Hey Guys and Gals,

Have you ever felt incredibly busy and yet not busy all at the same time? 

I still have yet to add the changes that my site editor Jennifer Parker has suggested but I promise I will do it soon.


I do feel like updating you guys on my www.meetup.com group progress with the following message that I posted to all my members.

I'm proud to say that after only 3 days we have reached almost 300 people from around NYC, all paying me money, hey maybe you should pay me too! Kidding...unless you want to do it.

Anyway here is what I wrote them all...


Dear Members,


I would like to thank you for joining and for your interest in Never Eating Alone!


I started this group because I simply hated eating alone! I see dining out as a social experience that should be shared with at least one other person! In a city like New York, it makes no sense that so many people are lonely.

Our first few meetups have been successful with an unexpected 22 people showing up at one place and forcing the restaurant to put several tables together to accommodate us all. This has given us a little power with restaurant as 22 customers represent a significant amount of money in one night. Presently, I'm considering a group sponsor.


While there (at dinner) I met some of our members: 

an accountant who works for the city, 

a train conductor that drives (conducts) an Amtrak train each day from Washington DC to NYC, 

an 18 year old high school student who just wanted to get out, 

a 60 year old retiree looking to do something for the evening, 
and the list goes on and on.

It was a very enjoyable experience and when dinner was finished, we all went our separate ways. Some exchanged facebook/twitter info, some people made friends, some people said they would show up at the next meetup. Everyone seemed to have a good time.

But this is why I'm email you: while the group serves me, (as I NEVER have to eat alone) I started thinking maybe it could serve others in the same way? Instead of only having the option to join groups that are eating out, I would like the extend the option to every member of the group (yes you) to become co-organizers of the group.

It might sound more complicated than it actually is, but all you basically do is type in where you want to eat and what time you want to eat there and people can join you. This will mean more options for everyone and meetup events potentially going on all the time. As a coorganizer you are under no obligation to plan any event, you just have the ability to do so.

So if anyone is interested in sitting with random people from around the city let me know and I'll give you the option to post any restaurant where you will be eating. In the future I may even develop a site completely devoted to the concept. Until next time.

Here's to Never Eating Alone,

  Paul Rogers
 "Turning the enjoyment of life into a public service since 1983."