Allotments 4 All
Allotment Stuff => Swap Shop => Topic started by: ceres on March 23, 2010, 16:12:35
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Following the recent PM seed requests by a complete newbie, I’ve been wondering why we’ve got people joining just to ask for freebies and it didn’t take long to find at least one answer. On the moneysavingexpert forum, a member there (who is also a member here) has posted many times that this is a seed swap site where you don’t have to give anything in return.
If you prefer that your goodies go to people who stick around and keep the forum lively and vibrant, just check the member’s last posts in their profile. It’s usually very clear if they are freeloaders. For example, there’s someone at the moment (who is also a moneysavingexpert member) who has posted 12 times here and 10 are ‘can I have’ posts. Ultimately it’s up to individuals who they give their seeds to but it’s worth knowing that there are blaggers operating. I’ve stickied this for future reference by newbies.
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thanks for this, ceres, I'm a member of martin's money tip, I'm off for a look :-\
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She does go a bit overboard doesn't she?
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Thanks Ceres, I had spotted that happening too. ;)
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I rejected several newbie from my seed swap. It is rather difficult because it does not seem very welcoming to say hi welcome to the forum, but sorry I am rejecting you.
I certainly have got back a lot less seeds than I put in. I think next year I shall do a collection and then divvy it up. At the moment those that put in the most are not necessarily getting a good deal.
Nice to see you posting Ceres. Can you put up a link?
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Oooooh my ears are burning ......................
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I feel I have to say something here as I am in the process of putting together a very expensive parcel of seeds from Canada which I have bought specifically for this swap. It is always a tough call when one gets a request from someone who is new. In the past I have included newbies because I got on a swap when I was new and was grateful for that. However I did lose 2 parcels last year.
My current swap though is for folks who were my friends when I left the UK last year, I posted before I went I would send a parcel and am keeping my promise, however I have had requests for many newbies and will bump them in favour of the old friends I promised the parcel too, old friends defined as folks who were registered before April 13 the last year.I also stipulated that it was going to participating members, this would rule out the person who only comes on line to freebie shop, or the very seasonal members who pop on in the spring to see what is going on and we don't see them again till the following year.
To all the bona fide newbies out there, stay with us please think of it a bit like an apprenticeship and don't be offended if you don't get on a swap for a while. It may be a question of older members first rather than be rejected because you are newbies, it is a very difficult call for an organiser.
Digeroo, I have started several swaps, I always get much less back then I put in, or I get very basic veggies when I have put the opposite in however I expect this.
Thank you for the post.
XX Jeannine
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Gosh! I've just posted a suggestion to you on your swap thread, Jeannine, and hadn't noticed this.. it doesn't make very pleasant reading :-\
Thank you, Ceres, for making it a sticky 8)
Wishing you and all the others who take the initiative and organize your swaps, the very best.
Lishka
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Sorry to show my ignorance, but what is a sticky?
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A 'sticky' is a topic pinned to the top of the page - usually subjects drift down the page as new topics are posted?.this way, it's always in evidence. Hope that helps, Lish
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Been having a thought about this, but don't quite know how and if it's possible to put into operation. ???
Have a list or something, (can a sticky be added to?) of tried and trusted seed swappers, where we've posted seeds off, maybe a smiley if we've got seed back, but then what if the swapper needs nothing?
I more than often don't need something back and always offer if something takes my fancy.
Any other thoughts?
Ninny
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And exactly whats wrong with freebies / freeloaders / blaggers ?
How many of us have requested seeds from the RHS and the BBC Dig-in this year - even some who dont/wont pay for a TV license.
How many people on here belong to free cycle ?
For the Free-SAAs out there try http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2293377
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a thorny issue.
Ceres, I cant help but notice that the outsider/newbie angle is you hobby horse generally. Unfortunately we are all newbies at some point and the stage at which we are 'accepted' into the fold depends entirely on criteria outside of our control (i.e the 'established/insider deeming someone worthy). It's a difficult question.
While I accept that the cheeky one-off freebie post is annoying I am always worried at the out of hand dismissal of of newbies. The beauty of a site like ours is the popularity and this is underpinned by so many new members....
live and let live I guess.
Si
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Ninny on some sites there is a place to"grade a swapper" much like e bay does but I personally would not do it..I think if even 1 person was accidentally left off for some reason and they had done the right type of swapping they would be hurt,and I would be responsible.
It is a very tough call.
When it is parcels of seed like round robin swaps,and there is quite a value involved I think the organiser should set their personal rules, make sure it is clear and stick to. If they are rigid and a peep doesn't like them then I would say don't ask to join.
I do put a set of rules or guidelines and I know by the wording in a PM the requester hasn't read it I might just drop them off the list.
For newbies to swaps please bear in mind there is no set way of doing a swap, it is up to the person who starts it. Usually mine are pretty laid back but my current one does have some restrictions.
Ninny, to get back to you, I think if a swap is done on the forum and the receiver answers, the provider makes a comment that should work just fine. eg I have swapped a lot of stuff with Ruud so I might say good swap ;D and he could return with a positive comment too.Sometimes we forget to do this.
On round robins, a thankyou to the organiser might be in order when the parcel passes from one person to another. I have been in swaps where an envelope with the organisers name on is added by one of the first recipients, seeds are popped in there, not to be taken by anyone else, but are a special thank you to the person who started it.
I also think as an organiser it is really good to hear what someone found in the parcel that they liked, sometimes folks post this..even after they have grown the seed. I had a super public thank you message one day about corn that was grown from my seed , it was a lovely surprise with a great picture.
Anyway enough of my ramblings.
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Hi Ceres
Good to see you posting again, and with a thread close to my heart. I've stopped offering seeds on here because I got fed up with the greed/cheek of some people of late who in the main were very picky about what they wanted, offered nothing in return or didn't even bother to say thank you. Now I offer stuff to folks I 'know' or 'trust' or respond to what I consider to be genuine requests. As usual it's a pity that a few spoil things for the many.
G x
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There's nothing wrong as long as it's understood on both sides that it's a freebie. I don't see anything wrong with someone asking for seeds when they're just starting an allotment, say, and they've got nothing. They may well turn into regular contributors. What irritates me is the people who only come for seeds, with no intention of contributing. Most of us have only limited quantities, after all, and people shouldn't presume. I get really annoyed when seed parcels keep vanishing halfway round the list.
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"And exactly whats wrong with freebies"
Deadlline minus approx fortythree hours ? ;D
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I thought the swap shop worked on mutual agreement - an offer, an acceptance with the recipient's offer.
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I suppose I'm still a newbie on here and have recently been involved in a seed swap. I wouldn't dream of taking anything without contributing myself and some of the seeds that came around were obscure and would probably never have bought or tried before. So having only a small garden myself to grow things in, taking around 5 seeds of 4 or 5 varieties was helpful, and would hopefully like to join in again. I'm sure next year or even this autumn, I will have more seeds to contribute as I do not have the land to grow too many in one season.
I desperately need a lottie! :(
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Oh ..... and I was glad to pass them on again because of the smell of Roberts onions!! .... boy did they stink my bedroom out the next morning ;D ;D
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Pesky there is nothing wrong with freebie shopping, if someone posts I have something free and don't need anything back that is fine..if it is a swap then it should be an exchange of seed,if a round robin I think the organiser has the right to want to know a bit about a peep. Why would someone post a parcel of seeds that could have cost a lot of money to someone they have never heard of, it makes no sense,but if that person is around for the next one then that would be different. I give tons of seed to newbies starting out and that is a blessing for me but I don't think I should have to if my common sense tells me different.
I must stress again to newbies, if you don't get on a swap there could be many reasons why,I have a joining date on this one for a good reason, I don't usually do it. We have all been newbies and we really do need to encourage them to join in.
I think we should have sticky that suggests etiquette for swapping..eg, be polite..it is unlikely if you would get seeds if you were rude to the giver. I actually got one that simply gave an address and a message that send "yeah I will have any freebie seeds I can get" and this is from someone I have never heard of of. Also Post a thankyou, etc...someone else can come up with the etiquette. you all know what I mean. Georgie is right totally agree with what she is saying. I also agree with Robert.
I think this an excellent post and might lead to a clearing of the air a bit.
I would like to hear some comments from a few newbies as to what they think.
XX Jeannine
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i just think if you want to offer seeds to newbies then do, if not don't. Why moan about it? Endlessly....Surely there are far worse things in life? I can't see the fuss at all - why take something like that personally? Perspective is sometimes a wonderful thing...I think the anger expressed on this sometimes borderes on the unhealthy myself.
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Who is angry? XX Jeannine
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Oh well, I suppose the best thought is if they are going to a "blagger" at least my seeds will be sown by someone somewhere - that's what it's all about at the end of the day.
Ninny
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who keeps raising this subject?
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If you are in fact talking about me, I am not angry at all,it is an emotion that I rarely feel, in fact I am quite sad, no that is wromg I am very sad.. I am also nervous that newbies will be put off which is the point of MY posts.If it takes a lot of words to say to them what I need to say then so be it. If the post turns into an angry one it will not be from me, and I truly hope it does not it is not the place to do so.
XX Jeannine
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hey there Jeannine, not talking about you at all - I have seen over the years you are generous and welcoming! You are brilliant, as are nearly everyone on here. I aspire to your level of politeness and organisation - it is wondeful!
I just think sometimes there are bad vibes on this sort of thing, which I think is unfair and unneccesary when there are so many positives to talk about regarding gardens/allotments. That is all.
For someone who was kindly helped starting off last year I appreciate the encouragement garnered by getting help from you guys.
Simon
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Simon, thank you. I do however feel that folks who need to state an opinion should do so and as long as it is polite I have no problem with that. Funnily, I am not feeling anger from anyone..frustration maybe, but we may not agree and it is perhaps best we should not follow this any further as it might start to look angry and I am sure no one would welcome that.
I respect ypur comments.
XX Jeannine
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i agree totally
x
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Time to ignore my first post please folks, a knee-jerk reaction :(
Seeds are all about growing - pass them on irrespective of who grows them - they'll hopefully give pleasure wherever they end up!
Ninny x
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Ninny, your post was very valid, I think it was wise and should not be ignored.XX Jeannine
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cheeky beggers!
I must get involved in a seed swap one day, but I always seem to see them after they have been already organised.
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I got one very nice email from a newbie I rejected but I felt very bad about it. I was very concerned that she did not in fact join the forum.
I like the idea that someone would like to give several things a try in small quantities. I would like to think of a way of having a round robin seed swap and giving everyone a better selection of what is on offer. The idea of everyone sending in seed and then publishing a list and seeing who wants what and then splitting up the seeds sounds like a nightmare. I would welcome some positive suggestions.
I did a swap with someone when I had not been on the forum for very long and we have become firm friends.
I like the thought that perhaps they are giving someone some pleasure.
My swap was open until last week dtw. I did not send round the address list but PMd each person with the next on the list. Half the people on the list joined after the start date.
I met an interesting person many years ago who did me as complete stranger a favour. He said that I should repay the favour to someone else and then perhaps that favour would one day go round the world and back to him. For years I did people favours but in the end decided I was being taken for granted and that he would never get that favour back. I would just like to feel that one favour has got back to him and his family.
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Digeroo, your message touched me wee bit and I feel I have to say that if you feel so strongly about that favour it will, or has ,got back to him, the important thing is in the doing which it seems you have tried to do and he probably knew that when he said what he did. To give with no hooks or expectations of reward is a gift, one that you were given from the stranger, you are very lucky, don't give up on ,the treasure you have been given, it is a blessing it will come back to you and the stranger. XX Jeannine
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I like the idea that someone would like to give several things a try in small quantities. I would like to think of a way of having a round robin seed swap and giving everyone a better selection of what is on offer. The idea of everyone sending in seed and then publishing a list and seeing who wants what and then splitting up the seeds sounds like a nightmare. I would welcome some positive suggestions.
That's sort of how I did the squash/exotics swap (and I believe how a tomato one was done recently too).... it's more work than I thought, mostly trying to keep track of peoples preferences and what they sent in so that what they get back is stuff they're both interested in and haven't got.... on the upside if you send in say 10 seeds each of three varieties, you're likely to get 3 seeds each of ten varieties back.... targetted at stuff you've indicated interest in.... indeed, in mine everyone who put down a named variety got at least two seeds of it.... end result was a bunch of people opening envelopes with a lot of varieties in.....
I certainly plan on running another one next year but will try and organise it a bit better and a bit earlier so that participants might realise they'd be better off putting some obscure Japanese kabocha on their seed order rather than sending me in yet more b****y Marina di Choggia :D
I've also sent out seeds to folks who've asked for them and arranged individual swaps too, there are several people on here where i would suggest that my situation with them is that if they're looking for something and I have it then I'll send it to them and they'll reciprocate as and when the complementary situation arises and vice-versa....
I must admit I find it a bit duff that somone is pushing us as a source of free seeds on moneysavingexpert though.....
[/my 2p]
chrisc
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Hi,
I do hope you dont think this was me?
Yes I am new!
Yes I have asked for 3 possibly 4 types of seeds ffrom other members of this forum...
I have a vast array of seeds in my potting shed at the moment possibly more than most ....being new its like a trial + error thing.If anyone wants any they are quite happy to have them ... if I can help.
I do regularly ask for advice on several subjects.
In regards to your seed blagging .... in the Bargains Galore forum posted on there is
Free Big Dig Seeds
Free RHS Seeds
Free Mail on Sunday seeds.....
I am feeling rather hurt by your comments that you PM.d me
Regards
Dawn
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On round robins, a thankyou to the organiser might be in order when the parcel passes from one person to another. I have been in swaps where an envelope with the organisers name on is added by one of the first recipients, seeds are popped in there, not to be taken by anyone else, but are a special thank you to the person who started it.
I think that is a lovely idea Jeannine :)
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They are a bit strong aren't they! I hadn't thought what the effect of a lot in a bag for a while would be.
Come to think of it, I wonder what proportion of us save our own seed, and are likely to have the rarer things to put in a swap? We probably need to do more to encourage people to start - maybe have a specialist seed saving board?
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On round robins, a thankyou to the organiser might be in order when the parcel passes from one person to another. I have been in swaps where an envelope with the organisers name on is added by one of the first recipients, seeds are popped in there, not to be taken by anyone else, but are a special thank you to the person who started it.
That's a good idea, because a lot of people won't have rarer things to swap, and if we have some designated for the organiser, then they've got a better chance of getting some interesting stuff. If someone has nothing to offer but 'ordinary' varieties, that shouldn't be a bar to participation, but at the same time we can't complain if that's what they put in.
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I have to say that i have been blessed with swaps and pass the parcels from both this forum and others and have been able to aquire seeds that i would not have been able to purchase easily. With this in mind, i will be sowing as much as possible so i can save seeds to pass on for next year. I would like to think that is what most of us will do.
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I must say I like the thought of having an organisers envelope to collect a little bonus for the organiser.
Mind you that means it has to complete the journey.
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I think we need to encourage people to do this, and perhaps have a place on the boards where people can look for techniques. It can be a bit intimidating if you've never tried it.
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good idea robert ;D
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I might be late on this thread, but there are givers and takers in this world.
I would regard myself as both, I take and give to the best of my ability.
I would however give the benefit of the doubt to all who ask for something.
I am not here to judge or convict anyone who asks of me what is available,.
If I got enough then I shall give without question.
We are not here to gain financially but to gain in knowledge and friendship with all who cross our paths.
In the end we shall all be better from the thought that we are happy knowing that we have given.
As I have always been told by my elders, " It is better to give than receive"
I am happy to give any and all to better my quality of life.
If I die a pauper after giving all away then I shall be happy.
If I die a rich man then I shall be not able to enjoy what I have left behind.
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you've asked for newbies to comment so here's my 2p! ;)
I actually found the site while googling for seed swap. I don't know anyone else with a garden/veg patch except one incredibly busy surgeon and we never seem to make our seed swap meet-up. When I joined I obviously realised what a treasure trove of info and guidance this place was so I became hooked.
I suck at asking, I feel nervous, embarrassed and ashamed when asking for help. I've managed to put that aside when asking for advice but actually asking for seeds I still get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. That's how I was brought up.
I overcame that as I was happy I could and would offer to exchange, and not just ask, and I've been lucky I have some exciting sikkim cukes (thanks Julie!) and Crown Prince (:) 1066!).
Whrn I say exciting I'm talking of that feeling you get Chritmas morning, opening those envelopes and reading about the varieties and nervously, impatiently waiting till you can sow them.
I'd love to have the courage to ask for loads more seed, just 2/3 of things to see would it work but the idea of asking on several different forums all at the same time just blows my mind. I'm not critical of people who do, I genuinely mean it blows MY mind.
It's not easy to give something in the spirit of generosity when your gut instinct is saying you are being taken advantage of, and I think that's what I see in the first post here. There is a selfish element to alruism, it makes us feel good to give, so much so we want to share in the receievers excitiment and joy at the gift, this is completely normal, so the thank you and response it very important in this exchange.
If you are the type of person who gives with no further thought or need to be involved you won't mind what the person uses your gift for, they might immediately list the seeds on eBay, you won't care. Your attitude might be they probably need to earn some extra cash.
If you're the other type who enjoys the enjoyment, you might feel hard done by if they are not used as you intended.
Neither type is wrong, and people should feel free to give as they wish.
PS I strongly encouraged Mike of the Buddist centre in Bexhill on Sea to join this site as they will soon have their lottie! If you do see peeps from there asking for help, please do give generously!! I've also encouraged them to Freecycle for start up help with equipment.
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This is the response that all should be looking to,
I am pleased that you have spoken out and hope that others join you.
Those that wish to exploit the gifts we give, please do not and those who find it hard to ask, please do not feel ashamed to. We will talk to one and all. Its just that we may not give the answer you are looking for in the first place.
Keep the Christmas feeling inside and let it out when the right thing comes along.
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I think there is a little difference to giving something you don't want and buying 3o or 40 packets of expesive seed to start a swap, and I don't mean Lidls 50p jobs. It is assumed by many if you start a swap you are giving away what you don't want, but some swaps start with new purchased seeds and is meant to be a sharing thing. So yes, although I am giver which I think is fairly well know on here, I am not going to feel good if I spend $16 for a packet of very special beans go with all the other seeds I have bought specifically for the swap ,for it to end up on e bay and not with the gardeners I aimed to share it with. Even worse if the whole parcel vanishes.
I think there is a way around this if we all give it some thought.
XX Jeannine
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Wilder ,thank for your reply, and if I may I would like to use for an example. Although a newbie you have contributed well to the forum, asked questions, given advice and sent good wishes to someone who was ill , you have been on line regularly since you joined, and you haven't spent the time here asking for stuff that showed up. you have been polite and sensitive to other folks and you have given your thanks for help you have had...and all this with a positive attitude and sense of humour This a good member!! Don't be afraid to ask. My swap right now is specifically for a reason so could not include you but if I was doing the type I usually do I would include you if you asked. I sent this same message to another newbie recently.
XX Jeannine
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I did actually buy some packets especially for mine but they were 50p each. In the light of experience I would not recommend sending anything expensive to random people. And yes it was supposed to be a sharing thing as Jeannine puts it. Some of the people in the middle of my round robin got a very poor offering. I think what you get depends very much on who is just before you and whether they share your interests.
I suppose I was a bit naive to the swapping parcel business when I started one. I certainly did not feel good about my rather bossy rules but at least it did lay down some ground rules. But not everyone read them.
I would rather give some seeds to someone who asks for some than feel that I have been taken advantage of by person or people unknown. I suppose that giving does have an advantage for the giver but theft or cheating is a different matter.
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PS I strongly encouraged Mike of the Buddist centre in Bexhill on Sea to join this site as they will soon have their lottie! If you do see peeps from there asking for help, please do give generously!! I've also encouraged them to Freecycle for start up help with equipment.
Let me know - I'm sure I have some spares of stuff they could get started with :) (I presume they are the guys opposite Bexhill station)
PS - lovely post Wilder :)
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As a relative newbie I love this site for its advice and in the majority its friendlyness. Although I have met with some less than helpful bods, but this happens I think on all forums.
Up until now I havent asked to swap any seeds as I felt I was too new to be included. I did ask to join Jeannines but realise now that I dont have the longevity as a member to be able to participate.
The reason I asked to join Jeaninnes was in the hope of getting the odd seed of something unusual to grow and to add seeds to the parcel to share with others.
I love growing things that are unusual, and if I go abroad I look around for seeds to bring back if I can.
I love the fact that seed swaps do happen here and hope to be part of hem in the future, once ive earned my place that is. Long may they continue and I hope everyone respects the work of the organiser and that they recipients do grow what they take and let us know what they thought of them.
Its peoples thoughts and experiences on new varieties that get the interest of others and help us all to decide what else to grow. Its also peoples generosity that enables us to do so
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I have only ever taken part in one seed swap on here and I would not do another. I got all of my seeds ready to put into the swap. When it finally got around to me I was very dissapointed at what the parcel contained. To be honest what I took from it wasn't worth a fraction of the postage. I did wonder how much the others were putting in.
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I've never felt let down yet; I've got things from swap parcels that I'd never have thought of otherwise. I hadn't thought previously about what happens when someone puts a lot of money into making up a swap - I agree they need to be extra careful - as I've always put spares and saved seed.
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Robert this is a one off for me..like a going away gift as I won't be able to participate so much XX I do have a regular one planned that will be basic, and like my last one that got lost I probably won't need it back.Jeannine
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thanks for the lovely comments, and yes 1066, that's them. They get their lottie in Sidley 1st April I believe. I already have excess Toms and chillis plants and possible onions grown from seeds I can start them off with and I've just cleared out packs of seeds I know I will not have the space to sow and given them to Mike. Paying it forward!
and Jeannine, I hadn't realised that the round robin type things were seeds people bought and which could go missing, that's awful and clearly these are a lot more work and postage costs >:( I was only thinking of either straight swaps or getting rid of excess before they're past their best.
How incredibly shortsighted of them, short term gain can't be worth building up a relationship of trust. I do feel people may not realise the potential of web groups and how incredibly powerful they can be as social groups. Online freindships and social groups have the potential to be as powerful and rewarding as any meatspace group.
I am a long term member of a Forum called Metafilter where people discuss the best of the web. As it now has thousands of members all over the world, there are always really interesting posts from members who actually know a bit behind the news stories of the day and give of their knowledge, anything from computers to bioengineering, art history, genetics, you name it . On another section called AskMetafilter people do just that and the responses and volumn of knowledge is quite amazing.
But I've been lucky to observe over the last 6 years hundreds of examples of people on this forum helping other members, sometimes with financial assistance but usually with jobs, advice or buying something and posting it on because it wasn't availible in that country, etc., etc., There are also physical meet-ups in many cities through-out the world and going into a pub in London to meet a load of people you only know via a screen name was fascinating. I have life-long friends as a result. One of the members from San Francisco recently had a accident on his bike and needed $50,000 worth of surgery and aftercare. Loads of members contributed as you could see the guy has a 8 year history as a member of the community so complete strangers from all across the world sent a few dollars by paypal. Forum members near him visited and brought food, offered practical help etc.,
When we moved away from living as extended families we lost something of fundamental importance to us as social human beings so it is not surprising that the web is becoming a vehicle to replace what we lost and build social groups again.
Sorry to drone on, but I've been thinking a lot about this lately!
so I have to admit seeing people who would lose all that potential for short term gain is just daft.
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I have just had a conversion on the road to Damascus well some Wiltshire B road.
I managed to blag some manure off a totally strange farmer, I offer to pay for it but he said I could have some free there is a huge pile and it has been growing for years. Enough to cover my veggie patch 100 ft deep or more.
Also some complete stranger helped me fill me fill my bags with compost and lifted some of them into the car. So favours are getting back to me. So I apologise to the people who will hopefully enjoy the seeds from the swap and hope that they will pass on the favour to someone. Then if everyone blags something from someone, and every one gives something back to someone else there will be lots of favours going round the world.
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Wilder, seed swaps are not usually like this one, XX Jeannine
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Just would like to say that the seed swaps I have organised have always returned home. Love reading peoples comments on the list when it comes back. I have had thank you cards enclosed as well. I have had amixed bag in terms of returns - I remember once getting about 7 packets of gardeners delight tomatoes from all manner of seed companies. But the places I donate the left over seeds to were still very happy with them.
I have also swapped with others on a US Forum, but can understand their reluctance in swaps with someone in the Uk, they seem very concerned about import laws.
I have participated in seed swaps though where the parcel gets stuck and I did note in one year it appeared to be the same individual on two occasions.
In terms of blags I think its a bit of swings and roundabouts. I grow and donate veg plants to the annual village sales, and some villagers remember me on their trips and bring me back packets of seeds to grow.
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I once set up a Trillium swap with someone in the US, then he got raided and his garden quarantined. I can understand their reluctance!
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I am a newby in that I was very active (but new) last year. I got tremendous support from his forum (in terms of advice and seed/plant offers)...including the regulars posting on this thread. I was offerred seeds/plants and returned seeds/plants (didnt do an organised swap as I felt I was too new). I did have one person take twice and not say thx or anything...but then I won't send them anything agan but would send to other newer folks :) This is a true community on here and I was amazed by folks kindness.
BUT.....
I can see both sides. I was active or several years on another forum (not been to healthy until recently...so not been active anywhere)...anyhoo...we consistently get people joining...not returning swaps....asking for goods but not contributing to discussions/forum as a whole. This is not folk starting out...it is a gimme gimme thing (including pretending to be a charity...no nice). However...these people are a tiny percentage of the genuine folk...but it always causes hooha/bad vibes. The swappers themselves formed a nice/naughty list. Nice just means got successful swap....naughty was if no swop/no replies to lost parcels. Worked very very well.
I suppose what I mean is...a small amount of folk can spoil something but it works well most of the time...so I think benefit of doubt but then no more swaps for the consistently naughty??
ps happy to send Wilder my seed list :)
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Hooray you're back. I've missed you :'(.
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A public thank you to Ruud for the amish paste seeds and all the others he sent me, I hope the cabbage and infernal sprout seed turn up soon.
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If people have seeds they don't want and don't mind paying the postage give them away. If you have rare seeds try and give them to someone you know on here or elsewhere and hopefully they will appreciate them more. Seeds are quite cheap to buy, so don't know what all the fuss is about. If I had a good rare seed I would obviously want it/them to go to someone who appreciated it and knew how to grow it. Just off to the charity shop with some unwanted clutter. ;D ;D
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If you have something rare it's good sense to spread it around and help to preserve it. The more people growing rarities, the safer they are! But yes, it does get frustrating when someone's after seed all the time without ever contributing anything.
I'm particularly concerned about the number of seed parcels which have gone missing.
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I'd like to thank the person who sent me the JBT seeds, (dont know if they would want to be publicly named so wont yet), I hope that they like the chernomor and I promise the tomazing once ive seed saved this year.
I love the idea of being able to share the more unusual /heirloom seeds around, so that others can have a chance to grow them too.
Whats a stamp in return for getting something exciting to grow that you wouldnt otherwise have.
Thanks again you know who you are
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All grown ups on here .People have to make their own mind up.
Thanks for the seeds to people who have helped me out in the past.
On balance I prefer to send seeds to regular contributors to the forum. :)
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I'm particularly concerned about the number of seed parcels which have gone missing.
That's the reason I don't join in with them. I have participated in similar swaps on other sites & parcels have allegedly gone missing in the post only for the contents to appear on ebay. The other problem with them is people that get them early on sometimes take the majority of the interesting varieties so by the time you get it the parcel is virtually empty or it is a selection consisting mainly of things like moneymaker tomatoes which are given away free with gardening magazines, posting photos of the parcel at various stages of it's journey seems to limit the extent to which that happens though as sudden differences become very noticable.
When I give someone seeds it is so that they can grow them & hopefully save seed themselves to pass onto others it's not so that they can make a few quid selling them on ebay. Wether they are new to the site or regular posters is not really an issue but if it is someone whose name I don't recognise then I do make a point of checking their posts to see if they do have an interest in gardening or if they are just here for the swap section before deciding wether or not to offer them seeds.
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Just bumping this up. Be aware that if you offer something/anything in Swap Shop you're likely to get a PM along the lines of this from newbie1963 aka dawnfuller:
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,60191.msg618048.html#msg618048
Again, it's up to people who they give their stuff to but I'd suggest there are better causes than this leech person.
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Another update: dawnfuller who became newbie1963 is now lottielady chosen, no doubt, to blend in with all the other lottie-something-or-others. This one registered on February 05, 2010, 12:05:39.
Here's another example of her trying it on:
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,59342.msg609814.html#msg609814
Seriously, check before you give someone like this any more reason to keep hanging around like a bad smell.
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I would love to take part in the seed swops but don't because of the post. We have had so much go astray over the years that anything I post goes mainly by recorded or special. 1st class no longer means next day and 2ND cantake up to 5 days, I was told this at the post office when I complained about plants left in the sorting office over a hot weekend. Needless to say they went straight on the compost heap. What makes it worse for me is my OH works for the P.O. so you can imagine the rows it causes. But like a lot of things in life there is one plus side to all this and that is as nieghbours we have got to no each other as we deliver the post to the right houses. ;D ;D
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Dear Alloments or All
Yes I am new! I have changed my name because of this ""Ceres"" previous comment.....
I am a nice person non smelly NOT A LEECH as you suggested !!!
I cannot beleive this person has actually posted this last comment .....
I am quite frankly very very hurt.
This is a SWOP site not a ""BLAGGING SITE """ as you put.
How on earth are people supposed to start off - if they dont ask ?????
I have a vast array of Normal seeds in my potting shed at the moment possibly ...being new its like a trial + error thing.
I wanted to try a few other srange things ie
Thankyou for the
COMFRY + JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES + ALPINE STRAWBS + CAPE GOOSIES.+CATMINT + COURGETTES + HERBS .
I have posted out to other members about 10 - 15 different things to other members.
(OBVIOUSLY YOU NEVER POSTED THIS INFORMATION ON HERE!!!!! )
If anyone wants any they are quite happy to have them ... if I can help.
I have asked /or participated regularly for advice on several subjects.
In relation to posting out things in return - - YES I DO POST OUT ITEMS......
Please do not be put off by this person .
To all the people who have posted to me Thankyou
I will return as Dawn F
Regards
Dawn
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This is a SWOP site not a ""BLAGGING SITE """ as you put.
How on earth are people supposed to start off - if they dont ask ?????
I was under the impression this was a forum primarily aimed at discussing allotments & the cultivation of edible plants.
The swap section is only a small part of the site & is primarily used by a relatively small number of the regular contributors to the site as are other sub forums such as the photography, pets, recipes & computer sections for example.
Most new members start off by asking questions such as "how do I clear my plot?" or by anwering other peoples questions they don't head straight for the swap section & say can I have this?, can I have that? etc...
There are websites which are primarily aimed at swapping plants & seeds but this is not one of them.
BTW Ceres a user id doesn't change however many times the account holders name is changed so posting a link to somebody's profile often helps others keep up to date with what that person is currently calling themselves.
Using dawnfuller/newbie1963/lottielady/DawnF as an example they are & always will be user id 10688 however many times they change the username on their account.
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=10688
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I think we are all grown-up enough to decide for ourselves who we want to send stuff to. ::)
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Thanks Baccy Man.
Dawn, unfortunately, the content and timing of your posts on this forum and elsewhere don’t support your claims.
Allotments4All isn’t a swap site. It’s a community of like-minded gardeners who freely exchange knowledge, information and support in a safe environment and who occasionally pass on, to members of the community, their excess seeds and plants.
As to how people start off, well usually they don’t stand out in the street and stick their hand out begging from total strangers. If they don’t have a lot of money they ask their family, friends and neighbours and they buy stuff from Wilkinsons, Lidl, Aldi, etc. etc. If they can afford it, they go to a garden centre or buy online.
Various people, including me by PM, have suggested to you that your requests will get a better reception if you join in on the forum and make yourself known. That means a bit more than a flurry of thank you posts when you’ve been challenged, posting a question and never acknowledging the advice offered or offering to send a member something they’ve asked for when it’s clear that an offer has already been made by another member and accepted. Members can only go on what they see on the forum so you control what members think of you by what you post. So far, you’ve chosen to ignore the helpful suggestions. It’s not too late.
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Ceres,
By your comments I now feel black- listed.!!!!
I have introduced myself on the newbie string.
I dont suppose you have even looked?
I have asked for help on Peas + Mantis +clearing plots + helped on others
WHY START ON ME !!!!!!!
I dont ask for everything as you have stated.
Have I asked YOU PERSONALLY for anything ?????
The answer is NO !!!
Most people out there are generally friendly polite people willing to swap/send and even give support.
I have brought loads of stuff from Dobbies + Frosts +Wyevales.
Been given some stuff from friends in the UK.
Let people choose for themselves to whom they deal with.
I have never let anyone down with sending out seeds.
Dawn F
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Ceres,
Let people choose for themselves to whom they deal with.
Dawn F
Not always easy if people keep changing their name.
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I think calling people a bad smell is unacceptable on here >:(
Anyone who uses this forum on a regular basis will know if people contribute to the forum other than to ask for freebies,thus they can make their own minds up. :)
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Betula I agree!
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me too.
Also if you look at dawn's posts you'll find she has sent things to others, maybe she should make more of a contribution to the site as a whole, but this all seems a bit over the top to me somehow.
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It is better to give than to receive, only give if you want to. First sweet pea just coming into bloom, thanks, you know who I mean. I have been given loads of plants from fellow allotment people, and am only waiting until I have something good to give them back, but most of them don't want it. :( :( :(
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Locked this thread as it is not a thread I enjoy reading. Will review over the next day or so and comment as necessary.
Before I do go out enjoy the sun grow great produce and have fun.
Thanks
Dan