Official DP Secret Santa 2k5! CLOSED! No more entries.

[punkoffgirl]

That's right, folks. It's November, and time to get the annual Digital Press Secret Santa season underway! I hope you've all been good girls and boys this year. Santa's started making his list, and Mrs. Claus is going to be checking it twice for him.

We like to uphold the tradition of including everyone and anyone with a member name on the Retrogaming Roundtable. As usual, we're still tweaking things in the Toy Shop to make sure this is a success for everyone, so the rules may change from year to year:

#1- You MUST be a current member of the forums as of this posting. This means those of you viewing the forums as guests will not be able to participate, unless you have a log in name with a registration date previous to today's date.

#2- As always, some members may not be allowed to participate at the discretion of the moderation staff of the forums; your buying/trading history on the forums will be taken into consideration. These people will be notified on an individual basis & privately via email. If it's decided that you will not be allowed to participate, the decision will be final.

#3- Please also let me know if you wouldn't mind shipping overseas. Although most of our member base is in the continental U.S., not everyone is, so there's still a chance you could get someone that's an ocean away from you. If the extra shipping time or expense would be a problem for you, let me know, and I'll do my best to accomodate you, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to honor all requests. This goes for those of you outside the US, as well.


Interested in signing up? All you'll need to do is send an email to dpsecretsanta@verizon.net by midnight EST next Saturday, November 12th, with the following information in it:

- Both your REAL NAME and your forum handle.
- Your mailing address, or an address where you'd like to have your package shipped to.
- Whether you would mind shipping overseas or not.
- Most importantly, your CHRISTMAS WANT LIST.

I reserve the right to disqualify you from participating if your email does not include all of the above and I do not recieve it from you by the deadline.

Suggestions for composing your Want List:
--------------------------------------
1. Listing specific wants can be helpful. Listing by title is the best way to get what you want/need, but be realistic; don't ask for NWC carts or Adventurevisions. It's okay to just say "Anything for X system" as long as you don't mind getting a random selection, or possibly getting duplicates of what you already have. If you have links to your collection, by all means, include them! Or list preferences for genres, companies, etc. The more information you can give, the easier you make it for your Santa to make you happy.

2. MORE MORE MORE! List as MANY options as you can, with a wide value range. Your Santa may have geographical or financial limitations as to what they can get you, so the more options you provide, the better your chances you get something you WANT. If you need/want NTSC or PAL only, or will take either, mention it!

3. Please do not ask for new $50 game releases. I don't want anyone here going out and spending $50 plus shipping on someone they're not even related to! If your list looks to be ridiculously unacceptable, you'll be asked to change it, or dropped from participation.

***PLEASE DON'T BUY ITEMS YOU PUT ON YOUR WANTLIST FOR YOURSELF, OR YOU MAY RECIEVE DUPLICATES!***


Once you have sent in your wantlist, I will reply back to tell you who you will be playing Santa for, along with their addresses and want lists. If you have any problems with the list, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. If you need more options, LET ME KNOW. I'll email the person back and see if they can add a few more things to their lists.

That's it for now! I'll post some updated information later. PLEASE NO PMs. They're far too easy to get lost or miss if my PM box fills up too fast. Any further questions or comments, just ask here or email! Thanks, and let the holiday season begin!

[punkoffgirl]

An addition for those who may not be familiar with the "Secret Santa" process.

This is a gift swap. Essentially what happens is that each person interested in signing up sends me a list with their name and address. Once I've recieved all the entries, I randomly assign everyone someone to shop for, only making sure that no one gets themselves. I then notify each person who they are playing "secret Santa" for, sending them the list and address, and they do the rest. So, each person only knows who they are shopping for, and not who has them or anyone else.

[googlefest1]

are the matches chosen randomly (then screened for location), by want list value or something similar? Are the matches going to be logged?

are there catagories other than location? Like value limit?

Edit: i see one of the questions was answered before i finished this posting

[punkoffgirl]

Completely random assignments, after the overseas/domestic division.

Yes, I keep track of who I match up for Secret Santa.

[Wester]

Cool, I missed last years. I'm in this time though, as soon as I compile a want list. ;)

List is complete and sent in.

[Drexel923]

Email sent :)

[anagrama]

Coolies. I'll be in again as soon as I sling a want list together. :)

[le geek]

email sent :)

[Lady Jaye]

I'll send an email once I will have made up a list -- I'll have to dig out my DP printed guides tonight for inspiration.

[skoldpadda]

This was great fun last year... I got a great haul from jgenotte and sent some nice stuff to Rogmeister. Can't wait to do it again this year.

[Rogmeister]

I did indeed get some nice stuff last year (income stuff for my cats!). I've taken part in most of them though I did miss one year. I definitely will be taking part this year...and have already pulled out a DP Guide to help make up my list which I'll try to send later today.

Here's a few things to keep in mind...when your package is sent, try not to have your user name on the outside but maybe you could hide it inside somewhere...either inside a sealed card or inside a package if you wrap them (and you should wrap them since this is Christmas, after all). I remember last year many people opened their gifts and had no clue what DP member had sent them their gifts.

[SegaAges]

I did this last year and it was great fun, I will make out a list and send it to you.

[Mr.FoodMonster]

Done and done.

[s1lence]

Good Stuff, I'll sign up as soon as I get home on monday night.

[kainemaxwell]

Will sign up and send list this weekend. :)

[Pop Culture Portal]

This is TONS of fun and have enjoyed it every year I've participated!

[PDorr3]

I would be interested in doing this, but I have never participated before so here are a few questions.

Generaly, how much stuff do people usualy send out? I mean I would feel awful if I only sent out like 2 things worth $15 and receive a package with like 10 things worth like $50.

I am not a huge trader, and I really never send out stuff I dont have duplicates of, Im more of strictly buying/selling. Would I still do OK in this, only I would end up having to buy the stuff from ebay or something?

Thanks :)

[Gemini-Phoenix]

#3- Please also let me know if you wouldn't mind shipping overseas. Although most of our member base is in the continental U.S., not everyone is, so there's still a chance you could get someone that's an ocean away from you. If the extra shipping time or expense would be a problem for you, let me know, and I'll do my best to accomodate you, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to honor all requests. This goes for those of you outside the US, as well.


I have a question Mr Garrison... Well, more of a suggestion really. How about doing one for America and a separate one for the UK / Europe? That way, all us Brits who want to take part will be able to without having to worry about shipping over the pond and vice versa...


I shall not be participating though, sadly, as my *want* list is very unreasonable indeed, and would surely be rejected (As per the rules above), and it wouldn't be fair to ask anyone, let alone strangers, to try to obtain some of the unobtainable items on my list, PLUS in the condition I would require it. I think it's fairer for all parties if I just stay out of it.

[SoulBlazer]

Cool, glad the site got back up. Last year I got some great stuff and had fun putting together my package.

I'll get the list out tonight. :)

[Chainsaw_Charlie]

EMail will be sent later

[Rogmeister]

When the site when down and there was talk the exchange would be cancelled...I assume we are back on, right? I need to work on my want list...I guess it'll give me something to do today while I'm watching the football game. 8-)

[Mr.FoodMonster]

#3- Please also let me know if you wouldn't mind shipping overseas. Although most of our member base is in the continental U.S., not everyone is, so there's still a chance you could get someone that's an ocean away from you. If the extra shipping time or expense would be a problem for you, let me know, and I'll do my best to accomodate you, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to honor all requests. This goes for those of you outside the US, as well.


I have a question Mr Garrison... Well, more of a suggestion really. How about doing one for America and a separate one for the UK / Europe? That way, all us Brits who want to take part will be able to without having to worry about shipping over the pond and vice versa...


I shall not be participating though, sadly, as my *want* list is very unreasonable indeed, and would surely be rejected (As per the rules above), and it wouldn't be fair to ask anyone, let alone strangers, to try to obtain some of the unobtainable items on my list, PLUS in the condition I would require it. I think it's fairer for all parties if I just stay out of it.
I'm going to bet that would require way to much work. Also, your want list could consist of just movies or cds or books or something. I'm pretty sure last year I sent out a Henry Rollins cd, so I'd imagine there wouldn't be any kind of limit as to what you want, within reason.

[Richter]

in the event that we have to do some spending, is the limit the same as last year ($30)?

[Uzi 9mm]

This sounds like fun, I think I'll participate this year. :)

[anagrama]

I have a question Mr Garrison... Well, more of a suggestion really. How about doing one for America and a separate one for the UK / Europe? That way, all us Brits who want to take part will be able to without having to worry about shipping over the pond and vice versa...


I shall not be participating though, sadly, as my *want* list is very unreasonable indeed, and would surely be rejected (As per the rules above), and it wouldn't be fair to ask anyone, let alone strangers, to try to obtain some of the unobtainable items on my list, PLUS in the condition I would require it. I think it's fairer for all parties if I just stay out of it.

One of the things I like about the Secret Santa is the potential to get a bunch of stuff from the other side of the world that I wouldn't normally find over here.

And once again, why bother making comments at all when, as you've admitted, it won't concern you anyway?

[Funk Buddy]

Count me in! I'll just use the list I sent last year. LOL

[punkoffgirl]

I would be interested in doing this, but I have never participated before so here are a few questions.

Generaly, how much stuff do people usualy send out? I mean I would feel awful if I only sent out like 2 things worth $15 and receive a package with like 10 things worth like $50.

I am not a huge trader, and I really never send out stuff I dont have duplicates of, Im more of strictly buying/selling. Would I still do OK in this, only I would end up having to buy the stuff from ebay or something?

Thanks :)

It's up to you how much "stuff" you send, really. The only limit I set is if you have to spend your own money, around $30. You're free to spend more if you want, but I'd really rather not see people spending less, if you get what I mean. It's come through the grapevine to me that a few people have recieved some mighty stingy gifts over the past couple of years, but never said anything about it publically. I'm serious when I say, if this is going to stretch you financially in ANY way, don't participate just because you'll get some cool stuff. I'll find out.

I think this answers the spending limit question someone else asked.

Also..





#3- Please also let me know if you wouldn't mind shipping overseas. Although most of our member base is in the continental U.S., not everyone is, so there's still a chance you could get someone that's an ocean away from you. If the extra shipping time or expense would be a problem for you, let me know, and I'll do my best to accomodate you, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to honor all requests. This goes for those of you outside the US, as well.


I have a question Mr Garrison... Well, more of a suggestion really. How about doing one for America and a separate one for the UK / Europe? That way, all us Brits who want to take part will be able to without having to worry about shipping over the pond and vice versa...


I shall not be participating though, sadly, as my *want* list is very unreasonable indeed, and would surely be rejected (As per the rules above), and it wouldn't be fair to ask anyone, let alone strangers, to try to obtain some of the unobtainable items on my list, PLUS in the condition I would require it. I think it's fairer for all parties if I just stay out of it.

I'm not going to run two different Secret Santas. If enough Brit DPers want to run their own, have at it. But we have other members in other locations overseas as well, not just the UK. I can't guarantee to anyone that they might NOT have to ship overseas, and they're more than welcome to drop out of participation if that happens. I do my best to match up the preferences, though, and it usually works out pretty well.

[Rogmeister]

Some people seem to forget that this is supposed to be a fun thing. They tend to be too demanding, expecting $50 titles and/or refusing to accept re-issue "Greatest Hits" titles and other things. Last year I got a few things I hadn't asked for including a few toys for my cats and I was thrilled that my Secret Santa had even thought to do that. Whoever I get to send gifts for this year, I will try to throw in some little items like that, things that aren't even expected.

I'm currently working on my list...it's kind of hard to think of things I want that I don't already have so I won't mind if my Secret Santa deviates from the list. At the worst, I get something I either don't care for or already have...but those items can always eventually find their way into others hands via sales or other exchanges or whatever.

[Austin]

What is generally the time window for this? I'd love love love to participate, but I won't be returning to the United States until mid-December and wouldn't be able to shop and ship out until probably the 20th of December or so. I'd hate thinking of someone's package having not arrived yet if everyone else has gotten theirs.

Anyone who has participated before: when do people generally start sending/receiving their gifts?

I particapated in a Secret Santa a few years ago on another forum and had a blast.

[Mayhem]

I think I've just about finished my list (a whole lot bigger than it has ever been) so that should go off to the lovely Jaime very shortly...

[punkoffgirl]

What is generally the time window for this? I'd love love love to participate, but I won't be returning to the United States until mid-December and wouldn't be able to shop and ship out until probably the 20th of December or so. I'd hate thinking of someone's package having not arrived yet if everyone else has gotten theirs.

Anyone who has participated before: when do people generally start sending/receiving their gifts?

I particapated in a Secret Santa a few years ago on another forum and had a blast.

I usually set a shipping deadline, normally around ten full days before Christmas, because of the overwhelming number of packages the USPS and other postal service already have to deal with at that time of year.

[RJ]

Awesome! I logged on just now to ask the status of this (i.e. whether it was a go this year.) Count me in!

The last 2 years I took part (missed the deadline last year, regrettably :( ) were great. Im still reeling from QOF's goodie pkg stuffed w/ Playstation games & swag! :D

To anyone having doubts about this- I suggest participating. It's by far the best I've ever took part in.

[Cmosfm]

I'm in! I enjoyed it last year and hopefully this year will be even better, I loved wrapping each little gift individually. LOL

[Rogmeister]

Whew, I got lucky. I started work on my want list last night and finished it this morning and sent it out just before 11AM. Within an hour, the power went out here for about 5 seconds. If I'd waited another hour to finish and e-mail my list out, I would've had to have done the whole durn thing again.

[njiska]

My list was just nice and simple. I don't really have anything i need (unless someone wants to pay for my new 360 :P) but i like the idea of partisipating.

It's the little things like this that DP does to show the strength of the community that really makes this board special.

[punkoffgirl]

A note to the people saying they'll ship overseas if it's small or lightweight:

I'm really not going to go through and match you up with people that asked for small things. It's either yes you will, or no you won't. Besides, YOU choose what you're shipping from the list. I'm semi-concerned if people are that worried about shipping differences between small and "large" packages.

[Cmosfm]

A note to the people saying they'll ship overseas if it's small or lightweight:

I'm really not going to go through and match you up with people that asked for small things. It's either yes you will, or no you won't. Besides, YOU choose what you're shipping from the list. I'm semi-concerned if people are that worried about shipping differences between small and "large" packages.

I'm in for overseas no matter what the size, it's Christmas, no need to be picky over a few bucks!

[Sailorneorune]

I'll give it a shot, even though I'm a poor college student. Count me in!

-Sailorneorune

[Vectorman0]

Okay, I've been wondering this before I make my want list. Is it okay to say that I "want complete games for XXX system?" Or is that too picky?

[punkoffgirl]

Okay, I've been wondering this before I make my want list. Is it okay to say that I "want complete games for XXX system?" Or is that too picky?

Sure, you can ask for complete games. But I'm hoping people are tactful enough not to complain if they don't get them complete.

[mmpoole8]

This sounds like a lot of fun. I have a few questions:

1. Just want to make sure, sending used games is ok?

2. Any examples of what people sent out/received last year?

Now I just need to get my list together :-)

-Melissa

[Rogmeister]

Sending used games is fine. Many people send out games from their own collection. Whatever you can manage should be fully appreciated. Last year I got cat toys and some Johnny Cash CDs (burned copies)...oh yeah and some games, too! I got the Lynx version of Robotron 2084 (new) and a couple used PS1 games as I recall...my memories not what it used to be. I sent either 2 or 3 games...I remember one was still sealed (the second Midway Arcade Treasures collection) and one was used...again, I can't remember if I sent a third and, if so, what it was. Hey, this was almost a year ago...

[Cmosfm]

Okay, I've been wondering this before I make my want list. Is it okay to say that I "want complete games for XXX system?" Or is that too picky?

Sure, you can ask for complete games. But I'm hoping people are tactful enough not to complain if they don't get them complete.

I pledge and oath to not complain about anything even if things turn out like they did last year with me.

:)

[Bratwurst]

When people don't actually get their gift from participating in the Secret Santa I think they're justified in being a little vocal about it Cmosfm. Frankly that you're willing to give it another go after last year shows how much Christmas spirit you've got there.

I skipped last time, but I participated in 2003, and I'm in this year. In the various 'random present' dealies I've done I just try to get some nice things I'd appreciate. Golden rule, simple as that.

[punkoffgirl]

Okay, I've been wondering this before I make my want list. Is it okay to say that I "want complete games for XXX system?" Or is that too picky?

Sure, you can ask for complete games. But I'm hoping people are tactful enough not to complain if they don't get them complete.

I pledge and oath to not complain about anything even if things turn out like they did last year with me.

:)

Oh, by all means, PLEASE let us know if something happens like it did last year. That's certainly not what I meant by complaining. I was talking about people that asked for games complete, and they happen to get them loose instead, or minus either the box or the instructions. They still got something off their list! Your situation was much different. I need feedback after everything is said and done, so we know if certain people shouldn't participate again!

[Sniderman]

I'm in like Flynn again! (And this reminded me that I've got to begin working on my own annual DP holiday event for this year...)

[skoldpadda]

I'm in like Flynn again! (And this reminded me that I've got to begin working on my own annual DP holiday event for this year...)


Oh goody, I have collected so many game gear games for the system I won in that contest last year :D

[ClassicGameTrader]

Cool, this is my first time I am excited to take part!

[hydr0x]

as you may have expected, i'm in again :)

e-mail is hopefully going your way today, if i manage to make a want list that fast

btw, i'm a LITTLE worried about the speed some people are submitting emails, i really don't think you can build a good wish list in 5 minutes :/

[phreak97]

first time here, i'm going to have to get hard at work to fill a nice package, games are so rare here, i might go ebay on this one.
i was way vague about my want list, i kinda left it pretty open to whatever people want to give me, after all christmas is about suprises, not making a shopping list to hand out, and if you get duplicates, well theres always a trade pile around somewhere right? so im easy to keep happy, so long as i get something cool, ill be fine.

being new, i dont know exactly how things go, do you make up one package and send everything at once? or send more than one? and someone said about putting your name inside, isnt the point that they dont know who it is? i guess if it's just one package then itll be fine to put your name in.

[poloplayr]

I LOVE seeing the christmas spirit alive! Brings tears to my eyes!

[Rogmeister]

phreak97 wrote:

being new, i dont know exactly how things go, do you make up one package and send everything at once? or send more than one? and someone said about putting your name inside, isnt the point that they dont know who it is? i guess if it's just one package then itll be fine to put your name in.

How you send it is up to you but I think it's more convenient to send everything at once...unless you buy for me and get me SO much stuff it won't all fit into one large box :D We do want to keep who it is that gets you stuff a secret at first (which is why it's called Secret Santa, after all) but once you open your stuff you'll want to know who to thank. Last year I included a sealed card that revealed inside who I was. I may do that again or put my ID inside a wrapped present. I haven't completely decided yet.

[hydr0x]

being new, i dont know exactly how things go, do you make up one package and send everything at once? or send more than one? and someone said about putting your name inside, isnt the point that they dont know who it is? i guess if it's just one package then itll be fine to put your name in.

it's up to you, if it's easier for you (or cheaper) to ship multiple packages i see no reason why you shouldn't do it, most people shipped one package though

about putting the names in, well, i never did that, apparently some do, to me it is enough to reveal it after christmas here on DP

[Cmosfm]

Okay, I've been wondering this before I make my want list. Is it okay to say that I "want complete games for XXX system?" Or is that too picky?

Sure, you can ask for complete games. But I'm hoping people are tactful enough not to complain if they don't get them complete.

I pledge and oath to not complain about anything even if things turn out like they did last year with me.

:)

Oh, by all means, PLEASE let us know if something happens like it did last year. That's certainly not what I meant by complaining. I was talking about people that asked for games complete, and they happen to get them loose instead, or minus either the box or the instructions. They still got something off their list! Your situation was much different. I need feedback after everything is said and done, so we know if certain people shouldn't participate again!

Will do ma'am! Sending you an e-mail sometime today. :)

[punkoffgirl]

first time here, i'm going to have to get hard at work to fill a nice package, games are so rare here, i might go ebay on this one.
i was way vague about my want list, i kinda left it pretty open to whatever people want to give me, after all christmas is about suprises, not making a shopping list to hand out, and if you get duplicates, well theres always a trade pile around somewhere right? so im easy to keep happy, so long as i get something cool, ill be fine.

being new, i dont know exactly how things go, do you make up one package and send everything at once? or send more than one? and someone said about putting your name inside, isnt the point that they dont know who it is? i guess if it's just one package then itll be fine to put your name in.

Leaving it open is perfect :) I prefer to view this swap as being more about getting something interesting and different than necessarily trying to fill holes in your collection. If you've got a wide open collection, even better!

I'll send out more info when I assign Santas this weekend, but things basically work like this:

You get an email with the name, address, and list of a person to play Santa for. You get what you're gonna get off the list or whatever, put it all in one package, and ship it off. I'm pretty sure you need to put a name and address on the outside of the package (USPS shipping requirements, I think), but that's okay for a couple of reasons. One, your Santa isn't probably going to know who you are by your real name, if you're worried about the surprise being spoiled, and two, they're supposed to find out who you are anyway eventually! So, like people have suggested, putting your forum name on it somewhere is a good idea, so they'll know who to thank later. It's up to you if you'd like it inside or outside the package.

My BIG caveat on all this is that you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not say anything about who YOU shopped for before the big "opening" night. And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, if you can't wait to open your gift until the designated day, or if you accidently open it, thinking it's another package you were expecting, don't say who it was from or what you got until you're given the okay. I understand people want to thank others for their gifts, but please wait. This means no PMs or emails until everyone else has/opens their gifts at the same time.

[punkoffgirl]

I just thought of something else, after a conversation I had this weekend. If you've participated before, and there was an issue with what you recieved, but you didn't want to mention something publically, and you remember who it was that sent you the gift, or even if you DID mention something publically, could you please drop me a PM to let me know or remind me? With the search function running at half power right now, it's hard for me to go back and find threads from previous years to double check on participants. I appreciate your time and help!

[mizarkgram]

I loved participating in this event this year, so I will make up a list (probably a very open one... to make it easier) and send er out by Friday...

And this year, I have a rather sizeable tradebox with some decent goides to be given away.... so I hoep whoever I get enjoys their gifts

Merry Christmas all

[googlefest1]

so the items you get for your secret Santa do not have to be off the list you provide?

also, is this Friday the cut off date to say you want to participate?

also, every secret Santa I have participated in (school, work, clubs) was "secret" -- I always thought that’s why it was called "secret" Santa. Not that i want to hide my identity or anything it just bugs me when things are not described correctly. I think it should be called DP Christmas special or something with out secret in the title if its not secret :) - i like the idea of "not secret" - but secret is also fun - has a mysterious element and as long as the organizer keeps a log the bad apples can be bared next time around.

[GrandAmChandler]

FYI, for those who did not participate last year, this is the thread where people showed what they received!

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=48969

There were some REALLY good packages, I think someone even got a New DS System!

I signed up again as usual, I can't wait to see who I get... :D

[kainemaxwell]

Secret Santa here at DP is always fun and great to see what we get for one another!

[Mayhem]

List is off to Jaime :)

[Gapporin]

Well, I'm in again! I thoroughly enjoyed last year's event. :)

[PDorr3]

I was wondering if it would be OK instead of making a want list, if I just gave a link to my collection (I have it at RFGeneration) and in the email you give the other person just say something like this person wants anything they do not already have in their collection, and they mostly enjoy games from (insert system names here) and games from (insert game genres here, like RPG, platforming, etc). I am sure it would make it alot easier on my SS then giving them a specific want list. Just wondering if this idea is ok though, or if I haveto have some kinda want list.

[zektor]

Just sent the email. I'm in. I love this time of year. Ho Ho Ho! :)

[RJ]

so the items you get for your secret Santa do not have to be off the list you provide?

The list you provide is of the thing(s) YOU want/wish for. Someone else looks for them for you. You will get a list of things someone else wants. That's what you look for.

Also, it's generally a good idea to put addresses on the inside as well as outside the pkg. That way if the destination address gets damaged or defaced somehow, the PO still has an address they can send it to. The return address(es) dont necessarily need your name.

I dont see why some people want to alter the rules. Just make a wish list of items, hopefully somewhat generally/realistically obtainable. I participated in one (not here) last year where the guy had some very hard-to-find stuff listed (I went to EVERY game store I knew of in my area!), & when I requested an alternate list, I guess he didnt get the hint, as he re-listed some items again!

Another thing that irked me is that there was no "unveiling" like we have here at DP. We never found out who got who, we just kinda gave general "thank-yous" to no one in particular rather than actually finding out our SS. IIRC my gift wasnt even acknowledged, which I didnt demand, but wouldve been nice.

Plus one guy got shafted big time, & the mods kinda just chalked it up as a learning experience. I thought it was quite unfair, & said so, & got some backlash for speaking out.

[punkoffgirl]

so the items you get for your secret Santa do not have to be off the list you provide?

also, is this Friday the cut off date to say you want to participate?

also, every secret Santa I have participated in (school, work, clubs) was "secret" -- I always thought that’s why it was called "secret" Santa. Not that i want to hide my identity or anything it just bugs me when things are not described correctly. I think it should be called DP Christmas special or something with out secret in the title if its not secret :) - i like the idea of "not secret" - but secret is also fun - has a mysterious element and as long as the organizer keeps a log the bad apples can be bared next time around.

YOUR list is for YOUR Santa to shop with. You will be recieving a list from someone else, with items to look for. So, no, to answer your question in the way it was phrased, you're not shopping for items YOU want for someone else.

It's called Secret Santa, it has been called Secret Santa, and it will continue to be called Secret Santa. A secret's still a secret, no matter how long (or short!) it's kept. Besides, it was already called Secret Santa when I took over. Just carrying on a tradition. Thanks for your feedback, though!

[Amy Rose]

Awww, reading last year's thread made me feel all warm and fuzzy :) I'll definitely participate this year!

Now all I gotta do is think of stuff that I want.

[GrandAmChandler]

EDIT: Nevermind

[gamegirl79]

Email sent! I always have fun doing this. :)

[Keir]

*whew!* I saw the post in the Yahoo group and was afraid this wasn't going to happen.

email sent!

[PDorr3]

I just sent my email with want list, this sounds like it will be alot of fun, I cant wait to put together the goodie box :D

[goatdan]

I'm going to start putting together my list shortly. For those of you that haven't and are wondering what is the best, both from a sending and receiving standpoint, personally I think the more wide open your list is the more interesting it is. Last year, I basically said, "Here are the Xbox and Neo Geo Pocket games I own, get anything that I don't own that you think I would like" and then included a few extras (specifically, Street Fighter III: Third Strike for the Dreamcast which I _never_ expected to get :D )

I'm planning on doing the same sort of thing this year, but I need to get together all that I actually own for both the Xbox and GameCube first, because I own way the hell too much now.

But yes, if you are thinking about participating but haven't yet, I'd suggest doing it. It's a great way to spread some nice gaming stuff, and you never know what you'll get in return!

[TEND]

I'm very excited for my first year of DP secret santa, I sent off my list already and started collecting cool little extras to throw in my out going package.

[Mr.FoodMonster]

Well crap, from the sounds of this I maybe should've expanded my want list a little more. Jamie, if its not that big of an issue for you, I can send you another email, but if you dont want to deal with it, I can totally understand, running this must be a complete pain the in ass for you.

[punkoffgirl]

Well crap, from the sounds of this I maybe should've expanded my want list a little more. Jamie, if its not that big of an issue for you, I can send you another email, but if you dont want to deal with it, I can totally understand, running this must be a complete pain the in ass for you.

If I didn't already send you an email asking for a revised list, then your list has already been approved by me. Whether your Santa wants more options or not, we'll find out later. But if you'd feel better sending another list, go ahead, you have until Saturday.