Perhaps some of the other "zap pro's" can chime in with what I write here.
So, here are the questions, and some of the answers about zap's.
- What is a zap? A zap is a random act of kindness. Someone thought of you, and wanted to make you smile, so they zapped you.
- How do I get zapped? Zaps can be whimsical and random. People who are having a bad week may get zapped, or they may not. People who are helpful, or offer kindness to fellow forum members may get a zap, or they may not.
- Is a zap only about pins? No. Zaps can be pins, stickers, a note with a picture, something crafty, snacks, cookies, candy... basically oh... ANYTHING.
- Are zaps only Grails? A resounding NO. You as a zapper can send something as simple as a cute hidden mickey, to as spectacular as a high dollar grail pin. It is the THOUGHT that counts, not the $ value.
Some other questions about zapping:
- When I get a zap, what do I do? A proper thank you is definitely in order. Some folks do a post here on the zap forum. Others just send a P.M. saying thank you if they know who it was. Whatever the method, please make sure folks know you appreciate the zap.
- What if I get zapped a pin that doesn't belong in my collection, or that I dislike? Can I get rid of it?
Occasionally it is something you may not want to keep. This can be a sensitive topic. Many times, the zapper might be upset if you offer the zapped pin for trade, but occasionally not. My general policy, when i zap someone, is that it is the zap recipient’s choice: keep it or trade it, or maybe zap it forward to another person. I do not like it when I see a pin I zapped someone go up on the sales thread, but in the end, it is THEIR pin, and they can do as they wish. So, if I get zapped, it is the same. I may use it for a trade, but I would not sell it.
This is something I am putting here, because I have had a few "zap fishers" in the last year. I can comfortably say those folks are no longer active, so rest assured, if you’re reading this, you are not one of them....
Zap fishing is when you purposely post things on threads OVER and OVER such as "I never get zapped" or similar comments. A person may be fishing for a zap if they repeatedly say "My holy grail is never going to come to me because I am too broke!" Mentioning a holy grail or wish for a zap over and over on threads of known zappers, or in chat when known zappers are present can also be considered fishing for a zap. P.M.ing a known zapper and begging to be zapped is NOT acceptable, and is likely to get you in a spot where you never WILL be.
Does that mean that anyone who does that is fishing for a zap? Heck no!
Ask yourself: "Am I trying to get someone to feel they MUST zap me?" If the answer is no, you are not "zap fishing."
I truly hope this will help everyone, new or veteran, understand the heart and soul of ZAPPING.
Last edited by a moderator: