Meetup.com Experiences?

[Beguiling Orbit]

I live in Dallas-Ft. Worth, which has a ton of meetups on meetup.com. I've often thought about going to one, but never seem to work up the courage.

Could you please describe your experience with meetups? Would you recommend it to others on AC? I'm especially interested in learning about ones related specifically to ASD/Aspergers, but also curious about the experience in general.

 

[kay]

Depends on the Meetup. Some die before they ever really get started. One I joined never even managed a first event. Another two were rather huge for awhile with weekly events. Both of those barely exist now due to adults acting like middle school children and trying to run off everyone but the "cool kids". I made a few friends though so it was worth it. I haven't been able to go to an ASD Meetup yet because the nearest one is in St. Louis. I joined it though just in case I happen to get the chance.

 

[Butterfly88]

I'm in a young adults Asperger's meetup and and I've also been to a few board game meetups. Meetups are run by individuals so each meetup varies. But overall I would recommend meetups.

 

[OkRad]

I have been to a few. They work best for me if I accept that I might be the weird one sitting there, smiling. My angle is to just keep on smiling through the pain even if I look like an idiot. Just to NOT look uncomfortable. Someone eventually says Hi. I went to deaf chats which was great. But still, same dynamics as hearing. People clique off and leave you sitting there, so......just keep on smilin'

 

[Keigan]

That is their business model, if you don’t like what you find then start your own.

It is not about what you are going to find, it is about what you are going to offer, put into, give towards.

 

[Beguiling Orbit]

That is their business model, if you don’t like what you find then start your own.

It is not about what you are going to find, it is about what you are going to offer, put into, give towards.

So are you saying that the magic doesn't happen just because the meeting was found on meetup.com?

 

[Bolletje]

I don't have any ASD related meetups in my area, however, I am glad I joined some time ago because I found a lot of free interesting lectures in my area. Signed up for a free coding class, but sadly that was full and I didn't get to go. Will be attending a lecture next week, I'll post my experience afterwards

 

[Suiseiseki]

There's no Asperger meet ups here but I did get into historical reenacting that way.

 

[Bolletje]

I went to a coding meetup last weekend and I had a blast. I was a little nervous beforehand, but most people at the meetup were new, so we were all a little nervous and awkward and that helped a lot. Made a few friendly connections, one professional connection, and joined a group that meets monthly. All in all I'd say a very positive experience. I'm planning to go to a few more meetups in my area this week, just to see if these are groups I could see myself getting involved with.