Shaun-Dro Posted June 1, 2011 Posted June 1, 2011 I came back from one yesterday and though the temperature was around 85, it was still bright and sunny, but the turnout for this Meetup in NYC by the museum was lame. There were 43 people scheduled but only 15 came! I was surprised and disappointed as was the remaining group members but the moderator was most furious, threatening to eliminate people who did not have the decency to announce that they couldn't make it and how it costs money to organize these things . I dont know what to think about this since no one seemed very interested in getting to know one another except maybe 3-4 people that clicked. The rest just avoided eye contact with each other during the whole time . I tried to engage in some conversation with a guy and girl but they weren't my type to hang out with, but at least I attempted it. Anyway, has anyone gone to Meetups and have good or bad experiences? I'm curious to hear different responses because I don't know if I should go to one again, since my first impression was lackluster.
Red Arremer Posted June 1, 2011 Posted June 1, 2011 If you're talking about stuff on meetup.com, that has been my experience as well. If you're going to go that route I would recommend groups that focus on a specific interest since everyone in the group will have at least that interest in common and it's easier to click with everyone.
Feelin Frisky Posted June 1, 2011 Posted June 1, 2011 I have not. As for your experience I am appalled really at how people treat others in not showing up like that. It just shows how socially illiterate people are in America. If we had a reformed educational model that traded in a lot of the useless academics for assertive "social development" constructs where people get to learn the potential worth in each other, I guaranty you something like this would have no more than two or three no-shows. I do consider going from time to time but haven't jumped into anything since moving here last year. I used to do other things in NY to occupy my time socially. There is so much to take advantage of in NY if you know what you're after.
samspade Posted June 1, 2011 Posted June 1, 2011 I went to a few Spanish conversation meetups in NYC from Meetup.com. They were great. Usually at a bar or restaurant for happy hour. Maybe because the people involved were looking to chat and practice Spanish, it was more outgoing and friendly. Even got a few phone numbers from chicks back in the day through that.
Cee Posted June 1, 2011 Posted June 1, 2011 I've gone to meetups and enjoyed them. The turnout is never large in my city (Philly), but I would consistently go and meet different people each time. Over time, I met a lot of people. I met my BF from a political meetup group, which isn't connected with meetup.com. The trick was that I went a lot and I mostly went for fun. I never thought I'd fall in love, but I did. My meetup group which is never larger than 20 people, but has created 3 LTRs that I know of, probably more. I have become close friends with the meetup people, which is pretty amazing. I didn't expect that to happen. Give it a go for a few months. It takes time to get connected into the group and then after that, the dating possibilities expand. And, at the very least, you'll make some friends.
Mark11 Posted June 1, 2011 Posted June 1, 2011 I've been to meetups in 4 different cities and most of the time, I'd say it's worth it. I also was the organizer of my own meetup group. Yes it is very typical and common for ppl to no show even though they rsvp yes, so more than likely you will always have at least a few of these. It's really a toss up to be honest. You can't tell when you're going to have a really active reliable group and when you're not. When I started my meetup group, I had very few members and there were no shows from at least half of the members. But after a few months as the group gained more members, more ppl would show up regularly and alot less no shows. Most groups also have rules posted regarding repeated no shows. What I usually do when I join a group is check how active the group has been lately and how many ppl attend meetups, and what they've done at meetups. If they haven't been that active, or not many ppl attend, I don't join the group. I usually just join groups that are active and have alot of members.
fishtaco Posted June 1, 2011 Posted June 1, 2011 I've gone to salsa dancing meetup events. They're fine. People were pretty friendly. I've made friends. But salsa people tend to be ultra friendly compared to the general population. I mean after you've already had plenty of physical touching with the opposite gender already, it's not that big of a stretch to add smiles and chit chats. For awhile I couldn't get any traction going in my dating, posted about it yesterday, in fact, most of the stuff in the post happened this past weekend. So I was thinking of joining a singles meetup group just to see if I could get anything going. But I got some traffic this weekend finally so I'm going to hold off on that. If I slip into a rut again I'll try those meetup groups.
zengirl Posted June 1, 2011 Posted June 1, 2011 I find meetups to be 100x better here in Korea for some reason. Because everyone wants to meet more Westerners like themselves (assuming you're a Westerner)! I think meeting people was super easy in Korea (one of the easiest countries). I've used meetup.com in various cities and countries. Turnout isn't large where I live now, but I've met several friends. And lots of fun groups.
alphamale Posted June 1, 2011 Posted June 1, 2011 Anyway, has anyone gone to Meetups and have good or bad experiences? I'm curious to hear different responses because I don't know if I should go to one again, since my first impression was lackluster. i've been an organizer for dining out meetup groups in detroit and chicago. i've hosted probably around 60 dinners in the past 6 years. its a great way to meet new people and especially chicks. this 26 yr old i'm going out with this wknd i met at the last dinner i hosted a week ago at a russian restaurant
NicoleM Posted June 1, 2011 Posted June 1, 2011 I have been to two different ones. I went to a social meet-up ( that's what it was called lol) and it was very,very cliquey. I found everyone to be stuck-up and they never said hi to the " new" people or they flat out ignored the new people. I went to a vegetarian group and everyone was super sweet and chatty but sadly that one closed to the founder not being able to collect fees and no one wanted to take over.
stepka Posted June 1, 2011 Posted June 1, 2011 I've been to several and generally had fun at most of them. Some were well attended and some only had a couple of people but I always have someone to talk to at them. I only had one bad experience--I got into a group of card players and a couple of them were cutthroat and I tend to be more laid back--it's all for fun right? But my bidding was too conservative for this one lady in a spades game and she was spitting mad and I was still hurting after getting back from my g-ma's funeral or I would probably have told her to go take a flying f()K. So I haven't been back to that one, but the hiking ones were fine and I made some real friends at a rockhounding group. I think you have to try different ones too--I joined a Christian adventure group but never did mesh with the people too well--they all got along with each other just fine but I didn't click.
alexlakeman Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 I've thought about it , but never done it.. I am concerned you show up there by yourself and everyone else shows up with their bff or buddies, etc... I've gone to meetups and enjoyed them. The turnout is never large in my city (Philly), but I would consistently go and meet different people each time. Over time, I met a lot of people. I met my BF from a political meetup group, which isn't connected with meetup.com. The trick was that I went a lot and I mostly went for fun. I never thought I'd fall in love, but I did. My meetup group which is never larger than 20 people, but has created 3 LTRs that I know of, probably more. I have become close friends with the meetup people, which is pretty amazing. I didn't expect that to happen. Give it a go for a few months. It takes time to get connected into the group and then after that, the dating possibilities expand. And, at the very least, you'll make some friends. I remember your thread monthsssssssssss ago about going to a meetup... How long have you been with your bf now?
Cee Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 I remember your thread monthsssssssssss ago about going to a meetup... How long have you been with your bf now? Haha, you remember my thread. We've been together for just over 4 months. We exchanged numbers the night of Obama's "State of the Union" address and had our first date later that week. By the way, we both still attend the meetup group.
Author Shaun-Dro Posted June 2, 2011 Author Posted June 2, 2011 I've been to several and generally had fun at most of them. Some were well attended and some only had a couple of people but I always have someone to talk to at them. I only had one bad experience--I got into a group of card players and a couple of them were cutthroat and I tend to be more laid back--it's all for fun right? But my bidding was too conservative for this one lady in a spades game and she was spitting mad and I was still hurting after getting back from my g-ma's funeral or I would probably have told her to go take a flying f()K. So I haven't been back to that one, but the hiking ones were fine and I made some real friends at a rockhounding group. I think you have to try different ones too--I joined a Christian adventure group but never did mesh with the people too well--they all got along with each other just fine but I didn't click. Thanks everyone! I got a lot of positive feedback on here. I called up my cousin and she says that she'll have me join her at this Meetup Friday at the Hudson Pier in NY. Not sure if anyone went there. If so, how is it? She claims it's nice with tons of people mingling, but because my cousin is sort of a highroller (Bank Manager) I hope there isn't influxes of so-called snobs or hotshots because then it will be another waste of time.
alexlakeman Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 Haha, you remember my thread. We've been together for just over 4 months. We exchanged numbers the night of Obama's "State of the Union" address and had our first date later that week. By the way, we both still attend the meetup group. I just checked out the meetups in my area and they s;ck... Mostly kayaking, and other random thing...1-2 happy hours but low # of people and not "age appropriate" for my bracket, lol.. Maybe that's why I didn't pursue it back then...
LexiB Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 Thanks everyone! I got a lot of positive feedback on here. I called up my cousin and she says that she'll have me join her at this Meetup Friday at the Hudson Pier in NY. Not sure if anyone went there. If so, how is it? She claims it's nice with tons of people mingling, but because my cousin is sort of a highroller (Bank Manager) I hope there isn't influxes of so-called snobs or hotshots because then it will be another waste of time. Hudson "Pier" or Hudson "Terrace"? I've been to one of those singles mixers at the Terrace. Very good turn out as far as quantity of people, nooot so much in terms of quality unfortunately. Then again, I was only observing the guys; you may have better luck with the women there.
Author Shaun-Dro Posted June 2, 2011 Author Posted June 2, 2011 Hudson "Pier" or Hudson "Terrace"? I've been to one of those singles mixers at the Terrace. Very good turn out as far as quantity of people, nooot so much in terms of quality unfortunately. Then again, I was only observing the guys; you may have better luck with the women there. Yes, it's the Hudson Terrace on 10th Avenue she said. She says she loves the atmosphere, but you seem to have a problem with the type of people. Could you enlighten me a little bit, because I'm all about character.
stepka Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 I've thought about it , but never done it.. I am concerned you show up there by yourself and everyone else shows up with their bff or buddies, etc... You get some of that but lots of people come alone--the point is to meet people right? I was scared stiff the first time but now it's no big deal and I just got back from one--Shakespeare in the Park and sat with a couple of women that I'm getting to be good friends with. I've met several women friends thru meetup but haven't gone on any dates thru them, though truthfully I haven't tried that hard to date either.
vsmini Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 My friend was involved and headed up a few NYC meet ups and she became upset as well. People were all talk - she confirmed, people confirmed and often nobody would show up. After 3 events in a row where absolutely nobody showed up she stepped down as leader and the online group got pissed with her for "giving up" Jackasses. People are so rude. I think a lot of people feel that if they are at least part of an online meet up community they are part of something and don't really value the effort it takes in actually going to meet up with people. Does that make sense? Sort of like "well, I signed up for it online..at least I'm sort of trying."
vsmini Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 You get some of that but lots of people come alone--the point is to meet people right? I was scared stiff the first time but now it's no big deal and I just got back from one--Shakespeare in the Park and sat with a couple of women that I'm getting to be good friends with. I've met several women friends thru meetup but haven't gone on any dates thru them, though truthfully I haven't tried that hard to date either. Ahh! Shakespeare in the Park is a great way to meet people - what did you get tickets for? I saw Winter's Tale last year - didn't get to go to Merchant with Pacino though - lines for that were insane!
Sassygirl2 Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 I just went to my first meetup group last weekend and it was fun. There were 17 people "due" to show up but only 6 did. They were all very friendly and we had a good time. I will go to the next one because I am motivated to get out there and meet new people that have some common interests. I think you have to go with a positive attitude otherwise you will find fault with small details.
Disillusioned Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 Even after I quit Synergy (a South Bay-based group which is mostly cougars who like to drink and dance), I went to a meetup of a different singles group in Venice, CA (probably the closest thing you NYC people have is Greenwich Village). Man, what a way to mess up something that could have been a good venue. It started out as a mini art walk and got quite interesting... until the organizer led the rest of us into---you guessed it---a bar. I drove home disappointed and quit the group that same night.
LexiB Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 Yes, it's the Hudson Terrace on 10th Avenue she said. She says she loves the atmosphere, but you seem to have a problem with the type of people. Could you enlighten me a little bit, because I'm all about character. It's just that a lot of the guys seemed kind of doofy/socially awkward that's all. The ones that did seem normal weren't my type. :-/ Like I said you may find a better selection of women there than I did men. Your friend is right, HT is beautiful and the views are amazing. Even if you don't click w anyone, you and your friends will still have a great time. Additionally, the space is pretty huge which means there's usually a couple of parties going on at once (non-meetups) sooo if you think it's lame, you could try sneaking into one of the others...
Cee Posted June 2, 2011 Posted June 2, 2011 Yelp also hosts or advertises a lot of meetups. I would never dream to hit on someone at a Yelp event (people are too pretty and out of my league), but I've made a ton of friends there. When I'm not yapping on Love Shack, I'm on Yelp talk.
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