The new way to assign partners
Jan 21st 2007 09:58:35 am
We [released a few new feature upgrades](http://swap-bot.com/blog/2007/01/20/new-new-new/) yesterday and of all of them, I am most excited about the [new way coordinators assign swap partners](http://www.swap-bot.com/faq.php#question17). I feel like we have taken a positive step forward in eliminating bad swappers from participating in [Swap-bot](http://www.swap-bot.com/).
The idea of making coordinators manually start the partner assignment process is something I have been working on for quite a while. Before this change, the process was automatic. As soon as the deadline to signup passed, partners were instantly assigned. The problem we were running into, however, is that the scammers discovered that they could sign up an hour before the partners were assigned, which wouldn’t leave enough time for the coordinator to ban them. While I feel very strongly that we have a great community of swappers, **the average rating given is a 4.6**, I am aware that even one bad apple will ruin the swap for someone. After many email discussions with helpful members of the Swap-bot community, I came up with the process we released yesterday. The coordinator now has three days manually initiate the partner assignment process. If, after three days, the coordinator hasn’t assigned partners, Swap-bot will automatically assign the partners for the coordinator.
Swap coordinators should already be aware of this change, an email went out to the those that are in charge of swaps that ended yesterday alerting them that it was time to initiate the assignment process. I just checked and 4 of the 20 swaps that closed signup yesterday have already had their partners assigned.
Assigning partners in Swap-bot is very easy. After signup has closed for the swap, the coordinator should return to Swap-bot to view the final list of signed up swap participants. If any of the participants do not meet swap requirements, such as minimum rating, geographical location or any other requirement, the coordinator can ban the participant from the swap and ensure that they will not be assigned a partner. Once the coordinator is happy with the final list of participants, they can simply click on the ‘Assign partners for this swap’ link.
Assigning partners adds a few minutes of work for the coordinator, but I feel it will greatly enhance the swap experience for all participants. I hope you agree. Any feedback on this feature would be greatly appreciated.
Categories: Announcements, New Features
Mari on 21 Jan 2007 at 8:15 pm #
Sound like you have all your corners covered? Aside from the rating, does Swap-Bot have a function that can record how many times a user is banned? That could be useful when checking for bad swappers.
girlzoot on 22 Jan 2007 at 9:26 am #
This is a great idea! Also it goes to the other idea of being able to click on a user and see which swaps they are “running” or involved in as the next move. This would be a great way to keep up with the coordinators that are always on the ball and join more of their swaps!
Jewelz on 23 Jan 2007 at 9:11 am #
I think the new 3 day wait for the coordinator to assign partners is way too long. It should be shortened to one day. Having to wait sometimes 4 days after the end sign up date of the swap is ridiculous. Some swaps were set up to be quick with only 2 or 3 days after the swap to get things out.
I think overall, it is a wonderful idea, but needs to be shortened.
Tina on 24 Jan 2007 at 12:55 pm #
If the coordinator is on top of their swap, then the date is not a problem. I guess if they make it that time sensitive, then they need to follow through.
Thank you for adding this feature, as I seem to get the bad apple quite often.
I would like to see a new feature of being able to save swaps you might be intrested in, if you have the time and are not over loaded with swaps already.
Thank you for making this sight so user friendly.
Terry Franks aka Tassy on 27 Jan 2007 at 11:45 am #
I think 3 days is just right to give coordinators time to review and assign partners - I know I can’t necessarily get to it on the same day. Coordinators should just make sure to leave plenty of time between sign up and send dates so that there is not too tight a turnaround time, especially if you want the swap tailored to the partner. I too would like a feature that tells me how many times someone has been banned in the past. All in all, a great improvement! Thanks Travis!
Jackie P on 27 Jan 2007 at 12:01 pm #
I am thrilled with the idea of weeding out scammers & bad swappers I have been on the not recieving back end of a swap too many times. So anything you do to stop this would be an improvement. I give you a 5 & say thank you very much from all of us good swappers.
fairykiss on 01 Feb 2007 at 3:36 pm #
I think the new system is wonderful. Thank you so very much for adding it!! I do however think 3 days is a bit long and 1 is too short so maybe a 48 hour auto assign would be good?
As for the being able to see the banned swap members, I have mixed feelings on that one. I know I have banned a few excellent swappers just because of the little oversight of it not being an International swap. I would hate for someone to get a bad rep for something so small.
I also like the idea of seeing a swap members current swaps or list of past swaps because the only way to see that now is if you were rated in one. That would also help with the “newbie takers” out there who sign up for so many swaps at once.
Excellent job on this big step forward!!
Just my 2 cents
Elizabeth4510 on 07 Feb 2007 at 10:38 pm #
I think it would be a good idea for swap co-ordinators to be able to see what other swaps the particpates are joining. That was if they flake outof a swap yet are signed up for other future swaps, people can let each other know. I also like the iea of being able to view other co-ordinators swaps and not have to search through lists! Maybe have a function in the profile- something like ” Active swaps for this person” or soemthing along those lines! Overall though…awesome work on everything!