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ATC 102: How to Join, Play and send in cards for a Swap

MapleFilly said:
Thank you for this! Just a quick question, what is a 3 for 3 swap?
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And oftentimes you'll see in the instructions something similar to "a host card is appreciated but not required". That is because one of the benefits of volunteering as a host is that often the players will each send in an "extra card", that the host can keep as a thank-you for running the swap. So if you intend on sending along a host-thanks-card, you'll be sending in 4 cards [3 players + host] and getting back 3 cards [from 3 other players]. Of course, host-cards are NEVER required when joining in a swap. :)
 
Art Adventurer said:
I sometimes send in host cards, but not always. It is a personal choice, and I;m sure the host/hostess will appreciate it!
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When I host, I sometimes receive "extra" postage as a kindness instead of a host card, which helps cover the cost of return postage (some players being short on including enough stamps, or to help international players, etc) that sometimes comes with hosting. That works too! :)
 
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JavaAshtray said:
So what is "withdrawn" in swaps?
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Some hosts post a list of all the players who have jointed their swap. If someone on the list drops out of the swap, the host will write "withdrawn" next to their name. (Or, some hosts just delete the person's name from the list.)
 
In a 3:3 swap, you send in three cards and you get in return 3 cards. It does not matter how many people are participating in the swap. Each person will send in three.

Jump in and have fun. :)
 
Hi Foxglove, on the sleeves with the solid color backs, you could write on them with a white marker pen, or just do a set of Avery Stickers on your computer with your user name and date. Or just write on the white stickers with black ink and stick em on the backs of the sleeves.
 
numbering the cards is completely up to you. Some do and some don't. It's definitely not a requirement. as far as labels go, they're not required either. you can use them if you like or just write what information you want to share on there by hand, such as username, state/country, date, real name, etc (you definitely want your username if nothing else! there's nothing more disappointing than getting a card with no idea who made it lol)

As for hostess cards, typically players will make one on the same theme as the swap, but if you wanted to do something different than that theme, other options would be to look at the hostess's profile and see what themes they like.

hope this helps :)
 
View swap cards

I love seeing the cards people design for the swaps. Sometimes they are posted in the thread ...as an attachment or a thumbnail. Occasionally I happen upon them by chance as I look at the new posts in the gallery. If they are not, is
there an easy way to see all of the cards as people post them?
 
Bramble, I found the easiest thing is to go to the bank and buy some $1 USD.

If you want to go the stamp route, that is a little trickier. There may be Amazon.com sellers that will ship to you (at a markup) or you could find a US player to make a deal to send you some.
 
I have a pack of blue backed sleeves too. Would also like the answer. Thanks.
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John, I think you skipped over people answering that question on page 2 of the thread, but yes, the sleeves with the colored backs are fine if you can't find the clear ones. The only problem they might pose is that the host won't be able to see your name on the backs of the cards when swapping out, but you could put your name on the sleeve in white ink or with a label, or just trust the host to peek in if necessary.
 
Jean said:
AFA members host the best ATC Swaps on the web! You'll find lots of tempting swaps to join when you browse the Open Swaps in this forum. (Active swaps are already filled and closed to sign-ups; Archive houses completed swaps.)

When find a swap you wish to join, post your request to the thread. When you are signed up, begin to make your cards. It's always fun to view cards that have been posted to the swap thread, so post yours if you can.

When you are ready to mail, send a Conversation to the host for his or her address. Read the swap guidelines carefully to be sure you have followed then in constructing your cards. Be sure to enclose the correct postage, too. Don't forget: SASEs (self-addressed stamped envelopes) are ONLY good within your own country. So, if you are mailing to another country, do NOT send a stamped envelope!

Most players send an extra card on the swap theme or ATC goodies to the hostess as a thank you. Such gifts are to thank her for hosting and swapping out the cards; they are not a substitute for postage. Read the sticky note about packaging and mailing cards for mailing for more helpful information!

When you receive your returns from the swap, it is good swap etiquette to leave Feedback for the host and rep for the artists whose cards you receive!

To leave Feedback, go the the opening post of the swap thread. Click on Add Feedback and you will be taken to the host's Feedback page. Click to leave new Feedback. You are the player and will want to leave positive feedback.

To leave rep for artists, go to any post by that artist; you'll find nearly all of them in the swap thread. Any who are not there can be found in the Members List at the top of every page. To leave rep, click the Reputation button at the bottom of the member's post and add your comment.

That's all there is to it!

Joining swaps is a super way to build your ATC collection and get acquainted with new artists at the same time. However...it's important to pace yourself.

Because there are so many swaps offered at a time, it's easy to fall prey to Swap Lust and sign up for so many swaps that you fall behind.

The problem is that you will be unable to complete your obligations to traders and swap hosts. Incomplete 1-1 trades received negative iTrader, and over-committing yourself can impact your ability to get personal trades completed on time. Your AFA reputation is important, so don't sign up for too many swaps at once. Popular themes are often repeated, so take heart: if you miss a swap, that theme (or a similar one) will probably be offered again after it is completed.

Have fun swapping at AFA!
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Can you explain iTrader and You Rock points? What are they used for?
 
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