Oh, I believe in Secret Quonsar!

November 12, 2009 9:21 PM

Everybody needs a little schmoopy right about now. Let's talk about doing Secret Quonsar again this year.

For the uninitiated, Secret Quonsar is our version of Secret Santa. Past Year's initial post and Thank You followups

Is there anyone out there with a deep dark secret dream of organizing this? If not, I'll do it.

posted by julen to MetaFilter Gatherings at 9:21 PM (162 comments total)

I will participate as soon as the name of the activity is changed.
posted by bingo at 10:00 PM on November 12, 2009

What the schmoop is a quonsar?
posted by Schmoopy at 10:01 PM on November 12, 2009

What the schmoop is a quonsar?

Meep.
posted by bh at 10:09 PM on November 12, 2009 [7 favorites]

I love this kind of stuff. Count me in. I think you've just volunteered to organize it, though, julen.
posted by angiep at 10:11 PM on November 12, 2009

In!
posted by lalex at 10:14 PM on November 12, 2009

The Elfster page should still be around from last year, so organizing shouldn't be too hard. I'm in for spreading some mysterious holiday cheer in aught-nine.
posted by cgomez at 10:22 PM on November 12, 2009

This secret quonsar is disabled.
posted by sanko at 10:23 PM on November 12, 2009

In. Prepare for ten bucks of awesome.
posted by Thin Lizzy at 10:24 PM on November 12, 2009

I did a secret Santa a few years ago with everyone in my office, except no one knew about it but me, and the theme of the gifts was "pubes" and I put a bunch of my pubic hair in everyone's mailboxes which is why I'm not allowed to live there (northern hemisphere) any longer
posted by Damn That Television at 10:25 PM on November 12, 2009 [13 favorites]

I already created the 2009 Secret Quonsar group and planned to post about it on Nov. 17th, 2 weeks before December 1st. Jessamyn and I talked it over and were concerned that posting too early would garner complaints about Christmas Creep.

We can't just use the group from last year because there's no way to tell if we'd have the same participants or not.

That said, if you're anxious to join, here is the link.

The drawing of names is set to take place on December 1st, with gift mailing on the 15th.
posted by IndigoRain at 10:28 PM on November 12, 2009 [4 favorites]

Relevant info from last year:

If you are creating a new account, be sure to add your Metafilter username to your profile! The simplest way we have found, as well as the way to preserve your privacy and only reveal your real name to your Secret Quonsar, is this: Under Update Your Profile, put your Metafilter username in the First Name field, and leave the last name field blank. Then, put your real name in the Address 1 blank, and then your address in the Address 2 blank.

Elfster profiles offer the option to include your wishlists, either typed in by hand or links to an online wishlist (such as Amazon or Kaboodle wishlists). This can be helpful to your Secret Quonsar.

Stats for the past 2 Secret Quonsars:

2007: 73 participants.
2008: 163 participants.

Mefi Wiki page on Secret Quonsar
posted by IndigoRain at 10:34 PM on November 12, 2009

I am so incredibly in. Ready yourself for greatness, mefite chosen at random.
posted by Captain Cardanthian! at 10:46 PM on November 12, 2009

In!
posted by mollymayhem at 11:06 PM on November 12, 2009

Awwww man. I think I may still be a homeless international vagabond at that time. If you don't have a chimney, what does the quonsar come in through?
posted by whatzit at 11:19 PM on November 12, 2009

What's the deal with the 2008 SQ announcement and thank you threads being open for two month each? Was that a special Secret quonsar miracle pony, or what? And will it be repeated for thank-yous this year?
posted by Captain Cardanthian! at 11:43 PM on November 12, 2009

This could be fun. Alas, I am wary - my secret quonsar (or the postal service!) did not come through last year.
posted by foodmapper at 11:58 PM on November 12, 2009

Foodmapper, this is the first I've heard of it. Memail me and maybe I can look at last year's draw?
posted by IndigoRain at 12:25 AM on November 13, 2009

Yay for Secret Quonsar, giver of roosters! (No, really, I got a rooster last year, it was awesome.)
posted by vespertine at 12:57 AM on November 13, 2009

I enjoy giving and receiving gifts!
posted by Mizu at 2:06 AM on November 13, 2009

does this involve sneaking up behind somebody & slipping a fish into their pants?

if so, count me in.
posted by UbuRoivas at 2:28 AM on November 13, 2009 [1 favorite]

I am in. So very in.
posted by Metroid Baby at 4:01 AM on November 13, 2009

In like Flynn.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:35 AM on November 13, 2009

In it to win it.
posted by deezil at 4:58 AM on November 13, 2009

Yes!
posted by chara at 5:20 AM on November 13, 2009

It was a good time last year! Hopefully I'll have the gumption to make something this year.
posted by backseatpilot at 5:29 AM on November 13, 2009

My only complaint from last year is that my quons-ee never acknowledged the gift so I have no clue if she actually got it or liked it. HRMPH.

Other than that: totally awesome, would send postal love again.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:30 AM on November 13, 2009

I'm so in again this year.

(Don't tell my office, because I was the deciding vote against office Secret Santa.)
posted by cobaltnine at 5:37 AM on November 13, 2009

I'm in it.

...Probably easiest to link a couple other wishlists to this -- how do I link an entire list, though? It looks like I can only list individual items, unless I'm reading something wrong.

(Please don't be too put off by the fact that I said "list[s]" -- my extended family has just always been very flail-y each holiday about "but we don't know what EC waaaaaaaants!" and my mother begged me to start making wish lists, so I have a few random just-a-couple-small-things lists going a few places so I have something to send around to Aunt Ellen and Uncle George et. al. each year.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:41 AM on November 13, 2009

Awesome, IndigoRain!

I'm sorry to have stolen your thunder/preempted it/potentially encouraged Christmas Creep*!

Also, I'm totally in.

*Christmas Creep now comes with tinsel and sprinkles
posted by julen at 5:42 AM on November 13, 2009

I'm in.
posted by bondcliff at 6:02 AM on November 13, 2009

Christmas Creep is also fortified with the goodness of HFCS for that diabeticarcinogenervous feeling we infuse in all our Americandy. Try it today!

Also, as someone who barely participates in anything MeFi-related but joined Secret Quonsar last year, it was Fun® and I liked it™.
posted by kittyprecious at 6:09 AM on November 13, 2009

I'm a little bummed about misspelling "special" on the elfster page. Sigh.
posted by josher71 at 6:20 AM on November 13, 2009

You misspelled special, I wish I was special, but I'm a Christmas Creep.
posted by Metroid Baby at 6:42 AM on November 13, 2009 [7 favorites]

I am in. Being Jewish, I am fascinated by all things Quonsar.
posted by Wordwoman at 6:53 AM on November 13, 2009

But are you a meeping Christmas creep? Which is to say, I'm in like gin.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 6:54 AM on November 13, 2009

You misspelled special, I wish I was special, but I'm a Christmas Creep.

Well, I'm a Christmas weirdo. What the hell am I doing here?
posted by owtytrof at 6:57 AM on November 13, 2009

I wish I could 'in' this a thousand times.
posted by Kinbote at 7:02 AM on November 13, 2009

I'm in - can't wait!
posted by bahama mama at 7:05 AM on November 13, 2009

What's the deal with the 2008 SQ announcement and thank you threads being open for two month each?

Technically, they were open for six months. Stuff under the Metafilter Gatherings category get left open extra long, since that's what meetups go under and those sometimes involve a much longer lifespan (more lead time and planning and such) than a typical metatalk thread.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:08 AM on November 13, 2009

I'm in again! I was in the first year, but was too late for last year - didn't want to miss this year, so I am glad for the Christms Creep!
I got some wonderful treats from abroad that year - i hope we match up with others in other countries again - neat stuff.
posted by thatothrgirl at 7:10 AM on November 13, 2009

I'm in - been very happy the last two years, looking forward to another year of cheer.
posted by Lucinda at 7:14 AM on November 13, 2009

I'm totally in!

Since this is my first year though, I would appreciate more details about what we do on Elfster (aside from updating our address) etc. and what the process is.
posted by Kimberly at 7:42 AM on November 13, 2009 [1 favorite]

In like sin.
posted by bearwife at 7:50 AM on November 13, 2009

I am in!
posted by gaspode at 7:55 AM on November 13, 2009

In!
posted by thejanna at 8:01 AM on November 13, 2009

I did a secret Santa a few years ago with everyone in my office, except no one knew about it but me, and the theme of the gifts was "pubes" and I put a bunch of my pubic hair in everyone's mailboxes which is why I'm not allowed to live there (northern hemisphere) any longer

Sounds like someone understands the true meaning of Quonsmas.
posted by Vectorcon Systems at 8:07 AM on November 13, 2009 [2 favorites]

I believe I will participate.
posted by The Man from Lardfork at 8:15 AM on November 13, 2009

In like a djinn.
posted by cowbellemoo at 8:16 AM on November 13, 2009

I will do this.
posted by ColdChef at 8:29 AM on November 13, 2009

In and newly signed up at Elfster...and if you happen to get me and happen to read this post, please don't be put off by all the ideas I just brainstormed on my wishlist. I will truly be happy with whatever I receive, but I also know that I'd appreciate ideas if the holiday-themed sock was on the other foot.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:43 AM on November 13, 2009

I have never posted on MeTa before but thought I'd start by asking someone to buy me a present.

Actually, I wanted to participate last year but I was too late, so thank you for the second chance.
posted by LolaGeek at 8:53 AM on November 13, 2009

Good times, good times! I'm in!
posted by anitanita at 9:05 AM on November 13, 2009

Yay! Sekrets! In!
posted by greekphilosophy at 9:16 AM on November 13, 2009

In!
posted by rmless at 9:25 AM on November 13, 2009

eat a bag of dick, quonsar.
posted by majick at 9:38 AM on November 13, 2009

HOORAY PRESENTS!
posted by craven_morhead at 9:45 AM on November 13, 2009

Yay! I've been thinking about Secret Quonsar for the past two weeks. Last year was so much fun, I'm so in again.
posted by jamaro at 9:50 AM on November 13, 2009

I am in, hurrah, I love secret quonsar with a true and unholy love. Be forewarned: there will be no wishlist and I will not be looking at wishlists, because Pure D Randomosity is the True Spirit of the quonsar. Bwah ha ha!
posted by mygothlaundry at 9:53 AM on November 13, 2009

I am in again, though I, like grapefruitmoon, never heard from my quonsee that they received the gift ... it was international as well. I still worry they never got it ::shrugs::
posted by Julnyes at 9:58 AM on November 13, 2009

Hooray, I'm in!
posted by harperpitt at 9:59 AM on November 13, 2009

I think I'm going to sit this year out, but I just wanted to belatedly mention that whoever had me got me a very neat set of building-shaped wooden blocks. So cool.
posted by drezdn at 10:13 AM on November 13, 2009

Ooh, nice idea. I would participate but the mere shipping would make both my secret quonsar and me go over the spending limit.
posted by Memo at 10:25 AM on November 13, 2009

I'm in and signed up! Had fun last year and the year before exchanging gifts and doing a second chance thing when a few fell through the cracks. I love giving gifts!

Off to find some fish for my pants now.
posted by misha at 10:43 AM on November 13, 2009

Oh, and I would suggest that on everybody's wish list over there at Elfster, we put our shirt size for Metafilter shirt possibilities!
posted by misha at 10:44 AM on November 13, 2009

No, seriously - can we please change the name of this thing?
posted by tristeza at 10:48 AM on November 13, 2009

Hay-soos Cree-stow, I just realized I still owe people mix CDs. *facepalm*

Sorry. Rough past 6 to 9 months or so, peeps.
posted by NikitaNikita at 10:55 AM on November 13, 2009

Yay! Signed up and everything!
posted by faineant at 11:12 AM on November 13, 2009

I'm in.
posted by defenestration at 11:12 AM on November 13, 2009

No, seriously - can we please change the name of this thing?

I secretly wish there was a Secret Metroid Baby exchange, but I am not cool enough to have things named after me.
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:31 AM on November 13, 2009

No, seriously - can we please change the name of this thing?

nthed.
posted by dersins at 11:33 AM on November 13, 2009

I think it's the Secret Hovercraft Eel now.
posted by malocchio at 11:35 AM on November 13, 2009

This account is disabled.

Thank fuck
posted by dersins at 11:42 AM on November 13, 2009

We can change the name. What do you want to change it to?

Less than 24 hours and we already have 72 signups!

julen: "Awesome, IndigoRain!

I'm sorry to have stolen your thunder/preempted it/potentially encouraged Christmas Creep*!

Also, I'm totally in.

*Christmas Creep now comes with tinsel and sprinkles"

Not at all julen!! :) No worries!

grapefruitmoon: "My only complaint from last year is that my quons-ee never acknowledged the gift so I have no clue if she actually got it or liked it. HRMPH.

Other than that: totally awesome, would send postal love again"

My Secret Quonsar never revealed her Mefi identity to me. All I know is she had 3 boys, from her card. She sent me 2 zombie books from my Amazon wishlist. I did post in the thank-you thread that I didn't know who she was but never got a reveal.

Kimberly: "I'm totally in!

Since this is my first year though, I would appreciate more details about what we do on Elfster (aside from updating our address) etc. and what the process is"

Well, you sign up and on December 1st I will click a button that will match everyone up randomly. You will be notified via e-mail who your giftee is, and you can look at their wishlist or anonymously ask them questions. Then you pick out a gift and mail it to them. I have the group privacy set so that only the person that draws you can see your address.

Memo: "Ooh, nice idea. I would participate but the mere shipping would make both my secret quonsar and me go over the spending limit"

I raised it to $15 this year to account for shipping.
posted by IndigoRain at 11:53 AM on November 13, 2009

How serious is the $15? Just an order of magnitude? If I spend $25 is that actually bad?
posted by floam at 12:07 PM on November 13, 2009 [1 favorite]

still hoping that something will arrive ... from last year.

I'm in, anyway. Thrills Gum all round!
posted by scruss at 12:14 PM on November 13, 2009 [1 favorite]

I'm in, though like someone else mentioned upthread, I too participated last year and did not get a gift. I'm not saying that to be all "HUNT THEM DOWN!!", but just to say that it's possible that life will get in someone's way and if you're the kind of person to get hung up on the whole "WHERE'S MY GODDAMNED XMAS CHEER!" then this might not be for you. If you're a sick fool like me, though, and actually *bask* in the holdiay environment of the post office, then DO IT!!
posted by ersatzkat at 12:53 PM on November 13, 2009

Yay, me too. I was in quansor once removed and gave and got good gifts. I like the whole metafilter stalking to figure out something someone might like, rather then wish list.
posted by shothotbot at 12:55 PM on November 13, 2009

We can change the name. What do you want to change it to?

Secret Snowflake?
Secret Beanplate?
Secret Hamburger?

Anything, really, I don't care - except someone's user name, I think. Anyone have some god ideas?
posted by tristeza at 12:56 PM on November 13, 2009

In. Prepare for ten bucks of adequate.
posted by theora55 at 12:57 PM on November 13, 2009

Anything, really, I don't care - except someone's user name, I think.

"Secret mathowie" would be good, though. He's like the Santa of the internet, after all. I mean he's already given us this gift.
posted by dersins at 12:59 PM on November 13, 2009

Secret Pony?
posted by Metroid Baby at 1:19 PM on November 13, 2009

Gift? I had to pay 5 bucks.
posted by axiom at 1:24 PM on November 13, 2009

I'm in.
posted by sciencegeek at 1:28 PM on November 13, 2009

Secret Quonsar Chrismahanukwanzakah

FTFEveryody
posted by double block and bleed at 1:35 PM on November 13, 2009

Yay!
posted by spec80 at 1:35 PM on November 13, 2009

Bah humbug! I never got a present....sniff........ I think I'll abstain this year.
posted by The Light Fantastic at 1:38 PM on November 13, 2009

bring it.
posted by The Whelk at 1:44 PM on November 13, 2009

omg omg omg my Secret Quonsar is in for a realllllly awesome treat.
posted by banannafish at 1:52 PM on November 13, 2009

Secret Snowflake is a pretty cool one if there is a re-name.
posted by bearwife at 1:56 PM on November 13, 2009 [5 favorites]

Changing the name would be stoopit.
posted by mr_crash_davis mark II: Jazz Odyssey at 2:16 PM on November 13, 2009

Secret Stoopit mark II: Jazz Odyssey
posted by ColdChef at 2:20 PM on November 13, 2009 [3 favorites]

I'm in. Let the gift giving commence.
posted by reenum at 2:34 PM on November 13, 2009

I've joined up!
posted by Alnedra at 3:02 PM on November 13, 2009

In. I put some suggestions on my wishlist, but don't feel like I'm demanding shit, please. Demanding shit is reserved for Mr. F. ;)
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 3:10 PM on November 13, 2009

Also, because I wouldn't be me if I didn't inject a cautionary note-- if you've got notable allergies (fibers, scents, foods), please please please put them on your Things I Don't Need list on Elfster. I don't want to accidentally sicken my Secret Quonsar.
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 3:17 PM on November 13, 2009

I'm in! I might actually enjoy Xmas this year.

Some people want to change the name. But isn't it sort of sweet imagining a grouchy fighty person forced into a Santa hat? Imagine him singing carols, hoarsely, at BB-gunpoint. (An official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock.)

Why not call it Secret Scrooge, for that matter? That actually makes sense, it's like the ginormous turkey he sends anonymously to Bob Cratchit.
posted by tomboko at 3:18 PM on November 13, 2009 [1 favorite]

So this Elf website will send me an email telling me who is my person on December 1st?
posted by sweetmarie at 3:30 PM on November 13, 2009

Elves. Is there anything they can't do? (I'm in.)
posted by JoanArkham at 3:44 PM on November 13, 2009

I'm in, assuming people don't mind (potentially) posting things across the Atlantic.
posted by knapah at 4:02 PM on November 13, 2009

By the way ... It is perfectly OK to come back to this thread should your secret snowflaky Santafiltery pony-flavored plate of beans present not arrive and politely mention that you are sans gift. I did this last year and my gift showed up a week later (a gift I am still using, thanks!).

Also, whoever gets their gift first should start the Thanks thread so we can keep the giddy joy of ripping paper separate from the logistics/I'm in/WHERE'S MY PRESENT? thread this one is.
posted by julen at 4:27 PM on November 13, 2009

I'm in, assuming people don't mind (potentially) posting things across the Atlantic.

I got a cross-pond givee last year, so I just sent a whole box of American candy and cornbread mix.
posted by The Whelk at 4:32 PM on November 13, 2009

I'm also in as long as international is fine. Plus Dec 15th is way past the postal cutoff date so my gift won't be arriving by Christmas (I think Dec 1st is too late for anywhere non-Australia too). I'll send something all kiwi-ish though, so hopefully it will even out.
posted by shelleycat at 4:48 PM on November 13, 2009

if you've got notable allergies (fibers, scents, foods), please please please put them on your Things I Don't Need list on Elfster.

This is actually a really good idea. I'm allergic to perfume plus no point sending me stuff that will get throw out by customs. Which sadly means no prison-made goods or Liberian diamonds for Shelley!
posted by shelleycat at 4:59 PM on November 13, 2009

Oh, goodie, I won't miss it this year. In!

Bonus points for julen (Christmas in Swedish) starting the thread. :)
posted by gemmy at 6:58 PM on November 13, 2009

I'm in, despite the disastrous experience I had last year: I never received my present, and the one I sent was never acknowledged. Both parties stopped answering emails, so I still don't know what happened. But I'm not bitter or anything.
posted by Cobalt at 6:59 PM on November 13, 2009

I'm in.
posted by whoaali at 7:06 PM on November 13, 2009

I'm in!
posted by contrariwise at 7:25 PM on November 13, 2009

I'm in. How do you mail $20 worth of prepared oatmeal?
posted by deliquescent at 7:34 PM on November 13, 2009 [1 favorite]

re: the name: Secret Schmoopy?
posted by secretseasons at 7:45 PM on November 13, 2009 [3 favorites]

I'm in! It'll be WIZARD.

if you've got notable allergies (fibers, scents, foods), please please please put them on your Things I Don't Need list on Elfster.

Seconding this.
posted by the cat's pyjamas at 8:26 PM on November 13, 2009

Secret Schmoopy is perfect.
posted by ocherdraco at 8:28 PM on November 13, 2009

I like Secret Snowflake and Secret Schmoopy, either of those.

Oh, and I'm totally in.
posted by hippybear at 9:10 PM on November 13, 2009

Can we maybe have the sign-up link moved out of the thread and into the FPP? Would make it easier for folks...
posted by hippybear at 9:13 PM on November 13, 2009

Secret Schmoopy is perfect.

I don't know what schmoopy is, so I assume it's not a MeFi thing? At this point, I vote for "Snowflake" but I'm no Decider so whatever......
posted by tristeza at 9:16 PM on November 13, 2009

Oh, damn. Now I have to actually come up with a wishlist? Can we participate without making a list and just let people buy us some great little something they think we'll enjoy? Or do we have to have a list of items?

Help me out here, people!
posted by hippybear at 9:21 PM on November 13, 2009

The schmoopy is definitely a MeFi thing.
posted by ocherdraco at 9:43 PM on November 13, 2009 [1 favorite]

I vote for keeping the name Secret Quonsar... it seems so cutely disgruntled.
posted by aielen at 10:26 PM on November 13, 2009 [3 favorites]

I also vote to continue calling it "Secret Quonsar". Suck it, haters.

Also I've never done a Secret Quonsar. Guess I should now, right? OKAY LET'S DO THIS THING
posted by Mikey-San at 10:53 PM on November 13, 2009 [1 favorite]

Can we participate without making a list and just let people buy us some great little something they think we'll enjoy?

I hope so cos that's what I'm gonna do. There's a facility to ask someone an anonymous question though, so if the person that gets me is struggling or wants ideas or input they can ask for it. So I figure it'll work out.
posted by shelleycat at 11:04 PM on November 13, 2009

Thanks, shelleycat. That's the perfect answer. I hate making wishlists. I think my Presbyterian upbringing made me feel bad when I list things I want like that, or something.

Look out, other person. I already know what I'm getting you, as long as it's not listed in your "do not want" list.
posted by hippybear at 11:07 PM on November 13, 2009

Hopefully not to late to get in?
posted by Orb2069 at 11:13 PM on November 13, 2009

floam: "How serious is the $15? Just an order of magnitude? If I spend $25 is that actually bad"

Spend what you like. ;)

ersatzkat: "I'm in, though like someone else mentioned upthread, I too participated last year and did not get a gift."

If you guys don't get a gift, tell me. As the group organizer I can see who drew you and gently ask them if they forgot. Although I haven't gotten as far as deciding what to do if someone signs up and stiffs people... I figured I'd cross that bridge when I came to it, with some advice from the mods.

sweetmarie: "So this Elf website will send me an email telling me who is my person on December 1st"

Bingo.

shelleycat: "Can we participate without making a list and just let people buy us some great little something they think we'll enjoy?

Yes. I was absolutely delighted with my first SQ gift, which was a total surprise and not off my wishlists at all.

Orb2069: "Hopefully not to late to get in"

You have a little over 2 weeks. :) Signups end December 1st.
posted by IndigoRain at 11:23 PM on November 13, 2009

I'm in! Yay!
posted by sarahnade at 11:48 PM on November 13, 2009

I put a note in my wishlist that I'm not big on wishlists but to feel free to ask if they want more details. Seems like a good compromise.
posted by shelleycat at 12:13 AM on November 14, 2009

I'll do Secret Snowflake. I may have to draw the line at Secret Schmoopy.

Also, I never heard from my giftee last year, so I have no idea if the cool little mini-art book I posted to New York last year was ever received or not. I hope it was.
posted by scody at 12:14 AM on November 14, 2009

I promise to thank whoever draws my name.
posted by maxwelton at 1:19 AM on November 14, 2009

scody: "I'll do Secret Snowflake. I may have to draw the line at Secret Schmoopy.

Also, I never heard from my giftee last year, so I have no idea if the cool little mini-art book I posted to New York last year was ever received or not. I hope it was"

It's important to put your Mefi username in with the gift you send. My person didn't.
posted by IndigoRain at 1:29 AM on November 14, 2009

Although I haven't gotten as far as deciding what to do if someone signs up and stiffs people... I figured I'd cross that bridge when I came to it, with some advice from the mods.


I think we should have a published list from last year's failures, a Walk of Shame, if you will. We are entering into a contract with each other and I think we have a right to know who didn't uphold their side of the bargain.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 6:50 AM on November 14, 2009

My SQ went well last year, but I've done lots of internet gift swaps that didn't. I'm philosophical about it. I love knowing that people like their gift, and everyone likes getting gifts. But I just consider it throwing a gift out into the world...maybe you get one back, maybe you don't...maybe your gift it lands where it's supposed to, maybe it doesn't...
posted by JoanArkham at 7:15 AM on November 14, 2009

I'm in, assuming you don't have to live in the US. Speaking of people living in different countries, if you can, how about setting up elfster so it attempts to match people in the same country to keep shipping costs down.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:10 AM on November 14, 2009

I'm going to be in at least five airports between now and SQ-Day. Novelty shot glasses and keychains all around!
posted by SemiSophos at 8:51 AM on November 14, 2009

It's important to put your Mefi username in with the gift you send. My person didn't.


Wait, what? Do I fundamentally misunderstand the entire point of Secret Whatever? 'cause I kinda thought the point was that it was, y'know, secret
posted by dersins at 10:13 AM on November 14, 2009

Okay Dersins, if you want a thank you and confirmation of gift received, it's important to put in your Mefi username. :)
posted by IndigoRain at 10:59 AM on November 14, 2009

I put a note in my wishlist that I'm not big on wishlists but to feel free to ask if they want more details. Seems like a good compromise.

Brilliant, I just did that too!
posted by hippybear at 11:12 AM on November 14, 2009

Happy to oblige!
posted by Countess Elena at 11:39 AM on November 14, 2009

locked and loaded, ready to fire devastating cheer.
posted by The Whelk at 12:18 PM on November 14, 2009

It's important to put your Mefi username in with the gift you send. My person didn'

Oh, I did put my username on the card inside, but I figure even if people don't include their usernames with their gifts, giftees would still use the "thank you" thread just to acknowledge that their packages had arrived (e.g., "thanks to whoever sent me the wallet made out of fake bacon!" kinda thing). Otherwise the giver will be left wondering if the package never arrived (and the giftee will think, incorrectly, that they'd been left out).
posted by scody at 12:39 PM on November 14, 2009

I don't do wishlists either, so I just encourage my SQs to internet stalk me and show me what they got.

Both years I've gotten such cool gifts that I am usually both a) overwhelmed by their coolness and b) feel kind of like a lame/bad gift giver when it's all over, by comparison.

mental note to self: be more awesome.
posted by NikitaNikita at 1:06 PM on November 14, 2009 [1 favorite]

Whoever you are, I hope you like beans.
posted by zennie at 1:35 PM on November 14, 2009

totally doing this! the music swap in the summer was awesome; i hope my first Quonsar is just as good.
posted by gursky at 5:33 PM on November 14, 2009

I would like to play. Yes please.
posted by notquitemaryann at 6:06 PM on November 14, 2009

I will also thrown in a vote vote for Secret Schmoopy
posted by bahama mama at 6:19 PM on November 14, 2009

Aside from the sneaky mefites that planned to defraud secret quonsar and finally make a profit on that $5 investment, and those that had a hectic holiday, I imagine the majority of people that didn't end up sending gifts just forgot they added their name to it. Maybe shortly before things get matched up you should confirm that the people on the list are actually "in", and remove people who don't respond or say oops?
posted by floam at 8:58 PM on November 14, 2009

I didn't get mine last year, but I'll blame the post office and try again!
posted by exceptinsects at 11:00 PM on November 14, 2009

Floam, Elfster does send reminder e-mails before the draw date.
posted by IndigoRain at 3:15 AM on November 15, 2009

I'm all for keeping this Secret Quonsar, as a reminder of a special gift-giver.
posted by Orb2069 at 7:34 AM on November 15, 2009 [1 favorite]

I'm in, too, but I'm a little hesitant because I didn't receive anything last year. Yeah, I was a bit late to send to my own recipient, but I sent him a note and then checked to make sure that he got it. And it was good, and we got a nice giggle out of it, so I was pretty disappointed that I didn't get to experience the joy of receiving, say, a nice inflatable fruitcake as well.

I don't want to get all prissy about this, but is there some mechanism for filtering out people who didn't actually send stuff to their designated recipients? Because if I got forgotten again this year, I'd probably be a pretty sad panda.
posted by Madamina at 10:58 AM on November 15, 2009

Bah, we're quite the pity party here, ain't we?
posted by Madamina at 11:00 AM on November 15, 2009

I also never got a present last year. Sniff.

Sending was fun, though, and I'd gladly do it again.
posted by nat at 5:16 PM on November 15, 2009

I'm in again. Last year I sent a gift to my secret quonsaree, and was sad I didn't hear back. But in *August* the giftrecipient wrote back -- and said the package apparently arrived at the parents' house after leaving for school -- the package somehow ended up in a closet, and was packed away -- but eventually the gift was found and thankyou so much and etc.!!! So it was Xmas in August and everything!!

So if you are worried about getting-flaked-out-on, maybe you can assume that there is a gift SOMEWHERE in your house and all you have to do is find it . . .
posted by oldtimey at 5:20 PM on November 15, 2009

Madamina: "I don't want to get all prissy about this, but is there some mechanism for filtering out people who didn't actually send stuff to their designated recipients? Because if I got forgotten again this year, I'd probably be a pretty sad panda"

Let me talk to the mods about this.
posted by IndigoRain at 12:53 AM on November 16, 2009

If only I had a penguin...: "I'm in, assuming you don't have to live in the US. Speaking of people living in different countries, if you can, how about setting up elfster so it attempts to match people in the same country to keep shipping costs down"

You can live anywhere. I'm thinking this would be a very complicated thing to set up that would result in numerous separate exchanges, people joining the wrong exchange, and what do you do if a particular country only has 2 Mefites participating? Or even just 1?
posted by IndigoRain at 1:04 AM on November 16, 2009

I'm in... and happy to post to anywhere in the world.... poor, sad, little, far away Australian here.
posted by taff at 2:41 AM on November 16, 2009

My vote is for "Secret quonsar" now and forever.
posted by Vectorcon Systems at 3:37 AM on November 16, 2009

I joined MeFi so I could play! (Well, and because "Faved" made me twitch inside. Way to finally get my $5, dudes.) Last year everyone seemed so enthused about it that I vowed I would sign up in time for this year's.
posted by stoneweaver at 11:14 AM on November 16, 2009

Me me me me me! I want a fish in my pants!
posted by Jilder at 11:35 AM on November 16, 2009

And I'm in! There's nothing like sending presents to random almost-complete-strangers to make my holidays more fun!
posted by MuChao at 11:11 AM on November 17, 2009

I'm a little weirded out that I have the most "elf points" of the group. Please don't hold that against me. I like giving internet strangers presents as much as the next girl, but at least leave me my tiny, pointed shoe dignity before you start calling names!
posted by Diagonalize at 4:16 PM on November 17, 2009

I don't think identifying last year's participants who didn't send stuff is such a good idea.

In my case, I never got anything, but my SQ said something was sent. MefiMail responses stopped when specific details about tracking numbers where raised, but I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt. International mail can be iffy.

Also, what I sent was never acknowledged, despite repeated requests. It was couriered, so I'm pretty confident it showed up, but what if little Timmy down the road was having one of his days and took it from the porch? I might get blackflagged for that.

It's just too uncertain to single out people over this. It's Secret Quonsar. We can let bygones be bygones and give people a chance to redeem themselves.
posted by Cobalt at 7:55 PM on November 17, 2009

Hi everyone. I'm going to help IndigoRain organize all of this, with the goal that everyone gets a gift this year.

If you haven't signed up yet, sign up here. We're using Elfster again this year, although with a brand new group (so if you signed up for last year's group, you'll have to sign up for this year's group - there's no automatic carryover).

If you find that you can't participate in this exchange after you already signed up... Before December 1, you can remove yourself from the Elfster group swap active group. You do that by going to the group page and click the link marked Change Your Reply right above the list of everyone who has accepted. There will be no social (or other!) stigma in doing this - if anything, we appreciate your honesty and reducing the giftlessness by 1 person. Seriously.

If you find that you can't participate in the exchange after December 1 (when the draw is made), you need to contact Indigo Rain or me as soon as possible so that we can either close the loop (if the person who was going to send you the gift hasn't sent it yet, we'll arrange to have that person send a gift to the person you had instead), or figure something out so that your intended recipient gets a gift.

If you don't receive a gift after a reasonable amount of time, you can either post in this thread with a gentle reminder or ping one of us and we'll track the person down who drew your name and try to figure out what is going on (i.e. is something backordered? Does it have to cross an ocean? Is it going to arrive unusually late?). Similarly, if you don't hear from your recipient and are worried it didn't arrive, you can send them a MeMail or ask us to make sure they got it.

We can't retroactively penalize people for failing to swap in years past by preventing them from participating now. We can keep track this year of those folks who are unresponsive and whose recipient was stiffed, however. We recognize that there is the very occasional delivery error, and this is a tricky road, but we have faith that if the two of us are proactive, and you guys are honest, it will all work out, and there will be gifts for all who signed up.

One sure fire way to get yourself banned from participating next year is to not send anything and then ignore us when we contact you trying to figure out why.
posted by julen at 1:50 PM on November 20, 2009

I'm happy to help fill in the gap if anyone knows ahead of time they can't provide a gift - lemme know, I don't mind sending extras. I don't want any MeFites to be crying into their beer on Quonsmus.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 2:44 PM on November 20, 2009

That's really sweet of you Grapefruitmoon.

Like Julen said, if you find out before the draw that you can't participate, you can remove yourself. And thanks Julen for your help.

Elfster won't let me promote Julen to official group organizer (they said you can only have 1 organizer per exchange) so I'll probably let her run it next year. :)
posted by IndigoRain at 7:50 PM on November 20, 2009