Absolutely no offense will be taken by any suggestions or constructive criticisms! I'm new to hosting this and although the previous plan was very well mapped out by April, this change in the mailing requirements has altered the way things will need to get done. I haven't thought of everything so I welcome your suggestions and ideas! I've had a head start of several days to get used to the changes. This is new to everyone else. Change is difficult and uncomfortable. I get that. I nearly panicked when I realized tracking was now a non-negotiable. But, BUT, I'm prepared to work to get Boom 11 moving. As for the an illness or injury, I'm working a back-up plan now. Unforeseen catastrophic events, well, that's a tough one without an easy answer. The "group leader" idea is very interesting, one I'll consider. With multiple group leaders, chances are increased that an event will occur within the swap but that it will affect only that one leader's group, not the entire swap. Anyway, I'm open to ideas and suggestions. I'm reading every single one and appreciate them and you for taking the time to contribute, even if you don't wish to participate. It will help me in the long run. Thanks.

Janice I am amazed that someone would want all that responsibility but am SO glad you stepped up and agreed to get Boom 11 going! I sent you my information for 2 small FAST or l large FAST group.
I just called my post master here in little Fayette Mo...He said the size of my envelopes and the fact I bring them into the PO to have them weighed gets me free tracking. If you just dropped them in the outside box or put your own stamps on them there wouldnt be a tracking number but since they have to process it they DO provide free tracking, you might have to ask them for it.... I can mail the same envelope, same weight in Boonville Mo and they charge more postage and dont like to mess with them..thank God for small towns! :)

Janice, I have done other swaps and have never been required to show a tracking number. While I totally appreciate your doing this major job, I'm not sure it will be as much fun. I, too, really enjoy getting random envelopes with my "surprise blocks" and I love to see what other's are doing. Also, the time frame waiting for return F8's seems a bit foreboding. I think I need to think about this....it would definitely be cheaper to send them all to you at one time, but fun is one of the reasons I do this swap. I probably won't do it again with the new rules being forced to play out.....:(......sorry.

the rules don't bother me. There is however that thing about-each time I join a swap there is ALWAYS someone (5 in my last boom swap) that never sent blocks to me. ad if that were to hold up the swap for everyone else waiting to sew-it's inconsiderate, and not your fault, but irritating as heck. good save on the postage but I won't be joining this one. too much going on right now

i am in...i love making blocks with fabric that i would never choose for myself. Its a fun challenge!

Joan, Just came back from the post office and when I brought them an envelope for mailing and requested tracking, they immediately said I needed to send Priority for $5.60. I asked about other options and was told Priority was the only choice. I questioned that, mentioning your comments about the mail you send, and he and his co-worker looked at me like I had two heads! LOL. A discussion ensued and certified mail was brought out as an option for guaranteeing delivery but not for tracking purposes. Now mind you, these are two postal workers who've been there for years, not newbies. So, I'm at a loss. I'll review the USPS website and will let everyone know if I discover something. Anyone with more info about the free tracking, PLEASE pm me. Thanks! As for the responsibility, I'm comfortable with it. I know myself well enough to know that I'll take care of your F8s and blocks better than my own. Besides, in for a penny, in for a pound...

I understand completely and that's a shame you didn't receive your blocks and there's absolutely no excuse for it. A benefit of trying to keep mailing costs down for all is that by me acting as the "clearing house" I can monitor who sends and who doesn't. Anyone not sending F8s within a reasonable amount of time would probably have to be dropped right from the start. I know it might sound harsh, but if the participant cannot make the first deadline, it's my opinion they'd be even more lax with the second, the block construction and mailing. Of course, someone could send F8s and then not make any blocks but they won't be receiving their blocks back until they make good, barring death or catastrophic illness. Anyway, thanks for the input. It's what I'm looking for.

This is a BIG change...not getting squisshies in the mail and being forced to track a 65cent envelope! My po does give a free tracking numb on each one I send and this is my 7th Boom swap. I am sorry some people have not received their blocks...I have never had that experience! Its all been good...I have to think about this a little more. Not sure I like the idea at all. Is there any chance of staying traditional and just changing the ONE rule that tracking is required? That seems so simple! I love that you defined a F8 for some people...I have received those tiny, little pieces of fabric that were 9 x whatever, and they are no fun to work with! Thank you for that!

Hi missgigglewings, Glad you like the F8 rule. I understand the problem with no "squishies" but it cannot be helped. And yes, lots of people have been missing blocks and that's not right. I hope to cut that down although it will never be eliminated. The tracking issue was explained in post #7 but no, we cannot go back to the traditional way of mailing (I asked before I posted the sign-up) and this is why: mailings in any swap on this board REQUIRE tracking between participants. Apparently, this swap flew under the radar for years but this hosting change has changed that. Basically, if I don't agree to insist on tracking, I will not be supported in the host role, and I'd venture to say, neither will the next person. Those have been the rules for years, but previous Booms ignored them. (Check out the first post in every Boom 10 group. It refers members to the rules dated Dec 2010.) That we ignored them in previous Booms doesn't change the fact that they exist and we're being told to comply. QB's house, QB's rules. I hope you'll give it some thought and join us. I appreciate your feedback whatever your choice. Thanks. [QUOTE=missgigglewings;6417064]This is a BIG change...not getting squisshies in the mail and being forced to track a 65cent envelope! My po does give a free tracking numb on each one I send and this is my 7th Boom swap.

Just an fyi, I will be unavailable early this evening through Sat night. I'll respond to sign-up emails upon my return on Sunday. Thank you!