***NZC*** - HOW TREES WORK!!! - LONG

[Jeff Trisoliere <sage2132@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Many Badgeholders have been requesting this info.  Although i believe it
is posted on somebody's webpage (Larry??), I'm not sure so I will give my
take on tape trees for all of those that would like to know.

Here is the way a tape tree works:  


There are three main parts of the tree

    1.) The seed tape (this is the tape being used to start the tree -
preferably the lowest possible gen available)


    2.) BRANCHES  - these people receive their tapes from the seed tape.
They are also required to tape the tape(s) for the LEAFS on the tree that
are assigned to them by the administrator of the tree.  Ideally, BRANCHES
should be using the best possible eqipment to ensure no loss of quality
to the LEAFS.  But some tree administrators do not mind what type of
equipment is being used (as long as it is not a boombox or of lesser     
                                     quality).  <bold>ONLY SIGN UP TO BE
A BRANCH IF YOU HAVE DONE SO BEFORE AND HAVE THE TIME TO TAPE FOR YOUR
LEAFS!!!


     3.) LEAFS - get their tapes from the branches.  there are no
requirements put on the LEAFS.  Leafs are usually newbies and seasoned
traders that do not have the time to spin tapes for other people.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Tapes are usually traded between the Branches and Leafs.  There are a
couple ways of doing this.


1.) 1:1 trade - both parties trade an even amount of tapes and each pay
for the postage on the package they are sending.


2.) blanks and postage - the LEAF will send his/her BRANCH the tapes to
cover the tree PLUS $$$ for return postage.  The LEAF also obviously will
be paying for the postage to send the package to his/her BRANCH.


3.) 2:1 trade - This way differs among tapers. So if you are going to do
it this way, please make sure that you and your branch both agree to the
terms of the trade. Usually the LEAF sends the amount of tapes to cover
the tree PLUS an extra blank tape or two to cover the costs of postage. 
Some people ask for an extra blank tape for every tape that they are
taping.  Again... this method varies!!!!


***Do not be offended when someone tells you to just send blanks
and postage rather that doing a trade.  Chances are that you do not have
anything of particular interest or new to offer them.***


***ALWAYS SEND YOUR TAPES IN A REUSABLE PADDED BUBBLE MAILER****


***KEEP IN CONTACT WITH THOSE THAT YOU ARE TRADING WITH SO THAT THEY KNOW
WHAT IS HAPPENING ON YOU END***

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are the steps of being on a tree:


1.) Sign up for it with the tree administrator <bold>NOT</bold> by
posting to the list!


2.) Wait for the tree structure to be posted by the tree administrator
and contact your LEAFS and/or BRANCH with all pertinent info (address,
tape list, etc...).  The structures are usually posted in a way that the
branches and leafs will be easily identified.  For example:

                1.) Branch #1

                     Leaf #1 for the above branch

                     Leaf #2 for the above branch

                2.) Branch #2

                     Leaf #1 for the above branch

                     Leaf #2 for the above branch


<bold>***It the responsibility of all parties involved to get in contact
with their branch or leafs.  If there is ever a question as to who your
branch is, please contact the tree administrator for help.***

</bold>

3.) Arrange a suitable trade with your LEAFS and/or BRANCH.


4.) Send the agreed upon trade in a padded bubble mailer only!!!


5.) Stay in contact with your trading parner(s).  Inform them when the
tapes were sent and received.  Also inform the person that you are
trading with of any particular problem that you may be experiencing. 
<bold>Always answer your e-mail regarding a trade or else you run the
risk of being reported to the list as a potential bad trader.</bold>  

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Any questions regarding trees?????  Please feel free to e-mail me. 


 If you are lookin for someone to administer a tree for you, I'm your
man!!!!  I have been running tape trees for the past five years.  I also
run a permanent tree and various single trees and tape weeds for a band
called Zero on our mailing list for them.  I'm looking forward to working
with you in order to spread the joy and music to as many people as
possible FOR FREE!!!!!!!!!!  Screw the bootleggers!!!!  Long live the
tape trader!!!!


                                         Jeff (Sage)