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Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Awareness post because all we have is our faces & we only get one.

>> Use real 000 Bubble envelopes. Priority Mail envelopes with bubbles are even better if the seed has value. The envelopes are free at the PO. The postage is $3.85 but the weight is unlimitted. The USPS treats it like a registered letter.

>> Years ago, seed requesters would include $20US to cover P&H. Some old schoolers who remember this resent the $2 postage inclusion. "Free Seeds" is a new phenom. It costs a lot of money to grow these buggers. Just ask. It's a respect thing.

>> It is wise (mandatory in my book) to preface a SASB with some other form of communication. Email, etc.

>> Always include a note with seed requests. At least a note of compliment & a little about yourself if you've never met the grower. I would also include a BigPumpkins handle.

>> It is wise to keep slow trade transactions private as long as possible. More than a few embarassing situations have been aired prematurely with hurtful results. Non-trade requests are not governed by any time standard. This isn't eBay.

>> Trading can be risky business. If you have to ask how someone got the seed they're offering, the trade might not be good. When in doubt, politely find out the seeds chain of custody then confirm it with all of the involved parties.

>> Some people give a seed for free (not a trade) only if the receiver is going to actually grow it. Ask first. Honor the person's wishes. Don't even think about trading it.

>> A mentor is a very good thing to have. Respectfully work with an experienced grower in your area & ask them if it's OK to pick their brain for seed collection advice. In many cases, a tenured grower can tell by looking at a seed what set of genetics is in it.

>> Numbered seeds exist in some cases. This is extremely helpful. Consider NEETLY numbering your own seeds (consistently). It's a practice that hopef

10/18/2004 8:03:33 AM

Puyallup, WA

Excellant advice! You needed just one more to make it The Ten Commandments of trading!! :>)

10/18/2004 4:23:38 PM

wilmington,ma.

#10 Don't foeget to say thank you.

10/18/2004 4:44:13 PM

Syracuse, NY

i think ahab nailed it! lol.

10/18/2004 6:50:20 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Thank You is right! Amen.

It took a huge effort to trim that diatribe down to less than 2000 characters as eveidenced by the last sentence. I got chopped!

10/18/2004 10:45:51 PM