I don't think that the fact that two members exchange gifts in any way obligates either of them to gift anyone else. We all know how many members there are here -- it's just not possible.
And think of your "real life" -- don't you, when you get a gift, at least occasionally, show it to others just to share your pleasure? It doesn't obligate the person who gave you the gift, or the person you showed it to, to have anything to do with each other, much less enter into a similar relationship. You decide what is an appropriate remembrance for each of your friends when it's time to do it: relationships vary, circumstances vary, and in the end, "it's the thought that counts".
My take on the list is that there are a number of people on TCS to whom I'd like from time to time to be able to send SOMEthing. It won't be the same thing, or necessarily even similar. But the ability to do it without having to PM them and say, "Hey, somebody, I want to send you something..please may I have your address" would be lovely. I love the element of surprise!
I understand your concern about setting up expectations, but I don't think the risk is any worse here than in the real world where you hand the gift over in person.
And think of your "real life" -- don't you, when you get a gift, at least occasionally, show it to others just to share your pleasure? It doesn't obligate the person who gave you the gift, or the person you showed it to, to have anything to do with each other, much less enter into a similar relationship. You decide what is an appropriate remembrance for each of your friends when it's time to do it: relationships vary, circumstances vary, and in the end, "it's the thought that counts".
My take on the list is that there are a number of people on TCS to whom I'd like from time to time to be able to send SOMEthing. It won't be the same thing, or necessarily even similar. But the ability to do it without having to PM them and say, "Hey, somebody, I want to send you something..please may I have your address" would be lovely. I love the element of surprise!
I understand your concern about setting up expectations, but I don't think the risk is any worse here than in the real world where you hand the gift over in person.
