Re: Minkie of Alberta RE: [VFB] Quck and Dirty "Guide" flies.

[DragonsHeart1972]

Ashley,
     Here is a list that was given to me when I hosted my first swap (still in progress):A few pointers on hosting a swap;
1.) keep the number of tiers to 25 or below-for your first hosting job this will keep it controllable
2.) Set firm sign-up deadline & a very firm "due date", this will keep the swap running in a timely fashion.
3.) Give weekly updates, or if need be a couple times a week, this will let all involved how the swap is coming along. I'd recommend you do direct Emails to all involved as this won't clutter up the list site.
4.) Have all tiers tag the flies with their Email address & name of the pattern .. in case anyone may want to contact the tier with a question.
5.) have the tiers Email you the recipe & any special notes on the tying of or fishing of the pattern- you'd than make copies to send back to everyone involved...for their files of course.
6.) request enough return postage...foreign tiers will probably have to send a bit more than state side tiers
7.) be prepared for late arrivals...shit happens & sometimes one can't get their flies out in time for the deadline, be understanding about this to a point...don't let the swap drag out forever & a day.
8.) finally, try to get everyone who's "signed up" to give you reports about their progress, if someone never contacts you or responds to your direct Emails, it's probably likely they aren't able to tie due to unforeseen problems .. be cool about it, but realize you have a deadline to meet & see if you can find someone else to fill the spot or just let it slide, most tiers involved in swaps realize that life gets in the way sometimes.
9.) Oh yeah, this is Very Important!!! HAVE A GREAT SWAP & MAKE IT A LOT OF FUN FOR ALL INVOLVED!!!!!  I might be game to join your swap if I know a fair amount of the above mentioned stuff. I hope this helps you with running a swap...it is a lot of fun.              
  Good luck! Count me in, I don't know what I'll tye yet, will let you know.
                                                    


     Delbert (Del) Roberts
  Belton, South Carolina, USA
([EMAIL PROTECTED])