PH Secret Santa 2013 - The Santae Strikes Back
Discussion
Holy s
t snacks! Is it really almost Christmas again?!!!! 
Cheers for the PM Giblet, I didn't realise people were getting geared up so early this year.
I think before a new thread is started, we need to decide, as a group, what format we want to use. This will be the 3rd PHSS and we've used two different timescales (as Benni correctly highlighted), with mixed results for both.
The first year we used a 4 week scale. Although tight and with potential for a higher rate of late deliveries, it did keep it fresh in peoples minds and kept the momentum in the thread going.
The second year used an 8 week scale. This allowed more time to stalk, buy and deliver; but did leave the thread a bit bare and give people enough time to forget.
I'll throw it open for discussion, but I felt the 4 week format worked better. We could look to meet in the middle with a 6 week scale or have a longer registration window and then issue names closer to the time.
With regards to organisation this year, I'll need a few days to think about it. I'm potentially changing jobs in the next 2 months, so I might not get time to organise this year (gutted
). Thankfully I've already had one or two offers to take over this year; plus I'll be around to help where needed. So, as I said I need a couple of days to work out if I can, but in the meantime if anybody would like to throw their name into the hat, post on here.
t snacks! Is it really almost Christmas again?!!!! Cheers for the PM Giblet, I didn't realise people were getting geared up so early this year.
I think before a new thread is started, we need to decide, as a group, what format we want to use. This will be the 3rd PHSS and we've used two different timescales (as Benni correctly highlighted), with mixed results for both.
The first year we used a 4 week scale. Although tight and with potential for a higher rate of late deliveries, it did keep it fresh in peoples minds and kept the momentum in the thread going.
The second year used an 8 week scale. This allowed more time to stalk, buy and deliver; but did leave the thread a bit bare and give people enough time to forget.
I'll throw it open for discussion, but I felt the 4 week format worked better. We could look to meet in the middle with a 6 week scale or have a longer registration window and then issue names closer to the time.
With regards to organisation this year, I'll need a few days to think about it. I'm potentially changing jobs in the next 2 months, so I might not get time to organise this year (gutted
). Thankfully I've already had one or two offers to take over this year; plus I'll be around to help where needed. So, as I said I need a couple of days to work out if I can, but in the meantime if anybody would like to throw their name into the hat, post on here.Right guys and girls; I've had a think and given that I'm highly likely to encounter some turbulence in the run up to Christmas, I can't in good conscience commit to running PHSS this year.
So it will need somebody else to run the show this time round. Before people look to volunteer, I think I should roughly outline what is involved so people can double check they are able to commit.
So, very basically, this is what is involved and rough times:
Registration
This pretty much organises itself, but initally people will need to register their interest by adding their name to the table and sending off an email to the organiser that includes the usual details (name, address, likes/dislikes etc).
You will need to check that everyone in the table has sent an email (some chasing is required) and has included all the required details.
Collation
This is the boring bit. All the names and details will need entering into a spreadsheet and double checked to ensure you haven't made mistakes or missed anyone. It takes roughly 6 hours (assuming the same numbers we had last year) and is probably the most critical part. Any mistakes at this stage could cause havoc later on.
Matching
Quite simple really. You need to split the group into international and domestic; ensuring you only link people who are happy to send international with those abroad. I tend to sort by 'international - domestic - international - domestic' so that those paying more to post abroad receive something back from abroad.
The second group, domestic, are fairly easy. I use a randomise number formula in excel and then sort the column afterwards to make sure it is completely random.
Emailing
Bit of a ball ache this one; going back through all your emails and issuing out the senders information. I tend to create a template and then copy the row from excel straight into the email. As long as you update the spreadsheet as you go along, you will know who has whom in the SS and won't lose your place as you go through.
Announcements/Maintenance
The first week or two will be hectic; with lots of emails asking questions about their recipients details or likes/dislikes. The trick is to keep on top of them and try to post an update every 24/48 hours.
It calms down after that, with mostly witty stuff and the occasional confirmation you will need to post on behalf of the SS.
After Christmas
I've never had much of an issue, but obviously some stuff doesn't arrive on time or is late. You'll need to acts as a go-between for the SS's and make sure everyones gets their gift. You may need to chase a few people.
...and that's it! Easy
While I won't be able to run it directly, I will of course be around to help out if needed. I can issue my spreadsheet template out if you want to use that (sans people's info) as it could be a good starting point. Any questions about how to deal with stuff, I'll also answer.
I'll probably write a detailed email to whomever takes over, just so I can point out any potential pitfalls.
With regards to who should take over; I don't mind but I have a criteria in my head that you can use or ignore:
I think that's everything. Any other queries, shout up. Otherwise drop your name in if you fancy a crack at it and I guess the thread will vote for who they want.
So it will need somebody else to run the show this time round. Before people look to volunteer, I think I should roughly outline what is involved so people can double check they are able to commit.
So, very basically, this is what is involved and rough times:
Registration
This pretty much organises itself, but initally people will need to register their interest by adding their name to the table and sending off an email to the organiser that includes the usual details (name, address, likes/dislikes etc).
You will need to check that everyone in the table has sent an email (some chasing is required) and has included all the required details.
Collation
This is the boring bit. All the names and details will need entering into a spreadsheet and double checked to ensure you haven't made mistakes or missed anyone. It takes roughly 6 hours (assuming the same numbers we had last year) and is probably the most critical part. Any mistakes at this stage could cause havoc later on.
Matching
Quite simple really. You need to split the group into international and domestic; ensuring you only link people who are happy to send international with those abroad. I tend to sort by 'international - domestic - international - domestic' so that those paying more to post abroad receive something back from abroad.
The second group, domestic, are fairly easy. I use a randomise number formula in excel and then sort the column afterwards to make sure it is completely random.
Emailing
Bit of a ball ache this one; going back through all your emails and issuing out the senders information. I tend to create a template and then copy the row from excel straight into the email. As long as you update the spreadsheet as you go along, you will know who has whom in the SS and won't lose your place as you go through.
Announcements/Maintenance
The first week or two will be hectic; with lots of emails asking questions about their recipients details or likes/dislikes. The trick is to keep on top of them and try to post an update every 24/48 hours.
It calms down after that, with mostly witty stuff and the occasional confirmation you will need to post on behalf of the SS.
After Christmas
I've never had much of an issue, but obviously some stuff doesn't arrive on time or is late. You'll need to acts as a go-between for the SS's and make sure everyones gets their gift. You may need to chase a few people.
...and that's it! Easy
While I won't be able to run it directly, I will of course be around to help out if needed. I can issue my spreadsheet template out if you want to use that (sans people's info) as it could be a good starting point. Any questions about how to deal with stuff, I'll also answer.
I'll probably write a detailed email to whomever takes over, just so I can point out any potential pitfalls.
With regards to who should take over; I don't mind but I have a criteria in my head that you can use or ignore:
- Should be a well established member (just because you'll be dealing with private info).
- Should be on PH most days.
- Should be able to access personal emails regularly (as in their private email isn't blocked by a firewall at work. Mine is but I pick them up on my phone).
I think that's everything. Any other queries, shout up. Otherwise drop your name in if you fancy a crack at it and I guess the thread will vote for who they want.
Chim said:
The Beaver King said:
LukeR94 said:
Can we call this one PH Secret Santa 2014 - A New Hope
I think its very fitting.
Only if next year we can have:I think its very fitting.
PH Secret Santa 2015 - Return Of The Beaver
I was trying to keep with the random Star Wars theme we seem to have adopted; but we could extend it to all sci-fi/fantasy epics
troc said:
The Beaver King said:
Can do mate; I'll need to do a bit of typing, so it might take me a day or two as I'm in and out of meetings.
And the only time you have spare for PH is during the meetings, right?
Or is it only my office where the meetings kinda drag.........
Nope, my meetings drag like a b
h too. Unfortunately I'm chairing this one, so I need to feign interest...The Beaver King said:
theguvernor said:
BK can you send me an email with all the details on etc.
Can do mate; I'll need to do a bit of typing, so it might take me a day or two as I'm in and out of meetings.
theguvernor said:
The Beaver King said:
Guvernor, I haven't forgotten mate. Might not get a chance until Tuesday, but I will get it done. Bear with me
No probs BK, out of curiosity, how do you get yourself a SS, as i spose you'd know who yours was, or do you just do the organisational part??The Beaver King said:
theguvernor said:
The Beaver King said:
Guvernor, I haven't forgotten mate. Might not get a chance until Tuesday, but I will get it done. Bear with me
No probs BK, out of curiosity, how do you get yourself a SS, as i spose you'd know who yours was, or do you just do the organisational part??Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff