Thread by @gordondym

After taking a Twitter sabbatical (things have been busy), I thought I would take a note from @jurijuri and discuss my insights into #meetups...since I run @WhoMeetup. A thread. /1

https://twitter.com/jurijuri/status/1468587716518592523

Meetups, at their heart, are socially-oriented.

There's no rule that says you *have* to show a video, or *have* to do anything.

Too many people act like "meetups don't matter"...and they do.

#Meetups can provide a low barrier of entry to fandom /2

At its heart, @WhoMeetup doesn't "compete" with Gally or Chicago TARDIS...

we take our cue from groups like @chicagonerds, @RaksGeek, and @DownInFrontLive and focus on *community* rather than "commodity".

And we've done a lot since I took over @WhoMeetup in 04/2012. /3

First rule is that this is not our job. You are not our boss.

This is our *space*. You are our *guest*.

And you need to respect boundaries.../4

One good way is, where possible, to review an organization's code of conduct *before* attending an event.

That can save you a *lot* of time.

Here's the @WhoMeetup code of conduct. /5

chicagodoctorwhomeetup.com/code-of-conduc…

Also, #meetups don't have super-high budgets. We're lucky to have a @Patreon (link later in the thread), but if you're expecting to catch #DoctorWho in HD/Blu-Ray glory...

It will probably not happen.

Also, one of the most dreaded phrases you can say.../6

Nope, it's "Meetups should always be free".

We're lucky - we don't have to charge. Other groups aren't.

If you're asked to chip in, please do so.

Don't be like the dude who said, "Even though this event was free, I want my money back."

That, my friends, is *not* cool /7

(Plus, it's easier to have people pay their own way.

And most @WhoMeetup events are free...because we believe anyone who wants to attend should be able to attend) /8

Also, we try to accommodate the greatest good for the greatest number.

Meetup organizers try to find places that are accessible (for mobility/other issues), affordable, and can accommodate people.

So asking "why don't we do more stuff in bars?" is probably not a smart move /9

"But what about COVID?" You ask.

As far as @WhoMeetup is concerned, we're hoping to hold in-person events in the future but staying online.

And online meetups are tricky, which leads to our next issue.../10

Technology and video/audio can be difficult. Please try to be understanding and empathic.

(Central IL Doctor Who Fan Club did a commendable job with their #DoctorWhoFlux screenings. They deserve kudos) /11

Also, a small point:

It's ok to criticize Chibnall's run on the show...

but if you're going to whine about it to the point where people enjoy Chibnall's work feel uncomfortable...

Congratulations! You're a bully! /12

Seriously. Treat other people with respect.

None of us own #DoctorWho. We only own our feelings for it.

And speaking of owning.../13

Expecting any fan-based organization to illegally download media - and/or record showing of that media - is way out of line.

We respect copyright laws. (And you need to ask consent before recording, so we also respect people's privacy)

But let's see...any other issues ? /14

Here's one that's a bit awkward: you know that one recent #Brooklyn99 episode where Peralta declares that he's "one of the good ones" to Rosa?

For white people (like me) who believe in #Socialjustice , just a reminder from that show's last line:

"It's not always about you" /15

Meetups try to be inclusive as possible (even down to where we hold events).

But we also see it as a work in progress.

And we may get it wrong, but not horribly wrong. /16

OK, so there's plenty there to think about...but how can *you* support @WhoMeetup?

You can find us on Meetup (dot) com and Facebook...and we have a monthly email newsletter you can join! /17 tinyletter.com/ChicagoWhoMeet…

(As always, you can RT/share our social media content).

You're also invited to our 12/19 listening party (details via Facebook) - fb.me/e/13HcvKQQN /18

As we stated before, you can join our @Patreon community. We have exclusive content and perks to keep you motivated...and current...on what's happening. /19 patreon.com/ChicagoDoctorW…

For other orgs, consider buying their merch - it's a great way to spread the word *and* support cool stuff.

Like @RaksGeek - they have a cool curated collection you should check out. (We're not at their level of coolness yet - but we're close!) /20 teepublic.com/en-au/stores/r…

Finally, treat your local #Meetup or other organizer.

If you want, for example, buy me a coffee, here's my @kofi_button.

Thanks for letting me share, and thus endeth the thread. /21 ko-fi.com/gordondym

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