My primary reason for joining the meetup is to meet, in person, some of the people that I’ve been getting to know here, online. Steem is cool to collect and learn about online, but the real longterm goal is to better my life and the lives of my husband and kids. Online, it’s novel, in real life it’s more powerful. I feel that way about the people I’m making connections with here on Steemit. It’s cool to share bits of our lives with eachother, learn a little from and about each other, but real life connections with people can be so much more powerful. I believe that once the people on the other side of the screen become flesh and blood people, even after they return to their side of the screen, their experiences and feelings seem more real somehow. Well, that’s been my experience.

I think an evironment that feels pretty informal and relaxed, but has structure in the way of scheduled speakers and that sort of thing, would be excellent. With structure, we could make the most out of the time we have. We could all leave with some new information and education. And there’s a lot to be said for a room full of people being excited about the samething at the same time. If it’s all structure, there’s no time to have organic conversation and make human connection.

I don’t really have an opinion about a start or stop time. Obviously, the longer it runs the more interaction time there will be. But for those traveling farther may need to pay for lodging and food. And food or refreshments during a longer event would need some consideration.

That’s just my position. I’m pretty flexable, so really, what ever works best for everyone else works for me.

Thank you so much for taking the lead on organizing a meet up!