Netizens socialize offline at Meetup
Site aims to put a face to the email at downscale venues

By TRAVIS F. SMITH

www.meetup.com/browse/ent/mov

It's not just who you know, it's how well you know them. And while the
Internet has made it easier to join online groups of people who share your
interests (independent film, fan fiction or Japanese pop), there's a new
service that also makes it easy to meet them in person. Meetup tries to
bring groups of like-minded people together once each month at local
restaurants and coffee shops -- though the venues do seem mostly downscale.
The site is simple to use, and the list of topics is impressive. In a large
city where it's hard to meet people, this seems like a great way to go
beyond simple email exchanges and form the more permanent bonds that come
from spilling a drink on someone. Plus, it's great fun to put a face to the
email addresses you know so well.

indiefilm.meetup.com
fanfic.meetup.com
jpop.meetup.com
filmind.meetup.com/hq/
acting.meetup.com/
filmmaking.meetup.com/


Link:
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=print_story&articleid=VR1117877916&categoryid=1418

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