The PIF-around - uniting in shavedom and TSD spirit?

Some of us are kicking off a little experiment and passing around some Yuma razors >here<. As a spinoff idea (big props to @Bristle Me and some ideas he shared in PM), I like the term PIF-around. You can see in the Yuma thread how a PIF-around might work, but I'll take a stab here for TSD input. Maybe it could become a "thing."

The next time I have a durable item to PIF, rather than posting it and selecting a winner, I might try to turn it into a PIF-around. For example, I might post "ER 1912 PIF-around" and offer a the title razor and a few starter blades. I could throw in a surplus soap and maybe some DE blades for good measure. Just whatever seemd like a good idea. Folks interested in trying an ER 1912 could just sign up. First guy PMs me and I send the box.

First guy tried out the razor, keeps the soap, throws in some AS and a few blades. Sends box to Second guy. Box travels indefinitely. You keep the box until Next guy posts to thread. Then you are honor bound to send it on.

NOTE: This method will lose items! For any of several reasons, a given item will fall out of play. The real world will intrude. People will leave TSD and not return. Someone may love an item and not send it on (honor would be an acceptable casualty, I guess). Maybe someone mothballs the item and plain ol' forgets about it. No matter the reason, if I send an item for PIF-around, I have to be prepared to never see it again. However, since I was willing to PIF it in the first place, why would that be a problem?

One thing that Bristle Me noted and I thought interesting is that the single-razor focus means a given box can move more quickly than a big traveling "try 'em all" box. Use it a week or two and pass it on down the line.

I've been thinking about thinning my collection (SWMBO was encouraging those thoughts!). The PIF-around could be a fun way to do it!

Thoughts, anyone?

 

I am always game for stuff like this! Sounds fun, interesting, and community strengthening. Do it.

 

This is a great idea! Guys!

Just a thought, you could get a couple nembers PIF-around different razors? if you wouldn't mind, once you get this going, I have a FaTip piccolo I'd be more than happy to send out on the Pass-around.
Edit:
Offer withdrawn

 

If a few people take notice, then I think "PIF-around" can become a real "thing." I guess my real administrative question is where is the most appropriate place to post a PIF-around? It seems to me that feedback is half the fun, so I would hope it has the full functionality of one of the regular forums.

Currently, I would consider starting PIF-arounds for: ER 1912; Schick Hydro-Magic; Gillette Tech and.... (maybe)... Schick Krona .... (uh... oh, it hurts...)... ER 1924?

Also... why not brushes? I could offer my Omega Pro 10049 as a PIF-around. I have to get it back from loan first, but I might offer it!

Man, it is kinda weird! I have battled my AD's. I have questioned my apparent inability to consider "get rid of some of your shaving stuff," as my beautiful bride puts it. I've been lukewarm about selling part of my hoard. However, launching a PIF-around (with full knowledge that a given launch may never make it beyond the pad!) feels more motivating.

Go figure...

 

I'm thinking that we give it a few days (a week?) for discussion here and then all it takes is someone with a PIF in mind. You could launch your FaTip Piccolo independently of anything else. Just launch when you feel froggy. All you really need is one person to say "I'm in." Send it on. Dude keeps it until Next Guy comes along. If no Next Guy, then enjoy it!

 

Ok. I'll let you guys do your thing.

 

Any guidance on most appropriate place to post? Spit-balling... a DE PIF-around in "Safety Razors" and a brush in "The Brush?" The subject is more about the featured item than the PIF, right? ... or should it go in the PIFs area?

 

In a sense this is much like the Nationwide Box Tour. Which is in the Chatterbox, that seems like a good home. Because its not a PIF as we know it here, maybe you could come up with a catchy pass-around name?

 

I agree. This is kind of a new concept.

 

Indeed. I'm afraid it'll get confusing with a PIF, and a PIF pass-around.

 

I see what @maltedmilk is trying to do. Once he figures out how it works, this could be a very popular activity. This could generate a wait list weeks deep. It will generate buzz and fellowship.

 

Great idea and concept.
First of all you obviously need a nifty name and acronym for it so it doesn't get confused with a PIF, etc

 

Nifty names always help... Sample it Forward?

 

TIF. Try it Forward?

(Just brainstorming aloud...I play regardless of name)

 

This is a coold idea! I'd be interested in participating when it's going.

 

very interesting would love to participate

 

how bout just " pass-a-round". augment the original post with a sticky with the guidelines.
I.e.
slant pass-a-round
or
1924 pass-a-round
each item getting it's own thread, acting as the waiting list

 

I'd love for people to try some of my more rare razors but I'm afraid they wouldn't come back. I don't think I have anything else that someone else wouldn't already have. Or maybe I do lol

 

You guys bring up some good points! I thought "PIF-around" sounded pretty cool, but we love out acronyms, don't we? Yep, I can see PIF-A just not making the grade! We gots to do better than that.

Starting with the acronyms, does anyone like:
PAR - Pass-a-round
PPA - PIF Pass Around
PAL - Pass-a-long (I don't like because of confusion with PAL razor!)
URL - Use it. Review it. Let it go. <— ding-ding-ding! I know I am bent, but I kinda like this one.


OK, that's four from the hip. Anyone... Bueller... Bueller...?

 

Yeah... I sort of struggled with the whole "what if it didn't come back to me" part. That's why I landed on only sending something that you are otherwise willing to give away. Nothing in this is enforceable.

<rambling on - old guy story alert!> Years ago, when I was in the army, a friend asked my advice. Some mutual friends (a married couple) asked him to loan them some money. I asked him "If they, despite best intentions, could not pay you back, would it affect your friendship?" He said it would. I then asked him if saying no would likely affect his friendship. He said it wouldn't. I advised him to protect his friendship. <ramble off>

On another note, you never know what people might like to try. Who woulda thunk that 7 people were willing to try a $2 Yuma razor? If I were ready to let my EJ89 go, I bet somebody would want to try it. If no one did, then no skin off my nose, I guess.