Quote:
Originally Posted by Ginger08
I had a great time even tho i was nervous as hell! Lol Anyway, thanks for putting on such a great party for us! Meet alot of awesome people who id love to get to know better! ������
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Confessing a bit of anxiety in meeting a room full of "payers and players" (my description) to me, as Miss Ginger did is maybe the sixth step in the "hobby ladder" for
both ladies and gents.
Explanation:
First step,
considering entrance to the hobby by assessing the risks/rewards.
Second step,
actually entering the hobby by making
availability known to others either individually or within the hobby community.
Third step,
seeking an encounter.
Fourth step,
actually experiencing an encounter.
Fifth step,
making known that you have had an encounter, usually via the review process.
Sixth step,
overcoming further anxiety by having more encounters,
maybe even attending a meet & greet.
After that, obviously a few more "steps" but my caution to all of us, including myself, is never do anything that violates your own personal sense of security. So if attending a meet & greet is not your "style" then don't even consider it.
otoh, since you are already "exposed" merely by membership here, why not explore the possibilities and opportunities of meeting others in the hobby in a
sane environment at little expense. These are "meet and greets" not "parties" and the only "social" are the very large gatherings, such as the Hollow Weenie or Mardi Graciass or XXXmass "socials."
Explanation: a
meet and greet is a gathering small enough and not so overly large that everyone has the opportunity to spend 10 minutes or more with every other individual there. "Socials" are much larger, more of a limited face-to-face time "mixer" and usually have a firm holiday event "theme."
I think "experiencing the community's fellowship" is a great way to research folks you have "seen" on line and might like to meet in person or even behind closed doors.
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Over the years, some people have "protested" to me (in public, no less!) that they would never ever attend an event since they are very concerned about their personal security.
To those people, I say, thanks for expressing your opinion. I can respect that. But each and every one of us must create and protect our own "security shield" and, obviously, 99 pct of the folks on this and other hobby boards are already "exposed" to a certain degree.
The other 1 pct are the "haters" and most of them are very prolific in posting here and elsewhere and very limited in adding much if anything to the data base.
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Please forgive the length of the above. There's a purpose to it, and an occasional reminder to all in the greater community is something I felt might be warranted.