thanks Pat.

Yes we will!!!

Kelly, Your a fixture in this thing bud    :D  

Pat, There will definetley not be any segregation of sorts. I think the new guys and the veterans alike are building some quality bows that are coming through the swap. It really pushes guys to raise the bar.

The only separation I did both years was from wood and glass because some guys just won't shoot one or the other and I never really had an issue with that from the beginning.

The main thing that will change next year is anyone that is a new sign up or shipped late (this includes myself) will have their bow put on hold until they ship. This was suggested by another member here that was in the swap and I really think this is the best solution to prevent some one from getting a bow and not sending a bow. As far as a specific ship date for the rest If the majority agree to that I wouldn't see anything wrong with like a three week window for the shipping of bows to take place but some may want to ship so they can be done with it.

Kinda got to leave a window for some that may be out of town or what ever.

I try to keep everyone happy with the swap and keep everything fair. I guess if some one thinks something is not fair they can just not get in.

I myself hope everyone get's back in and the spirit of the swap remains the same. Like has been said it's not about getting it's about giving and passing on a part of yourself here on the bench. Sometime circumstances come up in life and things happen but I think all in all everyone go's above and beyond to make it a great event.

ok sticks  sounds good got a ? for ya what kind a time frame we lookin at for next year i.e  sign up dates expected delivarly dates   brock

I think next year the only other question I would ask, would be who is going to one of the big trad gatherings, I mean heck if I had that and builder was going and the receiver was going he could save some postage and see the reaction on the face of the receiver as he handed him a bow.
That is just my thought. I don't know all of the big ones but it would not be hard to add them, or any of the shows that 2 of you might be at. Just a thought on that.
Kelly

Stiks,

You and Kelly did a great job on this trade.  Coordinating 80+ builders is not an easy job!  As pretty much a "newbie" at building (I've only built about 15-18 shooters), I have to say the bow I received was considerably better quality than what I was able to build.  Some of that is a product of materials to some point I guess tho (glass vs. all wood).  But it has lit a fire in me to give glass a try soon.  

For the next trade, I may be receiving a bow that is lower quality than what I make, but that is part it and if everyone goes in to the trade knowing that, no one should be disappointed.  

I was in a trade on another site a couple years ago and we had one guy who whipped out a very basic bow (read - very little effort put into it...) and then griped incessantly while waiting for "his" bow to arrive.  He even had the gall to criticize the bow he received.  It has been so refreshing to see everyone's attitude and words of encouragement to everyone involved in this trade, definitely a top shelf crew of folks.  

Thanks again!

Akmud,  that is exactly why I don't visit the other trad sites. This one and these folks are the best.

I don't like the idea of segregation either. I consider myself seasoned and have many bows of my own making. Truth is,,, I'll still be hunting with PatB's bow I got last year in the swap. It is an awsome bow I'll treasure for life.

The bow I received this year was really nice too and is in reserve for righties in my family to shoot.

Two bows from different levels of experience; both charished additions to my collection.

My decission of course, the only draw back I see to this trade is I am not hunting with a bow I made which is why I got into selfbows anyway.

Joe that is a problem, hmmm I think splitting the time. Take the new one one day and the old one the next. I am just hoping I can finish up mine when I get back and get it into the woods. I will be doing my first trad season this year anyway and my viper that I got off Jeremy will hit the woods a few times, Then once I get mine built it may sit for a few days.

My suggestion about tiers came from the fact that I have not received a bow or had the bow forwarded that was received by my builder. Motivation for this idea is at least partially sour grapes and personal disappointment - not well played on my part and I apologize. I have been in contact with my builder and believe a bow will eventually be sent.

I agree with Pat that part of the reason for this trade is to encourage beginners. I don't believe this is the part of this forum for building your first bow ever. You should make your first bow - there is plenty of advice and encouragement on this forum - and keep it.

I probably wouldn't send my first bow ever to someone in a trade like this. (I gave it to a friend as a wall hanger). And I see your point Shaun. But I wouldn't want to segregate or turn anyone down either.

We do have to be careful of those that are so new to the site that we don't fully know thier character.

I too am late sending and I want to appologize for that and thank my recipient for thier patience ,(I have to assume), so that I could produce the best bow I possilbe could without alot of pressure that might make me rush and screw something up. I ended up with a bow that I really want to give.

Bona