BookTalk MeetUps - Hot or Not?

Chris OConnor · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 1:53 pm Post subject: BookTalk MeetUps - Hot or Not?

BookTalk MeetUps - Hot or Not?

If you're familiar with the MeetUp concept I probably won't need to explain any further, but for those that aren't familiar here is what I'm thinking...

Check out the MeetUp.com site to get a better understanding of what MeetUp's are all about. In a nutshell, there are MeetUp's happening all over the country for thousands of different topics. Interested in pottery? Check out your city to see if there is a MeetUp for pottery enthusiasts. Love NASCAR? There is bound to be a NASCAR MeetUp nearby.

I attend Atheist MeetUp's in the Tampa Bay area regularly and enjoy them quite a bit. I've met some interesting people and had some great conversations.

So here is where the idea comes in. Anyone can suggest a new MeetUp subject. I'm considering suggesting a BookTalk.org MeetUp. The moment there are 5 or more people in any given area interested (signed up) in a new MeetUp, an actual MeetUp appointment will be scheduled.

MeetUp’s happen on the same day/time each month. Each MeetUp subject/topic varies, so you can attend a whole handful of different MeetUp’s. The Atheist MeetUp’s I attend are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm.

We might be a bit small as of yet for this concept, but the future looks good. Imagine having a small get together in your area once per month with fellow BookTalk members at a local coffee shop. You meet and socialize and discuss the current book and whatever else you like. What a great way to get to know more like-minded people.

The MeetUp system will not schedule an actual MeetUp unless 5 people in any particular area click a link, which is emailed to them, confirming that they do indeed plan on attending. But...there is no reason why we can't use the BookTalk forums/chat room to over-ride the system and still do MeetUp’s when there are fewer than 5 people. What is wrong with 3 people meeting for coffee and having a great conversation? MeetUp considers 5 the ideal break off point because many people are shy and would feel uncomfy about attending a MeetUp with only a few people. I say BAH to that concept. We all know each other from BookTalk and meeting would only be an extension of a pre-existing relationship.

Once I create the BookTalk.org MeetUp members, no matter where they live, could take the initiative to advertise their areas BookTalk MeetUp. They could spread the word through word of mouth, or if their interest and budget permit, they could place an ad in their local paper.

So what does everyone think? I would love to meet people at a local level.

Chris

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them" -- Mark Twain

Kostya · Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 3:23 pm Post subject: maybe hot, maybe not...

I think it is a good idea for people who like to meet with other people. I am a hardcore introvert, so I prefer to hide in my room behind the computer and closed doors. I am kidding, but I am not too far from truth.

In any case, while I was reading your message I remembered about Fellowship Of Reason. I can't remember how I learned about them, but you might want to check their site out for ideas on building freethinking community. Here is the link:

http://www.fellowshipofreason.com

Thank you

rielmajr · Almost a regular Joined: 25 Dec 2002 Posts: 47 Gender:

I am so involved with organisations that require meetings that I enjoy simply sitting at my computer and moving effortlessly through a variety of websites and topics. I do not particularly like a lot of structure, which is why I have not participated in discussions lately of Book Talk book selections (preferring to move through my own list); getting involved in meet ups would merely exacerbate my already full meeting calendar and thus impose even more structure.

tarav

"Interested in pottery?"--actually, I am "Love NASCAR?"--not anymore
Anyway, I think that suggesting booktalk as a MeetUp is a good idea. I would go to a booktalk MeetUp in my area.

Chris OConnor

rielmajr

I look at MeetUp's more as a means of socializing than an actual meeting. To me a good MeetUp would be over coffee or dinner and be very relaxed and casual. The goal is to meet new people that share a common interest. But I know what you mean...too much structure can be exhausting.

Chris

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them" -- Mark Twain

Lotteryman · Newbie Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 2 Gender:

test

Meme Wars

Signup for attendence at meet up dot org seem too small for my interests. Meetup requires at least 5 in local area to assist in setting up meetings. The following are too low for me to be involved in:

Humanists, Brights, Atheists, Freethinkers, Esperanto, etc.

I'm afraid BookTalk would fall in the same pattern.

With Dean sinking, MeetUp.org will follow with him.

Sorry

Monty
Meme Wars


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