h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The winter and summer main London meets seem to be slowly dying off . What would entice you to come along if you haven't already? How can we attract more newbies?

I think I'm partly put off by the prospect of so much drunkenness, but I can't come due to other reasons, like lack of money.

Ditto on the drunkenness

Wilma

( and not out of choice, either...)

not everyone gets drunk, n there are some who don't drink at all like Ged .

and those who do get pished are friendly nice drunks not the horrible type

As the token tee-totaller, I find that most Hootooers at meets just get a bit merry, with only a bit of drunken singing at the end. I've yet to see a meet with people throwing up in toilets and passing out in the gutter.

Most people are there just to have a friendly chat and meet the people behind the screen, with a few bevvies making the process easier.

It's a bit of a trek if you live in the north of the country, plus the cost, plus the time needed off work

Yeah, I'd find it a lot easier if there was a meet more locally, somewhere in lancashire, perhaps?

Hootoo's Northern UK contingent known as the 'Flat Cap and Muffler club' have occasional meets A732458.

There's also the scottish researchers group meets. A599376

Though saying that we regularly have researchers from Germany and Sweden and this time all the way from Canada!

So op north isn't far.

Also it is only twice a year and you can make a weekend of it with sightseeing and whatnot. Their are also plenty of decent priced hotels n even i think some hostels n uni campuses people stay at. You might even find some nice researchers like me n ged offering free bed n board for the weekend.

How many actually went in the end?
I was too exausted to go, not one 100% fit at moment.
I might have gone if the Kew Gardens afternoon one was one again, not really into pubs so probobly would not go to that anyway.

Only about 20 people made it this timebut it was still good fun. The first lot of photos are in my journal.


We used to have apicnic n games in hyde park at the summer meet from about 2pm till 5or 6 for those not so keen on the evening pub part. Afternoon ideas are always welcome, though i dont think museums and such are necessarily the best for chatting n mingling

Once my body decides that it is fit enough (sort it out body), i will for sure be going, just to meet all you nutters

I think a more structured day would be a good idea.

And I am always happy to provide a choice of afternoon venues. Yesterday's proved good for a number that came, because there was a Satire exhibition on. And, yes, if there is the interest, I can organise another Kew Meet, although I can't guarantee the free entry (free passes are date-stamped and I only get 6 a year) but can offer free hot food.

Accomadation here is imposible, but there is TravelBodge and Premier Bodge 5 minutes away.

I already have my thinking cap on for the Winter Meet.

Although kew is interesting , im not sure its the best thing for a social gathering to sit n chat n whatnot how about hyde or a different park n as well as a picnic we could organise some games for those feeling more energetic? rounders went down well one year.

I thought that was the evening session.

I know I am only in a very small minority but

a) I can't sit on the grass,

b) Sport is physically difficult,

c) I find Picnics are a grazing activity, not eating.

d) Is weather dependent and, remembering 2 years ago, may put people off if inclement!

However, that is only my opinion, and I am not going against the idea, Just that I personally prefer to visit somewhere, and interact via mutual interest. Certainly at Kew we went around together, chatted, then ate together, followed by 'almost' travelling to the Evening Meet together

Personal preference, and good to have a choice, surely?

indeed..

some people may want to bring children with them though, and then theres those of us who cant manage much walking etc. im sure theres a middle ground thatd suit everyone as much as possibe and give plenty of room for chatting to each other.

some people may only get the afternoon for the actual meeting/mingling part.

Agreed!

I'm open to suggestions too.