Let me know what you think - Swap Idea for 2013

[hathorcat]

Its a cute idea! But I will admit to wanting to point out similar concerns to a couple of people above.

This will take up 2 of your pony swap slots for an entire 12 month period. It can be tough staying on top of people for such a long time; many people come and go irregularly on a forum like this. Keeping in touch with one another for 12 months is a massive task and commitment. I would suggest as Lunar says if you decide to go ahead that you should pair people up within the same birthday period; i.e. if your Birthday is in Feb then the person you are sending to should have a birthday within the same month or 6-8 week period. This would be the easiest way to track it and should hopefully prevent too many issues. Anyone signing up with a birthday to the end of the year will also need to be prepared to have a swap slot taken for a very long period.

All that being said, I am sure if you come up with a structure that works and perhaps some additional rules regarding check ins etc, you should be fine. But as per emery's recommendations you would probably be best with quite a high entry requirement and multiple check in times including the fact you will probably need to act as a reminder for people to start shopping when their swap action is approaching.

[xeevee]

I love the concept, but I too am concerned about the time frame.  I think you'd probably want to limit the swap to really long term swap veteran types, because I would for see the chance of losing loads of people who just quit the board, as extremely high. 

Having said that, if you can work out the kinks, I would totally join this swap.  Since I've had kids, my birthday has always been a bit low key, and I never get ponies.

[DazzleKitty]

I agree that the fact it would take up a swap slot for 12 months would be deterring.

But as stupid as this sounds, why not just have a birthday theme swap? Every box can be a belated or early birthday. It would be kind of like a regular swap with a birthday theme.   Maybe it really is a goofy idea but it's just a very random yet fun swap theme.

I would likely be interested, especially if I am working full-time by the time you host it.

[Honeycomb]

Thanks a lot for your input!
I will be thinking this through thoroughly, and then pming a mod to see if they approve.
As for me, I have lots of time on my hands, and I'm online basically all the time, so I think I can commit to that.
Dividing people into seasonal groups sounds like a good idea. We will see!

[Saja]

Sounds pretty good to me!