Hi everyone. Over the past years, when stockings were changed for trees, I've been wondering why do we have a gifts count under them? Isn't this unecessary? To me, it looks odd to display a small count under trees. Isn't it possible to have a static image of the maximum gifts for the start, regardless of how many your truly have?

Our community is amazing. Every year, I see a lot of threads listing users that have less than the maximum shown on their profile. While it is a beautiful and amazing idea, I dislike how it may portray some people as "friendless", "unfortunate" or even "not popular". I think the holidays can be a rough time for people and this is just making me unconfortable as a user. Plus, after hitting the maximum, your image doesn't update anymore. So why does it matters?

This count should be for everyone, regardless of how many you really have. I don't know if it makes sense, if it's doable or if people are interested in this. But I feel like I needed to suggest this.

I'm open to all opinions. Positive or negative.

(there you go)

I do not set up my tree so it really doesn't matter to me personally, but, let's say that would be a go, but some people who drop by only for events would miss the update, we all know news doesn't make their way to everyone, so then they see full image under their tree but when opened it turns out to be only one or two gifts? And those people who get stuff from those threads you mentioned now don't get those extra gifts, because it's no way to tell whose tree isn't filled yet?

A lot of users enjoy gifting those they see who haven't received the max amount of visible gifts yet. The current setup means that users who haven't received many gifts yet may get some extra gifts, which I definitely see as a positive thing.

I definitely did not think of this. That's actually a valid point to consider as there are no way to know after that. I guess it can have both a bad and a good side out of this.

(I do like to gift empty trees as well. Now that I think about it, it makes a bit of sense)

Yeah, this would really put the brakes on trying to gift the empty trees, which is something I really enjoy doing.

I think the current stack of presents is fine as it is; it doesn't make it apparent that some users get tons and tons of gifts, but it is a quick indicator of those members of the community who are maybe new or less social.

(Thanks for pinging me to this thread, Felixys! ❤️❤️)

I myself would personally heavily prefer the image being static rather than dynamic in nature, and I voice this mainly as a concern for it being potentially stress/anxiety-inducing regarding how many gifts are under someone's tree. In my opinion, the possibility of it making anyone feel less loved/etc. as mentioned on a holiday that should be fun and wonderful for everyone is something I think should at the least be considered. (This did affect someone I know last year, although I don't necessarily want to give too many details about it / it's not really my place to talk about it.)

That being said, I think some really interesting/good points have been brought up.

While I think the idea makes sense about people loving to gift others that they see having a tree that's lacking, I also wonder how many people who are shy / less social and don't come forwards to get noticed in the first place miss out on getting these extra gifts from the more generous users of Subeta. Either that, or feel awkward about asking/addressing that kind of thing - after all, it's typically considered "rude" or "arrogant" to directly ask others for gifts/imply that you expect them. I can totally understand the gift of giving, but I also think people who are nervous about this kind of thing might not even voice it at all because of that nervousness / social shyness.

I kind of wish there was a bit of a compromise in both regards; perhaps a way to "turn on" a static tree image for those who want a static/not dynamic image in regards to what's under their tree? This way it won't interfere with everyone's trees - only the people who actually specifically choose to turn the feature on? It's just a thought/just throwing it out there as a possible solution. I like what everyone's mentioned already though, especially the point made about a change in holiday functionality/structure might not get noticed by everyone who doesn't keep up actively with new implementations. Maybe one of those handy tool-tip hovers could help if anything does change. C:

As an Empty Tree Gifter, I like the current system. I've made friends and met lovely folks through being able to do that.

If the opt in/out idea mentioned above isn't possible, perhaps a comprise would be an item (free gift, or whatever works) that is like a skirt for the tree, showing the 'full of gifts' image.
That way people could add that 'decoration' and have a static, full image all the time their tree is up.

Or something like that, I'm not very technical! :)

I think everyone has good points about this.. Maybe something could be done Secret Santa style.. Maybe you can search for someone with a tree with less than *** items under their tree and you'll get to see a WL but won't be able to see a name. When they open the gift they'll see who it's from and will be able to reach out to thank you if they choose...

Just an idea. I know it would be very complicated though so maybe someone can build on this idea and make it more site friendly..

I agree with Skolletta

I don't want to come off as harsh, but the reality is that the subeta community is rather clique-ish in some aspects, and some users are less popular than others regardless of peoples feelings. This may be due to shyness, new user, unfavorable traits, or just being happy playing alone. I personally find the idea of having the tally of gifts to be a good idea because it shows which users do need more gifts and CAN save peoples feelings from getting hurt with empty tree gifting. I would much rather have a count than some users being left out totally because no one knew they aren't being gifted as frequently as the more well known site users. Benefit outweighs risk.

I am on the fence with this one. Everyone has good points here!

I think this is a good idea. Especially for new users I’m sure it can be daunting and upsetting to have an empty tree. Maybe a middle ground could be that others see every tree as full, but the user themself can see what their tree really looks like.

I agree tho I feel like the presents really have no value and exist only to make users feel inferior js

I can't support this idea. I enjoy gifting users with fewer gifts under their trees and it would be impossible to tell who needs gifts without keeping the current system. There is a huge initiative around the site to gift empty trees during Luminaire and I would like to think that we prevent many of the active users from being left out.

If there was a way for us to more easily reach more users with empty trees, I would be willing to listen to those ideas, but preventing us from gifting people who need it is not the way to go.

I honestly hadn't noticed.. because every tree I see looks the same. I actually kinda wish you could toggle the present view on and off, because I set up with dinosaur battle on my tree skirt and no-one can see it T_T So maybe that would solve some people's qualms, but just not choosing to show your count?

As for being any sort of gift bragging, the "count" doesn't actually say how many presents you got, or the value, so it's very arbitrary. I don't think it takes very many gifts to get to the "full" picture. The trees are also not terribly visible, unless you visit someone's profile or they've got it in their signature.

I also love the ability to see "empty" trees so I can stuff them with something. I like to go around christmas eve and get who I can. :) Some of the best Subeta friends I have, I met by something of that nature. They either were very kind to me in a random act, or I was to them and it started a friendship. It's one of my favorite things about this site, and I love that it happens all year round - not just in the holidays!

While I get why people don't like it, I think the positiveness outweigh the negativeness. That being said, an option is not a bad thing. If someone wanted to disable their 'count' of gifts, then it's their choice and it would be nice to have that option.

But I definitely don't agree with removing the count, I would like the accurate count to stay. I know it's only 12 gifts to fill up a tree, so I make it my goal to make as many people happy as possible during Luminaire. I deliberately don't participate in Mysterious Melody for this very reason: not gifting expecting something in return, just stuffing empty trees to make as many people as possible have an unexpected happy luminaire.

or you disable and go the other way... show a full tree and no one is the wiser, probs the better choice :)

Lol, sounds logical! :P Yeah, that would work!