Not included

Have you ever visited the SwapDex and wondered how I choose the swaps to highlight? To be honest, I try to include as MANY as I can! I want this blog to be full of swaps that ANYONE can participate in. But there are some swaps I do not include in the SwapDex.

I don't include swaps that require fees beyond what's needed for return postage UNLESS there is some other service provided by the host like binding a book or specialty wrapping. Yes, it's work to host a swap. But if you want to make some sort of business out of it, I'm not giving you the same kind of free advertising I give to those who volunteer their time and often money to make these swaps happen. Wanna share that fat swap-hosting wad of cash with me? Talk to me about sidebar ads!

I don't include swaps that require you to join a group such as a yahoo group, Ravelry or some other membership service, even if that service is free. I think those in the group probably want to keep the swap limited to those who are in the group for purposes other than joining the swap.

I don't include swaps from rude or explicit websites. I DO include adult-only swaps as long as the website I link to isn't overly explicit.

I don't include swaps hosted by people who I know have flaked on swaps themselves or that have done a terrible job hosting in the past. (Yes, I have seen people hosting swaps that I KNEW did a poor job hosting or had flaked on swaps before. I was tempted to out them but that's not the business of this website.)

I DO include swaps that restrict by region. Both swaps that open internationally and those that put restrictions on who may join based on mailing address are allowed. I think regional swaps are mainly a budgetary consideration, not meant to exclude others just for the sake of exclusion so I find this acceptable.

So now you know how I've been doing it so far. I welcome questions and suggestions!