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Pretty Pretty Pen-Pals

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Pretty Pretty Pen-Pals
Swap Coordinator:oregonstephanie (contact)
Swap categories: Letters & Writing  Newbie  Mail Art 
Number of people in swap:42
Location:International
Type:Type 2: Flat mail
Last day to signup/drop:February 23, 2014
Date items must be sent by:March 1, 2014
Number of swap partners:1
Description:

Hello! We all love to write to strangers, or we wouldn't be so in love with Swap-Bot. How many times have you sent a letter, postcard, or package and wished you could hear back from the person in snail-mail form? (Especially when we send mail internationally, to countries we haven't had mail from before!) Here's a chance to hear back.

When partners are assigned, check out your partner's profile and send them a PRETTY pen-pal introduction letter. Your envelope and stationery should be colorful and interesting. Homemade, store-bought, whatever floats your boat -- as long as it's pretty. Something that appeals to your partner's tastes is probably more likely to get a response. This way, even if we don't make a connection with our partners, at least we have received some really pretty mail.

I can't technically enforce the return aspect of this swap, but obviously the goal of this swap is to hopefully hear back from the person you've written to. If you don't want to be continuous pen-pals with the person who writes to you, that's fine... you could always just send back a "Thank you for the pretty, pretty mail!" card.

I will angel the initial letter, if needed. I can't guarantee a card or letter back, though. Hopefully, we can just all commit to returning the favor and have a great swap. If we have a lot of interest, I can always do another round. If anyone would prefer a US-only version, I can do that too. Myself, I always hope to hear from someone international, because I have several US pen-pals.

I'm asking for a rating of 4.9 or higher, but I will also allow Newbies with a thoroughly filled out profile. I think sometimes, those of us new to this are the most enthusiastic to participate! I will be checking profiles, reading feedback, and booting anyone who hasn't put much effort or has recent negative feedback. I will also ban anyone who has had a recent 3 or 1 and any known flakers. If you have a REALLY good excuse and want an exception to any of these conditions, send me a message and I will consider it. I just want all of us to have committed swap partners.

Thanks for checking out my very first swap! What do you think?

Discussion

bethanyweb 02/19/2014 #

As this being my first ever pen pal letter, just what do you include in your first connection, please ? ThankYou !!

oregonstephanie 02/20/2014 #

Writing an introduction letter to a potential penpal is a lot like going on a first date. You want to tell about yourself, but not TOO much. It's a good idea to look at the other person's profile and mention common interests or ask follow-up questions.

You can also google "how to write an introductory pen pal letter" for about a zillion other tips.

bethanyweb 02/20/2014 #

Thanks so much @oregonstephanie !

Kanamichelle 02/21/2014 #

When I went to sign up I clicked on Yes I want to sign up, but nothing seemed to happen, so not sure if it worked or not. Can you let me know? I did it several times, so I hope I didn't sign up several times. If so, I apologize for the mess up.

oregonstephanie 02/22/2014 #

@kanamichelle When you click on "Yes, I want to sign up", a pop-up window asks you to confirm your decision. If you have a pop-up blocker, it is probably keeping that confirmation window from popping up. Try holding down the "ctrl" button while you click the "yes, I want to sign up" button.

oregonstephanie 02/22/2014 #

Also, I just noticed we're in the top 10! Woohoo!

Kanamichelle 02/22/2014 #

Thank you! I will try it on my PC. I have been trying to do it on my Ipad.

oregonstephanie 02/23/2014 #

I have gone through and sent messages to those who need to add info to their profile or resolve previous swap issues before the swap deadline or they will be banned from the swap.

The word "banned" seems really intense, but to be able to put time and heart into these letters, we need to have some info to go off of and know that our efforts will be reciprocated.

Thanks for your understanding.

Kanamichelle 02/23/2014 #

I wrote a pretty long profile, but went back to expand on it, just in case. I hope it is thorough enough. Let me know if it needs more fleshing out, even if it means I miss this swap, so that I don't miss any more:)

oregonstephanie 02/24/2014 #

@Kanamichelle Yours looks good.

Happy swapping everyone! I assigned partners last night. Remember to keep it pretty!!!

Kanamichelle 02/24/2014 #

Thank you oregonstephanie. I'm on the road...already mailed mine. Can't wait to receive!

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