the_miker Nov 16, 2008
Since Ramza didn't feel up to heading the Gift Exchange this year, I thought I'd give it a shot. I've been a part of it since it began so I definitely know the drill. Here are some basic rules, be sure to read them before signing up:
1) The deadline for signing up is Monday, December 1st (which happens to be my birthday, exactly two weeks from tomorrow) and this is only open to STC regulars and general VGM community contributors from around the world. I know who you are!
2) To sign up, simply respond to this thread saying something like "I'm in!" and either provide your email address or say "use forum email" if you'd rather not share it. Just make sure you're either displaying your email address in your profile or you have form emailing enabled (Profile -> Privacy) if you want me to contact you via the forums. Also, please provide your first name if you feel comfortable doing so. Your reply should look something like this:
I'm in!
mterry at nycap dot rr dot com
Mike
Consider that my official entry. 
3) On Wednesday, December 3rd (giving myself a day off to recover from birthday festivities), I will randomize the final list and that will decide who everyone is buying for. Once that's done, I'll email everyone individually and will make a new thread in the Open Topic forum with the list.
4) Once the list is made available, the gift giver will need to send an email to the recipient asking them what they want as their gift. As the recipient, you will either provide your gift giver with the name of the CD you want, a list of your most wanted albums (asking them to choose one for you at random), or you have the option of just saying "surprise me" which means they can get you anything. Typically if you want to be surprised, try to help your giver out by showing them a list of CDs you already own so they can get an idea of what you like. With these initial back and forth emails, please try your best to be quick with them. The sooner you know what you'll be receiving and what to get your recipient, the better.
5) Please use your best judgment when getting someone their gift. Absolutely NO bootlegs or CD-R copies allowed. If your person wants to be surprised, you should get them one full album that has been officially released, not a CD single or doujin. CD singles and doujins should only be considered if they specifically ask for them. Also, used CDs are perfectly fine as long as they're complete and in good condition. Again, use your best judgment. We've had instances in past years where people received more than one gift from someone, and hey, if you're in a giving mood, send your person as many CDs as you want! I got three CDs and a $5 coupon in '06 (thanks Ramza!).
6) Depending on what country you and your recipient are in, as a general rule I'd say you should mail out the gift no later than Wednesday, December 17th. If you have to order your person's gift online and it won't arrive to you by the 17th, please send them an email and let them know when you'll be sending it out.
If all of the above sounds good to you, sign up and let the VGM giving begin!
-Mike
