Monday, December 7, 2009

Looking Ahead


One of the interesting discoveries that I've made about the BPS project is that, besides being about generosity, it's also about commitment — being able to make time to find or create a postcard and mail it off at a certain date. Not everyone is able to do this, for various reasons — and sometimes it's only when you're involved that you realize it's not for you. We've had a few people drop out of the BPS so far — one due to a serious illness (we're sending our good wishes for a speedy recovery to Edward in Tennessee), many due to moves and needing time to deal with the upheavals a move brings. It's life, and, while I'm sorry to see people go, is understandable.

Lately, though, I've found myself doing a lot of follow up emails for members who are waiting on postcards that were mailed in October and November. And though many were simply mailed late (such as those delayed due to the database issues in November) or went missing in the mail, I fear that some were just forgotten about altogether. With this in mind, please let me know if you feel you can no longer commit yourself to the monthly BPS mailings. I'm totally fine with that — after all, it's supposed to be fun and not a chore! — and you will still be a cherished member whether you contribute to two months or to all twelve. I also have a growing waiting list of people who'd love to become a member, so if you can't continue don't worry — there's someone who's ready and willing to become one in your place!

I hope this doesn't sound too grumpy, but it's disheartening to hear about the lack of postcards for so many members. Here's hoping that we can get this sorted out so that the lack of postcards is minimized. In the meantime, I continue to be amazed at the generosity, creativity and big hearted spirit of the BPS members. You are all so wonderful and it's truly a privilege to know you.

Lori
xo


(photo via perfect bound on flickr)

16 comments:

~L~ said...

So does this mean your accepting new members *wink wink*

Melissa A said...

With all that said, I decided to wait until before I sent you a message, but this is the first time I didn't receive a post card. I seem to be missing one for the month of November.

automatism said...

Hello ~L~! Yes, email me if you'd like your name added to the waiting list!

I'll follow up on your November postcard too, Melissa!

Lori

maryp said...

Hi Lori - I never received my Oct. postcard. I know it's really late, but if adding it to the list will help you sort out the kinks, then here you go :o)

Thanks for your vision and hope for fun!

Hedy said...

Dear Lori,
I can imagine that you hadn't foreseen all the little bumps and hurdles in this amazing project. I think that you are doing such an amazing job dealing with it all, so elegant and peaceful. Chapeau!!
Hedy

The Missive Maven said...

Hi Lori - thanks so much for saying this. A lot of folks love the idea but lack the follow-through, and it is indeed a bummer on the receiving end. I haven't received postcards for either October or November, though I'm still hoping a December card may show up. (I did get a very nice postcard from another BPS member who sent me a gratuitous postcard to make up for not receiving them in October or November, though!)

lauren said...

Missive Maven--

I'm the one who sent you the gratuitous postcard last month! I'm so, so glad you got it. Sorry it got all smushed by my kitten. I hope you love it just the same.

-lauren from CA

The Missive Maven said...

Lauren, I love it even MORE because it got smushed by your kitten! (My cat is trying to walk over my keyboard as I type now. She purrs hello.)

Beth said...

I am totally committed to the BPS! And I'm always so excited to get a postcard in the mail. Like some other folks, I did not get a postcard in November. I'm still hoping to receive one this month.

Happy Holidays to all & a big Thank You to Lori for undertaking the huge task of organizing the Benevolent Postcard Society!

szaza said...

I've still only received one postcard, which was sent in November. But mail to Istanbul seems to be a bit inconsistent, so I still have hope. I haven't heard from any of my recipients, so I just sent a whole new batch to everyone in case the original postcards did go missing.

I love this project, and was thrilled to get my postcard!

Thank you again Lori, for putting this fun project together :)

Oblivion said...

Hey Lori !

If you are still accepting new members,I would love to join in from India :)

Palak.

benevolent postcard society said...

Hi Palak!

Email me and I'll add you to the waiting list!

Lori
:-)

Oblivion said...

Um Ok.Your email id ?

benevolent postcard society said...

Just click on the "Email Me" in the right hand column (just under the BPS Gallery picture) and you're done!

melanie said...

Hi Lori,
I haven't received postcards for November or December yet. December could still be coming, possibly, but I think November is a bit past that :(

Happy New Year!

Benevolent Postcard Society said...

Hi all,

I'm trying to get all of my follow ups on missing postcards done now that I'm back from holidays — if you're still missing postcards from previous months, please email me directly!

Thanks!
Lori
xo