so I dont know if y'all are gonna say this is stupid and roast the shit out of me but aye worth a shot. so I was thinking about like making a big group text chat for explores around New York or the neighboring states so we can easily talk about meet ups and stuff. either pm me if you wanna talk or be in it, or you like my idea I dont know. I'm gonna explore this weekend so if anyone wants to pm me feel free

No roasting, and while I think the intention is good I don't think it will ever work. This hobby for better or worse is very clique and people generally only share info inside that clique and are extremely skeptical of people outside of it.

Like I said, I think the intention is good I just don't see it working on the scale I believe you have in mind.

I've been considering doing this for a few different groups, both UE-related and others.

Although it's designed more for business communications, I was considering Slack as an option: https://slack.com/

Regardless, although I no longer live in the Northeast, I'd be interested in being part of any sort of group for that region.

Not a terrible idea at all. However, I absolutely hate group texts. I hate replying to 20 people instead of the person who asked a question. Also, when I'm at work and I can't use my phone for whatever reason I wind up with 40 messages I have to catch up on. I prefer letting my girlfriend handle all our plans, I just tell her what I want to see and she hashes out the details.

Maybe start a private Facebook group.

A clique isn’t always a bad thing, but the only way to get in one is to start it, or join it.

FB might be the way to go, but can be rather ‘open’. Slack looks like it could be more secure. There’s also Yammer.

…I’m interested, if that makes any diff.

Not trying to bash, but doesn't this section of the forums meet the criteria of what you're looking for? A place for northeastern explorers of the area to talk and stuff?

Personally, I agree with Essex. Sifting through 20+ messages of a group chat is just something I'm not into, whatsoever. I do not have the patience for that. Assuming that you want the constant, super-live feed of sending texts to each others' phones, I would go with Pack's suggestion of a private Facebook group. That way those involved will get immediate alerts on activity in the group (ie: notification pop-ups on their phone....we all have smartphones, right?) and won't have to go through the same monotonous chore of scrolling through a group message.

Another thing to consider is not everyone likes just giving out their phone numbers. Well, at least I don't.

Look into other options is my opinion, it could be a good idea if approached correctly.

Posted by goat Not trying to bash, but doesn't this section of the forums meet the criteria of what you're looking for? A place for northeastern explorers of the area to talk and stuff? Personally, I agree with Essex. Sifting through 20+ messages of a group chat is just something I'm not into, whatsoever. I do not have the patience for that. Assuming that you want the constant, super-live feed of sending texts to each others' phones, I would go with Pack's suggestion of a private Facebook group. That way those involved will get immediate alerts on activity in the group (ie: notification pop-ups on their phone....we all have smartphones, right?) and won't have to go through the same monotonous chore of scrolling through a group message. Another thing to consider is not everyone likes just giving out their phone numbers. Well, at least I don't. Look into other options is my opinion, it could be a good idea if approached correctly.

Every time someone posts a thread on meeting up, nobody replies - or on the off chance of a reply, nobody goes.

I would love to meet up with other explorers, and UER.CA doesn't seem very conducive to that end so far...

They always say exploring alone is a bad idea.. but so far I've done 3 explores on my own since moving to NYC since idk anybody out here. Also, if we do make a chat - it should be by invite only. I wouldn't want to publicly post the times and places I'll be going somewhere on UER, in case the wrong eyes fall on them...

Posted by Guybrush Every time someone posts a thread on meeting up, nobody replies - or on the off chance of a reply, nobody goes. I would love to meet up with other explorers, and UER.CA doesn't seem very conducive to that end so far... They always say exploring alone is a bad idea.. but so far I've done 3 explores on my own since moving to NYC since idk anybody out here. Also, if we do make a chat - it should be by invite only. I wouldn't want to publicly post the times and places I'll be going somewhere on UER, in case the wrong eyes fall on them...

I can agree with that. This site probably isn't the best at meeting up with others, I haven't either so far.

But Idk who's feeding you the BS of exploring alone as a bad idea but just drop your attention to that. It completely isn't. There are countless advantages to solo explorations.

I still feel the group chat idea is a little too much but your invite only suggestion is a step in the right direction. Obviously what we do isn't for the whole public, so having a secure environment to talk and meet up is necessary. I stand by the private Facebook group idea.

I can't agree about this site not being good for meeting people.

I have met a ton of people and some have become great friends that I've had for years and years now, all because of UER.

honestly, if you can't use this resource to physically meet like minded people(especially in the northeast). you're doing it wrong.

Speed is right. I have meet a lot of my good friends from this site.

My tip would be to just do cool shit and post it here. People will naturally comment and message you.
Its just like meeting people in the real world. Just do your own thing and don't sound needy.

Met some good people on here as well.

Posted by goatBut Idk who's feeding you the BS of exploring alone as a bad idea but just drop your attention to that. It completely isn't. There are countless advantages to solo explorations.

Well,

• If you get trapped somewhere without cell service...
  
• If a floor collapses and you need someone able-bodied to help you get to the hospital
  
• If you encounter some randos that out number you
  
• More eyes can spot and prevent dangers, or notice security/cops earlier

That's just a few cases I've can remember from reading around UER. It's mentioned all the time on here (I mostly lurk here).

Posted by Speed I can't agree about this site not being good for meeting people. I have met a ton of people and some have become great friends that I've had for years and years now, all because of UER. honestly, if you can't use this resource to physically meet like minded people(especially in the northeast). you're doing it wrong.

Agreed, it's a 2-way street. But I didn't word it like that. I certainly hope to be lucky as you in finding great friends here, that's why I post (some-what) regularly. You've also been here substantially longer which I would put under the things to consider.. And I'm sure Guybrush feels the same I mean he has donated generously to the site.

Judging by the defensive comments suggests y'all are taking my "probably not the best" statement a bit to heart. Which I understand but I'm not acting like this is some desolate wasteland, in fact I never have. I was just empathizing with the guy.

Posted by Guybrush Well, If you get trapped somewhere without cell service... If a floor collapses and you need someone able-bodied to help you get to the hospital If you encounter some randos that out number you More eyes can spot and prevent dangers, or notice security/cops earlier That's just a few cases I've can remember from reading around UER. It's mentioned all the time on here (I mostly lurk here).

Don't worry about rules or warnings. It really about doing whatever the hell you want. I explored alone for years before meeting other explorers.

If you are unable to find anybody here to explore with, I'm sure you could find a friend who you could introduce to uer. Many of us didn't even realize this was a hobby until we googled it. Good Luck.

Posted by Guybrush Well, If you get trapped somewhere without cell service... If a floor collapses and you need someone able-bodied to help you get to the hospital If you encounter some randos that out number you More eyes can spot and prevent dangers, or notice security/cops earlier That's just a few cases I've can remember from reading around UER. It's mentioned all the time on here (I mostly lurk here).

exactly. I've been in 2 out of those four situations alone. and it's not fun falling through the floor and not being able to get out when you're short as hell and you have a piece of wood sticking out of your leg. oh and getting trapped isn't that great either. helps to have someone to remember to heavily ducttape the door hatch.

I think UER is a great place to discuss and shoot the shit with other explorers in the northeast, but I do agree that it sucks to try and make plans here, as usually people don't read posts for hours or days at a time. Having a group text chat has a few problems though, not everyone wants strangers to know their cell phone number, you have no face to put to the texts as they are just numbers, and it can be annoying if people are texting every couple minutes when you are away or can't use your phone at the time.

amphetamine wrote, quickly: This hobby for better or worse is very clique and people generally only share info inside that clique and are extremely skeptical of people outside of it.

Given the legal status of this particular passtime, being sceptical about people you don't know is 'normal'. Clique-y because of shared (exploring) experience, I think. Though, that has not stopped me from exploring with people outside a particular group.

... and this. I have met a ton of people and some have become great friends that I've had for years and years now, all because of UER.

I can say from experience this is certainly true.

Hat-wearing fish wroth: Although it's designed more for business communications, I was considering Slack as an option: https://slack.com/ Regardless, although I no longer live in the Northeast, I'd be interested in being part of any sort of group for that region.

I've no idea if Slack would work out, but I'm totally on board if you want to give it a go. I've only very recently learned of Slack. Reminds me of Confluence but with better sharing and team-in-team features. I like that its x-platform. Is it SaaS?

While I don't live there, I'm always looking for info on new sites in the region. UER defines "Northeast" stopping an the CA/US border, it really does not.

Geoff with a G wrote: Having a group text chat has a few problems though

Slack doesn't work via SMS, I don't think. And its only annoying if you are constantly pulling out your phone to check updates. If you don't want to receive updates, then you can probably turn alerting off.

Making a groupme or a facebook group will be ideal, you can simply turn off notifications if you seem to feel bombarded with notifications.