Dear Everyone Let Down par Secret Santa 2009:

My deepest, sincerest apologies.

The first sign of trouble was when I realized exactly how many people had signed up. It took me longer than I'd expected to send out assignments. I even had to ask for help from the incredibly magnificent and gracious link, from whom some of toi may remember getting your assignment.

And even during the time period SS was going on, I Lost track of who got what present. In 2008, I was really good at keeping track of that sort of thing and only four people didn't do what they promised to do, and some for valid reasons. Because I Lost track of who actually held up their end of the deal, I could not personally assign secret elves until people complained that they hadn't gotten their present, ou until the user PMed me saying they could not MAKE their SS gift. SOME people got secret elf presents, but only a small portion of people who volunteered to be elves were actually called upon to act.

There were too many people who committed themselves to the job and fell through. I Lost track, and time, and for that I sincerely apologize. I'm afraid I'm going to have to call it a wash this year. Sorry, kids, Santa was just overwhelmed. And I take full responsibility for that.

The good news is, this was a learning experience. A way that we can make suivant an better. I think I'm going to make it plus exclusive to ensure that people follow through on their promises. I'm not sure how to do that yet, but I'm taking suggestions. One possibility is to do it in waves. Assign five people at a time, give them three days, and if they keep up there end, give them to five new secret santas, and so on. Maybe I'll take collateral, somehow. Maybe I'll bribe people who come through with props. But I'm not sure. I do not want it to be "experienced members only", as I think that's prejudicial, and I do want to be all inclusive.

Maybe what I need to do is just employ plus volunteers to help me out. I don't know, I guess we'll talk plus about that in November. But, in the meantime, please take this letter to cœur, coeur and know that I am sincerely sorry that toi did not receive a gift this year, but I am just plumb tuckered out. If toi haven't noticed par now, if toi haven't received a gift yet, toi probably never will for 2009. But look on the bright side! There's always 2010!

Sincerest Apologies
Cinders
Your Secret Santa 2009 Coordinator