Friday, March 30, 2007

Open House?

When I crossed the 10,000 visits threshold a while back I made passing mention of throwing a party and wondered if anyone would actually come.

Some of you indicated that you would.

But as I thought more about it, I decided that an actual "party" was just way too much pressure. It requires a commitment of time and energy from the host and the attendees. You have to carve out time on your calendar. You have to make a Committment.

And, let's cut to the chase here, what if after meeting face to face, we just don't like each other? We all take advantage of the anonymity that the web provides and are able to craft an online persona that maybe, just maybe, is more who we want to be than who we actually are.

Reality can be a harsh mistress. Some of us (me) may be far less interesting in person than we are in cyberspace, where we can carefully choose our words and edit our phrases before clicking "publish".

So, I'm not sure. On the other hand, it's weird thinking that I may have potential friends that I have never met. Maybe I'm missing an opportunity to expand my social horizons.

I got to thinking yesterday that rather than a full blown party with a bunch of people who don't know each other, maybe I should just have an Open House. Pick a night and a span of 2-3 hours, and just be home. Lay out some cheese and crackers, open a bottle of wine, if anybody wants to stop by and say hello, they are welcome. Stay and chat for a while, or leave your car running in the driveway and make a drive-by introduction. No pressure, no expectations.

So, what do you think? Would you be more likely to attend a full blown party with a bunch of people you've never met? Or would you rather swing by an open house where you could possibly be the only one there, but aren't obligated to stay past saying hello?

Or would you prefer to keep your distance and maintain the fantasy?

13 comments:

Janet said...

We're up for either, makes no difference to us.

Or we could do something like a blogger meetup at a third party destination. Back when Jessy was in town, we used to get together once a month or so. They were fun.

FletcherDodge said...

Whoah there XO, let's not move so fast! We haven't even had a first date yet and you already want me to come over to your house?

I'm inclined to side with janet on this one. Let's all meet up at The Brooksider, or the River Market Brewery or something. You can buy the first round.

"The D" said...

Yea a happy hour meet up would be better. But on the other hand it would be easier for the cops to arrest somone for putting GHB in my drink and gang raping me.

Spyder said...

Or sometime when the Record Bar doesn't have a band playing. I hear Greg Beck (Death's Door)goes there on occasion. Or a coffee place, or book store. The last being more dangerous than the others.

Do you really want to open your house to a bunch a strange strangers? Can you say stalker?

I would show up.

Faith said...

I'm with the bar meeters. (Cool name for a band, maybe...) I'd be there for at least one round fo sho.

Dan said...

I'm in for whatever.

GB, RN said...

Dude! I'm nursing the mother of all hangovers from my Open House last night. OHMYGOD. I can't think about alcohol right now without retching.

Anonymous said...

Meeting up at some bar/grill sounds good. I'm gonna be the old lady of the group so I'll be able to spot.

Anonymous said...

I mean I'll be "easy" to spot...sheesh

crse said...

aw! I wish i didnt live several states away. When i read your post i did not even think about the stalker possibility. Which probably explains why Ive found myself being stalked as a result of my own stupidity! (I gotta admit though, looking at your picture? Im thinking the danger issue isnt so much for you as much as the annoyance of having stalkers issue) Wow, sometimes when you are sad to miss the blogger meet up, its very cathartic to comment about your own stupidity!

Anonymous said...

I could be persuaded to meet folks at a bar, but probably not anywhere else. Meeting people is easier with booze.

Xavier Onassis said...

Well shit!

I was hoping for a more passive experience where I just sit at home watching HDTV and welcome a spradic stream of visitors.

Kinda like on Halloween.

But it looks like I will need to put on some "grown up clothes" and actually leave the house.

OK.

Fine. LOL!

Seriously, I look forward to meeting all of you.
I'll pick a location and a date and hope you can make it.

Rusty said...

I'm up for whatever, so long as I get to hang with the mighty XO.