Neutral Swap Feedback?

[jadey_mcshadey]

I have a problem in a swap that's going on at the moment. What do I do about people who do the wrong thing, but eventually do the right thing?

Like the girl who sent her package but lied to me about getting a DC or someone who sends, eventually, but after no communication for weeks, or people who just make your swap experience hell?

I would like to be able to give someone neutral feedback, rather than just positive feedback with comments, though I have to admit that I think I've just organised the worst behaved swap ever.

Any thoughts?

[jMi]

Hmmm.. like on Ebay.
I think it wouldn't work here, because unfortunately here our feedback governs whether or not we can participate in more swaps. All positives and we can, a negative and we can't. If we had a neutral, would it just be a warning to the organizer? Would they have the option to turn away that particular swapper based on the notes left by the past organizer?

I think it would end up being too hard because if you accidentally pissed someone off too much, they could give you a neutral- which would "tarnish" your swap rep. Organizers are less likely to slap a Negative on someone because they know the effect of it, and only do it if it was necessary. If neutral was an option, I think a lot of people would get it- which in the long run may not be too fair.

[jadey_mcshadey]

I think it would serve as a warning to other organisers. There's nothing to say that you have to let someone in your swap if they have all positive.

I would hope that no one would give neutral just because they were pissed at someone. I'm talking about people who blatantly lie, who take weeks to send, but who do eventually do the right thing. Should I just give them negatives?

If there are issues with feedback, mods can change it.

[ilovepaper]

I don't swap much so my opinion may not weigh in but I think you have a great idea Jadey. Just because the people eventually come through does not make for a positive swap experience for their partner or organizer. Future swapees should know who they are dealing with ahead of time, for instance they can expect to get their package late (or not get any response when their package is received, not communiate, or ________ whatever the case is). I think the feedback should be honest or else it's worthless. On the other hand, I would hate to give somebody neutral or bad feedback and hurt their feelings..... which is why I don't swap much or organize.
Anyway, I'm sorry that you are having a bad time with your current swap, I hope it all works out.

[jMi]

I'm talking about people who blatantly lie, who take weeks to send, but who do eventually do the right thing. Should I just give them negatives?

I think that's an issue you have to take up with mods.
Personally, I see where you're coming from with the neutral feedback and overall I like the idea- as it does serve as a warning for the organizers. But I just see there being issues with it. As I said, here feedback actually governs whether or not we can swap- so neutral would be (obviously) an between... and free for people to interpret as they wish. If that's the case, you could give the person you're having a problem with a positive (since they did send in the long run) but in the notes detail that they lied, and sent weeks late.

[hijole]

But what's the point of giving someone a positive who didn't communicate, says they sent late (but their swap partner received nothing), didn't get a DCN, had swap angels cover them, and then much later (after the swap is closed) sends some stuff out?

I can't see any way that's a positive.  I know for a fact that there are swappers out there taking advantage of the system in just this way -- and they deserve negative feedback, in my opinion.

[jMi]

True, but what I understand from the "How to participate in/organize a swap" post:

"If you don't fulfill your end of the swap and you don't let the swap organizer know that you're going to be late, you'll get Negative Feedback and you won't be able to sign up for any more swaps until you clear this up."

This implies (to me) that once it's cleared up, your negative will be changed to a positive and you can swap again.

It's pretty crappy that people lie, have other people cover for them, etc and then finally send out much after the swap is closed. I think that deserves a Negative too. But like I said, that piece up there makes it seem like once they've finally sent they can have a positive to swap again.
It's a case by case basis. If that person was such a problem, something should be done about him/her. Talk to the Admin if you feel they don't deserve a Pos.

[determinedimprovisation]

i like the neutral idea.  it seems like organizers (i'm organizing one now and i'll get on the feedback ball in a minute) almost never leave comments with feedback.  i've puts tons of effort into everything i've made, and been a day late in mailing a couple of times, but i let both the organizer and the partner know, and that package is out asap the next day.  but, it seems like lately alot of swappers have been half-heartedly doing things.  one of my partners is almost a week late is mailing, and i've heard nothing.  another one never asked me anything even though i sent a list of questions, and that sorta bothers me because it's like they're not that concerned about making something i'll like.  on the other side, i've had partners who were good or amazing with communication.  so, i think either a new rating system would be helpful, or organizers need to leave truthful comments.  say they did send, but weren't good about communicating, or their craft was poorly done, or maybe they were super-stellar.  future organizers could match people up of similar par.  either way, it would help organizers and swappers frustration and dissapointment. 

[Kristen81]

I really think this should be added as a swap feedback option.  I am currently in a swap now (not organizing) and the deadline was TWO WEEKS AGO!!! and there is a list of NINE people who have not sent yet. 

People are totally taking advantage of the fact that they will still get positive feedback even if they ship out super late. 

There should be some sort of system in place that even if the swap is eventually completed and the late swapper sends we can leave them crappy feedback.

I was thinking that Neutrals will work out well.  Maybe once a swapper gets a certain number of Neutrals (two or three) they have to be a Swap Angel or send in the Unconditional/Birthday Swap before they can join another swap. 

Just makes sense to me, why should these people get to keep swapping and sending weeks late???

[Mikaiyawa]

even with the understanding that real life will throw curveballs (we just had the tranny drop out of Lance's car, but it was in the parking lot, not on the road, so he's fine.) there is no excuse for consistent late sending.

The comments section really needs to get put to more use, both for good and not so good remarks.

my two shekels

Mieka