What does BIF stand for and how do I get involved in one?

Beer it forward. To get involved, hang out in the IT Forward forum and look for NBO, new bif oppurtunity. Especially ones for n00bs. Ask to join in when they are still looking for people.

In a TrAditional BiF, everyones name and address goes on a list. The originator will send a person on the list a box of beer, cross his name off the list, and put the list in the box. The person who receives this box picks another name from the list and sends them a box, and so on until the last name on the list is the first person who sent out beer. Everybody gets a box from somebody and nobody knows when or what's coming.

In a shotgun BIF, the originator will pair people up. Everyone gets a target, and everyone sends beer at about the same time. Usually you will post hints so everyone tries to figure out who is their sender is.

The first post of the NBO thread will usually set some parameters for the BIF. How many ounces, what type or styles of beer, when to ship by, etc. They are fun, and a good way to meet and get to know other BA's.

Have fun!

 

Yeah I just did my first BIF, which threefishes above was also a part of, you should check out Cuzco's NOOB BIF Hints and Hauls in the IT Forward section to get an idea of hints and what people are sending out. For some BIF's you will need a minimum amount of trades on here but this was for new people so was not required. Our BIF had 80 participants and was 100 oz minimum (250 max) with one piece of swag. I sent 350 oz to Florida and got an awesome box from Michigan. Lots of fun, hopefully someone will start up another one soon. Cheers.

 

The above posts are pretty thorough, check out this blog post from Alewatcher: http://alewatcher.blogspot.com/#What are BIFs and how do they work?

A few quick rules/tips:

A. Do your research. Know what BIF you'd like to join, make sure you are clear on the rules and requirements, and learn about your target.

B. Go beyond the minimum. Your sender most likely will, and you'll look like a meanie if you are doing the bare minimum

C. Don't bail. Seriously. Don't bail, it's not cool.

D. Communicate with the organizer. They will help you in any way they can, and if you have issues, they will try and fix them within reason.

E. Keep to the timeline. Only commit if you can keep up with it. If you have something come up, just talk to the organizer, they won't be mad at you.

F. Don't Bail. I'm serious.

G. Have fun with it. It's supposed to be fun, treat it like it's fun. It's not a business, just enjoy the surprise.

Cheers!

 

What Brady said. But also... don't bail. Serious.

 

I mean seriously, do NOT bail.