When I first started doing swaps through the interwebs, I heard about people who flaked and disappointed partners who didn't receive anything in exchange for the hard work they put into their item. Now, I must tell you that I am not normally even close to an optomist, but I truly felt that these indiscretions where the result of something tragic happening in life of the offender. I certainly think occasionally that is the case, but sadly, and more frequently, it is the result of people who just don't care.
I've read enough post by people who really rant about this subject, but I don't want to go there today. I just want to report that is mini.........
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| Spring Fling mini using Butterfly paper piecing pattern by Tartan Kiwi |
the one I made for my partner in the Spring Fling swap has been
SAVED!!!!
FROM THE MINI QUILT BLACK MARKET
My partner didn't even bother keeping her Instagram account open long enough to make it to the first check in, and our swap leader stepped up! After several attempts to contact the offender, I've been reassigned a new partner.
This isn't the first time that this type of intervention has happened. Swap leaders are more aware of offenders than ever before. Not that long ago, the only recourse was to have an angel step in and make a quilt for those who didn't receive a swap item. Now there is a network of swap leaders that communicate with each other, and even a BLACKLIST! Plus, with more requirements for mid-swap check-ins, and mandatory progress pictures, it is harder to be an offender and get away with it. During the Rainbow Mini Swap that just finished, several participants were told to hold onto their minis until their partners showed some kind of proof that they made something. I really appreciate these new safeguards. It is not that the loss of a mini that I pour my heart and soul into, is that big of a deal. It is more that I know that the loss will be felt more by whoever the offender's partner is, and that makes me sad.
If you have never participated in a swap online and are now swearing it off, please don't! That "optimist" in me truly believes that things are going in the right direction. All the check-ins and progress pics are not tedious, they are fun. And while being told to hold onto my mini did remind me of the potential for things to go wrong, of the hundreds of people who participated in this swap, only a handful have been questioned as "offenders".
I am happy to be working on a new mini for my new partner. She deserves something made especially for her. I can't wait to share it. It is definitely a little different from things I've made in the past!
Thanks for reading today,
Jen
Linking up with:
YAY! I run The Stash Bee and it is now on its third round and we have an established "blacklist" as well. It's unfortunate that people flake like that but I am glad to hear that more and more swap leaders are working to eliminate flakers! I've never done a swap but I am looking to do some soon!
ReplyDeletePhew!
ReplyDeleteThat butterfly mini is super sweet and make me smile just to look at it. Whoever has been assigned as your partner will not be disappointed. Glad to hear it is all working out for the best!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a shame that swap leaders have had to create a blacklist Jen, but it would be even more of a shame if your beautiful mini had been swallowed up in a swap black hole :) Glad to read that it has all been sorted out to your satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteWow. I thought it was bad that someone didn't follow through on the four fat quarters we were to swap once (in an organized swap) - I can't imagine if you sent out something so beautiful and didn't receive anything in return. I wonder what's going on in the lives of some people that they think this is okay? Glad it worked out.
ReplyDeleteWow how naive am I! I am glad you found a deserving swap partner - she is going to love it!!
ReplyDeleteThat was an interesting post, I had no idea that this could even happen! Anyhow your mini quilt is super lovely!!
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be sadly common everywhere - I'm on a private message board that does an ornament exchange every year and even though people have "known" each other for years (not just online, many of us have made IRL connections) we always have a few people flake out - I've come through with 'angel' ornaments on a few occasions. Your mini is beautiful and I'm glad it didn't get lost to a flaky recipient.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad swaps are adding more safeguards and points of check-ins. Why can't people take responsibility for what they've committed to?? Even if that means politely stepping down and telling your swap leader you can no longer participate. Argh, it can be so frustrating. I'm glad they caught you flake before you sent this gorgeous quilt!
ReplyDeleteIt is terrible that these things happen, I have been on the end of things going wrong and not receiving items. It really is good that some people are putting safeguards in place but still such a shame that it should be necessary. x
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say that the butterflies are just lovely. x
ReplyDeleteSo glad the swap leaders are keeping an eye on things! The butterflies are lovely- hope you enjoy the new project!
ReplyDeleteI just dove headfirst into the swap pool, and I'm so glad there is a blacklist. It's awful, but a necessary evil. I'm working and planning some fabulous swap items, and I've already noticed that some of the people I'm sending stuff to haven't done the basic requirements like mosaics and progress shots. I hope they don't flake!
ReplyDeleteAnd this is GORGEOUS!
I've had that problem with some of the events that I've hosted and Yes I have a blacklist too. I just wish people who really have no commitment to follow through on their promises wouldn't sign up in the first place and then we wouldn't have to say "no thanks" to them.
ReplyDeleteA great save from what unfortunatelyseems to have become quite common. I love the butterfly's they are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI've never been involved in a SWAP mainly because I'm not good enough. Truly. I'd not want to do that to my swap partner. I REALLY love your butterflies....very good job!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous butterflies ! Great little quilt.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful mini! Glad it's going to go to a good home, I'm sure your partner will love it. Thanks for sharing what's happening with these swaps. It is a good to remember how many people actually participate in those swaps an that it really is a small portion who flake.
ReplyDeleteYour butterfly mini is exquisite! It is sad about the blacklist.
ReplyDelete