Oh, sorry Kat! 
I dunno how to change either... My new online name would be something like...
TechnoKero cuz I like techno, or AgentNHK cuz somethin to do wit anime...
Um yeah..

You can't change your username. =) I think an admin might be able to, but that's not something to go around changing lightly.

I see. Ah well, that's ok.
No worries, Kero!

seriously, time to face the facts. Ryoko's gone. 

time to make a new one. 

Poor Ryoko....

I don't really want to admit that, myself... but see, the thing is, in order to 'flush her out', so to speak, Inga would have to tell us specifically who had her last, to see if someone can contact the person in real life... and that's a privacy issue. So, it's a stalemate.

I'd be leery of starting a new one without taking precaution to make sure she doesn't meet the same fate... I think something as simple as making the next host email Inga prior to recieving her would help, just to make sure there's still a vaild contact method.

How about a cash deposit!   

Also, definitely a time-limit. I know sometimes the weather isn't always cooperative for photos, but I think a two-week maximum "visit" would be reasonable.

The list of recipients, in order, should be posted on the site.

Senders should post the date of mailing. Recipients should post the date of receipt.

Shipping should always be by First Class or Airmail, with a tracking number if possible (not always an option on international shipments).

I know that too many rules can sap the fun and spontaneity out of something like this. But... losing the little traveler really wrecks it for everyone. Having a reasonable set of requirements ensures that only those who are dedicated to the project will participate, and improves the chances for success.

That sounds right, david. Next time we do something like this, we should be prepared.

Well, when this project started (what, three years ago now? ), we thought that we'd done everything we could to ensure Ryoko's safety.  It all comes down to the responsibility of each participant, though, and their integrity.  There was a time limit of three days per participant, shipping method was supposed to be first class or better, and there is actually a list of where she was supposed to be going posted on Ryoko's blog site (click on 'Where' at the top of the page) with arrival and departure dates.  I had her last Halloween (2007).   The most recent blog entry was from Katya exactly a year ago tomorrow (11-11-07).  So, somewhere between Katya and Nikita was where Ryoko slipped into the abyss.  I won't even stoop to placing blame on any one person, since so many things can go wrong with the US postal service (heck, even I've had a Pinky go astray on her way to someone else in the same country  ).  But until we hear something official from Inga or the person who saw her last, then I'm afraid we're stuck speculating on her whereabouts.

me too pls 

its too bad that ryoko gets lost