when your brain is mush lol.

[Peachykeen2007]

"I have read and understand all the Package Train Rules/Guidelines" I understand if I do not follow the guidelines my name will be added to to the consequence list in the sticky”


This NEEDS to be enforced even for us seasoned riders - I will admit I broke a rule and was not added to the list and should have been!

sorry if this offends anyone but rules are rules

[shawlightning]

i really like the idea of a shoe box train!! would definitely be a challenge.

i agree with jody on the amount of times posting. there is so many times that i catch up on the thread but have nothing to add. it is not that i am ignoring the thread, it is just that i have nothing to say and to get the post count up i feel like sometimes i am posting nonsense and spamming the thread.

[Venuila]

The Pampered Ladies Train had 40 people in it...so I expected there to be a lot of reading. Different time zones too so there was always some chatter.

Maybe the minimum post amount could be the # of questions asked? That way people should at least just be answering the questions (which is the point of the post count, no?). I don't like the idea of putting all the answers in one post. It deters people from reading the thread and from posting their answer (increasing their post count as well). I don't find it hard to follow my buddys answers once I know who my buddy is. So maybe make it a rule you can't post a question until all buddies have been assigned.

[SassyAshley]

I like the idea of minimum number of wishes as opposed to the $$ limit.

I was also wondering about the $ Store Items as I saw on one train someone wanted to add to their wish list and said $ Store would be fine and I happen to have just bought that item the day before and know it is $1 item. Or because the item was asked to be added later would it be seen as an extra since it was not on the original wish list?

Limits - I like a target as opposed to a limit, e.g. minimum of 10 wishes, you can do more, but that way if you have met the minimum there is no reason IMHO to feel bad

Question - Re: $1Store items, $2 items count, $1 items extra don't count...what if the $1 item is a wishlist item? I know the reason is to avoid giving "junk." E.g. scenario stickers...not special specific stickers, just stickers. I know it would be different for an item like a spatula. I just have this thought everytime I read the rule, I follow the rules set, but always have the thought.

[FallenPixels]

I like this idea.

The post count idea is somewhat of an issue for me. I read the pkg train thread multiple times a day....everyday. There is lots of chatter going on which is great but I generally don't have anything to add. I always put a lot of thought into my gifts. Always mailed on time. I can't always ride though because I am worried I might post only 30 times instead of 35. I wish there was a way to check in without necessarily posting because after working all day, I am sometimes lost on the conversation so I don't actually post even though I always read.

That was the basic theme of the people who have mentioned it to us, one of them chats a lot on the forums but was worried she would have 24 posts and not 25 at the end - and even though she answered the questions, sent a great gift etc on time, she would not be able to ride the next train

which brings me to:

"I have read and understand all the Package Train Rules/Guidelines" I understand if I do not follow the guidelines my name will be added to to the consequence list in the sticky”


This NEEDS to be enforced even for us seasoned riders - I will admit I broke a rule and was not added to the list and should have been!

sorry if this offends anyone but rules are rules

I agree rules are rules, but for the people who have talked to mods about it, it will definitely depend on whether it is a official rule or a conductor enforced rule. Sending late etc yes (although if you were in hospital or something and had a good excuse...)
Not sure which rule you broke though

The Pampered Ladies Train had 40 people in it...so I expected there to be a lot of reading. Different time zones too so there was always some chatter.

Maybe the minimum post amount could be the # of questions asked? That way people should at least just be answering the questions (which is the point of the post count, no?). I don't like the idea of putting all the answers in one post. It deters people from reading the thread and from posting their answer (increasing their post count as well). I don't find it hard to follow my buddys answers once I know who my buddy is. So maybe make it a rule you can't post a question until all buddies have been assigned.

Do you really know ahead of time how many questions will be asked?

Buddies should definitely be assigned before questions are asked (unless they are general train questions). Personally, I also do not like the idea of people requesting buddies (and especially 2 trains in a row). The whole idea is it is a surprise. Even if you know you have items for that person, it still puts you/them at an advantage for the gift compared to others who have to go out and start from the list.

I wasn't talking about putting all of the answers in a post (nor the PMs being answered by PM). It would simply be a way of ensuring everyone knows there is a question and ensuring those do get answered with a lower post count requirement.

[Venuila]

Do you really know ahead of time how many questions will be asked?

Buddies should definitely be assigned before questions are asked (unless they are general train questions). Personally, I also do not like the idea of people requesting buddies (and especially 2 trains in a row). The whole idea is it is a surprise. Even if you know you have items for that person, it still puts you/them at an advantage for the gift compared to others who have to go out and start from the list.

I wasn't talking about putting all of the answers in a post (nor the PMs being answered by PM). It would simply be a way of ensuring everyone knows there is a question and ensuring those do get answered with a lower post count requirement.

Even if you don't know know how many questions will be asked you can simply say 'Post # required = minimum # of questions asked. Ex: If 10 questions are asked, you have to post at least 10x.' -or- maybe do a minimum number of questions that have to be asked too - like everyone has to ask at least one question or something.

I didn't mean you were talking about putting them in a post. I like the idea of notifying people that a question has been asked. I've just seen it done on many package trains recently where people put all of their answers to questions in one post because it's "easier" for their buddy to find all of their answers in one place.

[SassyAshley]

I do not think back to back trains is an issue, from what I have been seeing it looks like most are requesting this. Plus if you cannot ride one you know the next one is coming shortly.

[couponsrule]

I'm in for a "Shoebox Pkg Train"..would be really fun!

[FallenPixels]

Maybe a better requirement than a post count is
- you must answer all buddy questions
- you must post when sent
- you must post when received

[Jezebel]

They seem a bit confusing if I go to one and read the rules but they seem fun! I don't think I am willing to take the risk of embarassment though

Please p'm me I will always help and answer questions as do a few who help me with the trains I will ensure the best I can you will not be embarrassed ! I have had many new riders feeling the same way as you and we help them along and now they can't wait for a new train to start Very similar to when ppl start couponing...they are nervous worried to ask questions on the forum for fear they will get embarrassed....we won't let that happen

I think a good idea for the post count (since that is what I received complaints about and spoke to Jezz about) is that buddy questions are PMed to all riders by a conductor/helper to remind them to post those without people feeling required to 'spam'

On another site, we ran a christmas exchange & we used to have 'elves' who were chosen because they could not/did not ride and they would PM your buddy any specific questions you had for them - got people who were just under the post count or could not afford to ride or just wanted to ease in before they participated a chance to interact with them too

we used to do this before but then ppl just started asking the questions in the thread...although I will still get requests to privately ask their buddy questions which is totally fine

except me I didn't see the limit train or would have jumped on. I usually see the package trains after boarding closed or their full.

Trains are always posted on the first page of the sticky and at the end I will put dates for the upcoming trains

Have Ridden - Halloween this past year, currently riding pampered guys

Time between trains - is fine as is, I like picking and choosing, personally for me it is a treat as opposed to a regular activity (I know that is different for everyone), but I understand how after chatting on the thread ppl may feel like they miss out if they don't ride the next one, it is a social activity too

Posting times - would be nice to have dates the trains are going to be posted in the sticky, it could even be just a week before it is posted, I have missed boarding because I didn't check SC for 2 days

Limits - I like a target as opposed to a limit, e.g. minimum of 10 wishes, you can do more, but that way if you have met the minimum there is no reason IMHO to feel bad

Items - I find people request brand name items too, despite the request not to do so overly, I try limit it to a few items (the ones we would not use a different brand for) or put Chips in a can (e.g. like Pringles, but any brand okay). Maybe sometimes it's that the words Pringles, Kleenex are used to mean chips in can or tissues?

Question - Re: $1Store items, $2 items count, $1 items extra don't count...what if the $1 item is a wishlist item? I know the reason is to avoid giving "junk." E.g. scenario stickers...not special specific stickers, just stickers. I know it would be different for an item like a spatula. I just have this thought everytime I read the rule, I follow the rules set, but always have the thought.

Newbies to pkg trains- this may sound mean, just need to get over their fear and participate, every time I have taken a risk on SC there have been people to help me, once I got an exchange wishlist where I could not give EVEN ONE coupon, the conductors are there to help you, the mods are there to help you, I didn't run and hide, I asked the conductor for help, start with a card exchange, I rode my first package train with an embarrassingly low trade rating, but Jezebel approved me because I met all other requirements and am an active member, at the end of the day if the pkg train isn't for you or your felt like it hurt your budget too much then don't ride again

All this being said, thank you for everyone's involvement in making the pkg trains possible, especially Jezebel. You are doing and amazing job, probably don't need to change a thing, but the fact that you are looking for feedback shows these trains will keep getting better and better!!!

Regarding $$store items if it is on their list and the $store sells it and is decent quality then for most riders they are totally fine...what was happening was some had a large part of $store items like for example ... Elmyers glue...instead...$ store brand glue or maybe a specific brand baking cups that cost $2 instead $1 dollar store ones were sent...usually ppl put $$store okay beside the item on their wishlist..as some things like doggy poop bags lol does it really matter where they came from

I like this idea.

The post count idea is somewhat of an issue for me. I read the pkg train thread multiple times a day....everyday. There is lots of chatter going on which is great but I generally don't have anything to add. I always put a lot of thought into my gifts. Always mailed on time. I can't always ride though because I am worried I might post only 30 times instead of 35. I wish there was a way to check in without necessarily posting because after working all day, I am sometimes lost on the conversation so I don't actually post even though I always read.

We have removed the high post count requirement from the train requirements and replaced it with 10 POSTS REQUIREMENT BEFORE MAIL DAY AND 1 POST WHEN PKGE IS RECIEVED

"I have read and understand all the Package Train Rules/Guidelines" I understand if I do not follow the guidelines my name will be added to to the consequence list in the sticky”


This NEEDS to be enforced even for us seasoned riders - I will admit I broke a rule and was not added to the list and should have been!

sorry if this offends anyone but rules are rules

I wasn't told you broke a rule

The Pampered Ladies Train had 40 people in it...so I expected there to be a lot of reading. Different time zones too so there was always some chatter.

Maybe the minimum post amount could be the # of questions asked? That way people should at least just be answering the questions (which is the point of the post count, no?). I don't like the idea of putting all the answers in one post. It deters people from reading the thread and from posting their answer (increasing their post count as well). I don't find it hard to follow my buddys answers once I know who my buddy is. So maybe make it a rule you can't post a question until all buddies have been assigned.

There is no way we could decide the amount of posts be based on questions as sometimes there are 40 + questions

I like the idea of minimum number of wishes as opposed to the $$ limit.

I was also wondering about the $ Store Items as I saw on one train someone wanted to add to their wish list and said $ Store would be fine and I happen to have just bought that item the day before and know it is $1 item. Or because the item was asked to be added later would it be seen as an extra since it was not on the original wish list?

no when ppl add items to their wishes based on questions asked those items should the rider choose to buy them count as 1 of the required # of items .

That was the basic theme of the people who have mentioned it to us, one of them chats a lot on the forums but was worried she would have 24 posts and not 25 at the end - and even though she answered the questions, sent a great gift etc on time, she would not be able to ride the next train

which brings me to:



I agree rules are rules, but for the people who have talked to mods about it, it will definitely depend on whether it is a official rule or a conductor enforced rule. Sending late etc yes (although if you were in hospital or something and had a good excuse...)
Not sure which rule you broke though



Do you really know ahead of time how many questions will be asked?
NO
Buddies should definitely be assigned before questions are asked (unless they are general train questions). Personally, I also do not like the idea of people requesting buddies (and especially 2 trains in a row). The whole idea is it is a surprise. Even if you know you have items for that person, it still puts you/them at an advantage for the gift compared to others who have to go out and start from the list.

I wasn't talking about putting all of the answers in a post (nor the PMs being answered by PM). It would simply be a way of ensuring everyone knows there is a question and ensuring those do get answered with a lower post count requirement.

we never know how many questions will be asked and I think if questions are asked and they are sent via p'm by conductor to your buddy or posted on the thread and they don't respond well then you just stick to the list that you were sent...

Even if you don't know know how many questions will be asked you can simply say 'Post # required = minimum # of questions asked. Ex: If 10 questions are asked, you have to post at least 10x.' -or- maybe do a minimum number of questions that have to be asked too - like everyone has to ask at least one question or something.

I didn't mean you were talking about putting them in a post. I like the idea of notifying people that a question has been asked. I've just seen it done on many package trains recently where people put all of their answers to questions in one post because it's "easier" for their buddy to find all of their answers in one place.

I can see ppl are watching/reading by how many likes they click on and how spaced out they are so really there is not a need to post more than 10 times

[Jezebel]

Sometimes rules are not broken because you are just ignoring the thread...when p'ms have been sent to the conductor and myself with requests to mail a day later ect it is usually because the item they ordered didn't show by mail day or the car broke down or child is sick...we make exceptions all the time ...communication is the key....

[Peachykeen2007]

the 2 bolded were already in the rules

but I think if someone can't make 30 post how on earth would they answer all buddy questions? some of these ladies are chatty cathy's and even myself can't keep up

Maybe a better requirement than a post count is
- you must answer all buddy questions
- you must post when sent
- you must post when received