meetup.com

Description
[|Meetup.com] is a social networking system that facilitates offline meetings for people with similar interests in different locations around the world. Users type in their interest, country, and zip code (optional) to find gatherings that fit the criteria. Each event has a section of the site which features a description of the event, a calendar of future meetings and/or related events, members list, photos, forum, polls, file sharing, and a promotion section that allows members to advertise their group through facebook or myspace.

Analysis
The site extends beyond online social networking enabling people to create closer bonds through real life interactions and experiences. Not only does it help join people with similar interests, it also allows them to talk about their interests in forums, and message other members. As a result, communities, activist groups, and hobby and religous groups are formed. On sign-up, Meetup even helps the user start 'socializing' by sending an email to users living in the same area about your new membership.

Meetup allows users to find groups by topics or location. The search funtion is limited however, since it does not allow the user to search for both topic and location at the same time. Moreover, the overall system is simple and easy to learn especially for first time users.

Unfortunately, Meetup began charging group organizers a fee in 2005, thus limiting the variety and quantity of groups. However, a security issue arises since events do not seem to be verified outside of the site. For instance, a fake 'event' and false images can be posted as long as the fee is paid, misleading users. In addition, their privacy policy states that users' demographics and internet browsing habits can be used for marketing purposes, which undermines the purpose of a 'convenient' and 'care-free' social networking system.