[crooked-v]

Once upon a time I would have suggested Meetup as a way to (as one would expect) meet people interested in similar hobbies. Sadly, it's gone badly downhill since they started charging to run groups, leaving only the most dedicated people and the ones who are just using it as advertising for their paid events.

[wenc]

As someone who used to go to 2-3 Meetups in Chicago a week, I can say that Meetups are not a good way to build connections because you almost never see the same person twice.

Friendship requires 3 elements (which were easy when you're a kid and much harder as an adult): proximity, repeated exposure and letting your guard down. Meetups are good for the first, but don't do much for the second and third.

[zamnos]

It's a funnel. If you don't make any connections, ie don't do anything for step #1, then #2 and #3 are much much harder, if not impossible.

[wenc]

They're not even a funnel. Meetups aren't the right channel for #2 and #3 -- they almost never happen based on (even pre-COVID) experience with Meetups (I went to 2-3 meetups a week for over 3 years, and despite being outgoing, I never made a single friend).

I had better luck with #1 + #2 taking classes at Second City than I ever had at Meetups. Classes give you repeated exposure to the same people every week. Repeated exposure gives people predictability, which helps them relax their defenses.

#3 is more difficult -- you have to take the extra step of inviting people out to do stuff together. People are more comfortable opening up in smaller settings.

[l3x4ur1n]

I actually just yesterday attended my first ever event from Meetup (it was not paid) and I met a lot of interesting people and had good conversations. So I'd say to OP to give it a chance if they find something interesting there.

[adamredwoods]

I find them hit-or-miss. It's important to keep an open mind.

[Melatonic]

The Heylo app is pretty good - it is a bit janky itself (software wise) but lots of people and groups are using it. Highly recommend checking it out!

[bilsbie]

How come no one builds a competitor?

[hifromLA]

I suspect monetización is the challenge. It’s similar to an image host. Everyone loves you when you don’t need to make money and you can do what’s best for the end user.

[desas]

They have, Eventbrite is in the same ballpark for example. How come they don't succeed is the question.