THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE ENTERED.
It's back- the Secret Santa Group Build!
This years title: "Secret Santa 2: Rudolph Strikes Back"!
If you're not familiar with the GB, it works like a Secret Santa gift exchange held at many offices, etc. I match up everyone who signs up with their recipient, and we all exchange gifts of a kit.
First off.... and this is very important.... by joining the group build, you are committing to purchasing and mailing a kit to a fellow GB member. Please examine your finances, time, etc., before committing. It's a lot of fun for everyone involved, but please don't committ if it will be a financial burden on you, or if you are not sure you can take time the time to mail the kit, keep up with a few deadlines, etc.
Second, and I cannot emphasize this enough... this group build is about the giving, not the receiving. Getting a gift is a lot of fun, but the giving, friendship and fellowship is a blessing- the folks who participated last year can attest to that.
All that aside, here's the rules:
First, post your interest in this forum, Deadline for getting in on the GB is October 31st.
You will also need to email me (jonbius@gmail.com) or PM me your full address and name, forum name, and a scale and era preference. Once I get that information from you, I will list you in this first post as a participant.
(Also- based on experience from last year, if you are willing to be a standby if someone drops out, or if mailing a package internationally is not a financial burden, please let me know. Many thanks in advance.)
A note on the scale era preference. Many folks who participated last year suggested that change, and I think it's a good idea. Please don't say a specific kit.... part of the fun is the surprise- trust me on this. It's fun for the giver and the recipient. Keep the preference to something like "1/48 WWII Allied fighters" or "1/72 early Cold War jets" or whatever. The main thing is this is focused on being an aircraft build. Not to shut out the armor/ship/figure/car folks, as I actually hope they can start one in their genre. It just helps us all stick to an area we are familiar with.
Keep in mind, if you normally build in 1/24 or 1/32 scale, that can be a cost factor for many folks. Not to say don't feel free to specifiy that preference, but be aware it may be a burden for your "Santa".
Once the sign-up deadline has passed (Oct. 31st), I'll send everyone their recipeints name, address, etc. Please don't tell anyone who your recipient or giver is- keep it a surprise until we open the gifts.
Once you've picked out the kit you'll send as a gift to the recipient, you'll need to wrap it up in wrapping paper, and it would be nice to include a card and other things about yourself. Last year some folks sent photos and such so they could get to know each other better. Part of the fun of this GB will be getting to know other forum members.
Once you've wrapped it up- mail it off! Obviously, the recipient will know who the sender is. But to keep things fun, let's not acknowledge who the senders or recipients are until Christmas.
Target date to have the package mailed to your recipient is November 30th. If you are mailing internationally, take that into account, as that may add additional time and expense.
Now, we'll all have a nice kit, wrapped up and waiting under the tree.
Starting at 12:01 AM UMT December 25th, folks can begin opening their kits and posting what it is, and who it's from. Pics would be fun! Folks who open presents before 12:01 AM UMT- it's OK if you cheat and open it a bit sooner. If you celebrate another tradition, please do so! But wait till Dec 25th to post! 
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Once you've opened your gift from your Secret Santa- let the GB begin.
The rules for the actual build are simple. Build it between Dec 25th, 2007 and.... no end! It's open ended.... remember it's about the giving. Post pics of progress and upon completion. AM, resin, P/E are fine- have fun with your gift!
To summarize:
- Deadline for sign-up is October 31st, 2007.
- Email me (jonbius@gmail.com) or PM me your mailing address, forum name, real name, email and scale/genre preference. I will list you as a participant only when I have all that info.
- Kits can come from the stash, or can be purchased. I suggest a maximum price of $20-$25, but certainly don't feel obligated to spend that much. (Or spend more if you wish, certainly.) A nice kit can be had for less than $10 with a coupon at the right store!
- Kit should be an injection molded kit, though some resin/PE is fine. If you're not sure if your recipient is used to working with that, keep it simple.
- Wrap your kit in wrapping paper, include a card, and send to your recipient no later than November 30th, 2007.
- Keep who your recipient and Santa is a secret until we all post here December 25th.
- Beginning 12:01 AM UMT, December 25th, you can start posting who your Santa is, and what kit you received. Pics of you and your kit would be a bonus!
- The actual build part of the GB can start on Dec. 25th, 2007, and there is no end date.
- AM, resin, PE and any other add-on is fine- add whaever you want to your kit.
- Post pics of progress and completion.
I'll use this first post in the thread for updating dates, participants and general news. Please post any questions or ideas. And if you need to contact me off forum, email me at jonbius@gmail.com.
Finally- here is the SS2 badge:
Also, here's a larger version if you'd like to use it as a custom made card/commemorative plaque/whatever to include with your gift:
Last year's GB was a ton of fun- this years should be even better!
Aggieman
Avus
Azgaron
bondoman
Bossman
brain44
btp2k2
cardshark_14
chopperfan
Circuitrider
Deputy_Brad
dostacos
DrewH
Espins1
fjs3
gzt
HereticXIX
hkshooter
jeaton01
Jeff
JMart
jwb
KINGTHAD
Leaadas
MaxSheridan
Mist086
Painklr
PaPa-John
PinkChevelle
RadMax8
razordws
sidure
TheLastPriest
Two14
wing_nut
zipmeister
(If you don't see your name here but have sent your info, it means I've either requested additional info from you, or haven't had the chance to post your name yet.)