My sister and I noticed some posters invite others to meet. When we first began retrieving travel information at this site, we didn't think about actually meeting posters face to face. We're not sure it's proper, but we're not sure we're right either. We'd enjoy hearing what others think. We might be have an opportunity at Christmas to see a particular person, if we take the initiative to call, but we're hesitant, to say the least. Just color us concerned in Minnesota.

I'm not particularly sure what you're asking here. If you're hesitant to meet someone, then don't do it.

It sounds as if the meetings of Fodorites described on this forum and the European forum have been great fun with a good exchange of information. They've been held in a public place to the best of my knowledge; all seems to have gone well.

As with all personal interactions, common sense should prevail. If you have seen a particular individual posting for a lengthy period of time and found a consistency in their writing (i.e. they appear to be a well balanced person), it can't hurt to initiate private e-mail correspondence and broach the subject of meeting in person. Meeting in a public place is the key and such interactions are often more comfortable (and sometimes more fun) in groups. I have met many people (at least 5 or 6) in person that I initially became acquainted with over the Internet. I've been very cautious and selective in who I chose yto meet and thus far have met very nice people. There wasn't necessarily the basis for subsequent meetings or the desire to develop a friendship but I enjoyed all my face-to-face meetings and wonm't hesistate to do so again in the future. I recognize the fact that for women the issue is more complex than it is for men from the safety standpoint but common sense is still the answer.

Owen, pray tell, what is the basis for subsequent meetings or future friendship? And if you deem that basis not to exist, how do you communicate it to the person you met?

I'm wounded. In all my time posting on this board, no one -- no one! -- has expressed any interest whatever in meeting me. Should I take this personally? My whole self-esteem is wrapped up in being accepted for who I am on this board. Please, won't someone throw me a bone here?

What's with all the pointless responses today? Redds is asking a fair question. I "dragged" my husband to a Fodor's meeting and guess what? We had a marvelous time. It in nice to find some adult acquaintances who are turning into friends...to enter a phase where we're not "Alex's" Mom and Dad, and we get to talk to people who have some similar interests!

The Washington, DC area Fodorites regularly get together. I have been to 2 of them, and they are wonderful. We have met at restaurants on a weekend and were able to have a leisurely meal and swap stories. Monica, the gal who organizes them, has a website and has even put the pictures from the gatherings on the site.

Redds,

I don't blame you at all for being overly cautious. We've all heard some of the strange, and sometimes dangerous, situations that can occur via meeting someone on the internet. I would listen to the advice you have gotten here and use common sense.

Maybe bring someone else along with you, tell people where you are going, public place etc, dont meet someone with outrageous views etc...

It might be fun.

Thank you for your advice and ideas, and we will follow it. We're just not convinced to go ahead with the contact, so we'll stop here, instead of wasting your time. You have been most helpful, but just chalk it up to our shyness. Sorry to have to stop but that's the way we feel. Color us lonely and still undecided in Minnesota.

I smell a troll here!

Call (dumb name) -- this was a legitimate question. We don't care what you think, a**hole. Color us laughing in Minnseota at your silly a**.

Very classy, Redds.