So far the group has been run in a pretty Laissez-faire fashion. But as of late a few members have asked for me to post a general set of guidelines regarding the inner workings of the group. No, there are not going to be an endless numbers of rules and regulations. That is just plain silly.

However to maintain and constantly improve the group as a whole I will mention some guidelines that although one would think to be common sense, I have also found to be necessary for me to write down. So without further ado, here we go.

1-) This organization was created for members to have fun and to socialize. Not to sell your wares. If you do have a side business, or you are some sort of salesman\promoter that's great, but do not use this group to advertise or solicit new customers\members. It is really sad to see an individual trying to blatantly squeeze in their business information in their profiles as if no one would notice:

"Hi, my name is Bob, I am single live in Toronto and I like cars. In fact, I love cars. If you like cars then you are in luck because I happen to sell them too! You can contact me at downtown Ford at Bob.Perterson@DowntownFord.ca, #416-549-4583 ext 345 I am in five days a week except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when I am busy with my other love, selling minivans. Let's make a deal!?"

You come off as desperate, so please don't since I will be deleting your entry anyway and possibly removing you. However if you post a FYI of an (non-conflict of interest) event, say a Wine Festival in Yorkville or a Jazz festival on the beaches then by all means, go ahead.

2-) A-) We are all adults here. If you cannot make an outing then don't RSVP 'YES.' If you can't make it, then please be respectful enough to change your RSVP as soon as possible.
If you think you might not make it, then click on 'NO' until you are sure.

My main concern is to the majority who do come out. I always expect a few members not to be able to make it one reason or other, after all things happen. But...

...When someone 'emails' me minutes before the event or a few days later with excuses like:
'My internet does not work, that is why I could not make it.'
'My computer broke down and that is why I won't be able to make it.'
'I had a fat day.'
'I just don't feel like coming out, because it going to be too hot/cold/freezing/scalding/apocalyptic/ or I might melt' etc.' How can I, or anyone not roll their eyes? Especially since the person does not even bother to change their RSVP which takes all six seconds to do?

2 B-) It is assumed member are adults and not just in the chronological sense. IF you opt to RSVP "YES" and then you cancel, within the last FIVE (5) hours of a Meetup without reason then I am in my right to remove you.
If you ask why, I will assume you have read this and I WILL simple send you this links for you read. Although "shit happens" is as good a excuse as any, I simply cannot have half the group bail out simply because it rains, the sun shines too harshly or if the temperature changes by a few degrees up or down.

You would not do that to your friends or acquaintances, otherwise they would think you are a prick. I have the right to think the same if you just bail out on the group. Why you ask? Because the establishment I have a rapport with has been asked to reserve a space for us & for you. If we do not comply with our part of the agreement we LOOK BAD in their eyes and makes it more difficult to book venues at a later time. You may not have to worry about this, but I do.

3-) If people don't show up to events, don't bother to email me or at the very least change your RSVP then I have to question your commitment to the group. And since all the group is asking if you opt to not come out to a particular event is to left-click on a 'yes' button if you are coming and 'no' if you are not, then I have to question if the group is right for you. Since that is hardly much a of commitment. Hence I may simply just remove you, for the sake of the members who do want to come out and meet, socialize and be merry.

I think these statements are pretty fair and that they will improve the group in the long run. If you have any questions then by all means email me.

4-) Oh, yes, the issue with fees, as some of you may or may not know, Meetup.com charges me to be your organizer. I also dedicate my own time researching, finding quality locations for events. Haggle with management for seating and reservations, which normally they dislike to take on Fridays and weekends. Plus the quality photography and touch ups which countless people use for their own uses, and the actual hosting, so yes, there is a time commitment. Ultimately, the amount charged is quite reasonable for a night of meeting new people and making new friends in one of the best and most vibrant meetups in Toronto.

Remember clubs are $10 and up to go by yourself... If you disagree with this policy, you are welcome to try other groups.

5-) Picture policy: As most of you already know, pictures of most events will be taken to be included into the group's 'photos' section and possibly other projects where the media in question may be needed. Your acceptance --and by that I mean, being in the picture-- gives me the right to use the image for posting, blogging (aka: My blog at: http://mauricioalas.c...) and other tools used to advertise the group. At no point, situation or circumstance will your name or personal information or description of your character be used. This is done to protect your privacy.

So, unless it is a really, really bad pic, or is only a picture of yourself then I will NOT be removing larger pics of the group just because you have issues. You are in a social group for God's sakes. What did you expect? So if you do ask you will just be pointed to here.

Furthermore, if you are some really shy/teacher/spy/made-man type of person who cannot have themselves on a picture, it is your right to request for me not to use the photo in question and to have it destroyed, however this only applies if you are the only person or just two people are in the shot, no more. Although I do not see what the problem would be with that. You weirdo.

Last but not least, I can always photoshop you out but then others might will know. But I am willing to do that for you.

6-) The Sweet Good Bye: As we all know, Meetup.com is a fickle and forever in flux site. Needs of members change for the great, the good and the bad; and just as we have new members coming in, there are others who for one life change or another feel like they may not want to be part of the group and it happens. No worries. However, please remember that joining or leaving ANY group in Meetup.com is and has always been both a member's right and responsibility, not the organizer's. So if you want to leave, please go to your own settings & follow this short steps:

On the right hand corner go to and click on:

A-) Account
B-) Membership and communication
C-) Search for the group in question
D-) Click on Leave group. And you are done.
E-) Bon Voyage!


Take care and hope to see you sometime in the future.

Regards,


Mauricio
Your Org. Guy


Reason for editing: Added section 2B (Feb 27 / 2009)
Updated site address (Jan 17 /2011)