Any ideas on how to stop lame boxes from showing up? Lame BIF box list?

The box that lands tomorrow will not resemble this one

 

This goes back to the trading scene in general, a lot of people on this site want to win trades so I can only imagine there are those out there that try to win BIFs by sending out crap and getting awesome boxes in return. The organizer of the BIF needs to BM the guy and tell him what he did was wrong and give him a chance to fix it.

 

Completely agree Hanzo. I used to participate regularly in BIFs but as this 'must win' attitude has gripped the site I have almost stopped doing BIFs. One of the reasons I didn't do Secret Santa this year. More often than not I'd rather have kept the box I sent. People participating need to take what, 10-15 minutes to look at the person's profile and see what they have access to, their reviews, and what they have in their cellar. Nothing like getting beers you can get on the shelf at Fred Meyer or something that you have already or have had. I'll probably do a select few other BIFs but it would depend on WHO is participating (i.e. established traders), though that is not always fool-proof.

 

a while back cam (urbancaver) tried to create a BIF/trader list and lots of people were butthurt about it since it excluded people from getting involved in some NBOs but at the same time provided the protection you are looking for when signing up for a BIF.

the real problem is that rules are set and technically if you follow the rules, you've done no wrong...but BIFs are like office space:

fortunately in this community, most people are like Brian.

BIF organizers should do their due dilligence and check for evidence of the BIF boxes people have sent in the past. unless some sort of n00b BIF where YMMV.

the thing about BIFs though is that winning means that you sent the better box (at least that's how it used to be).

 

A quick search of the first two pages does not reveal my name. Phew, I was worried there for a second. I guess I've been lucky, or naive, with all my BIF boxes and been very happy. You just gotta follow the golden rule.

I fear, though, that we may have seen the death of TMTOBA.

 

if you are worried that your name is being outed in this thread, then you know you should be putting together a better box.

 

TMTOBA? Teenage Mutant Turtles of Beer Advocate?

To be fair, I literally JUST sent to OP, so I think my paranoia there was a bit justified. But I think that box was pretty solid...

 

Ouch, I guess I should have [/s]. And to think I offered to be your crooked stave trustee [/s]

 

I think if someone doesn't meet the requirement for a BIF and doesn't fix it, they are a bad trader and should be added to that list. If someone sends BIF boxes that meet requirements but are just sort of okay, they will gradually end up on a lot of active and generous traders' "meh" lists, at the very least, which isn't the hugest punishment but definitely is something, and I'm not sure that it's appropriate call them out to a greater degree.

 

^Becky sends brownies and multiple boxes in BIFs. Good BIF'er!

 

I have only ever done one BIF (It is still going on). Even though I am new I thought the idea was to knock someone's socks off? If that is not what it is about, then why bother doing it? I got an amazing box, and I sent out the best box that I possibly could. I know that it couldn't compare to some boxes that were in the BIF, just because I don't have the cellar some other do, but quality is quality. I agree that the trick is to make sure most (if not all) of the beer doesn't exist near the target. There is damn good beer in most places that doesn't make it out of the local area. Concentrate on that, and you can make someone happy even if your cellar is not full of mega whales.

Lando

 

Someone do a best box bonus BIF. Have a judges not involved vote for whoever they think put together the best box. The winner gets a bonus from everyone already in the BIF.

 

There have been a couple of these in the past.

It still doesn't stop people from half-assing it though, because they know they won't win, but they'll still end up with a much better box than they sent.

 

I know it won't fix it, I just want to see some of the beer **** involved. Ill leave fixing things to you and people like you.

 

No, he never made good on anything. One of his friends did send me a nice little make up box that did include a movie and a few tasty beers.

There were two things that pissed me off about the box I received - no movie and a beer stained koozie as swag. Not a good first BIF experience for me, but I decided to continue to participate in them because I love putting together awesome boxes that give people the "kid on Christmas morning" feeling.

 

I always feel paranoid when I send out boxes in a BIF. As someone said, KBS can be one mans wale and another's shelf beer. I always do my best to keep to the theme and go above minimums, but I often feel like I just don't have the power to hit wants for heavy hitters.

That said, if you enter a BIF and your access is limited you should at least go way over oz minimum, stick to theme, pay attention to distro, and try your damnedest to get shelf limited and seasonal stuff for your target.

 

Should note that the box you sent me in that BIF was incredible, you are doing it right. Cheers!

 

I'm sorry, but these boxes are straight awful and this guy should not be allowed in any more BIFs.

 

You did a great job, don't fret. Seems like 90% of BAs get the BIF concept and do it the right way. I did see a pretty weak haul at a buddy's last night, though it was apparently box 1 of 2 so there's still hope.

 

Thanks man, I really appreciate it. I always try to put together boxes I'd love to receive and then kick it up one more notch beyond that. I'm a firm believer in beer karma and lots of BAs have been very good to me.

Also, I feel like I need to say that the awesome box I got from trxxpaxxs in the Vinyl BIF really restored my faith in BIFs for sure. I will continue to participate in BIFs, but will also be cautious to make sure all participants are vetted well.