Questions about how this works

I'm signed up to participate starting in January.  I do understand the requirements of weekly (at least) contact and monthly packages.  Just wondering how people contact their pals.  Once we send the first PM, they'll know who we are, right?  Not to mention the return address on packages.  Which is fine with me, just wondering how others have done it.  I suppose I could send a regular email, but my email address is my full name so that's not so "secret" either LOL.  Of course, maybe the idea is that they may know our names, but they don't really know anything else about us?

Also, what kinds of gifts have others sent/received in the past.  Again, I know the "rules", that it's a $10 minimum... just wondering what types of things are normally sent (and I suppose the price range - is it normally right around $10, or do people spend a lot more?)
 

Lisa,

You will receive a questionnaire to fill out (have I sent you one?) which will tell your pal a little bit about you.  On it, you will list things you collect and the kinds of things you like. 

As far as how much you spend, that is totally up to you a long as it's at least $10.  Most of the pals I have personally had, all but one have been terrific and have either gotten tremendous deals or they have spent more than $10.  I always spend at least a little more than that, but again, it depends on what your pal likes and what kind of deals you can find!

The "secret" part is up to you and your pal.  I made up a fake name on this site to use to contact my pal and I think others have done the same.  Others "out" themselves up front.  Totally up to the 2 of you.

If you have other questions, let me know.

Thanks.

Rona