VGCollect Forum
General and Gaming => General => Topic started by: dhaabi on October 09, 2023, 11:22:13 am
-
It's that time of the year with holiday spirit soon to be in the air! Presenting a tradition many here have come to love, I introduce VGCollect's 2023 Secret Santa gift-exchange, now eleven years in the running! I'd like for the event to go as planned without any issues or hurdles, so I politely ask that this introduction post be read in full. Additionally, we as a community have established that all who are interested to have been members of the forum community for at least three months prior to this announcement topic alongside some sort of site activity.
For anyone returning, it will be obvious (or perhaps not) that there has been a change in event organization. But fret not, the same event with all the same heartfelt love and focus on community remains. In preparing this formal announcement, I've decided to streamline steps so that most everything I need as the organizer is supplied all at once. With that said, I've created a Google Form for those interested in participating to fill out. For those concerned, the form does not collect e-mail addresses, and completing the form does not require a Google account. Be aware that to formally join the event, the attached form below is needing to be completed. With that said, for the sake of the establishing further interest and discussion, please be sure to also post in the forum topic if you're planning to take part.
VGCollect 2023 Secret Santa Sign-up
https://forms.gle/JC7t8WX7SLCuDmjs8
Feel free to publicly discuss what you think should be the expected spending limit, any updates you'd like to share with everyone participating, or anything else related to Secret Santa. As is typical, I think everyone would appreciate any and all discussion to help raise excitement and to maintain engagement. Toward the end of the sign-up period, I will publicly mention what the advised spending limit that has been selected by most participants is. If the spending limit becomes more than you originally were planning to spend, or if there is any reason you need to withdraw from the event whatsoever, please let me know via PM so that you are formally withdrawn. At the latest, please let me know by the end of Monday, October 23, as wish list information will be sent to all Santas the following day.
The event has started a little later than it has in more recent years, but I believe there is still plenty of time for a successful event when looking at the timeline of last year's event due to how I'm collecting information. I would still like for there to be enough time for anyone interested to see this topic, so the sign-up period will run for two weeks until around this original post time on Monday, October 23. Following the sign-up period, I will assign Santa/giftee pairs while forwarding wish lists, and the actual fun will begin!
Something I will mention is the advised spending limit. As one should assume, this limit tends to be more of a guideline. I don't think this has been any major issue in the past, but it's worth addressing, nonetheless. On that note, many participants in the past have gone above-and-beyond in curating their gifts and mailing them with love, so continuing that attitude would be fantastic to see.
2023 Santas
1. masamune
2. Cartagia
3. telly
4. ferraroso
5. kashell
6. puddingm
7. koemo1
8. NickAwesome
As stated above, this is now the eleventh year the VGCollect community has celebrated this Secret Santa event! Below are past topic discussions for each previous year:
Secret Santa 2013 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,4178.0.html)
Secret Santa 2014 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,5554.0.html)
Secret Santa 2015 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,6559.0.html)
Secret Santa 2016 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,7734.0.html)
Secret Santa 2017 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,8571.0.html)
Secret Santa 2018 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,9354.0.html)
Secret Santa 2019 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10417.0.html)
Secret Santa 2020 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,11096.0.html)
Secret Santa 2021 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,11567.0.html)
Secret Santa 2022 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12036.0.html)
As it's needed, I will publish follow-up posts while also updating this initial topic post below:
October 16 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12565.msg203142.html#msg203142)
The expected spending limit should be around $60 USD.
October 24 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12565.msg203199.html#msg203199)
Giftee wish list and shipping information has been forwarded to each participant's Santa. Packages should be mailed no later than November 15.
November 06 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12565.msg203334.html#msg203334)
After items have been mailed, tracking and shipment information should be forwarded to me via PM so I can ensure everything is running smoothly.
For any who are interested in watching this year's community gift-opening event, it has been uploaded to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjWEr0Cnul8).
-
Sign me up for another year. I filled out the Google Form.
dhaabi, should this post be stickied to the top of the forum page and the previous year be unstickied?
-
Sign me up for another year. I filled out the Google Form.
dhaabi, should this post be stickied to the top of the forum page and the previous year be unstickied?
Submission received without issue! And yes, that will need to be done. I don't have that ability to take those actions, so we will have to wait until a forum admin for it to be done.
-
Count me in too! Thanks for leading this Dhaabi :)
I do have a question though. The Google form asks for a wishlist as well. Usually we do sign ups for two weeks then a week for wishlist. Do you want a wishlist finalized when we submit the form?
-
I do have a question though. The Google form asks for a wishlist as well. Usually we do sign ups for two weeks then a week for wishlist. Do you want a wishlist finalized when we submit the form?
A wish list doesn't need to be finalized now, since I'll only be forwarding wish lists in around two weeks. If anyone needs to continue updating their list between now and then, they're more than welcome to do so.
-
I'm in and filled out!
-
Completed the form!
I made a list of 20ish games in case my Santa doesn't want to sort through my on-site wishlist but I'll wait until we know what the budget is.
-
Done!
Make sure to add some Japanese-exclusive items to your wishlists, everyone!
-
Added some to my Wishlist and will look to add more later!
-
Is the Google Form the place to add additional caveats about one's wishlist?
-
Is the Google Form the place to add additional caveats about one's wishlist?
If there's anything particular needing to be specified such as wish lists, a PM can be sent to me. The sign-up form was only designed to gather general information all at once. Hope this helps!
-
Done!
Make sure to add some Japanese-exclusive items to your wishlists, everyone!
Glad to see non-US participants! I don't think there's been representation from Japan before after looking at past events, but perhaps I'm wrong.
-
Is the Google Form the place to add additional caveats about one's wishlist?
If there's anything particular needing to be specified such as wish lists, a PM can be sent to me. The sign-up form was only designed to gather general information all at once. Hope this helps!
Noted. Thanks!
-
Interesting ....
-
puddingm has returned for another year!
-
Count me in, so if you need some PAL or European games, add it to the wishlist :)
-
This may be the most international year we've had yet!
-
Just signed up! I always have so much fun with this! Glad we can keep this tradition going!
-
For any who are on the fence about joining, there is one week left to sign up!
For those who've already signed up, the votes for advised spending limit are seven for $60 USD and one for $80 USD. At this point, it's likely that the former will be the suggested guideline. How does everyone feel about that?
-
60 is fine by me.
-
That works for me! Super excited to start the hunt for my Santa!
-
$60 is fine with me as well.
-
Yup, good for me.
-
There's a definite small but (hopefully) mighty interest this year.
-
For those who are still holding out on joining, there's about one day left to do so. Below is the sign-up form for the sake of convenience.
https://forms.gle/JC7t8WX7SLCuDmjs8
By Tuesday, I'll have formed Santa/giftee pairs and will be forwarding all participants via PM with relevant information about their giftee! I've already gone through previous event discussions to observe past pairs. So, I'll try my best to form new pairs despite the limited participation and with the knowledge I have.
-
For those who are still holding out on joining, there's about one day left to do so. Below is the sign-up form for the sake of convenience.
https://forms.gle/JC7t8WX7SLCuDmjs8
By Tuesday, I'll have formed Santa/giftee pairs and will be forwarding all participants via PM with relevant information about their giftee! I've already gone through previous event discussions to observe past pairs. So, I'll try my best to form new pairs despite the limited participation and with the knowledge I have.
Are you doing 1-1 pairs (x:y and y:x) or are you just assigning people randomly (accounting for international preferences)?
-
By Tuesday, I'll have formed Santa/giftee pairs and will be forwarding all participants via PM with relevant information about their giftee! I've already gone through previous event discussions to observe past pairs. So, I'll try my best to form new pairs despite the limited participation and with the knowledge I have.
Are you doing 1-1 pairs (x:y and y:x) or are you just assigning people randomly (accounting for international preferences)?
The latter, so randomly based on shipping preferences. From what I've observed in past discussions, that's how it's been handled. Organizing pairs the former way negates the "secret" part of Secret Santa, since every participant would know who's shopping for them once they're forwarded their own giftee wish list information.
-
The sign-up period has ended, and I've just forwarded giftee information to all Santas. If anyone has any questions of any kind, direct them to me via PM.
To keep things moving steadily along and to ensure gifts arrive on time through transit, packages should be mailed by November 15 at the latest. Happy shopping, everyone!
-
I've gone through and made a list of some games to take with me while out hunting in person and online! :) Looking forward to it! Have fun everyone!
-
Initiating the best part of the journey: game shopping for others!
-
Thanks for the hard work, dhaabi!
I am adding a few games to my wish list now, but first, two messages to whom it may concern:
To my secret santa: "No need to worry about getting stuff from my wish list. Anything and everything (especially if they are Sega related) is welcome!"
To the good boy or girl who is going to be get a gift from me: "Add as much Japanese stuff as you can to your wish list and I'll do my best to find them here. Also, I'll make sure to send you some yummy treats too."
And let the fun begin!
-
So, for a fun side-hustle, I like to sell old electronics and games. With the cash I earned for that, I had the perfect amount to get something ordered from my giftee's wishlist.
A good start means a good sign of things to come. I'm really excited to buy for this person.
-
So, for a fun side-hustle, I like to sell old electronics and games. With the cash I earned for that, I had the perfect amount to get something ordered from my giftee's wishlist.
A good start means a good sign of things to come. I'm really excited to buy for this person.
That's how I've done this for the past few years. It's nice to clear out space and get something for someone!
-
I just realized after looking at the first post - dhaabi, you're not participating in the fun??
-
I just realized after looking at the first post - dhaabi, you're not participating in the fun??
Not this year, but perhaps in the future. I wanted to ensure that there weren't an odd amount of participants, so I treated myself as a reserve. So, had there been a ninth participant, I'd have joined as the tenth to even it out.
-
I just realized after looking at the first post - dhaabi, you're not participating in the fun??
Not this year, but perhaps in the future. I wanted to ensure that there weren't an odd amount of participants, so I treated myself as a reserve. So, had there been a ninth participant, I'd have joined as the tenth to even it out.
Could have done it still with an odd number of people! Person 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5 -> 6 -> 7 -> 8 -> 9 -> 1 but that's a moot point since people have already been paired
-
I just realized after looking at the first post - dhaabi, you're not participating in the fun??
Not this year, but perhaps in the future. I wanted to ensure that there weren't an odd amount of participants, so I treated myself as a reserve. So, had there been a ninth participant, I'd have joined as the tenth to even it out.
Could have done it still with an odd number of people! Person 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5 -> 6 -> 7 -> 8 -> 9 -> 1 but that's a moot point since people have already been paired
I didn't give my participation too much thought, so I clearly overlooked that (obvious) possibility. Like I said from the beginning, I mostly didn't want the event to not happen at all if community interest was still present. Nevertheless, I can still enjoy the event for what it is from an organizer's perspective.
-
Let the buying begin :)
-
I just realized after looking at the first post - dhaabi, you're not participating in the fun??
Not this year, but perhaps in the future. I wanted to ensure that there weren't an odd amount of participants, so I treated myself as a reserve. So, had there been a ninth participant, I'd have joined as the tenth to even it out.
Could have done it still with an odd number of people! Person 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5 -> 6 -> 7 -> 8 -> 9 -> 1 but that's a moot point since people have already been paired
I didn't give my participation too much thought, so I clearly overlooked that (obvious) possibility. Like I said from the beginning, I mostly didn't want the event to not happen at all if community interest was still present. Nevertheless, I can still enjoy the event for what it is from an organizer's perspective.
Just curious why you expected this wasn't going to happen?
-
Like I said from the beginning, I mostly didn't want the event to not happen at all if community interest was still present
Just curious why you expected this wasn't going to happen?
An interest topic was created mid-September with no formal announcements being made until October 9. telly initially showed growing concern for the event starting late which could then potentially cause gifts to also arrive late through transit had the typical event schedule been maintained, as the start of October had already past. With seemingly no one else this year stepping up to organize, telly and I decided it'd be best for me to do so. The public discussion about that begins here (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12538.msg202983.html#msg202983).
-
One item is already en route. The profits/credit I earned just went through. Therefore, two more items have been ordered today. The stars are aligning!
-
One item is already en route. The profits/credit I earned just went through. Therefore, two more items have been ordered today. The stars are aligning!
Dang, you're fast!! I'm hoping to get started on shopping today. Gonna hit up The Exchange to hunt for stuff like we did last year ;)
-
One item is already en route. The profits/credit I earned just went through. Therefore, two more items have been ordered today. The stars are aligning!
Dang, you're fast!! I'm hoping to get started on shopping today. Gonna hit up The Exchange to hunt for stuff like we did last year ;)
We love to see it.
Have fun at The Exchange! That place is special.
-
Just finished picking up everything for my Santa! I hope they like what I purchased!
EDIT: Also I went over budget :-[ There were two games I was deciding between and I thought why not both ;D
-
You're already done?! Daaaaamn, dude. You're crushing it.
-
Well I still need to wait for some things to come in from online :o So it will still be a while before anything ships out
-
And I'm still waiting to see if the person won't add anything new to their wish list... haha
-
Another item has arrived.
Come on, four for four!
-
Hoping to hit up some local stores this weekend and do some shopping!
-
Hoping to hit up some local stores this weekend and do some shopping!
Did the same this morning, and I believe that I am finished aside from side goodies at this point!
-
As the time when everyone should be mailing out their gifts approaches, I kindly ask that tracking and shipment information be forwarded to me via PM so I can ensure everything is running smoothly, as is typically requested. The November 15 deadline is especially important to meet for those needing to send packages internationally. Shipping times can widely vary and problems can occur in transit, so it's best to make sure there's plenty of time for items to arrive.
-
As the time when everyone should be mailing out their gifts approaches, I kindly ask that tracking and shipment information be forwarded to me via PM so I can ensure everything is running smoothly, as is typically requested. The November 15 deadline is especially important to meet for those needing to send packages internationally. Shipping times can widely vary and problems can occur in transit, so it's best to make sure there's plenty of time for items to arrive.
Would it be too much to ask to get tracking information for when our Santa sends out our gifts so we know when to expect them? My Santa last year sent my gift extremely early (about this time actually), which was totally fine, but I didn't know it was coming because tracking info wasn't provided and I'm really fortunate it wasn't stolen off my porch or something. :o
-
Would it be too much to ask to get tracking information for when our Santa sends out our gifts so we know when to expect them? My Santa last year sent my gift extremely early (about this time actually), which was totally fine, but I didn't know it was coming because tracking info wasn't provided and I'm really fortunate it wasn't stolen off my porch or something. :o
I can do that if it's requested individually. I'll go ahead and send you a PM once that information is forwarded to me first. For anyone wanting ETAs for their gifts, be sure to let me know. I can either forward all of the tracking information which would include point of departure (meaning some mystique would be lost since most participants know where others live, generally), or I can instead only forward the scheduled package arrival date to prolong some mystery as to whom one's Santa is.
-
If you just want to tell me what date to expect it instead of tracking info that would be fine!
-
From tomorrow November 8 through Saturday November 11, I'll be away from the site. If any participant is needing to contact me directly, just know that I won't be able to respond until after that period.
-
Well then, I think I'm done with my shopping! I had a hard time throwing in that extra-special something because I wanted it to be creative and representative of my town. But, I think I succeeded.
So, all that's left is to wrap up the games, write a card, and send it out to the Christmas ether!
-
I'm really excited with all this, but I plan to arrange everything by the weekend, so I'll give my pal a few more days to ADD STUFF FROM JAPAN to their wish list. Haha
-
I'm really excited with all this, but I plan to arrange everything by the weekend, so I'll give my pal a few more days to ADD STUFF FROM JAPAN to their wish list. Haha
Well I just added a bunch of Switch and PS4 games just in case you have me! :-X
-
I'm really excited with all this, but I plan to arrange everything by the weekend, so I'll give my pal a few more days to ADD STUFF FROM JAPAN to their wish list. Haha
In case it was me, i did :)
-
Slightly off topic but I'm curious. Telly - what's that Chrono Cross thing in your VG Collect signature??
-
Slightly off topic but I'm curious. Telly - what's that Chrono Cross thing in your VG Collect signature??
It's sheet music for the soundtrack! Was an anniversary gift from the wife and she also set up my old keyboard that I've had since high school! It was so sweet of her :')
-
Slightly off topic but I'm curious. Telly - what's that Chrono Cross thing in your VG Collect signature??
It's sheet music for the soundtrack! Was an anniversary gift from the wife and she also set up my old keyboard that I've had since high school! It was so sweet of her :')
Bruh, she's a KEEPER!
-
Ordered the final game today. Heading to Sweden tomorrow morning and when I arrived I hope everything has arrvived and ready to be packed, bundled up and sent out :)
-
Slightly off topic but I'm curious. Telly - what's that Chrono Cross thing in your VG Collect signature??
It's sheet music for the soundtrack! Was an anniversary gift from the wife and she also set up my old keyboard that I've had since high school! It was so sweet of her :')
Bruh, she's a KEEPER!
I'll send you a pic on Facebook!
All my gifts for my person have arrived so I just need to get it shipped out once I'm back from my conference trip!
-
To quote one of my faves:
"The package is away! I repeat. The package is away!"
-
It begins!! Will hopefully get mine sent out this week.
We'll need to start discussing a zoom hangout if anyone would like to open together!
-
You know I'm down. And I think my December schedule is relatively light this year, which is pretty awesome.
-
Two packages have now already been mailed out!
-
Just received my package today, from about 1 zip code over, which means I'm pretty sure who it might be ;D
-
Now comes the hard part. The waiting!
-
So when would folks like to do an opening? I will be out of the country Dec. 13th to the 19th so what if we did that first week in December? So Dec. 3rd to the 9th?
-
For those who've not already notified me or made public that they've already mailed out their gifts by this time tomorrow, I'll be sending individual PMs to you at that time to see how far along you are in the gift-collecting and mailing process. I'm just wanting to ensure that everything is moving along as the event should without any issues. If anyone else has mailed out their gifts, be sure to forward tracking information to me in a PM.
-
So when would folks like to do an opening? I will be out of the country Dec. 13th to the 19th so what if we did that first week in December? So Dec. 3rd to the 9th?
I think that first week of December should be fine. Depending on the overseas shipping, not everyone might be able to join in unwrapping but they can still login.
Also, where are you headed??
-
So when would folks like to do an opening? I will be out of the country Dec. 13th to the 19th so what if we did that first week in December? So Dec. 3rd to the 9th?
I think that first week of December should be fine. Depending on the overseas shipping, not everyone might be able to join in unwrapping but they can still login.
Also, where are you headed??
Wales for a destination wedding. 8)
-
Very cool. My friend just moved there and her pics she's been posting are lovely.
-
In my tenure of having the handle "Kashell" I've been various names: Kash, Kashy, Kashypoo, Ka$h, etc. I've never been called Kashell Smith, though. So, to my Secret Santa, I want to thank you for adding a new nickname to the list.
All that to say, I've received my gift addressed to Kashell Smith. Thanks, Santa! I can't wait to open it.
-
So when would folks like to do an opening? I will be out of the country Dec. 13th to the 19th so what if we did that first week in December? So Dec. 3rd to the 9th?
I think that first week of December should be fine. Depending on the overseas shipping, not everyone might be able to join in unwrapping but they can still login.
Also, where are you headed??
In my opinion, the first week of december is too early. I probably cannot attend :(
-
I've just sent PMs to those who've not yet notified me or made public that they've mailed their gift.
Additionally, three gift packages have been mailed, two of which have been received. Two more packages should be mailed out by Friday, from everything I've gathered at this moment. I'm glad to see everything moving along as expected without any issues.
-
So when would folks like to do an opening? I will be out of the country Dec. 13th to the 19th so what if we did that first week in December? So Dec. 3rd to the 9th?
I think that first week of December should be fine. Depending on the overseas shipping, not everyone might be able to join in unwrapping but they can still login.
Also, where are you headed??
In my opinion, the first week of december is too early. I probably cannot attend :(
We opened on the 9th last year. Would the 9th work for you this year? That's a Saturday. Alternatively we could try the 10th - 12th. My flight is on the 13th.
-
I think the 9th works for me.
-
Saturday the 9th should work depending on the time. Holiday party time is ramping up already.
-
In my tenure of having the handle "Kashell" I've been various names: Kash, Kashy, Kashypoo, Ka$h, etc. I've never been called Kashell Smith, though. So, to my Secret Santa, I want to thank you for adding a new nickname to the list.
All that to say, I've received my gift addressed to Kashell Smith. Thanks, Santa! I can't wait to open it.
Probably the package was most likely addressed to just "Kashell" and the postal clerk gave them the "this must have a legible address to be shipped" spiel. I know I've had in the past when sending packages with only an Internet username to go by, the one that sticks out the most being "Pipin Rogers" due to the look the dude behind the counter gave me. Most don't care as long as the actual address is indeed legible, but others are just bumbling pedants.
-
In my tenure of having the handle "Kashell" I've been various names: Kash, Kashy, Kashypoo, Ka$h, etc. I've never been called Kashell Smith, though. So, to my Secret Santa, I want to thank you for adding a new nickname to the list.
All that to say, I've received my gift addressed to Kashell Smith. Thanks, Santa! I can't wait to open it.
Probably the package was most likely addressed to just "Kashell" and the postal clerk gave them the "this must have a legible address to be shipped" spiel. I know I've had in the past when sending packages with only an Internet username to go by, the one that sticks out the most being "Pipin Rogers" due to the look the dude behind the counter gave me. Most don't care as long as the actual address is indeed legible, but others are just bumbling pedants.
I think I've just written "VGC Secret Santa" on the label if I didn't have the name of my recipient though in hindsight that might not have been the best option. :-[ I remember my first year I had tpugmire and I just wrote T. Pugmire as the recipient and still I don't know if his last name is actually Pugmire. Haha
-
I once had a buyer on eBay who somehow managed to make his account without filling out the last name field, so when I went to get his address I was greeted with just "Spidey" as his "name". I didn't question it, I didn't really bother with it, I just packaged everything and went to the post office. When I got there I saw the same guy who's a stickler for correctness and surely enough he took my turn, but since I still do addresses by hand, I took out a pen and before handing out the package wrote next to the buyer's "name", "Gonzalez". The reaction was quite jovial, he actually got the references, and apparently I made his morning.
-
Most don't care as long as the actual address is indeed legible, but others are just bumbling pedants.
Technically, full names are required when mailing items through USPS. With that said, USPS also specifies rules such as it isn't permitted to use pencils to address items. Rules like these aren't heavily enforced and will only be inspected more in-depth if the item is suspicious. We've all received mail unaddressed to us specifically (Postal Customer, Current Resident, Dad/Mom/etc. no name but mailing address), but it's never an issue for items with these addressee types to be sent. In the end, delivery companies work for the sender, not the receiver. If the actual mailing address is correct on an item, it will almost always be guaranteed to be delivered without issue. Of course, it's obviously much better to supply a suitable addressee name when it's possible.
The most outlandish addressee name I've ever come across has been NUMBER 15 BURGER KING BURGER, and the item was delivered to a residential household.
-
Most don't care as long as the actual address is indeed legible, but others are just bumbling pedants.
Technically, full names are required when mailing items through USPS. With that said, USPS also specifies rules such as it isn't permitted to use pencils to address items. Rules like these aren't heavily enforced and will only be inspected more in-depth if the item is suspicious. We've all received mail unaddressed to us specifically (Postal Customer, Current Resident, Dad/Mom/etc. no name but mailing address), but it's never an issue for items with these addressee types to be sent. In the end, delivery companies work for the sender, not the receiver. If the actual mailing address is correct on an item, it will almost always be guaranteed to be delivered without issue.
The most outlandish addressee name I've ever come across has been NUMBER 15 BURGER KING BURGER, and the item was delivered to a residential household.
Sure, but some postal workers can be a tad unrelenting when it comes to sticking to certain "rules". I always make sure the address itself is perfect, to the point I quadruple check and still sometimes go over everything again. But there have been instances where the name is uncommon or outright not a name and the person behind the counter has given me flak for it. Sure, a good 7 out of those 10 instances they take the package and essentially go "your problem if it gets lost or whatever", but the other 3 will take things to a level that's wholly unnecessary. I'm of course speaking from experience, I reckon it's not the same everywhere else.
-
I think the 9th works for me.
Turns out the 9th does not work for me, but don't hold things up on my account.
-
I think the 9th works for me.
Turns out the 9th does not work for me, but don't hold things up on my account.
What about the 10th 11th or 12th? I can do any of those days! Maybe others can too?
-
I've confirmed six of eight gift packages having been mailed out already (two of which have been received), and one more should be mailing out within the next day. I'm glad the mailing process has been going well and is as early as it is now, because I knew it'd be likely for there to be a group get together where gifts are opened live which tends to happen earlier in December.
-
I think the 9th works for me.
Turns out the 9th does not work for me, but don't hold things up on my account.
What about the 10th 11th or 12th? I can do any of those days! Maybe others can too?
Those are probably fine, just don't want to hold it up for just me.
-
Turns out the 9th or 10th wouldn't have worked me for, either. So yeah, the following evenings would be fine.
-
For me, it's more about the time of the day than the date itself. Haha
At what time (of what time zone) are you guys thinking about doing the openings?
-
For me, it's more about the time of the day than the date itself. Haha
At what time (of what time zone) are you guys thinking about doing the openings?
I believe that, in the past, gift opening events are generally based on UTC−05:00. Last year, the event was held at 21:00 local time, which would be 11:00 JST.
-
For me, it's more about the time of the day than the date itself. Haha
At what time (of what time zone) are you guys thinking about doing the openings?
I believe that, in the past, gift opening events are generally based on UTC−05:00. Last year, the event was held at 21:00 local time, which would be 11:00 JST.
If we did the 11th or the 12th, not sure if that work would for you if we had the event in the evening our time since that's a weekday :/
-
To those who are considering joining the gift opening event: what about December 8? It would be the start of the weekend for everyone, meaning anyone not based in the United States would have a better opportunity to join.
-
To those who are considering joining the gift opening event: what about December 8? It would be the start of the weekend for everyone, meaning anyone not based in the United States would have a better opportunity to join.
I usuall work from 08h00 to 16h30 (UTC +09:00) on weekdays, so 8th of December 21h00 UTC-05:00 (which would mean Saturday, 9th of December 11h00 here) works great for me!
-
To those who are considering joining the gift opening event: what about December 8? It would be the start of the weekend for everyone, meaning anyone not based in the United States would have a better opportunity to join.
I usuall work from 08h00 to 16h30 (UTC +09:00) on weekdays, so 8th of December 21h00 UTC-05:00 (which would mean Saturday, 9th of December 11h00 here) works great for me!
Okay great! :) I think that time works for me, hopefully that will be okay for others as well.
-
Just received my package today!
And my giftee shaw be receiving theirs by the end of the week.
Everything looking good!
-
We love to see it!
-
I've just now confirmed that every outbound package has been mailed out. ;)
-
To those who are considering joining the gift opening event: what about December 8? It would be the start of the weekend for everyone, meaning anyone not based in the United States would have a better opportunity to join.
Dec. 8 should be fine for me.
-
Looks like that day won't work for me. But, don't alter plans on my account.
-
Guys,
I typically open my Secret Santa gift early because I participate in multiple Secret Santas across the internet and want to avoid getting duplicate items. This is what I received:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53356133513_4e24175691.jpg)
There was only 1 item that I asked for here (Asura's Wrath). I specifically asked for only items off my given wishlist:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53358749123_29e1dc208e.jpg)
I thought my specified wishlist was varied and included several moderately priced items.
Additionally, I was given a Game Gear game. I don't have a Game Gear and am not sure why my gifter thought I collect Game Gear games.
To top it all off, the insert for the SteamWorld Dig 2 game is a counterfeit. This game's insert is supposed to have a reversible cover. You can check Youtube videos to verify this. Also the feel of the insert is unlike an official Switch insert. This is how I knew for sure it was not authentic.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53356364635_09cd624f6c.jpg)
I always go above and beyond when I do Secret Santas, so it hurts me when someone does less than the bare minimum to fill their quota.
This indeed has been the most disappointing Secret Santa I have ever participated in. There was almost no thought put in the gifts procured. It reeks of laziness.
I would just like to know who my Secret Santa this year is, and what was the thought process behind the gifts he chose?
-
Dang. That's a bummer. I'm not sure if it would do much, but maybe send a PM to dhaabi to get some more information?
-
Dang. That's a bummer. I'm not if it would do much, but maybe send a PM to dhaabi to get some more information?
I'll briefly mention that I've not ignored masamune's concerns, as we've been in contact since this past weekend. I suggested posting to the forum topic so that their Santa has the opportunity to come forward of their own volition, whether publicly or privately.
-
masamune I'm not your gifter, but it looks like you've got both a Sell List populated like a Wish List and regular Wish List - and that has Steamworld Dig on it. Seems like an easy mistake to make - and I definitely wouldn't be able to identify a KO of that game (something I'm always concerned about when buying carts for other people).
-
masamune I'm not your gifter, but it looks like you've got both a Sell List populated like a Wish List and regular Wish List - and that has Steamworld Dig on it. Seems like an easy mistake to make - and I definitely wouldn't be able to identify a KO of that game (something I'm always concerned about when buying carts for other people).
Yes, I do have SteamWorld Dig 2 on my regular wishlist, but the gifter was given the link to my sell list which I use as my Secret Santa list each year. My Secret Santa list has the words "(Secret Santa)" placed in the notes to minimize any confusion.
I would like know my gifters thought process on all this and if he knew the insert for SteamWorld Dig 2 was counterfeit.
-
I’m (obviously) NOT masamune’s Secret Santa, but at least, this whole ordeal made me find out that the Xbox 360’s Asura’s Wrath is a somewhat sought after game in North America…Around here, it would be worth a ¥500 coin or less…
I understand it must be frustrating, but worst case scenario, I guess you could sell it and get something you really wanted.
That Game Gear cartridge seens pretty disappointing though…
-
I'm not your Santa either Masamune, but I'm sorry that you were dissapponted with your gift. I think the mistake with the Steamworld Dig game is very easy one to make. I doubt I would have been able to tell the difference.
However, if you don't count the Game Gear game and treat Steamworld Dig as loose, the approximate value is still $70 not including shipping. I like many others, tend to overspend during this event, and it's not fair to those who do follow our budget to be expected to do the same and then be criticized for doing the "bare minimum".
I think the real conversation here is whether our budget should be increased for next year. And I think we should be stricter about following that budget so that it is more fair for all involved.
-
I'm not your Santa either Masamune, but I'm sorry that you were dissapponted with your gift. I think the mistake with the Steamworld Dig game is very easy one to make. I doubt I would have been able to tell the difference.
However, if you don't count the Game Gear game and treat Steamworld Dig as loose, the approximate value is still $70 not including shipping. I like many others, tend to overspend during this event, and it's not fair to those who do follow our budget to be expected to do the same and then be criticized for doing the "bare minimum".
I think the real conversation here is whether our budget should be increased for next year. And I think we should be stricter about following that budget so that it is more fair for all involved.
The value and budget aren't the real issues. The real issue was not going off the list that was given.
-
I'm not your Santa either Masamune, but I'm sorry that you were disappointed with your gift. I think the mistake with the Steamworld Dig game is very easy one to make. I doubt I would have been able to tell the difference.
However, if you don't count the Game Gear game and treat Steamworld Dig as loose, the approximate value is still $70 not including shipping. I like many others, tend to overspend during this event, and it's not fair to those who do follow our budget to be expected to do the same and then be criticized for doing the "bare minimum".
I think the real conversation here is whether our budget should be increased for next year. And I think we should be stricter about following that budget so that it is more fair for all involved.
The value and budget aren't the real issues. The real issue was not going off the list that was given.
Like Cartagia said, I think that was a very honest mistake. Based off your post I see the instructions "only use games off my wishlist," but the additional notes say that items listed in your Sell List are "options" for Secret Santa, not that the Sell List contains the ONLY games that should be considered as gifts. I could totally understand someone thinking that as long as a game is on either list, it's an acceptable gift option.
Gift giving is tough, especially for someone you don't know. We have a good group of folks here who have participated in this event for many years, and I'm sure whoever was your Santa wanted you to enjoy your gift and didn't intend to send something that wasn't to your expectations. I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt, rather than assume they were lazy and did the bare minimum.
-
Guys, [...] I always go above and beyond when I do Secret Santas, so it hurts me when someone does less than the bare minimum to fill their quota. [...] It reeks of laziness.
And the way you chose to go about this reeks of pettiness. You got one of the games you wanted, one that usually goes for $40+, and another that roughly costs around $30 loose (only the cover seemingly being a repro), plus three nick-nacks. The spending limit was $60 and it appears you got a package that's roughly $80 in value, meaning your gifter went above and beyond using the "lists" you provided, so if you don't like any of the stuff you got, sell them.
The rules specifically stated to use the "wish list", not the "sell list", which seems rather dubious on your part in all honesty. I'm going to be nice and give you the benefit of the doubt, though, and guess you have those games on your sell list because the condition they're in is not to your standards; however, if that were true, then you could've easily moved the games you wanted to your wish list, which wouldn't have taken you more than a few clicks to do. In other words, this is the classic case of the pot calling the kettle black.
Also, your "list" covers some games that are way out of the price range established with one going over the top of $100. Not to mention that a good amount of them cost or range somewhere around $60; were you going to go into hysterics had your gifter sent you just Chibi-Robo! Park Patrol with maybe a bag of Skittles? Seriously, you weren't pragmatic in the slightest here—you played yourself. Truly, the type of behavior you've exhibited here is deplorable.
That said, I think most of all this slip-up is a learning experience that I hope dhaabi takes note of were he to host this again next year.
And before there's any kind of talk of whether the budget should be increased, I believe no, $60 is a fair price range to adhere to. What has to be done here is the giftees taking that price to heart and properly using the wish list to add games that don't go over the stipulated price, as well as come to terms with the possibility that their Secret Santa may end up gifting just one game that could possibly cost them $60. That of course doesn't mean a Secret Santa can't throw something else in the package for the sake of Christmas, but this notion of always expecting more than one thing is, in my sincerest opinion, detrimental to the spirit of the event.
To wrap this up, and this is just my personal opinion but I think what I said back in 2020 should somehow be implemented for this event: people who barely participate on the forums shouldn't be allowed to be part of the year's Secret Santa. Honestly, coming to a forum, or anywhere else for that matter, to essentially just participate in a gift exchange is akin to vultures flying over an aimless wanderer or sharks circling someone adrift in the middle of the ocean.
-
That said, I think most of all this slip-up is a learning experience that I hope dhaabi takes note of were he to host this again next year.
I've already drafted a feedback form concerning the organization of this year's Secret Santa event and the event on a general level to send out later on, that I am hoping whoever hosts next year's event takes into account. Looking at past events, there have been few issues, but something can always be improved upon, and I'd like to see the finer details being more concrete so that there's a mutual understanding of everything. I have no issue taking on the role of organizer again since I enjoyed seeing everything come to fruition, although I am saying that one year in advance, so it's not meaning much. But, based on the feedback form, participants may not even want for me to take on that role, which I'll certainly respect. Simply put, I'll gladly welcome whatever feedback is given.
The rules specifically stated to use the "wish list", not the "sell list", which seems rather dubious on your part in all honesty.
Also, I will quickly mention that there is nothing wrong in itself that masamune specified another list to be used for their gift wish list. The prompt states "wish list," not "Wish List," meaning any set of items provided can serve as the event's wish list instead of VGC's built-in Wish List tool. Could it be confusing? Yes. So, in the future, the sign-up form posing that question should probably be re-worded, or we will have to agree that only certain types of lists should be used. Or, the event organizer needs to be sure that all participants have an understanding in what information they're given, meaning that this ordeal was perhaps a failing on my end.
-
Guys,
I typically open my Secret Santa gift early because I participate in multiple Secret Santas across the internet and want to avoid getting duplicate items. This is what I received:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53356133513_4e24175691.jpg)
There was only 1 item that I asked for here (Asura's Wrath). I specifically asked for only items off my given wishlist:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53358749123_29e1dc208e.jpg)
I thought my specified wishlist was varied and included several moderately priced items.
Additionally, I was given a Game Gear game. I don't have a Game Gear and am not sure why my gifter thought I collect Game Gear games.
To top it all off, the insert for the SteamWorld Dig 2 game is a counterfeit. This game's insert is supposed to have a reversible cover. You can check Youtube videos to verify this. Also the feel of the insert is unlike an official Switch insert. This is how I knew for sure it was not authentic.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53356364635_09cd624f6c.jpg)
I always go above and beyond when I do Secret Santas, so it hurts me when someone does less than the bare minimum to fill their quota.
This indeed has been the most disappointing Secret Santa I have ever participated in. There was almost no thought put in the gifts procured. It reeks of laziness.
I would just like to know who my Secret Santa this year is, and what was the thought process behind the gifts he chose?
I'm sorry you are disappointed in your gifts. I thought your VG collect wishlist and sell list were fair game- so I used both.
Only purchase items from my wish list.
Additional comments:
Despite being listed on my Sell List, the items on there were selected specifically as options for Secret Santa.
I read this as the sell list as additional options for purchasing.
You were not easy to buy for- you wanted a lot of stuff in mint condition/100% complete/new- and a lot of stuff well over the gift limit. I tried my best. My local stores had basically none of what you wanted on your smaller sell list- or if they did-not in the condition you were wanting.
Asura's Wrath was from my personal collection.
I saw Steamworld Dig 2 on your larger wishlist so I thought it was fair game. I didn't realize the art was repro- the local game store that I bought it from usually will identify repro cover art but I didn't check closely. It was priced at the rate of a complete copy so I was none the wiser. It probably fooled them as well. It didn't occur to me that repro cover art would even be an issue with Switch titles. If I would have known, I would have bought another game. I am sorry about that.
The other stuff I just threw in as extras as I thought with those two games I was well over the gift limit. You seemed to like sealed stuff so I thought a sealed game gear game would be a fun novelty for you. If it offends you so much, throw it away.
Anyways- that's my position on this. Hope everyone else is happy with their gifts.
-
The prompt states "wish list," not "Wish List," meaning any set of items provided can serve as the event's wish list instead of VGC's built-in Wish List tool.
As far as I can recall, it's always been either the wish list of the website or one sent to the host to pass along... Oh wait, I'm sorry, I worded that wrong, I meant to say the Wish List. Seriously, man, you completely lost me with that shit.
[...] meaning that this ordeal was perhaps a failing on my end.
Well, yeah, that was my point. The guy sent you a message linking to his wish list, but the moment you saw it mentioned the sell list I think it would've been wise of you to reply asking for a listing of games within that list to pass along to NickAwesome. I believe that as the host of this event, that was your responsibility. I don't know if I'm alone in thinking like this, but quite frankly it makes no sense to use the sell list for this kind of thing.
I'm sorry you are disappointed in your gifts. I thought your VG collect wishlist and sell list were fair game- so I used both. [...]
Anyways- that's my position on this. Hope everyone else is happy with their gifts.
My dude, you have nothing to explain—nothing. It's a gift, so he either takes it or, as you said, throws it away. Gift, horse, mouth, in that order.
-
The prompt states "wish list," not "Wish List," meaning any set of items provided can serve as the event's wish list instead of VGC's built-in Wish List tool.
As far as I can recall, it's always been either the wish list of the website or one sent to the host to pass along... Oh wait, I'm sorry, I worded that wrong, I meant to say the Wish List. Seriously, man, you completely lost me with that
dhaabi is completely correct to call out that distinction. That kind of exact specificity is what would help prevent something like this from happening in the future. The Wish List is a site function, where a wish list is a specificlly curated SS list that doesn't have to be the VGCollect one.
The confusion this year is that masa provided a "wish list" (which also happened to be the Sell List) while also having the site's Wish List populated. Something I think most agree is an easy and honest mistake to make. We've never needed to make the distinction before, but this shows us we should.
-
dhaabi is completely correct to call out that distinction. That kind of exact specificity is what would help prevent something like this from happening in the future. The Wish List is a site function, where a wish list is a specificlly curated SS list that doesn't have to be the VGCollect one.
Sure. Let's agree to disagree on that front. Y'all deal with this mess however deemed necessary.
The fact remains: the user's deportment was deplorable, a baseless affront essentially. This was a gift, not a package he received from eBay where he'd have probable grounds to raise this kind of complaint. He says he participates in multiple Secret Santas across the Internet, which makes it seem like he's just accruing freebies, and given the way he behaved, the spirit of this is clearly lost on him.
-
Well, to get things back on track, my gift is supposed to arrive today! How many folks would like to record an opening on the 8th? I think we had two people say yes and another say they couldn't make it?
-
Well, to get things back on track, my gift is supposed to arrive today! How many folks would like to record an opening on the 8th? I think we had two people say yes and another say they couldn't make it?
I'm still looking clear for the 8th.
-
Well, to get things back on track, my gift is supposed to arrive today! How many folks would like to record an opening on the 8th? I think we had two people say yes and another say they couldn't make it?
I'm still looking clear for the 8th.
Are you able to stream Zoom to your Twitch channel? I can try to figure it out myself but I don't know Twitch very well.
-
Well, to get things back on track, my gift is supposed to arrive today! How many folks would like to record an opening on the 8th? I think we had two people say yes and another say they couldn't make it?
I'm still looking clear for the 8th.
Are you able to stream Zoom to your Twitch channel? I can try to figure it out myself but I don't know Twitch very well.
I'm not actually currently set up to do any streaming after I ditched OBS Labs. I never went back and set-up the original OBS for streaming. Should probably update my sig lol
-
The week of the 8th is fine, but the actual evening wouldn't work for me. But, always happy to watch the fun later.
-
I'll try my best to be there on the 8th!!
-
Once there seems to be a consensus as to when the planned event should take place, I'll update the opening topic post with the details for quick access. And, if the event is being streamed, I'll add link information too, although that may not be until shortly before the event begins.
-
Great! Looking forward to seeing everyone whether it's in real-time or later.
-
I'll try my best to be there on the 8th!!
We were thinking 9 PM UTC-05:00 on the 8th, what time would that be for you and is it something that would work?
-
I'll try my best to be there on the 8th!!
We were thinking 9 PM UTC-05:00 on the 8th, what time would that be for you and is it something that would work?
Just to keep the conversation going at a steady pace, 21:00 UTC-05:00 is 03:00 UTC+01:00. It's certainly a difficult plan to organize since we have participants at both ends of the world. If somehow everyone were to participate at 21:00 UTC-05:00, it would be 18:00 UTC-08:00 (December 8, 6:00pm) at the earliest and 14:00 UTC+12:00 (December 9, 2:00pm) at the latest.
If we know certain participants won't be joining, it may be easier to plan accordingly. That detail could very well change the preferred day, even.
-
12/9 in the afternoon in the states would work. But I think that would mean koemo couldn't join.
-
12/9 in the afternoon in the states would work. But I think that would mean koemo couldn't join.
That's fine, no worries. Though I hope I can watch the stream later :). I'll open my secret santa on my birthday
-
I like how everyone is so willing to be flexible. But, I think it's time to settle on a finalized date and time.
-
I like how everyone is so willing to be flexible. But, I think it's time to settle on a finalized date and time.
Apart from koemo1, ferraroso is the only other non-US participant who's shown interest in joining a gift-opening event. It may be best to message them to see if that interest remains. If not and there's no one outside of the US able to or interested in joining, then settling on a time and date should be much easier.
-
I won't be able to join - will have to watch after 8).
-
12/9 in the afternoon in the states would work. But I think that would mean koemo couldn't join.
That's fine, no worries. Though I hope I can watch the stream later :). I'll open my secret santa on my birthday
Don't we have the same birthday or am I misremembering? Mine's the 14th
-
12/9 in the afternoon in the states would work. But I think that would mean koemo couldn't join.
That's fine, no worries. Though I hope I can watch the stream later :). I'll open my secret santa on my birthday
Don't we have the same birthday or am I misremembering? Mine's the 14th
Aaah mine is the 16th, quite close we are :)
-
Tomorrow (12/5) and Thursday (12/7) are now booked in the evening time.
-
12/9 in the afternoon in the states would work. But I think that would mean koemo couldn't join.
That's fine, no worries. Though I hope I can watch the stream later :). I'll open my secret santa on my birthday
I'd be out on the 9th as well.
-
Unrelated, but Cartagia: I see you have Moonscars. Did you have a chance to try it yet?
-
There clearly needs to be a much better way to organize meeting times, which prompted me to find this basic event organizer website. So, for anyone interested in participating in a gift-opening event, select which time slots you're available to join. It's a simple website with limitations, so know that all times are based on EST, UTC-05:00.
https://whenisgood.net/csaqh9y
I think that only the one who created the form is able to view results, so I'll post them later.
-
I just updated my availability.
-
There clearly needs to be a much better way to organize meeting times, which prompted me to find this basic event organizer website. So, for anyone interested in participating in a gift-opening event, select which time slots you're available to join. It's a simple website with limitations, so know that all times are based on EST, UTC-05:00.
https://whenisgood.net/csaqh9y
I think that only the one who created the form is able to view results, so I'll post them later.
So far, this is the availability for those interested in joining:
telly (https://i.imgur.com/t1IhK47.jpg)
Dec 5-Dec 8, Dec 11-12: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Dec 9-10: 1:00pm-9:00pm
Dec 21: 7:00pm-9:00pm
kashell (https://i.imgur.com/PsrIyFn.jpg)
Dec 6: 7:00pm
-
Unrelated, but Cartagia: I see you have Moonscars. Did you have a chance to try it yet?
Not yet, but I think it's going with me when I travel for the holidays later this month.
-
*sigh* It looks like Wednesday wouldn't work for me, either. Plans keep developing.
Y'all can plan this sans me. If it's this week, then I'll try to tune in and/or join at the eleventh hour.
Unrelated, but Cartagia: I see you have Moonscars. Did you have a chance to try it yet?
Not yet, but I think it's going with me when I travel for the holidays later this month.
Nice. I need a game like this play during my travels, too.
-
There clearly needs to be a much better way to organize meeting times, which prompted me to find this basic event organizer website. So, for anyone interested in participating in a gift-opening event, select which time slots you're available to join. It's a simple website with limitations, so know that all times are based on EST, UTC-05:00.
https://whenisgood.net/csaqh9y
I think that only the one who created the form is able to view results, so I'll post them later.
So far, this is the availability for those interested in joining:
telly (https://i.imgur.com/t1IhK47.jpg)
Dec 5-Dec 8, Dec 11-12: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Dec 9-10: 1:00pm-9:00pm
Dec 21: 7:00pm-9:00pm
kashell (https://i.imgur.com/PsrIyFn.jpg)
Dec 6: 7:00pm
Cartagia (https://i.imgur.com/8Te6Nov.jpg)
Dec 5-8: 7:00pm-11:00pm
Dec 9: 8:00am-4:00pm
Dec 10: 5:00pm-11:00pm
ferraroso (https://i.imgur.com/QLf0QF7.jpg)
Dec 8: 7:00pm-11:00pm
Dec 9: 8:00am-10:00am, 7:00pm-11:00pm
Dec 10: 8:00am-9:00am
Dec 15: 7:00pm-11:00pm
Dec 16: 8:00am-10:00am, 7:00pm-11:00pm
Dec 17: 8:00am-9:00am
-
I say we just do Friday at 9 EST like we originally planned.
-
My package arrived! I'm very excited. Hopefully this year I will be able to wait before my set deadline. :))))
-
My package arrived! I'm very excited. Hopefully this year I will be able to wait before my set deadline. :))))
(https://i.imgur.com/KN31JHq.gif)
-
My package arrived! I'm very excited.
And with that confirmation, all eight gift packages have been delivered! It took about ten days for koemo1's gift to complete through customs.
-
Be sure to film the livestream, y'all! I'll want to watch later.
-
I don't know how many people that are not part of the Santa are interested in watching live but if not, we might just record a zoom meeting an upload it to YouTube if that's okay with the group.
-
That works, too!
-
So far we should have 4 people confirmed for tomorrow's opening! Myself, Kash, Cartagia and Ferraroso. Let me know if that isn't correct and once we get the attendees finalized I will send you all a zoom link over PM tomorrow.
You don't have to have a gift open either to participate in the fun! :)
-
(https://media1.tenor.com/m/oRdq2lQHo_sAAAAC/animal-house-lets-do-it.gif)
-
Earlier plans changed. So, as Telly mentioned, I'll be there!
-
Is someone streaming for folks to watch?
-
Is someone streaming for folks to watch?
No one volunteered. I'm just sending a private zoom link so if you want to stream like last year feel free. Otherwise I'll upload it to YouTube after
-
Streaming to www.twitch.tv/ignition365
Edit: VOD on Twitch is available and it'll be on Youtube in the morning... and unlike last year, the audio should be good.
https://youtu.be/BjWEr0Cnul8?si=1NEBkqlsdR9RXd_h
-
Well, that was a blast and a half. I'm glad my original plans got cancelled because I got hang with all of you.
Thanks again to my Santa for the amazing gifts!! Well, other than the Tootsie Rolls. How very dare you include such mediocrity in an otherwise perfect collection of goods.
For those that didn't watch, I was given:
Ikaia for the PlayStation 5
The strategy guide for Dawn of Mana
The entire .hack//G.U. series for the PlayStation 2
Expectations surpassed. Thanks again, Santa!!
-
I had a ton of fun hanging out with everyone and sharing our gifts! I got some amazing titles from my wishlist along with some fun surprise games as well! I'm very happy with everything and I know international shipping is a lot too so thank you!! :)
I recieved
- Metal Wolf Chaos XD (PS4) [NA]
- FIFA 14 (PS2) [EU] apparently one of the last PS2 games ever released so that was fun to learn!
- Super Bomberman R (Switch) [EU]
- The Last Guardian (PS4) [EU]
- Fairytale Fights (PS3) [EU]
Unfortunately the candy was a little too salty for me :P I liked the flavor though!
-
I had considered joining before a date and time were finalized, but I already had other plans for what was chosen. Nonetheless, I've just finished watching through last night's gift-opening event. It was nice to see everyone who joined having a good time and enjoying their gifts, and I'm glad that a new face could be present!
-
Thanks everyone who joined and participated this year! And an extra special thanks to my Secret Santa and practically my neighbor, kashell.
He gifted me the following:
Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp
Greedfall
Returnal
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
-
Lot's of fun with this Secret Santa!
It was nice to finally hook up with you guys!
And special thanks to my Santa (whom after some thought, I might have found out) for the gifts.
I hope my giftee will enjoy their presents as well.
(https://i.imgur.com/fBtT2JNl.jpg)
I'm already excited for next year's!
And thank you for organizing everything, dhaabi!!!
-
Hello! I saw the livestream later on YouTube
Very cool to see all the gifts everybody received. I hope to join next year again. I mostly included FIFA 14 as cool freebie being one of the last ps2 games haha. Pity you didn't enjoy the salty licorice as much. I'm sure to wrap the gifts and include a more varied assortment of candies. I was in a bit of a time-crunch this year so sorry for that.
I hope everybody had a good time and enjoys their gifts :)
Actually I'm going to Japan in april-may so if our Japan residing VGcollecter is down to meet, we can make it happen :)
-
Hello! I saw the livestream later on YouTube
Very cool to see all the gifts everybody received. I hope to join next year again. I mostly included FIFA 14 as cool freebie being one of the last ps2 games haha. Pity you didn't enjoy the salty licorice as much. I'm sure to wrap the gifts and include a more varied assortment of candies. I was in a bit of a time-crunch this year so sorry for that.
I hope everybody had a good time and enjoys their gifts :)
Actually I'm going to Japan in april-may so if our Japan residing VGcollecter is down to meet, we can make it happen :)
The licorice flavor was great! It was just the salt I think I just wasn't expecting! Also sorry I'm sure I butchered the name of it :-[
-
Actually I'm going to Japan in april-may so if our Japan residing VGcollecter is down to meet, we can make it happen :)
Just keep in touch! I'll be here anyways... haha
-
Has anyone else opened their stuff?
-
Not yet - will post a pic of mine at a later date.
It is still coming with the other parcels that I have from the States ::).
PS: Also saw the livestream. I don't need to say anything additional, the parcel already did it for me :-X.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/K00NieB_d.jpg?maxwidth=520&shape=thumb&fidelity=high)
Meant to post this earlier.
Thanks Secret Santa (cartagia)
Some of these game selections might seem a bit suspect but it was upon my request! I bought a bunch of box/manual only from a friend recently and have been trying to track down the loose carts. My SS did a great job at helping me knock quite a few off my list. Glad others enjoyed their gifts, hope you all have a great rest of 2023.
-
I was able to wait until my birthday to open the VGCollect Secret Santa gift.
Thank you so much, some amazing shooters!
Akai Katana Shin,
Psikyo Shooting Collection 1 & 2.
And amazing candies from Japan.
I'll play them a lot during the Christmas Vacation :)
Thank you Santa from Japan!
-
(https://i.imgur.com/K00NieB_d.jpg?maxwidth=520&shape=thumb&fidelity=high)
Meant to post this earlier.
Thanks Secret Santa (cartagia)
Some of these game selections might seem a bit suspect but it was upon my request! I bought a bunch of box/manual only from a friend recently and have been trying to track down the loose carts. My SS did a great job at helping me knock quite a few off my list. Glad others enjoyed their gifts, hope you all have a great rest of 2023.
I toyed with the idea of sending you the absolute smallest box I could find. Glad you liked them!
-
Not yet - will post a pic of mine at a later date.
It is still coming with the other parcels that I have from the States ::).
I believe you're the last one to have not opened their gift, so hopefully it's sooner than later! Do you have an idea for when that shipment of parcels is to arrive?
-
I was able to wait until my birthday to open the VGCollect Secret Santa gift.
Thank you so much, some amazing shooters!
Akai Katana Shin,
Psikyo Shooting Collection 1 & 2.
And amazing candies from Japan.
I'll play them a lot during the Christmas Vacation :)
Thank you Santa from Japan!
I'm glad you enjoyed the gifts!
I don't mean to brag, but that Akai Katana Shin Special Edition is pretty cool, heh? haha
-
It's really cool! Looking forward to pop it in on Saturday!
-
Late post - think am the last one that opened & to upload the pic.
(https://i.imgur.com/DpxRmnIl.jpg)
Special thanks to my SS (Telly). Am also stoked with what I have received 8).
200% surpassed expectations. Full platformers from my list :D.
- Hollow Knight (sealed) (Switch) [NA]
- Astalon: Tears of the Earth (sealed) (Switch) [NA]
- Mega Man X Legacy Collection + Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2 (PS4) [NA]
- Bonus goodies: Pikachu trading card + Hello Kitty plushie
Last, but not least, a 'local' Christmas card :D
And yes, I usually have my parcels consolidated in US & have it all shipped to me together with a more economical option (faster & cheaper).
The only downside is that I will 'physically' receive the items later than others but other than that it's a win-win situation in my view :).
Thanks once again.
Hope you all had a great Christmas and have a lovely New Year.
PS: My birthday is on Dec 21st by the way (noticed a few of us are all relatively close with the dates so thought I would mention it as well :P).
-
I'm so glad you liked your gift and that it arrived safely! :) I was worried that it wouldn't find it's way to you since you live so far away from me! Happy Holidays!
-
Happy belated birthday PuddingM!
-
Happy belated birthday PuddingM!
Thanks~~
Hope you had a nice one too :D
-
A day late and a Zenny short, but happy birthday, puddingm!