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| Author | Message |
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John
  
 
| #1 posted November 4, 2009 at 4:04pm (EST)
edited January 29, 2010 at 4:31pm (EST) |
Let It Begin!
Signups are CLOSED!
Secret Santa 2009 completed!! Thanks to all those who participated!!
Well folks, it is time for the GameTZ Secret Santa! CygnusTM used to organize this event years ago, but starting last year I volunteered to run it and people seemed to be cool with that, so that's the way it is. Thanks to Cygnus, I have been able to take his old code and modify it a bit for us to continue to use on my own server -- so we can keep signups very similar to what people are used to. (For those of you doing this for the first time, just follow the instructions below).
Once again, we will be using a subtime "bond" (10-20 weeks of subtime) to encourage people to follow through on sending. If someone gets stiffed on a gift, at least they will get something. Any subscriber without a BTR is eligible to sign up. If you don't have at least a Silver Star ( ), you will have to put up double the bond.
This year, we are allowing people anywhere in the world to participate! If you are in from outside the USA, you mark the "Outside USA" checkbox when you sign up. Anyone from outside the USA must be willing to ship anywhere in the world. Users in the USA that are willing to ship anywhere in the world should mark the "Ship Anywhere" checkbox in your account settings and you may be partnered with someone outside the USA.
Everyone must put up 10 weeks subtime as a bond (20 weeks if less than a Silver Star ()). If you don't have that much, then you can buy subtime from the site or make your own arrangements with another user. Bonds will ONLY be returned directly to you. If someone else puts up your bond for your account, it does not matter to me and I won't get involved -- the bond will still be returned to you (or kept if you do not provide your gift). Participants will get their bond back in full when your partner marks their gift as received. Bonds should be sent to me (John) and I will hold them until your partner receives their gift. You can use this link to transfer Subtime to me.
Signups are open now and will continue until Friday, November 13th at 1pm Eastern. Partners will then be assigned and mailed out. Items must be received by Friday, December 18. At that time, anyone who hasn't received will receive one-fifth of his/her Santa's subtime bond. If a gift still isn't received after one week (December 25), then another one-fifth will be awarded. If yet another week passes (January 1), then the remaining subtime bond will be sent. Sending and receiving will be tracked through the signup site. It is very important that you update the site as soon as you send and receive so the subtime bond can be handled appropriately.
The target gift value is $10-20 US. Gifts MUST be worth at least $10 US not including shipping. Every effort should be made to send a complete item. If you are sending something used, it should be complete and in at least "very good" condition. This is not a way to unload your unwanted crap.
Tips:
 Look at your partner's wants and check his/her lists and posts. Put the same effort into selecting a gift for your partner that you would want someone else to put into yours.
If your partner has inadequate "wants", don't just give up and stiff him/her. Just get a gift card to Walmart or something like that.
Make sure you provide adequate "wants" for your Santa. There should be at least 4-5 things on your list that fit in the target range.
When you get assigned a partner, go out right away, get something and send it. Immediately.
If, before signing up, you already have something picked out to send to your partner, don't bother signing up. You just don't get it.
You can't re-use your account from last year -- you need to create a new one.
WARNING
People suck. Despite our best efforts, people might still get stiffed. If you don't intend to follow through on your commitment here, please do not sign up.
Please keep discussions in this thread about the SS only, so things get don't out of hand like in the past. Off-topic posts may be removed!
Signup at http://gtzss.thegypsy.com and send your subtime bond to me. Just posting here will not get you in. If you just post here and say "I'm in!", that really doesn't mean a thing! You must go to the Secret Santa site and sign up! Please use your GameTZ username when you signup. (You can use whatever password you want, of course, it doesn't have to be the same as here.) This makes it easier for your Santa to find your list.
When you get your gift, post here and log in to http://gtzss.thegypsy.com and indicate that you have received.
This graphic will track who has signed up [Note: now a static image since this SS is over.]:
- John...
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emoryarts
 
| | #601 posted November 21, 2009 at 8:54pm (EST) |
Thanks, milady. I'll just run up there and see what they say. |
Mendo
 BTRs
| | #602 posted November 22, 2009 at 1:33am (EST) |
hey John i forgot my password to get the addy for my secret santa  can you email me my password?
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sinnie
  
| | #603 posted November 22, 2009 at 12:47pm (EST) |
I got home today and got my SS gift. Someone got me a sealed copy of Uncharted for PS3 (first one) Thanks so much. I have been wanting to play this game for the longest time.
I am going to send out my gifts tomorrow.
Steam: looneypumpkin |
Chadical
 
| | #604 posted November 22, 2009 at 12:48pm (EST) |
Just ordered my gift for my person today. Got two day shipping so I can get it here and compile it with the other stuff I'm giving.
 |
citizen_zane
 
| #605 posted November 22, 2009 at 2:18pm (EST)
edited November 22, 2009 at 2:19pm (EST) |
sinnie wrote:
> I got home today and got my SS gift. Someone got me a sealed copy
> of Uncharted for PS3 (first one) Thanks so much. I have been wanting
> to play this game for the longest time.
>
That's awesome. I'm sure you'll enjoy that.
> I am going to send out my gifts tomorrow.
>
>
I've got to get to the P.O. before black Friday! Those lines are going to be terrible.
 |
sinnie
| | #606 posted November 22, 2009 at 2:34pm (EST) |
Nah, black Friday typically everyone is shopping, not shipping. Saturday is a death sentence to us postal/shipping workers.
Steam: looneypumpkin |
Rastaguy2
| | #607 posted November 22, 2009 at 3:11pm (EST) |
....this can only make me feel so freakin warm inside! :D |
CenturionElite
 
| | #608 posted November 22, 2009 at 3:38pm (EST) |
What day is the last day that packages must be shipped to arrive by Christmas? I imagine that day is one of the worst for the PO workers
 Now Playing: Modern Warfare 2, Left 4 Dead 2, Assassin's Creed 2Oderint Dum Metuant: "Let Them Hate So Long As They Fear" |
sinnie
| | #609 posted November 22, 2009 at 5:12pm (EST) |
CenturionElite wrote:
> What day is the last day that packages must be shipped to arrive by
> Christmas? I imagine that day is one of the worst for the PO workers
>
Depends on what service you use. Priority is supposed to be 2-3 days but can get backed up during the holiday season. So I'd say the 19th or 20th. Honestly the last 2 weeks are pure hell for any postal/shipping people. No days are really different in my experience, but Monday's can be a bit worse.
Steam: looneypumpkin |
bman427
| #610 posted November 22, 2009 at 5:19pm (EST)
edited November 22, 2009 at 6:30pm (EST) |
But from my expereince for selling on ebay. When I ship out in the holiday season, the chances of a package getting lost is a lot higher. I've at least lost $80 from USPS losing my package and having to refund the buyer on ebay.
You shouldn't wait till the last minute to ship is all I'm saying. |
sinnie
| | #611 posted November 22, 2009 at 6:15pm (EST) |
I agree and it makes sense. Each package handler is probably taking in 10-50x a normal day, so that combined with over-work can lead to screw ups.
Steam: looneypumpkin |
Outinthedark
| | #612 posted November 22, 2009 at 10:31pm (EST) |
I got my gift for my SS in the mail the other day and I'm super stoaked I was able to find it for them. I'm going to wait till after Thanksgiving to send it. At least it will feel more like Christmas and be a little closer to the 25th.
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oldskoolandy
 
| | #613 posted November 23, 2009 at 2:35pm (EST) |
I received my SS gift today . I  my SS.
 |
dvdfreak2005
| | #614 posted November 23, 2009 at 2:53pm (EST) |
what did ya get ?
Most Improved Trader Of The Year!!! |
SEspo
| | #615 posted November 23, 2009 at 3:05pm (EST) |
I'll be sending in December so it'll be closer to Christmas. |
oldskoolandy
| | #616 posted November 23, 2009 at 3:24pm (EST) |
dvdfreak2005 wrote:
> what did ya get ?
>
>
A complete OgreBattle SNES. I've been dying to play this game since I just purchased a SNES. I'm friggin excited . Too bad I won't be home for the Thanksgiving holiday , I have to go to the in-laws.
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Blazemartin
| | #617 posted November 23, 2009 at 3:28pm (EST) |
I hope its not to hard for my SS to get me something, I have plenty of wants. |
DefaultGen
| | #618 posted November 23, 2009 at 4:11pm (EST) |
Whoever got me freakin' Super Mario Bros. 3 thank you. I've been without that game for like a year since I sold my last copy accidentally.
 |
Mendo
BTRs
| | #619 posted November 23, 2009 at 4:54pm (EST) |
thats a pretty sweet gift
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CL4P_TP
(restricted)
| | #620 posted November 23, 2009 at 5:47pm (EST) |
I got my gift in the mail today. Whoever you are, it's like you knew what my #1 want off my possible SS wants list was. Thanks.
Also, that little card in the case was awesome. You're crazy 
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emoryarts
| | #621 posted November 23, 2009 at 5:49pm (EST) |
Whoever Chris Johnson's SS was, I  you. You were suppose to mail him feces. Duh. |
wrege
| #622 posted November 23, 2009 at 5:50pm (EST)
edited November 23, 2009 at 5:51pm (EST) |
Organization_XIII wrote:
> I got my gift in the mail today. Whoever you are, it's like you knew
> what my #1 want off my possible SS wants list was. Thanks.
>
> Also, that little card in the case was awesome. You're crazy
>
>
2 year gift subscription to Playgirl?
emoryarts wrote:
> Whoever Chris Johnson's SS was, I you. You were suppose to
> mail him feces. Duh.
maybe thats what it was and why he's so happy |
emoryarts
| | #623 posted November 23, 2009 at 5:51pm (EST) |
Then I'll retract my previous statement. The is still in reserve, awaiting confirmation. |
millenium_dare
| | #624 posted November 23, 2009 at 7:31pm (EST) |
WOW!
I received my gift(s) in the mail today and I'm absolutely astounded by how generous my Santa was. In total he/she got me:
3x3m Cat5 patch cables (seriously needed those)
3xButterfingers Candy Bars (Fudging delicious)
1xSata/IDE to USB converter (A godsend for when something goes wrong with my hdd. At times I've spent a few hours swapping bad drives in and out of my machine, testing configurations.)
Whoever was my santa, thank you from the bottom of my . I really appreciated your kindness 
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Frank
| | #625 posted November 23, 2009 at 8:00pm (EST) |
I love butterfingers... I shouldn't eat them, but they are good!
 |
The_U
| | #626 posted November 23, 2009 at 8:05pm (EST) |
millenium_dare wrote:
> WOW!
>
> I received my gift(s) in the mail today and I'm absolutely astounded
> by how generous my Santa was. In total he/she got me:
>
> 3x3m Cat5 patch cables (seriously needed those)
> 3xButterfingers Candy Bars (Fudging delicious)
> 1xSata/IDE to USB converter (A godsend for when something goes wrong
> with my hdd. At times I've spent a few hours swapping bad drives in
> and out of my machine, testing configurations.)
>
> Whoever was my santa, thank you from the bottom of my . I really
> appreciated your kindness
>
>
>
>
>
Yeah, the only part of your gift I understood was the butterfingers.
I live in a tiny island in the Caribbean.
FML. |
Frank
| | #627 posted November 23, 2009 at 8:21pm (EST) |
The_U wrote:
> millenium_dare wrote:
>> WOW!
>>
>> I received my gift(s) in the mail today and I'm absolutely astounded
>> by how generous my Santa was. In total he/she got me:
>>
>> 3x3m Cat5 patch cables (seriously needed those)
>> 3xButterfingers Candy Bars (Fudging delicious)
>> 1xSata/IDE to USB converter (A godsend for when something goes
> wrong
>> with my hdd. At times I've spent a few hours swapping bad drives
> in
>> and out of my machine, testing configurations.)
>>
>> Whoever was my santa, thank you from the bottom of my . I really
>> appreciated your kindness
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
> Yeah, the only part of your gift I understood was the butterfingers.
>
>
PC Parts. 
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Knight
| #628 posted November 23, 2009 at 8:29pm (EST)
edited November 23, 2009 at 8:29pm (EST) |
Dude I still need to send Forgotten Freshness some fudging tootsie rolls.
--
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hamsterbater
| | #629 posted November 23, 2009 at 9:44pm (EST) |
To whoever has me... if you haven't sent yet, I've updated my want list (on the secret santa page that is). Sorry it was a little sparse before.
I'm really not that picky though and will greatly appreciate nearly anything as long as some thought is put into it.
 |
jvalent2
| | #630 posted November 24, 2009 at 11:53am (EST) |
I have sent.
thanks |
John
| | #631 posted November 24, 2009 at 11:55am (EST) |
Be sure to mark sent on the GTZSS site.
- John...
a.k.a. Tehmish, a Human Cleric of Bahamut |
John
| | #632 posted November 24, 2009 at 11:55am (EST) |
(and received.)
- John...
a.k.a. Tehmish, a Human Cleric of Bahamut |
dvdfreak2005
| | #633 posted November 24, 2009 at 1:06pm (EST) |
I sent yesterday and marked on the site i did
Most Improved Trader Of The Year!!! |
FeloniousElMolestro
| | #634 posted November 24, 2009 at 1:07pm (EST) |
dvdfreak2005 wrote:
> I sent yesterday and marked on the site i did
>
$20 says you have me |
jvalent2
| #635 posted November 24, 2009 at 2:15pm (EST)
edited November 24, 2009 at 2:15pm (EST) |
yup I did I am all set, my person will be happy.....(spent alittle more that I thought I did lol) :) |
Reed
| | #636 posted November 24, 2009 at 2:19pm (EST) |
OH please dont make me feel bad!!! nooooooooo |
Frank
| | #637 posted November 24, 2009 at 3:47pm (EST) |
My person marked received, and yet I didn't get my bond back... do you need to receive aswell to get it back?
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John
| | #638 posted November 24, 2009 at 3:49pm (EST) |
No, I just haven't processed bond refunds yet. It's a manual process that is a bit annoying. But, I'll try to do it soon.
- John...
a.k.a. Tehmish, a Human Cleric of Bahamut |
John
| | #639 posted November 24, 2009 at 4:01pm (EST) |
Ok -- I just processed all the pending Subtime Bond REFUNDS. That means that if your partner has marked "received", then you should have your bond back. If not, send me a PM.
- John...
a.k.a. Tehmish, a Human Cleric of Bahamut |
FeloniousElMolestro
| | #640 posted November 24, 2009 at 4:02pm (EST) |
Aww my person said they got it but didn't mark received yet  |
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