Originally Posted by Gone Fishing
George,
While I applaud your proposal, in principle, I can't help hearing a few warning bells ringing - some alarmingly loudly.
"... a high of about 80 folks at one time " plus "who knows how many". Where the hell from? There have never been more than 50 to 60 "regular" posters on this board in total. As some new faces appear, so old ones go. I am not talking about quantity or quality of posts, or length of membership, just "regular" posting. Do a quick count, or look at the numbers on the more popular polls (and even those probably include a "duplicate" or two). Whether one believes everything some people post or not, the board members are clearly spread around the globe - UK, USA, Europe, the Middle and Far East, etc. Additionally, even some of those posting here who live in Thailand never leave Bangkok for Pattaya and vice-versa.
Of the 50 or 60 regular posters I would guess (and it is only a guess) no more than half, at the most, are likely to be in Thailand at any one time and (again a guess) no more than half of those are likely to be in Pattaya. You are probably, therefore, looking at an attendance of around a dozen genuine, regular posters from here at the most.
I had always thought the "balloon chasers" of Pattaya were a myth, as I simply could not bring myself to believe that so many would be so hard up (financially or emotionally), or so boorish as to gate-crash a party, whether held in a public bar or not. I was wrong. Totally wrong.
I remember reading a post by Mind the Gap two or three years ago after he attended one of Rainwalker's get-togethers in Pattaya: as I recall he wrote that during the time he was there (45 minutes, mid-evening) there were three "regular" board members present, including Rainwalker and himself (the third person was Monty). The remaining 20 or so party-goers at the time admitted no more than "occasionally reading" the board, never posting. While it is quite possible that BG, the Corporal, et al, were there incognito, weighing up the opposition, it is at least as likely that none of them had ever taken any prior interest in the board at all. As for retaining anonymity, even as one of those who takes this aspect relatively seriously, this is hardly likely to be an open meeting of the Special Forces Club; I, certainly, would see no reason not to introduce myself to my host, at least, if I were to attend (and George, I will make a point of doing so before then if we meet - preferably not after you have "hung one on in Sunee", or elsewhere!).
I also recall attending Mike's birthday party at La Cage a couple of years ago and being asked more than once "whose party is it?", followed by "who's Mike?" - and as those concerned evidently thought the free food and drink was worth putting up with "Name that Tune", some of the balloon chasers were clearly very hard up indeed and prepared to endure almost anything!.
George, not only can I see no obligation on the organiser of a forum get-together to lay on free food and drink, but I can see every reason for him not only not to do so, but to actively publicise this both here and at the bar - a large banner reading "Thai Gay Forums - no free booze" would solve the problem! That is not to say that it would not be appreciated if you were to buy a drink (or even two) for those making themselves (and their persona!) known to you, which they may even reciprocate; in addition a limited finger buffet, say every hour, would be nice, as would the occasional bit of entertainment, but no more.
This has nothing to do with the costs, or with either being seen to be or being economical or extravagant,- it is purely intended to ensure that you achieve the aim of having an enjoyable forum get-together, not an open house for all and sundry. It all depends on what you want.