Jean
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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!
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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