DP SS 2K4: Let the holidays begin! No more entries please.

[punkoffgirl]

Ho, ho, ho! It's that time of year again, boys and girls! That is, the season for the annual DP Secret Santa gift swap!


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

***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.

***Tracking numbers are mandatory this year for people shipping within North America. Overseas is exempt, due to expenses, although I strongly recommend a service other than postal mail. DO NOT SHIP SURFACE.

***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.

Still interested? Great! All you'll need to do to participate is send me an email, in the following format:

**The subject MUST read "DP SECRET SANTA." It must be in all caps. Do not add anything else to the subject. If you change it, I may not get your email, and you may not get to participate. Please, PLEASE do not PM me.

**The body of the message must contain:

.....Both your real name AND your forum handle.
.....Your mailing address, or other physical location a package can be mailed to.
.....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 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.
.....Your Christmas list! This is probably the MOST important part. Some suggestions for composing your list:

1. Be as specific as possible when you can. 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.

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!

Whew! I know all that is a mouthful, but I hope to make this as foolproof as possible this year. I hope ALL of our participants get their gifts this year :) So send your emails over to me at this address:
jamoreau@gwi.net
Have your emails to me by NO LATER THAN Midnight of Friday, November 12th. No entries will be accepted beyond that time. After all the entries are in, I will post an update! I will be setting a general "spending limit" this year, for those playing Santa who end up having to buy gifts rather than getting them out of a trade pile. We're not out to bust the bank here. Spend what you want, but keep in mind, everyone will be posting later what they got and from who, so don't get too cheap, either. Feel free to email me with questions, as well. Okay, let's get started!

[Mr.FoodMonster]

Done and Done!

[punkoffgirl]

Done and Done!

Hey, great idea! If everyone likes, they could post here when they've sent their email, that way I have something to double check against in case I don't recieve it.

[Emily]

This probably sounds selfish, but, if i send a present to someone, will i get one too....? :embarrassed:

[punkoffgirl]

This probably sounds selfish, but, if i send a present to someone, will i get one too....? :embarrassed:

Yes!

How this works: Everyone who is interested in participating sends me their names/addresses/lists. I will then match everyone up with a "Santa" by random drawing (although I will take certain preferences into account when possible). Once everyone has been matched up, then each person who entered will get the name of the person they're supposed to get a gift for, along with their address & list. Each person sends a gift, and each person recieves a gift.

[Flack]

For our Christmas lists, can we provide a link to a website?

For example, "I would take any Atari game I do not own -- here is my list (link)" ... something like that? I like surprises!

[punkoffgirl]

For our Christmas lists, can we provide a link to a website?

For example, "I would take any Atari game I do not own -- here is my list (link)" ... something like that? I like surprises!

Sure, that works GREAT! I'm sure many Santas would be happier knowing they were able to avoid getting you duplicate games :)

[downfall]

E-mail sent! :D

I've heard stories about last year, so I've been looking forward to this for a while now!

[Lady Jaye]

Sent you an email, Jaime!

I had a great time last year, even though it wasn't that easy to do!

And I can say one thing: the IGN list may not be perfect, but it sure is useful, both for the collection and the wish list...

[kai123]

For our Christmas lists, can we provide a link to a website?

For example, "I would take any Atari game I do not own -- here is my list (link)" ... something like that? I like surprises!

Sure, that works GREAT! I'm sure many Santas would be happier knowing they were able to avoid getting you duplicate games :)

Woundn't that take the secret out of this? Especially if it links to a site that a member knows is yours.

[punkoffgirl]

For our Christmas lists, can we provide a link to a website?

For example, "I would take any Atari game I do not own -- here is my list (link)" ... something like that? I like surprises!

Sure, that works GREAT! I'm sure many Santas would be happier knowing they were able to avoid getting you duplicate games :)

Woundn't that take the secret out of this? Especially if it links to a site that a member knows is yours.

No *lol* Your SANTA should, and has to, know who you are. The Secret part of it is, you don't know who your Santa is, ie, you don't know who's sending you a gift.

[Lady Jaye]

But you don't know who your email will be forwarded to... the idea is to give people a lot of possibilities. And if you can let them know as well exactly what you have (especially if you have a lot of games already), that's even better.

[MarioAllStar2600]

My email is being sent right now. So done!

[SoulBlazer]

Sneding out my e-mail in a few minutes.

[Funk Buddy]

PM sent!




It was really an email. ;)

[hydr0x]

i've got to work out a list and will send you my mail tomorrow, i'm definetly in though

i just hope i don't have to buy for Joe again this year (no offense, you made things very easy for me!) LOL :D

[Gapporin]

I'm in! E-mail sent!

[punkoffgirl]

i've got to work out a list and will send you my mail tomorrow, i'm definetly in though

i just hope i don't have to buy for Joe again this year (no offense, you made things very easy for me!) LOL :D

You definitely have to use a different shipping method than you did last year.

[kai123]

For our Christmas lists, can we provide a link to a website?

For example, "I would take any Atari game I do not own -- here is my list (link)" ... something like that? I like surprises!

Sure, that works GREAT! I'm sure many Santas would be happier knowing they were able to avoid getting you duplicate games :)

Woundn't that take the secret out of this? Especially if it links to a site that a member knows is yours.

No *lol* Your SANTA should, and has to, know who you are. The Secret part of it is, you don't know who your Santa is, ie, you don't know who's sending you a gift.

Slap a stupid sticker on my head.

[jgenotte]

IN

-james

[Rogmeister]

My e-mail has been sent... :D

[Dahne]

In! I've never bought or sold anything over these forums, though. Hope I can play anyway. :D

[hydr0x]

You definitely have to use a different shipping method than you did last year.

well, yes, but even more important is that things get shipped earlier this year :)

i dont know why that goddamn package took that long last time though, it really shouldn't...

[Rogmeister]

My only problem now is I can't buy anything on the list I sent. Ah well, I've been buying way too much stuff anyway... LOL

[davidleeroth]

Another wannabe Santa is in!

[Cmosfm]

Ok, I'm definately in this time around.

Question though, I'm trying my best to get this list together, but if we perhaps get something on the list before Christmas or decide we'd like to add something will that be possible?

Also, are we going to have a spending limit or not, cause on my list I added items that range from 5.00 on up to 50.00. I'd suppose it would be up to the buyer eh?

Anyways, sending my e-mail very soon.

[Drexel923]

I wish I could do this again this year...but I'm so busy I won't even have time to receive a package. :/

[Mayhem]

i dont know why that goddamn package took that long last time though, it really shouldn't...

Don't worry, I got the shit straw in 2002 (Atar1g1rl sent my package airmail but the dolts routed it surface and it took 2 months to get to me!).

Right, time to hone the list from last year (still got it as a txt file) and will forward an email... soon! :)

[SoulBlazer]

Last year DP suggested we not spend more then $30 on anyone. I did'nt, and neither did my SS, but I know some people did. It's really up to you. :)

[allsport11]

Count me in. :) E-mail sent.

[Kepone]

I have sent an email and I would like to participate.

If anyone has any doubts about my reliability, I have a post in the Recommended Traders thread at AtariAge and I have a good rating on EBay (100% Feedback score:93).

:D

[Rogmeister]

Last year DP suggested we not spend more then $30 on anyone. I did'nt, and neither did my SS, but I know some people did. It's really up to you.

Of course, it's impossible to tell how much some are spending when they're actually sending something from their own collection...

[DDCecil]

E-mail has been sent!

[autobotracing]

:angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:

[Querjek]

Email sent. Thanks for running this for another year!

[punkoffgirl]

You definitely have to use a different shipping method than you did last year.

well, yes, but even more important is that things get shipped earlier this year :)

i dont know why that goddamn package took that long last time though, it really shouldn't...

Because you sent it surface and it ALWAYS takes that long.

[punkoffgirl]

Ok, I'm definately in this time around.

Question though, I'm trying my best to get this list together, but if we perhaps get something on the list before Christmas or decide we'd like to add something will that be possible?

Also, are we going to have a spending limit or not, cause on my list I added items that range from 5.00 on up to 50.00. I'd suppose it would be up to the buyer eh?

Anyways, sending my e-mail very soon.

One shot at your list, unless your Santa requests more information.

As my first post stated, I will be setting a spending limit, although I haven't done so yet. More information will come in the update post as I promised once I have all the entrants emails.

[PapaStu]

JAIME!!!!!!!

I ENTERED

gimmie presents!

[Flack]

I'll be sending an e-mail soon, just gotta get my list together!

[maxlords]

Sent you my list and info! :)

[Overbite]

i need to make a list of what i own, then i will enter.

man, im in 2 secret santas now. spend spend! :D

[zektor]

Just submitted my email!

[max 330 mega]

count me in , email sent.

[Chunky]

hamail sent

[punkoffgirl]

Just a reminder...

PLEASE try to list as many items as you can on your "wanted" lists. I've emailed a couple of people back so far to ask for more, as I know there may be some issues.

Also, PLEASE be REALISTIC on your "wanted" lists. DO NOT compose it entirely of rare, $100+ games/systems.

[digitalpress]

I'm in too. Making my list up right now! Hopefully asking for "Jessica Alba" isn't outside the scope of a Secret Santa request. :)

[Rogmeister]

Also, PLEASE be REALISTIC on your "wanted" lists. DO NOT compose it entirely of rare, $100+ games/systems.

This past week I tracked down and ordered that compact PSOne unit and screen. I never even thought about asking for that as a gift :D

[punkoffgirl]

I'm in too. Making my list up right now! Hopefully asking for "Jessica Alba" isn't outside the scope of a Secret Santa request. :)

With your collection, your Santa might find it easier to get you Jessica Alba than any game you might not have ;)

[le geek]

List sent! :)

Ben!

[Chainsaw_Charlie]

email on the way

[Keir]

I'm back for another round of SS. I'm also feeling particularly generous this year as I scored pretty big last Christmas (thanks junglehunter!)

email sent...

[anagrama]

Woo! I'd been wondering when this was going to be run again :)
Count me in, I'll put a list together asap...

[anagrama]

Oh, and it might be wise to advise anyone sending overseas to word their customs labels as non-specifically as possible - it took away some of the surprise last year and just left me wondering which "4 used Dreamcast games" I was getting ;)
I've never had any problems in the past if I just say "old videogames" or similar.

[SamuraiSmurfette]

I'm in. You've got my email! :)

[den68]

In, e-mail sent.

[geelw]

hey hey, my my- i was wonderin' when the ss post would show up (then again, i'm not online as much these days, lol!)- count me in!

g.

[Barbarianoutkast85]

email sent

[Qixmaster]

I'm in too. Making my list up right now! Hopefully asking for "Jessica Alba" isn't outside the scope of a Secret Santa request. :)

I'll be Joe's Secret Santa if he gets me "Natalie Portman" I'd say a fair deal :P

I will send my email tonight when i get back from school.

-Josh

[nesgamer]

This sounds kinda cool. I'll be sending my email when I get home.

[punkoffgirl]

I'd like to update this again.

If you're relatively new around here, it would be helpful if you could provide instances where you've bought/sold/traded here on the forums, or if you know any other members that could vouch for you. If you cannot, I may need to ask you to pass on participating this year.

[nesgamer]

Well that sucks. Cause I'm new here and haven't did any trading/buying/selling with anyone.

[Achika]

I've also sent my "I'm in!" email.

[norkusa]

I had allot of fun with this last year, so I'm in again.

Email sent.

[gamergary]

I'm in.

[YoshiM]

E-mail sent!

[scooterb23]

Snet!

[AlanD]

and email sent here too. Punkoffgirl, thanks for taking the time and effort to set this up.

[Xtasy]

Would be nice to but all i can part with its 5 megadrive games a psone pad and halo1 for xbox...Oh well maybe next year when my collections bigger

Having a schoolboy salary SuX!

-Xtasy

[skoldpadda]

Composing my list, checking it twice.
:-P

[sniperCCJVQ]

I'm in !

[The Brown Eye]

E-Mail Sent!

[Sniderman]

I'm in. Message sent.

[brykasch]

I'm in as well. Sounds like fun:)

[classicb]

I'm in. Email sent

[maxlords]

I'm in too. Making my list up right now! Hopefully asking for "Jessica Alba" isn't outside the scope of a Secret Santa request. :)

They sell those for $29.99 here. You want a factory sealed one? Or is "gently used" ok?

[Qixmaster]

sent my email... oh boy i can't wait :D

-Josh

[NoahsMyBro]

Just as soon as I can work up a wantlist I'll be sending you my official 'I'm in' email, Jaime!

In the meantime, what I really want, and you're all welcome to take up a collection :D , is right <u>here. (http://www.brookstone.com/shop/product.asp?product_code=415166&world_code=2&category_code=22&subcategory_code=170&search_type=subcategory)</u>

Looking forward to receiving it in a few short weeks!

[portnoyd]

I'm in!

A special note for those of you on the fence about this...

DO IT! Without going into detail, the DP Secret Santa started a chain of events that changed my life. I'm not even exaggerating.

dave

[Hovoc]

unfortunately im netgtaing myself from this event, i have no job, and not sure when ill have one, so unless anyone wants some of my atari crap im getting rid of, i feel no need for me to sign up.

however, i cant wait until you guys gets your gifts, i love reading to see what people get :)

[Oobgarm]

Wow, what a response over the past couple days.

I'm in.

[Nature Boy]

DO IT! Without going into detail, the DP Secret Santa started a chain of events that changed my life. I'm not even exaggerating

Let me guess. You got a "Jessica Alba" one year? :D

I'm in.

[k8track]

By golly, if Nature Boy's in, then I am too, dadgummit.

The list has been carefully crafted and the email has been sent!

[punkoffgirl]

Today is Wednesday, and I've got 56 entries already. Keep 'em coming :)

[Rogmeister]

So what's the record for number of participants? Or have we not kept track of that?

[punkoffgirl]

So what's the record for number of participants? Or have we not kept track of that?

This is the third year I've done this, and we've had more each year.

[Jibbajaba]

I am definitely in and will be sending my e-mail today!

Chris

[AB Positive]

electronic mail sent through the ether!

-AG

[Atar1G1rl]

My email be sent. :D

[racecar]

email sended !! thanks

[rhiohki]

sent my list. :D

[SegaAges]

e-mail sent

[Richter]

email sent

[Funk Buddy]

My email be sent. :D

All right!! More odd deep sea creature cards to send. LOL

[Mayhem]

Email off...

[TRM]

Email sent. Can't wait to get started.

[boatofcar]

I'm in like Flynn!

[ubersaurus]

Count me in. Again.

[Pop Culture Portal]

E-mail & list on the way!

[punkoffgirl]

PLEASE make sure you are including all the items I asked for when you email me.
If you've left something out, and I have to email you back, I need to hear back from you by Friday. It was no fun last year trying to chase people down after the deadline, so Friday will be the final cut off, period. Thanks!

[junglehunter]

I just emailed you my info. Thanks for organizing this again POG! Last year's Secret Santa was a ton of fun. :-P

[neuropolitique]

I made a list, checked it twice, don't give a crap who's naughty or nice.


email sent

[Rogmeister]

One thing everyone should try to do is refrain from buying any games they've listed on their want lists...I've been bidding on one such game I listed but I figured it was unlikely anyone would get me that one. As it turns out, the bidding went higher than I cared to go anyway so no harm, no foul...

[drumguy79]

Email sent.

[kainemaxwell]

E-mail sent!

Rog, I think we're bidding on the same game actually. ;)

[punkoffgirl]

One thing everyone should try to do is refrain from buying any games they've listed on their want lists...I've been bidding on one such game I listed but I figured it was unlikely anyone would get me that one. As it turns out, the bidding went higher than I cared to go anyway so no harm, no foul...

That seems pretty common sense to me, unless someone doesn't mind having duplicate games.

[bigdaddychester]

count me in too. looks like we have another good turnout! now we just have to wait for the 12 days of DP Christmas 8-)

[Rogmeister]

Yes, you'd think it would be obvious not to buy things you ask for on your want list but I used to do it with my friend from time to time. I'd completely forget I'd asked for a specific item and wind up buying my own copy before we exchanged the gifts. Boy, did that make me feel dumb... :roll:

[hydr0x]

i'm in, email sent

[98PaceCar]

Email sent!

Thanks,
98PaceCar aka Darren Sulfridge

[Masco73]

Email Sent! Thanks!!

[Raedon]

Well, I always stayed out of this.. but this year I got spirit!

Email away! Wes Southern

[katchoo]

okay, i'm playing too :D

email has been sent!

[Ninja Blacksox]

SIZZENT!

-A Boy

[goatdan]

As long as I don't forget to send the email once I figure out a list of my own, I'm in. One question:

I saw someone say before that no one should spend more than $30.00 on their stuff. What is an average gift price? I haven't participated in years past, but I've got a little money this year and know I won't be getting many games for X-mas otherwise. I don't want to be a cheapskate, and I don't want to overspend either.

Is $30.00 the average? Is it the high end and I should look closer at a $20.00 price? Does that include or not include shipping?

Thanks in advance for anyone that answers. I already have some ideas of really cool stuff I could send to some people if their lists are relatively open for whatever. I know mine will be :) Surprises are always the best!

[Sniderman]

There is no "you have to spend this much" or "don't spend any more than this." $30 is a benchmark for folks who HAVE to have a monitary amount to meet/not exceed. You're more than welcome to spend more than that, if you wish. Others will dip into their own collections to meet some of the items on their SS lists without spending a single cent. (Usually those are the folks with massive tradeboxes.) Really, just be thoughtful to the person you draw and get 'em something you think they'd enjoy, using their Wish List as a guideline.

But, since we all post what we got, you also don't want to be the person who only sends out a Combat and SMB/DH cart and a few tattered issues of PSX magazine from 1998. You'll be marked forever as "THAT guy."

Use your discretion and a little imagination. You'll be fine. This is to spread Xmas goodwill and cheer - not to be a shopping exercise.

[goatdan]

Use your discretion and a little imagination. You'll be fine. This is to spread Xmas goodwill and cheer - not to be a shopping exercise.

Okay, sounds good :) I have some ideas like I said, but I don't want to be labeled as 'THAT guy' if I do something different than others. I have a few different ideas about what to do, depending on who I get and what their want lists are :)

Email will be sent soon...

[punkoffgirl]

Ideally, what I have in mind is that NO ONE has to spend any money. I really keep pushing for this to be more out of the trade boxes rather than eBay or any retail store. I'd love to see everyone be able to get rid of something they have that's extra or that they don't collect for, and recieve something they want in return. You do NOT have to buy anyone anything, but some people don't have anything in their trade boxes that matches anything on the list they get, and they prefer to buy something that the person wants instead. The $30 spending limit is set for that reason. I don't want anyone emptying their pockets for this.

Last note:

Everyone that sent me an email should have gotten an email from me in return to verify their participation, or in a few cases, asking for more information. If you haven't recieved an email from me, please PM me and let me know. If you've recieved an email from me asking for more information, you need to respond by midnight tonight, or you will not be on Santa's list. Thanks!

[Keir]

I've done this 4 years and never spent any money except on shipping. (Well, OK, in most cases I had to pay something at some point to get the items in my trade box, but you get the idea.)

Best thing to do if you're worried about not giving enough/giving too much is to look at what people got for presents in previous years:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25591&highlight=secret+santa

[Nature Boy]

I'd love to see everyone be able to get rid of something they have that's extra or that they don't collect for, and recieve something they want in return.

This can't be possible unless you can match up everybody's trade list with everybody's want list though. And let me tell you, my trade list (probably 6 games long if I'm lucky) would be pretty tough to match with *anybody*. :)

[punkoffgirl]

I'd love to see everyone be able to get rid of something they have that's extra or that they don't collect for, and recieve something they want in return.

This can't be possible unless you can match up everybody's trade list with everybody's want list though. And let me tell you, my trade list (probably 6 games long if I'm lucky) would be pretty tough to match with *anybody*. :)

No kiddin' :) Like I said, that's my ideal. I can see, however, that it's going to continue to be more difficult as time goes on. What I'm seeing here is a new trend. We must have more people with mostly-complete collections participating, because there have been a few "want" lists with some pretty rare items listed.

[Sniderman]

No kiddin' :) Like I said, that's my ideal. I can see, however, that it's going to continue to be more difficult as time goes on. What I'm seeing here is a new trend. We must have more people with mostly-complete collections participating, because there have been a few "want" lists with some pretty rare items listed.

That's EXACTLY why I try to list items that are not videogame related (movie preferences, book authors I like, hobbies other than videogames) or "general videogame items," ie, certain characters I like or companies that I like. My goal with my list is to make it easy on my SS so he/she won't have any problems picking up/finding something I may like. In year's past, I've had to play the eBay game just to get a specific item for my SS simply because I wasn't given much else in the way of a clue.

Anyway, as long as everyone is genuinely appreciative, that's all that matters and that's what this is all about. Ho ho ho, 'n stuff.
8-)

[Cryomancer]

I'm almost late anyway, so I think I'll wait until next year when I have a job and more trades under my belt. Hope everyone makes out well though.

[Mayhem]

I spent $20 the first year and $50 last year (boy did HE like that gift heh), mainly because they were into completely different systems to me. And I hardly ever have swops. And I don't really mind, as long as there's enough to go for and they aren't too expensive.

I now see plenty people wanting me as their Santa X_x :P

[punkoffgirl]

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you know.. I went through the emails just now, and there are about 15 people who didn't indicate a preference for shipping overseas. I've emailed you all back to ask you, so please check your email :) However, don't worry if you don't get back to me tonight, you won't be disqualified, as long as you get back to me sometime this weekend, so I can assign Santas and get emails out. Thanks!

Papastu
dahne
oobgarm
geelw
chainsaw_charlie
Captain Yashiro
Atar1g1rl
Wizardofwor
mizarkgram
classicb
spoon
Chunky

Kirbystar, I need to hear back from you tonight!

[skoldpadda]

I've done this 4 years and never spent any money except on shipping. (Well, OK, in most cases I had to pay something at some point to get the items in my trade box, but you get the idea.)

Best thing to do if you're worried about not giving enough/giving too much is to look at what people got for presents in previous years:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25591&highlight=secret+santa

Thanks for posting that... I'm doing this for the first time and appreciate the link to give me some good ideas for making my package a bit juicier for my secret receiver (wait, don't take the second part of that sentence out of context). :D

[NoahsMyBro]

A) I'm now, officially in, email sent.

B) I'd like to publically call on YoshiM, and apologize to him for a slightly rude act on my part, related to last year's package.

Dan,

In the package I sent you last year, I promised to include a copy of the Mix CD I make each Winter. Well, I wasn't satisfied with the way the CD was turning out, and never actually finished the disc last year. As things worked out, nobody got one, including my wife. I do have 30 copies of the unlabelled CD, and an unfinalized case design. I'd like to get at least that to you, if you're still interested. Shoot me an email and let me know.

-- Steve

[Mattiekrome]

In! (Ebay user since 99', 200 positives ZERO negatives)

[punkoffgirl]

In! (Ebay user since 99', 200 positives ZERO negatives)

Have you done any buying/trading/selling here on the forums, or do you know anyone that can vouch for you?

[Mattiekrome]

In! (Ebay user since 99', 200 positives ZERO negatives)

Have you done any buying/trading/selling here on the forums, or do you know anyone that can vouch for you?

ummm, kinda just stumbled on to this place a couple weeks ago, so that would be a negative... unless I have unknowingly bought or sold with someone from here