I also send direct. You make a good point about the fivers (combined, I’m assuming) not being in the same ballpark as the SS gifts. The majority of folks here appear to want less regulation. I’m not a fan of this send-in-a-fiver regulation, just to participate. So I did some mental gymnastics in order to look at this “tax” as another opportunity to give. Doesn’t take the funky, lack-of-trust feeling away, though. 2016 was my first year doing the SS. I believe my targets were very well taken care of. We didn’t do the fiver tax, then. I don’t recall any vouching for me as a noob, either, come to think of it.
I like the FOGs vouching for noobs model. It requires building trust/relationships, which is something I value here. I would assume that I’m still a noob, at almost 2.5 years. If I’ve built some trust with a FOG who is willing to vouch for me, I can join up. If I don’t fiollow through, not only am I letting my SS target down, I’m also really letting my FOG down. I’m damaging the trust/relationship that I’ve built with them. Trust is worth much more to me than a fiver.
Thanks for speaking up, Whistlebritches. And thanks for quoting my comment. It caused me to think about this more and put some of my thoughts into words.
I appreciate you taking this on T Z. I’m going to take myself out of this year’s SS and look for another opportunity to send some gifts to a few of my smoky brethren.
Have fun, everyone. The 2016 SS was a real blast. I hope that the 2018 SS is a blast for you, too.