Deadlines for readings?

[Krystalida]

Hi there, I have notice that there is no kind of control on the exchange category, like I have posted a reading and recieved feedback after 2 weeks and also I haven 't been return YET my exchange, I find it a bit disrespectful that someone engages your energy for so long, in other forums there is always 3 days of time to leave a feedback or exchange.

Shouldn't it be something similar here? I don;t think there is anyone who likes to finish their exchange after 2-3 weeks of time.

[Charlie Brown]

It is unfortunate that people aren't more on top of closing their long dormant threads and/or getting back to readers on time. On the other hand, it should be incumbent on people to agree with each other on what they expect, no?

It's one issue if you're justifiably upset that someone hasn't honored your exchange, if the more important issue is that you feel you need a reading on something and can't get one, I'd be happy to read for you this evening. Just let me know.

[Joan Marie]

Shouldn't it be something similar here? I don;t think there is anyone who likes to finish their exchange after 2-3 weeks of time.

This is definitely a legit concern. It is stated in the rules at the top of the "reading exchange" forum:

There should be some immediate feedback on every reading, and as time passes there could be follow-up feedback as situations develop and play out.

It's not really feasible to enforce a time rule. We can only suggest one and hope people are able to keep to it. The exchanges are really run by the participants who can clearly state their time expectations. General courtesy should prevail. To at least acknowledge a delay in being able to respond, from either side, is just polite. But sometimes people need a nudge.

I would take any real concerns directly to the person via PM. This works. We don't need need to publicly scold people or restrict "privileges" or whatever enforcement of a time rule would mean. 99.9% of the time it is just a misunderstanding or some other very explainable situation that is behind the problem. Often I think people mean to respond, get busy, and then forget. Again, contacting the person via PM is a very effective way to solve the problem.

I do believe that most people here have the best intentions. A bit of patience a nudge or two can go a long way.

I will add something to the rules to encourage more prompt responses.

ETA: I have added the following text to the "rules" for exchanges:

A general rule of thumb would be for both parties in an exchange to respond to each other within 3 days. If you won't be able to do that for any reason, please post a short message stating when you will be able to respond. This is an important courtesy we hope everyone follows in order to keep the exchange area lively and functional. If the person you are exchanging with does not respond, the best solution is to send them a PM and remind them.

[BlueStar]

Thanks for adding the text Joan Marie, it's useful and helpful. People can forget (especially around times like Christmas and New Year), get sidetracked or other reasons. Not everyone will check in everyday, or remember to, so sometimes a little patience is needed too - you can't be sure why someone has taken long to reply or return a reading etc. It could be sickness or other major things in life which have priority over visting forums to post a delay or even think about it. We shouldn't immediately assume it's out of disrespect or deliberate rudeness.

Nudging with a PM is always a good idea in the first instance, and also probably a good idea to state expected time frames when offering readings despite the added text.

[Krystalida]

Usually the moderators watch over the exchanges, alone they go and PM or post a reply on the thread to remind, this is wjy I assumed that there is no control and it needs a public discussion...
and I am sorry but in a tarot exchange 2 weeks of patience for a question is a lot! practically, things change!!

[Joan Marie]

Usually the moderators watch over the exchanges, alone they go and PM or post a reply on the thread to remind, this is wjy I assumed that there is no control and it needs a public discussion...
and I am sorry but in a tarot exchange 2 weeks of patience for a question is a lot! practically, things change!!

You have brought up a very important topic that needed addressing.

In addition to the additional text in the guidelines, I will make an effort to improve the moderation of the exchange forums. You are absolutely right that this should be attended to more closely.

However, I do believe that the more this can be handled between the two parties involved, the better.

[BlueStar]

[and I am sorry but in a tarot exchange 2 weeks of patience for a question is a lot! practically, things change!!

Well I think this is overstated (and addressed to me clearly). I clearly posted before Christmas to say I was under the weather and would not be able to to do return reading until after Christmas... I was sick, so that explains over a weeks delay. And then due to no fault of my own I was sick again, which caused extra delay, so excuse me for not being on the ball with this whilst I was ill..I really think patience is needed if you are going to offer readings, after all we are not offering/receiving paid services, and whilst I do think yes it's polite to let people know you can't do something sometimes life doesn't allow it in the time frame you want...and a little understanding goes a long way. You could have PM'd me if you felt this was that urgent.

So far on this forum it has been great - readings received and given by others and myself have been done in a timely manner in my experience. I'm not saying there isn't room for some more guideline etc, that can never hurt, but I think it sounds a bit blown out of proportion.

Just my two pennies:)

[Joan Marie]

So far on this forum it has been great - readings received and given by others and myself have been done in a timely manner in my experience.

I agree. There have been many very positive exchanges made here and I know there will continue to be.
I think we are all doing the best we can.