TPJames Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 (edited) Wow, I like the new meet box Good to see there is already a meet planned, and it is around 6 weeks time and that is what people said the time should be! EDIT: is it just my screen or has the next meet been taken away? It still says next meet but displays no meet there! Edited January 7, 2013 by Thorpe Park= :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshC. Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 Josh, are we gonna need the Thorpe opening countdown when it's open? Not really... That's what I meant by replacing it, as most meets won't be announced until then anyways... Ah, misunderstood you a bit there - sorry! Like the new countdown. Also makes more members aware of what the next meet is much easier as well and isn't as easily missed as a notification / announcement; all good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mer Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 Agreed, love the countdown on the side! Makes me even more excited for the next meet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 It would help if you read your PM's as well as the one's I've sent you, do not appear to have been read. PMs get sent via email, I read my emails. PM's are read, I'm just rude/forget to reply back Glad some issues have been dealt with, rather than the original usual defence mode activation that human beings have. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Glad you're happy Fred! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted February 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2013 Finally got round to doing some more responses: JoshC., on 23 Dec 2012 - 21:14, said: 2) Regularly. I know that will mean different things to different people, but hey-ho. I don't see why one can't be done every 6-8 weeks say, as long as enough people are turning up. It's trickier around certain times (Closed Season, exam times in May/June for example), but 6-8 weeks seems achievable. 3) For me personally, I don't normally need too much warning, but that depends on the time of year. As a general thing, I think a minimum of 3 weeks during open season / for 'smaller meets', and anything up to 6 weeks for 'larger meets' / closed season. One random thing I'll throw in here - is it possible to try and keep a mixture of days? As in, not have all meets on a Saturday, say - have some on Saturdays, some on Sundays, etc., with the occasional midweek one? Even with advanced warning, people may not be able to make certain days outright (for example, Sundays for me are particularly difficult to do), so to have a mixture of different days will help more people come along. pluk, on 24 Dec 2012 - 10:11, said: Due to the unpredictability of my work I have trouble confirming I'll be available on a given date, so the longer notice the better. I like the idea of a meet calender being written up over closed season. Ellie, on 24 Dec 2012 - 18:14, said: 2. Monthly would be nice but it's not always going to be possible so I agree with Josh, 6-8 weeks! 3. Well if its a Sunday, a couple of weeks. If not, a couple of months. Although I have all my holiday booked off for work now so if its a Saturday it's not possible for me. Weekdays are a maybe with plenty of warning. We know everyone has different schedules so will cater as much as possible for all these different schedules. Also to keep the momentum going we will be trying to organize as many trips as possible within the year and know that even though some people may not need any warning there are others that need as much as possible, sadly though for ERT events we cannot give lots of warning as it all depends on when Thorpe Park will let us so: After a trip has happened, another new trip will be announced a week later. The day of the trip will have a suggested date that will suggest different days of the week, but this date will be put up to a poll alongside other dates to see what day is the most popular within the community for 2 weeks before the poll is closed and the actual date is confirmed. Due to this method you will sometimes find the next 2 upcoming trips as the next trip will already have been confirmed after the previous meet! This will mean you will wait no longer than 8 weeks before the next meet and often a lot shorter. Finally, when we are given some sort of treat by Thorpe that have limited numbers available places should be given to active members, not some randoms who have just turned up for the day out of nowhere and have never been on the forum. Totally agreed with pluk. The last paragraph is exactly what myself and many others have said. There are members here who rarely post or possibly don't post at all, and the only meets they attended were the ERT ones I'm not sure exactly where we would draw the line on this but active members who make decent, contributive posts is pretty much what I'm thinking. And yes, I appreciate we have younger members here who are still learning and full of lovely teenage hormones but I don't think that should be an excuse for their behaviour in chat or silly posts (not aimed at all the younger members, just the naughty ones ). I first joined a forum at 14 and was an angel God I miss that Harry Potter forum! Also, I think it's very important we listen to what pluk has said re: exclusive meets and ERT events. If the numbers are limited then by all means, implement a minimum post requirement or some other objective measure of forum dedication. This isn't to spite members who we do not feel 'deserve' to come to a meet because they can't be bothered to post, but if there was some way of ensuring that the members who attend these meets are going to stick around after them, or have proven themselves a constructive part of our community then absolutely they should come. It's not fair when there's high demand for places on exclusive meets that are given to members who turn up and don't socialise and then never turn up either on the forum or other meets ever again. There was a reason behind this, particularly the meets which didnt have a maximum number of people (Swarm, Colossus ERT's) the more people we have at these events the better, if we was to turn up with just a few it wouldnt be worth it for the park and make these events harder to arrange in the future, thankfully at events like these larger numbers dont really effect the meets and the amount of rides people get. I totally agree with this! Inevitably, the question with this is - how do you decide which members are able to go? Personally, I think the best way to do this would be to have the topics for such exclusive meets (ERTs, etc.) to be accessible only to members until after the spaces are filled / after the meet (I assume this is in some way possible), and not advertise them on Facebook / Twitter, like Ellie says. Or, in times of need, make it viewable to the public when it seems as if there are going to be plenty of free spaces. This way, it ensures that at least semi-regular members who contribute to the forum in some way see the topic, and such meets are full of such members, and then the public see that we have such meets, and that if they become a member of the community (note the word community here, and not forum or site), then they can join in such things as well. Just something to throw out there. If numbers are limited could be first-come first-serve like Experiment 10, with no external advertising. Regular forum members are likely to see this and put their name down. The alternative would be a draw the name out of a hat type thing (like the straw picking for the Colossus lift hill walk), but that wouldn't really work unless we were to do it on the day. Obviously this method would depend on what we were doing, but it would ensure everyone had a fair chance at being picked. Regarding ERT events - Anyone who wants to come is more than welcome to attend, however there maybe the occasion when there are a limited amount of spaces. We do want everyone who wants to attend take on this opportunity but it's understandable people would like an element of fairness, therefore: For exclusive ERT events, you will get a provisional place on a first come first served basis. However confirmed places will be sent to you by a PM after those who are interested have been confirmed. Confirmed places will be given to those who have taken an active interest in attending meets and/ or who have been to meets. The more interest you show the more of a priority you will become to gain an exclusive spot. This ensures that people who actively try to attend (whether they can or not) will gain a spot and those who only turn up to an exclusive ERT event to not ever be seen again will not! I have a spreadsheet at home that I have set up to keep track of the people who have shown interest in meets as they have either come to one before or have contacted me and I have this to ensure no one gets left out and that I remember everyone. Now I understand any newer members may think this is unfair on them, but in time the more you participate the quicker you will go up the priority list and at the moment with the numbers that attend meets on average at the moment this should not be an issue at all for the time being. This also means that if you have a plus 1 and there are not enough spaces then your friend will not be able to join us if there are limited places. There are set 'grades' of participation level I have set on the spreadsheet so if there are limited places, the most active grades will get the place. If there are members who are within the same grade and their are not enough spaces to accommodate all of them then the one's who contacted first to attend the event within that grade will gain their spot. MattyMoo, Ryan and pluk 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted Users Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 Suggestion for future meets. Some kind of introduction time, especially for newer people. It's great to have more people turning up but some parts yesterday felt a bit craaaazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mer Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 Whoa - what happened yesterday? Since Peaj has been meet organiser they have been going brilliantly and he always does introductions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted Users Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 Nothing happened. It was probably just the cold weather and me being used to smaller meets but if I was going to critique the meet for one thing, that would be it. Maybe I'll just get a name badge for next time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted March 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 Suggestion for future meets. Some kind of introduction time, especially for newer people. It's great to have more people turning up but some parts yesterday felt a bit craaaazy. People were introduced, but it was deemed more unnoticeable this time around. Due to feedback from the ERT event when someone new in the group joined I went round everyone over and over again, by end of day members who had been there all day were like 'not this again...' etc. So in this meet whenever someone joined the group I did shout out to everyone who it was and then spoke quietly to the joiner pointing out who everyone was. However, taken your point on board and have an activity in place at Chessington for people to get to know who is who and will try to ensure I make more 'public introductions' to remind people in day who is who as there are a lot of names to remember at the moment for those that forget - whilst making sure there ain't as many as the ERT event. So apologies if bits to you felt a bit crazy, I think at the moment we are going through a trial and error phrase - to see what properly works So to make things a bit more official: When you come to a meet and arrive at the beginning of the day and ain't too shy, there will be a short period where everyone will get to say who they are and reveal 3 interesting facts about them. Later in the day once everyone attending has arrived there will be a small optional 'get to know each other activity' which should encourage some conversation starters so you'll get to know your fellow TPM Members. J.S217 and Mer 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benin Posted March 26, 2013 Report Share Posted March 26, 2013 Enforced fun times at meets </3 N.B. I am being sarcastic... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt 236 Posted December 1, 2013 Report Share Posted December 1, 2013 Here's what I'd like to see at future meets, Visits to Blackpool and Oakwood Additional meets at one or two of the following, Paultons Park, Adventure Island, Great Yarmouth (the pleasure beach and Pleasurewood hills) or Legoland. A meet in the very north (lightwater and flamingo) and Western Europe (Disneyland, Asterix etc.) but probably not until there's enough members e.g an average meet count of around 30 or more. Gggggggg 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted December 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 Right based on people's feedback throughout the year and knowing what people would like to see and also noting that longer distant trips have proven successful I would like to release to you all my proposed outline for the TPM meets in 2014. Please note all of these are subject to change depending if special events come up or become included, so some might get the cut in 2014 if we don't have time but I know a lot have always asked what we have planned. So here we go: Proposed Outline TPM Meets 2014: January: Guildford 2014 February: Adventure Island March: Thorpe Park Open Season 2014 April: Chessington 2014 May: Paultons Park June: Alton Towers 2014 July: Ministry of Sound 2014 August: Oakwood September: Blackpool October: Fright Nights 2014 November: Go Ape December: London Xmas Meet 2014 As it is now closed season - now would be a great time for those who have been to meets to give feedback on what you liked, what you didn't like and for those who have not been on meets what they would like to see to encourage them to attend and meet some of the fantastic people on here Caio! EC!, Mer, FrightNights04 and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Han30 Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 This might be a bit waffly (no change from normal!) but I have drunk SO much coffee and type like a maniac. Although I won’t be attending any more official meets for personal reasons, I just thought I would put my thoughts across.....here goes..... I joined the forums back in April 2011 and went to my first meet in Feb of this year (Guildford) – have been to all the meets apart from the January London meet and MOS. I can’t fault the meets at all – they have been brilliant fun and a great way to meet new people. Anyone reading this that hasn’t been to a meet but wants to go – DO IT! I was really nervous before my first meet (my anxiety issues don’t help) but I went along with a friend. As soon as I met everyone I felt completely relaxed and at ease which is something that is difficult as I am quite a shy person. I can honestly say that I have never met such a lovely bunch of people who are so welcoming. I thought my age would be an issue as I am a fair bit older than some members but I have felt that I had been accepted despite this (plus I don’t really act my age). My suggestions to anyone thinking of going to a meet is to just take the plunge and go ahead – you only have to look at the trip reports to see how much fun the meet ups have been! Even though I went with a friend for my first meet up and she had no idea who everyone was, she was made to feel really welcome and enjoyed the meet Through going to meets I have had so many laughs, met great people and new friends and overcome a lot of fears. This time last year my social life was more-or-less non existent but when I look back over the past 12 months I have done a heck of a lot, and I want to thank you guys for helping me to face some of my fears and for just being so nice. I feel extremely lucky that I have not only had the opportunity to go to the meet ups, but also to the people who actually got me there because I don’t drive. Also The Swarm and Stealth photo shoots and Nemesis Inferno ERT were brilliant. The only downside for me at the meets I have attended is saying goodbye to everyone.....I hate goodbyes moooo. I didn't attend a meet before Peaj became meet organiser but have to say that the meets are well organised, everyone is made to feel welcome and I know a lot of people look forward to the trip reports afterwards - so yeah, a big thanks to Peaj and everyone else that I have met on here - you are all lovely Phew.....shutting up now Phill Pritchard, Mer, alexander and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.S217 Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 Great line up Hope I can go to most of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexander Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 that's a mighty fine list Mer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EC! Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 Some of them I know I can't attend but it looks like pretty cool list. I hope to do the majority! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 I'll be writing up a questionnaire tonight for people to fill in about how they felt about this years meets if they wish AJ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt 236 Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 2014's meet list sounds very exciting. I hope I can make it to most if not all of the days. In terms of the meets, I've really enjoyed each meet I've attended for different reasons. Not just enjoying lots of different rides and chatting with different people and finishing the busy days and reflecting on how good they were at after meet meals. Would recommend anyone who hasn't attended a TPM meet to go to one next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshC. Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 Somewhat sad that I can immediately tell I won't be able to make 7 of those Meets... Hopefully I can make a few next year. I only made one this year, but really enjoyed and I have no complaints to make about it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EC! Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 January: Guildford 2014 February: Adventure Island March: Thorpe Park Open Season 2014 April: Chessington 2014 May: Paultons Park June: Alton Towers 2014 July: Ministry of Sound 2014 August: Oakwood September: Blackpool October: Fright Nights 2014 November: Go Ape December: London Xmas Meet 2014 Unless something happens which means I can go those ones crossed out are the only ones I can't go to. I'm also not sure about the april event because I might be going to a german theme park of some sort so, there is that element too. But the rest I am totally up for!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitchada04 Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 Loving the proposed list of meets for next year and would love to make every one of them! As for a review of the meets, for me it all started on a very cold, snowy Sunday morning standing outside Thorpe Park waiting to meet all the fellow Maniacs for the first time. I remember waking up and watching the first part of the Malaysian Grand Prix with the great battle between Webber and Vettel. Next thing I was standing outside the gates of Thorpe Park with a bunch of people I'd only known for a few minutes and the fun began. From Slammer in the snow, Stealth in the snow right to a Detty marathon (and those two bonkers Tidal Wave riders ). Yes I was freezing cold but I forgot that because I was having so much fun! It wasn't awkward that I was new to meets (much like it can be when you're new at a school). Just a great day out with great people. I then made it my aim to attend as many meets as possible and was gutted when I couldn't attend one because I knew how much fun I would be missing out on! If you were considering attending your first meet and didn't make it this year, I strongly recommend you attend one next year! The meet doesn't need to be at Thorpe or have a perk attached to be great, it's the people that make them great! I have made some great friends this year through the meets and can't wait for my next meet (hopefully Guildford). Phill Pritchard 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pluk Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 Anyone reading this that hasn’t been to a meet but wants to go – DO IT! I was really nervous before my first meet (my anxiety issues don’t help) but I went along with a friend. As soon as I met everyone I felt completely relaxed and at ease which is something that is difficult as I am quite a shy person. I can honestly say that I have never met such a lovely bunch of people who are so welcoming. I thought my age would be an issue as I am a fair bit older than some members but I have felt that I had been accepted despite this (plus I don’t really act my age). My suggestions to anyone thinking of going to a meet is to just take the plunge and go ahead – you only have to look at the trip reports to see how much fun the meet ups have been! Even though I went with a friend for my first meet up and she had no idea who everyone was, she was made to feel really welcome and enjoyed the meet I can only agree with this. Also think it is worth pointing out as you bring it up that there is a real wide range of ages attending these days, from mid teens up to a few of us around the 30 mark and a couple even older (I won't guess at stretchys age out of respect for my elders! ). My point is the meets really are for everyone so if you are thinking about it then just do it! As for what I want / expect from a meet, it is pretty much what we get! Always a good time. MattyMoo, Mer and Phill Pritchard 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pickles Posted December 7, 2013 Report Share Posted December 7, 2013 I vote we all go to the Go Ape one in Bracknell. Just because I live near it XD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattyMoo Posted December 7, 2013 Report Share Posted December 7, 2013 My view on the meets echoes what has been said already - if you are considering going, just go! Think I only went to 3 last year - well, two and a half as I went to the meal of one of the Thorpe trips! - the other two being Stealth and Swarm photoshoots - but thoroughly enjoyed myself on all, even if I am the ripe old age of 30 now As to trips for next year - I have every intention of going to good old Guildford - and if I'm training back, will be happy to go for a few drinks in the evening should anyone fancy it! Paultons Park is just down the road from me now and haven't been for probably 20 years so am keen for that! pluk has been gently persuading me that I should go to the MOS night in June at Thorpe (think it's because I'm older innit ) so will keep an eye out for plans for that! Other than that, Thorpe opening and CwOA meet are possibles too - I should maybe consider finally buying a MAP this year Phill Pritchard 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.