Why is the Round Robin feature still in beta mode?
Category Special Events | Number of views 17


The round robin has been part of snail mail culture for many years, but Snail Mail Friends is currently the only website offering a dedicated snail mail round robin feature. This unique setup enables people to sign up for a round robin swap, where the particpants and host can track everyone’s progress without having to individually check in with each participant.

What is a Round Robin?

A round robin is a type of chain swap in which each participant sends an item to the next person in a circle, creating a continuous loop of exchanges. For example, participant A sends to participant B, participant B sends to participant C, and so on, until the item eventually returns to participant A, completing the round. This setup allows each person in the group to contribute to a single swap item that passes through each participant before reaching the original sender.

Since not everyone is familiar with round robins or may hesitate to join a beta feature, bugs are identified and resolved more slowly. Additionally, not all users report issues when they encounter them, which requires us to backtrack to identify potential problems. For these reasons, the round robin feature remains in beta mode. You may encounter some errors or areas for improvement—if so, please let us know by contacting support.

What if I joined and find it confusing?

If you find the process confusing, we strongly recommend reaching out to us for assistance. Since the round robin is a chain swap, it relies on the participation of everyone involved for successful completion. Without each participant’s effort, the round robin cannot be completed properly.

Why is the round robin available only for premium and platinum members?

Round robins are exclusive to premium and platinum members because these memberships last for six months to a year, allowing enough time for the completion of a round robin. A sudden withdrawal can disrupt the entire chain and affect other participants, so this feature is reserved for committed members who can maintain engagement over a longer period.

Important considerations for joining a round robin

If time or postal costs are a concern, it may be best not to join a round robin. Round robins can be costly due to repeated postage expenses, especially for international swaps. If you’re considering setting up a round robin that involves a larger item, like an art journal, you might want to restrict the participants to one country to help reduce costs and delivery times.

For hosts, it’s also important to screen participants by checking their profiles for any "failed to send" swaps. Ensuring reliability from all participants helps prevent disruptions and ensures a smooth experience for everyone involved.

A unique way to connect and create

The round robin is a wonderful way to connect with others and opens up a whole new level of creativity. As each participant adds their personal touch, the swap evolves, creating something truly unique and memorable. Joining a round robin can be an inspiring experience, bringing together a community of snail mail enthusiasts who share a love for creativity and collaboration.


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