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Wynn and Greg updated on 10/30/09 10:27:18	Wow - What's up with this group? Wow - I just posted 3 totally different events yesterday and no one has signed up at all!! What the heck is going on with MiPL? I've been out of the loop for about a year, is it all about drinking now? If people don't sign up for events, there will be no hosts... (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND)
Reply by Wynn and Greg at 11/03/09 10:59:45 -- Thanks for the support... Thanks Stu for those detailed directions on how to delete this thread. (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Peter at 11/03/09 10:36:24 -- Thank you Stu By now everyone should have gotten the point. Each and everyone is a piece of the puzzle that makes up Meetin, and we can talk it to death, or we do something about it. Let's host events, attend events and have a good time. Everyday life is depressing enough, why bring it into this group as well. Remember Bobby McFerrin? Don't worry, be happy!! Do something good, make somebody smile. It goes a long mile, and you might actually like it. (Asst Administrator of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Nora at 11/03/09 10:30:43 -- GREAT group! I've been a member of this group since April and absolutely love it! If the group is "broken" in some way, I haven't noticed. Sure, there may be cliques or occasional feuds, but all groups have this- friends, coworkers, families, etc. On the whole, MiPl functions amazingly well considering the wide variety of people and interests that are represented. I agree with those who mentioned the continuing need to be welcoming to new members. I was hooked at my first event because everyone was so friendly and inclusive (I'm looking at you Jordana/Trish/Dian/Stormy/Peter, You rock!), but I remember my first "mingler" was a bit overwhelming. This group has made a very positive impact on my life, and I have a hunch others feel the same. This open and honest discussion is proof that people care about MiPl, and I'm very confident and optimistic about the group's future. (Member of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by tiffy at 11/03/09 10:27:42 -- Points.... I would have responded sooner but I was out-of-town and unable to but shall do so now. Please note that this is a general response to this post and not directed at any one person. The "you" I refer to is the collective You of MiPL as a whole. I joined MiPL in 2006 and have not looked back since. I have almost always been active (this summer I was gone, which explains my absence) and have attended and hosted. However, I would like point out that I have attended 527 events but have only hosted 114 and co-hosted 43. That means well over half of my time in the group has been spent attending, not hosting. I point this out because I have always been of the opinion that the only real way this group will continue and grow is by attendance. If we have 800 people attending and only 3 hosting, that can still be considered an active, viable, successful group (provided the 3 hosting aren't going crazy and are actually happy doing it). Yet, if we have 800 people hosting and only 3 attending, that isn't a very successful group and it will most likely not stand the test of time. Remember - leaders are only able to be leaders if people follow. Same thing here - hosts can only be hosts if they have guests. This in mind, it makes logical sense that people are more likely to attend events hosted by people they know - especially trips away or such. Think about it, it's human nature. You don't necessarily want to "go away" with people you don't know you can 'be away' with, right? It isn't personal or mean, it's logical and primal and something we all do. And attendance and participation always fluctuates in MiPL. Always. In fact, we have a lot of 'seasonal' members - some only in summer, some only in winter. And in the last year or so we have gotten a lot of newer members too. So all those things in mind, it isn't unreasonable to expect attendance to drop, change, or alter accordingly. It isn't personal, it's just how it goes. There is no right or wrong way to MiPL - that's what I LOVE about the group. Sometimes a last minute event can get an amazing turnout. Sometimes an event posted for 6 months gets no one. That's how it works. It's important to know that and to not be offended or hurt by that fluctuation. I know recently of at least 20 people who have become unemployed, moved and/or had major life changes and had to alter their involvement accordingly. It doesn't mean they are 'out of the group' but simply having to alter their schedules. I, myself, have adjusted what I can and can't go to based upon my own circumstances. It means nothing more than that. And no one should be offended by it. I am by no means blaming anyone, pointing fingers or judging anyone for thinking there's something wrong with the group. I have noticed a change and it has bothered me too. However the change I have noticed is in ownership. WE are responsible for the success and failure of this group - every last one of us. WE made it what it was, make it what it is and can guide what it becomes. WE - you, me, the newbies, the seasoned members, everyone. This is OUR group. We need to own that and make it part of us. Post events, attend events, support those who do both and encourage others to do it too. If you have met some great close friends in MiPL that is awesome. Enjoy them and spend time with them. But remember it was THIS group that brought them to you and don't bow-out. And remember how it was you met those people - by being open to making friends. Just because you have made 10 great, close friends doesn't mean you can't make 10 more. Don't exclude others you don't know who attend an event you are at. And just because you aren't the host does not release you from ownership - YOU should also be welcoming to other attendees. Often times the host is too busy to meet and greet everyone properly so it is up to all of US to BE host/hostess as well. When I first joined there was a major sense of ownership within MiPL and I would like to see that ownership come back. I think THAT is our key to success. If I had to give some advice to anyone about MiPL it would be the following: * Post things as far in advance as possible. * If any monetary value is involved (tickets, cover charges, trip fees, etc) always be prepared for low-to-no turnout, especially right now with the economy, life and everything. * Attend as many events as possible. Hosting is great but it isn't enough and, as I said earlier, not even the most important thing. Go to events, meet people and enjoy being part of MiPL, not just 'running' it. * NEVER take it personally. Attendance, attitudes, anything often have NOTHING to do with 'you' and everything to do with 'them' (ie - illness, money issues, etc) so don't make it more than it is. * ONLY post things you would be happy to go to alone because sooner or later, you will. * Put yourself in others shoes. Would you react best to criticism or support? Remember: MiPL is YOURS. Know it, remember it and OWN it! Make it what you want it to be, one event at a time. (Leader of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Stu at 11/03/09 10:17:58 -- ADVANCE WARNING So that we don't get accused of trying to censor people (yeah, I know someone or other will still accuse us of censoring, but never mind): Multiple people have said that while this thread may have started out as a productive discussion about how to increase attendance at events, it has now become something negative that could be extremely off-putting to a new member who read it; and as such could be damaging to the group. And as always, doing what's in the best interests of the group is the admins' sole purpose in life. Rest assured there's nothing on here that comes as a surprise to any of the admins - we just don't talk about this stuff on the messageboard (especially on the front page), because it might convey a bad impression of the group. So, tomorrow (Wednesday), I will be moving this thread to the "Off Topic" messageboard. You get there by clicking on "more" at the bottom of this messageboard (which, by the way, is supposed to be only for talk about events, even if we haven't always enforced that very strictly!). Maybe it's not an ideal place for this stuff, but it's the only place I can move the thread off the front page without it disappearing completely, so it'll have to do. So just head over there and continue away. But please, constructive suggestions about how to improve things will always go down better than just saying that things need improving - MiPL isn't a service provided to you, it's a group that you're part of and have as much responsibility for as anyone else, and we'd love to hear your suggestions! As an aside, since this crops up regularly when we've these discussions in the past: The admins do not delete messageboard postings unless they're extremely offensive or damaging to the group. However, anyone can flag a message (or an entire thread) as being inappropriate. And if a message gets five flags (by anyone), it disappears automatically, never to be seen again. So if this or any other thread ends up disappearing, and you didn't get a message from the admins about it, it wasn't us; and we might not even have ever seen it! (Welcome Wagon of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Kristine at 11/03/09 1:16:54 -- Low attendance I personally haven't been doing much socially the past 6 weeks due to working basically 2 full time jobs. The minute I check out the MeetIn site I see PLENTY of things I would love to go to, but can't due to financial or timing issues. Susan makes a great point about using the Can't Go tab.... I will try to be a better MiPLer and use that versus being sad on the inside because I can't go! I'm hoping to get a little more free time to resume my social life where I left it, but it's just been difficult lately juggling things. :) (Member of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Karylee at 11/03/09 11:44:13 -- I like it I've only been a member for a couple of months and wanted to jump right in with hosting so I could meet new people. I've enjoyed the group but it is a younger crowd and a little more harder for me connect some..... but I absolutely love the energy and I like to think of this as my "Fountain of Youth". Everybody has been very friendly and I think the smaller events are a better way to get to know people altho I havent been to any but the Harvey's comedy ones I post and it is harder to socialize at these. I love having a calendar of different events to choose from but I too have cut way back on events that cost also. I will be going to the event planning meeting Weds and I would like to participate more in this capacity. I think there is something for everyone in this organization. Thank you to my friends for bringing me into MIPL. (Member of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Andrea at 11/02/09 9:53:56 -- great points These are all great points...I especially feel that Susan's idea is a strong one. Often as event planners like myself, we get caught up in seeing how many people viewed our event, yet wonder why so few have RSVP'd. It would be great to know who can't come but would have liked to or reasons for not wanting to. I greatly appreciate when Peter, as a wonderful example, let's you know Yes, No, or Maybe for likely every event he clicks on. I will begin following Peter's example and hope others will as well. Thanks Susan and Peter! Andrea (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Suzanne at 11/02/09 9:29:58 -- great discussion! I think it is FANTASTIC that this issue is being discussed openly and in a positive way. Attending the Event Planners meeting is a great suggestion, but I do think that the message board can, and should, serve as a place for open discussion, for those who cannot attend the meeting, and so that the discussion is made public to all of the members of MiPL. Only in open discussion, and awareness, can everyone participate in helping to improve the group. Keep talkin! (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Susan at 11/02/09 9:25:04 -- appreciation I just read through this thread, and it occurred to me that maybe we should make more use of the "cannot go but left comments" part of the RSVP. Would it feel better to know that there are people who thought it looked like a great event, really wanted to go, felt bad that they couldn't, and would really like you to post another one like it? That would be me, when I looked at the day-trip to Astoria, and I'm sorry I didn't put in a comment on it. It looked like a lot of fun, and I was hoping that there would be another one like it in the future. It sucks when you don't get enough people signed up for an event, no matter what the reason, but maybe expressing our interest in- or appreciation of and event even when we're not able to "take advantage" of it would make the host feel a little bit less... well, taken advantage of. And maybe if we're reeeally lucky that host will decide to post it again for another time! I hope that didn't come out preachy, I'll be the first to admit that I'm absolutely hopeless when it comes to anything related to communicating with people I don't know very well. (Member of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Nick at 11/02/09 8:53:30 -- Something Very Strange Something very strange is going on; I'm hosting a coffee mingler this Sunday, and I have no "competition." There is only one other event, and that one has a limit of 8. (But I do have a pretty big sign-up, part of which could be explained by the fact that there is nothing else to attend, MIPL-wise.) It used to be that sometimes there were 12 events on Sat/Sun., and I had to be very aware of what else was posted when I was hosting something. I think that a good deal of this has to do with the economy; some people may be holding out for the most popular events to attend so they can get the biggest bang for the buck when it comes to socializing. (Welcome Wagon of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Deborah at 11/02/09 7:34:04 -- complicated topic I love MiPl and have always loved it. I've had great attendance and no attendance to my events; I don't take it personally either way. What I take from this discussion is: 1. Advance notice of events is helpful. 2. Try to post on a date when there's not already a very similar event. 3. Be welcoming and kind to all who attend--that goes for all of us, not just the host. 4. Remember that there are all kinds of personalities in this group, and that's a good thing. Be respectful. 5. Go to events other than your own events, and interact. 6. Try not to take things personally. Wynn and Greg, I have enjoyed your events, and I hope you keep posting them. I feel it would be a loss if you stopped posting. I didn't see your events and wanted to have a quiet Halloween daytime, so I stayed home until that evening. (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Jackie at 11/02/09 5:14:26 -- decreased attendance Another theory is that facebook is used for private events and isn't that what mipl is for: to meet others in a friendship and do things with your closer niche of friends? Some people prefer smaller events ie like dinners, hiking etc with those they have bonded with? In that respect mipl has been a success because you have found some cool friends to do things with? (Member of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Stu at 11/02/09 4:58:17 -- At the risk of repeating myself... If you've got ideas on how to make the group more welcoming, come to the Event Planners meeting. If you've got ideas on how to increase enthusiasm, come to the Event Planners meeting. If you've got ideas on how to encourage attendances or more events, come to the Event Planners meeting. There's some good stuff on this thread. But the meeting is a better forum for it than the messageboard, because we can talk the ideas right the way through and come up with ways to actually put them into action. Talk through what might or might not work, and what has or hasn't worked in the past. Helping improve things, rather than just saying it needs improving. Those meetings exist to address precisely the issues being talked about here. Conveniently, the next meeting is already posted for this Wednesday, at my house. You don't even have to be an "Event Planner" to come (although it's helpful to have people there who have experience with planning MiPL events). If for some reason you can't make it, you can always email Ben (the current head of the Welcome Wagon) with suggestions; but even better would be to sign up and come along! (Welcome Wagon of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Bronwyn at 11/02/09 4:13:18 -- no answers I agree with bringing this on the table a bit. I have talked with friends in the group about attendance. People can blame the economy, but I am not sure that's the only answer. I do know that events that I have posted in past years where I had 10-15 people at them now only have 4 or 5. For example, I hosted a dinner in September that in the past consecutive years had 20-30 people wanting to come and this year only three people attended. People raved on and on about how cool of an event it was and the feedback was really, really positive. So when I questioned why nobody was signing up this year, nobody could come up with answers. Occasionally I will ask for feedback on the messageboard and if I don't get that much interest, I just won't post the event. I think the reason Wynn's events were not recognized was because they were last minute on a "holiday" weekend. With that in mind, I can see how that could be a factor. However, I've hosted and co-hosted a variety of things where I have seen the attendance drop. Due to this, I think everyone can't always be 100% positive about it. I have noticed that I too have been attending less events in the last few months. Maybe it's a ripple effect. cliques, negative situations, even bad gossip, and lack of motivation can lower the vibe. I think we just need to try to be positive, keep planning events, and recruit more people so that a variety of interests and diverse people can contribute effectively and represent. I feel like over the years I have made over 100 friends through MIPL, but with the events being so different often times I might not see someone for 4 or even 5 months. It just happens, and I understand that. I think being welcoming is the key. I have heard the story from some people that they went to one mingler, and didn't like meetin because they simply did not feel welcomed. Let's be welcoming, and full of understanding. Let's be that force. Let's support each others events, and provide feedback. Reach out to people. In a busy society we often just don't make the time to really connect. By doing your "part" write a testimonial, add someone as a friend to your meetin account, thank the people who make events work. Share your opinion, and contribute. Let's keep the action going! (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Denis at 11/02/09 11:58:20 -- More participation I've also noticed a change in signups. Some events are still very popular like DimSum and Euchre. My guess is that we need new people. They help out mipl alot. At some events I attended recently I didn't see many new people compared to earlier this year. Somebody else mentioned the economy being a factor. I agree. Denis P.S. Wynn has a fun personality (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Cassy at 11/02/09 9:24:07 -- Way forward That's great, Wynn, and hopefully the communication is positive. Perhaps you can work together to contribute to the group what you feel is currently lacking. MEETinPORTLAND is driven by its members, and being proactive and constructive is key to make it what you want it to be. The group is ours and it is up to us to help fill in the gaps we perceive, and to support others who want the same things that we do. Each of us can make positive efforts to fix problems we can see - of course we may see different problems, because people are different. There is that old maxim of 'being part of the solution', and it's surely the best approach. Talk is good, but action is far better. There is nobody here who can miraculously 'fix' low attendence by making people attend events. But you can attend events. You can help newer members enjoy the group, and support events they might post by going to them. If you see a problem, you can help BE the solution. This is the way to help make the group be what you want it to be. I am truly sorry, Wynn, if your view honestly is that 'too many people viewed events as commodities to be taken without the payment of friendship'. Events are simply events, the group provides a means by which we can meet hundreds of people, and that is all the 'payment' one should reasonably expect. MEETin provides opportunity, that's all: friendships are our own responsibility. Finally - I would like to throw a bit of balance at the assertion that people leaving the group do so because it hasn't met their needs: it is also the case that many people who were once very active in the group no longer attend events precisely because it HAS met their needs. A very great many people have developed close and genuine friendships through MiPL, and after a while the need to continue to meet new people simply faded away for them. (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Andrea at 11/02/09 9:10:03 -- glad you feel better You definitely are supported and aren't the only one witnessing some changes. I hope to see you and Greg at the Bagdad comedy show this Friday. :) ~Andrea (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Wynn and Greg at 11/01/09 11:37:45 -- Thanks for the support... Thanks everyone for emailing, calling and pulling me aside to talk with me about my concerns. You don’t know how much that means to me to know I’m not just standing on a mountain howling into the wind!! :-) (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Cassy at 11/01/09 11:20:21 -- Thoughts Thank you, Pete, for your input. Nonetheless, some people's frustration over this complaint is understandable because it simply isn't very constructive. The majority of the responses have been. Let's not forget that MiPL still has an amazing number of very successful events, the majority of which are not large drinking events. The Grist Mill Apple pressing yesterday had over 30 people signed up; 19 people came to the theater event I posted on Thursday. This is not uncommon at all. We should not become complacent, certainly - it's a danger in any group that is so successful, and nobody should take it for granted - but MiPL is still incredibly active & well attended. Yes, of course people like parties, there's nothing wrong with that - but there are many other types of events that are well supported. There are 3 reasons that events get canceled due to 'lack of interest': 1) Bad timing, competition with other events. 2) The event simply didn't appeal to anyone - it happens. 3) The event host is not active in the group. That last factor is probably the most important. People will go to events hosted by people they know and have seen out at other people's events. Just hosting is not enough - supporting other events is equally as important. I'd go so far to say that attending other events is crucial. I would ask any hosts who are disappointed by the turn-out at their events: have you been supporting other event hosts by attending THEIR events? Do people know who you are? It's important. Nobody is 'owed' attendees simply because they post an event, particularly if they aren't contributing the group in any other capacity. (Interestingly, the people who host huge numbers of events also see lower attendence, but that's a different matter.) This has always been the case and things are not so very different from 1.5 years ago, or 2 years ago, or 3 years ago. The general low(er) attendence recently is due several factors, most of which have been detailed below. Most members are having to be more selective about the events they attend, because the $$$'s add up. If people would like to see the group thrive and be proactive about it, I would really encourage them to attend the Welcome Wagon meetings - that's what those meetings are for, to talk about event ideas and other fun, proactive things that will help the group grow and thrive. (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Ben at 11/01/09 10:58:00 -- Some excellent suggestions... There are some really good suggestions in this thread. As earlier posters suggested, more people will attend your events if you've attended a lot of events yourself in the recent weeks and spread your charming personality all over lots of other members. Other spot-on suggestions -- post several weeks early, start a thread in the event discussion section, post to craig's list, spam your friends... and as the OP suggested, be aware that energy of this group has changed a little. (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Pete at 10/31/09 3:19:20 -- Slow down and take some breaths, I personally am having a great time in MiPL, still. In addition, I have ALWAYS found Wynn and Greg to be highly, HIGHLY excellent hosts AND guests and they have a LOT to offer the group. Advising them that �Perhaps you would be happier meeting people through other social groups or more on a one on one basis� is NOT productive. Someone has been bold here and expressed their concern for the group because I think it�s safe to say, the group is important to her. Like many of us. And I definitely include myself in that number. So let�s not kill the messenger. Let�s instead focus on the message. What can be taken from this? Other people�s opinions should always be heard and encouraged. It appears some initial communications came across rough, and perhaps some were rubbed some the wrong way. This is one person's expressed opinion, but I have also heard from other people that they are unhappy about the condition of the group. I, myself, do not have a problem with the current leadership, but hope that MiPL will remain open to opinions and ideas. I don�t have a solution to this problem, but I would encourage a forum and on-going dialogue where people could be heard and not feel like they are being put in a judgmental situation. That will only drive people away. Boiled down, I�m saying this: let�s not over focus on the delivery and miss the importance of the message itself. (Welcome Wagon of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Wynn and Greg at 10/31/09 12:48:13 -- Hummmmm.... Complaining doesn’t do much good in this case, but in my opinion MiPL is broken in some way – it’s dealing with a severe slump in enthusiasm, membership and participation. And to act like it isn’t, or brand someone like me (who points out the illness) as a “complainer” is totally missing the point. Plus, it’s insulting. Observations: I did a review of September and October and found 9 events canceled due to lack of interest. This is not counting those that the host actually pulled off the calendar from lack of interest – for example, I pulled my 3 events off the calendar, so that’s at least 12 events. And BTW – it doesn’t matter whether an event is pulled or simply “canceled” due to lack of interest – the result is the same. Furthermore, I don't remember nearly as many events failing 2 years ago. In general terms, most of these events seemed to be more intimate – best with smaller numbers of people. Many of the large drinking events filled to capacity. But overall participation continues to be much lower that in the past. Based on personality studies, introverts are not the ones generally signing up for the butt-bumping, beer-swilling large events. 8 of the 16 personality types in the Myers-Briggs (MBTI)Type Index are introverts (50%). I would hope that no one thinks, “well, they’re introverts, they sit at home anyway; they’re not my responsibility”, because it takes all types to make a well rounded social group. With this information, I will go so far as to say that the group has a proclivity to not be meeting the needs of introverts as much as extroverts, despite several happy hours not filling. Out of the 16 personality types, probably only about 4 types are persistent and will keep coming back, time and again, after they have a negative experience. Most people, after about 3-5 tries, stop attending if they don’t feel valued, noticed, or talked to. It takes only one negative experience for several personality types to say, “no more”. It seems some hosts are blessed with popularity and their events fill well; the newer people and inactive people have had their events fail. I don’t care about the reasons why this happens. Only that it does. Because the end result is that it discourages new and inactive people from continuing in the group (or certainly from posting more events). This creates a downward spiral and further reduces the diversity of events for introverts. Despite all the “chin up” responses to this chat post (and thanks to those of you who were positive!), I personally have no intention in the near future of posting any more events. Has the group become too cliquey, through time? I don’t know. But it seems to me that something happened (something changed, a realization occurred, etc) and people started leaving the group about 1.5 years ago. Perhaps it was because too many people viewed events as commodities to be taken without the payment of friendship (sorry if this sounds corny); perhaps many active hosts realized this, stopped posting events and looked for alternative social opportunities. It’s probably a bunch of different reasons, but if the illness is not diagnosed, then many more event hosts will start posting private events and this group will sink under its own weaknesses (whatever those are...). (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Peter at 10/31/09 11:53:56 -- Complaining won't do much People have made some excellent points. But what it really comes down to is that if you make the commitment to host an event, you should be prepared to attend it even just by yourself if it comes down to that. I posted an Happy Hour a couple month ago, and people signed up, but then nobody showed. Sure, I was upset, and I could have stopped right there hosting events, but that's the nature of the beast, I still enjoyed myself. Deleting events, because nobody signs up is not the solution. Being persistent and enjoying what Meetin is all about is the fun and the reward. Just my two cents. (Asst Administrator of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Andrea at 10/31/09 7:14:24 -- my thoughts Wynn, I have noticed a drop in attendance at the events I have posted but have realized not to take it personally. Everyone who has posted here lists good reasons as to why there are less people signing up. There are tons of non drinking events, so that is not the issue. The more welcoming you come across to others, the more likely they will attend. This post of yours may be taken the wrong way by some MIPLr's. Hope to see you at an event soon! (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Kady at 10/31/09 6:49:35 -- I hear you Wynn, I agree that the date may be an issue with a couple events. I also agree that the economy may be affecting people's socializing. I know it has affected how much I can afford to do. That said, I've noticed decidedly lower attendance for free and low-cost events that I have hosted so I suspect it's not just one thing. My best advice for anyone hosting events is to try to post relatively early so people can plan ahead, and then come to a few minglers or other larger events to meet people and invite them to come. (Director of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Nick at 10/30/09 8:46:04 -- Not only about Drinking If you don't like drinking events, I have been hosting coffee minglers on a fairly regular basis. You are always welcome to attend. The most recent one had about two dozen people who actually showed up. The next one is on Sun. Nov. 8. These are great events if you are economically pressed; for the price of a coffee or tea, you can socialize for a few hours. Lead time is important, I always try to post my events 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Beforehand, I look at the MIPL calendar to see what other events have been posted for that day. Hope this info. helps. (Welcome Wagon of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Patty at 10/30/09 7:18:00 -- just read this Hi Wynn, I get on to the MiPL site almost every day, sometimes miss a day or two. I did not see your events posted. But just read my bulletins and had 2 from you announcing them. This group is not all about the drinking. If it were, I'd not still be here. Like some others here, I've been going through a difficult time personally and professionally. It's darned hard to feel as social when life is difficult. Also, unemployment for some of us has meant our socializing budget is slashed. Couple that with the flu, the change of seasons, many people working extra hours at their job (just to hold their jobs!) or working 2 jobs, and conflicting other events and well, I can see where some events aren't as well-attended right now. Please try to not take it personally but try again with hosting other events. I've noticed the more lead time I give, the more attendance my hosted event has. Hope to see you soon! (Welcome Wagon of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Trish at 10/30/09 2:43:41 -- Sick! Also, a lot of people, like myself, have been sick these past few weeks, I think it's responsible to not attend events when you aren't feeling well. Would have loved to join you for sushi, but alas, I'm sick. (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Susan at 10/30/09 12:03:07 -- Wish I could I did respond to your Astoria trip with a reluctant "no", as I am booked on Sunday morning (including my part-time job). I think it's great you're doing this. You might try posting to the Voluteer message board for this event. Sushi I would be interested in but I'm frantically cleaning my house for some guests. If the sushi was on my side of town, I would be joining you, but it's too far away this time. Sorry! (Welcome Wagon of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Jennifer at 10/30/09 11:53:43 -- Halloween I've been sort of under a rock lately myself, for personal reasons (good ones :). I think the group may just be undergoing a natural fluctuation, but there's still plenty going on. And Halloween is definitely huge this year, being on a Saturday, so a lot of people have had their plans made for a long time. I would have loved to sign up for the day trip to Astoria, since I've never been, if I didn't have an extremely inconveniently-scheduled HOA meeting :( (Event Planner of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by mari at 10/30/09 11:22:09 -- 31st There are 3 big events on this day (not to mention the others)that people have been signed up for for a long time so I think it is more about the day. (Member of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Steph at 10/30/09 10:58:25 -- Another thing to think about is the day that you posted two of your events is Halloween. Many people are busy getting ready for parties and other Halloween related things. I totally would've joined you for sushi, but I have kids who are going to be busy running around doing last minute things for their costumes and getting ready for trick-or-treating. (Welcome Wagon of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
Reply by Stu at 10/30/09 10:31:22 -- Hmm A quick look at your profile reveals that you haven't been to a single event yourself in the last two months. And only two in the last four months. People have always been more likely to sign up for events when they know the host, because they've seen them at other events recently. Yes, the number of attendees and events has dropped a bit over the last year. There's various reasons for that, some more obvious than others. But the way to get the group back to its previous activity level isn't to sit around complaining about it; it's to go out and do something about it. This group belongs to all of us. If you want it to succeed (and we all do), make it succeed. (Welcome Wagon of MEETinPORTLAND) (Flag This Message)
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