Good afternoon one and all.
Is it only me that senses the lack of , for want of a better word, enthusiasm in the forums and for Munches these days.
I know there is a thread about someplace remarking on the forums being somewhat dull but as this refers to LMU as well I thought I would keep it apart.
I have just been into LMU for a look around and notice the lack of stickies for Munches.
Three stickies for munches, all in June, and one of them has been cancelled through what I can only say is "Lack of Interest" with people
not confirming the intention to attend.
Are the days of munches as we have known them for a few years, comming to there "sell by dates" or has "Cam Action" in the chat rooms taken over ?
You know the sort of thing :- No need to go to a Munch cos we have seen them all on Cam.
Maybe one of you out there may have the answer. I certainly dont for the whole, but I do no why I lack interest.
Medic_1
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Interest on the Wane.
Sex God
It's you. I think that munches are approached with just as much enthusiasm as they always have been.
Maybe there aren't so many munches planned because after June lots of people will be thinking about holidays?
Maybe not as many are being planned because there are so many newbies about and people don't want to end up with munches full of newbies?
Now I have nothing against newbies at munches but there could be issues with not-so-well-known people possibly causing security problems or problems because they don't understand the concept of a munch (ie social rather than play).
Maybe there aren't so many munches planned because after June lots of people will be thinking about holidays?
Maybe not as many are being planned because there are so many newbies about and people don't want to end up with munches full of newbies?
Now I have nothing against newbies at munches but there could be issues with not-so-well-known people possibly causing security problems or problems because they don't understand the concept of a munch (ie social rather than play).
Sex God
Things are a bit quiet at the moment on the 'munch' front but I do know that things are being planned as we speak for some forthcoming munches, its just that for some of them, it is a little early to put them on the forums. There have been quite a few smaller socials going on which havent been stickied (because they are socials and not munches) and I know the last one we went to in Burton was a fantastic success.
I also agree with what FB said, the ones that are running seem to have loads of people on the list which are very new to the site. Now I do think that this is a good thing, and it is always good to meet new people, but I am also a little concerned by some of the pm's we have received, that some of the ones asking about coming (but have not been put on lists once they have been told full details of what happens at a munch) are expecting it to be more of a 'playtime' than a social.
We have a venue booked for a Munch in December, but as I said earlier, havent put it on the forums yet as it seems a little early.
I also agree with what FB said, the ones that are running seem to have loads of people on the list which are very new to the site. Now I do think that this is a good thing, and it is always good to meet new people, but I am also a little concerned by some of the pm's we have received, that some of the ones asking about coming (but have not been put on lists once they have been told full details of what happens at a munch) are expecting it to be more of a 'playtime' than a social.
We have a venue booked for a Munch in December, but as I said earlier, havent put it on the forums yet as it seems a little early.
I think many of what would/could have been 'munches' are now being billed as socials because of the politics/ red tape surrounding officially sanctioned events and its just easier for the organiser to handle. Particularly as many of those who regularly attend such gatherings are resident on two sites.
The other one that concerns me is that as there is now a trend to 'do' socials not Munches but Munches are still up there in the 'if you havent munched you havent lived' type category', the reigns that have been dropped by more well known & experienced members are being picked up by those who *perhaps* dont fully understand the beast they're taking on and the responsibility that goes with it.
The other one that concerns me is that as there is now a trend to 'do' socials not Munches but Munches are still up there in the 'if you havent munched you havent lived' type category', the reigns that have been dropped by more well known & experienced members are being picked up by those who *perhaps* dont fully understand the beast they're taking on and the responsibility that goes with it.
I've only ever been to one Munch (in the Bonnyland) and enjoyed it enormously. I just drank too much and went to bed! Mind you I seem to remember being bought various drinks which ranged from a single malt to double wines. 
:lol:
Loads of people are spending most weekends travelling around the country meeting up with others from here but it's not classed as Munches - there are BBQs. socials, drinkies etc. Same theme, different name.
:P
:lol: Loads of people are spending most weekends travelling around the country meeting up with others from here but it's not classed as Munches - there are BBQs. socials, drinkies etc. Same theme, different name.
:P
I've also noticed that there are fewer munches planned now too. Imho I think it's got something to do with the fact that since the site was taken over, some people have moved onto other sites and are no longer members here and as such can't attend munches. They can however attend socials - socials can't be stickied and unless someone is continuiously bumping the threads they fall off page 1. Could be a reason maybe 
Just my two'pennorth for what it's worth
Alleyson xxx
Just my two'pennorth for what it's worth
Alleyson xxx
I'm waiting with bated breath ( or heavy breathing :twisted: ) for my first munch/social/party but until my bike is bought and test passed I'm not going anywhere 
Looking forward to meeting as many people as I can from here so hopefully in a few months, I'll be ready to partay ! :bounce:
Looking forward to meeting as many people as I can from here so hopefully in a few months, I'll be ready to partay ! :bounce: Quote by Alleyson
I've also noticed that there are fewer munches planned now too. Imho I think it's got something to do with the fact that since the site was taken over, some people have moved onto other sites and are no longer members here and as such can't attend munches. They can however attend socials - socials can't be stickied and unless someone is continuiously bumping the threads they fall off page 1. Could be a reason maybe
Just my two'pennorth for what it's worth
Alleyson xxx
actuallly I think you're spot on with your two'penneth worth :thumbup:
Quote by Darkfire
I've also noticed that there are fewer munches planned now too. Imho I think it's got something to do with the fact that since the site was taken over, some people have moved onto other sites and are no longer members here and as such can't attend munches. They can however attend socials - socials can't be stickied and unless someone is continuiously bumping the threads they fall off page 1. Could be a reason maybe
Just my two'pennorth for what it's worth
Alleyson xxx
actuallly I think you're spot on with your two'penneth worth :thumbup:
Don't know what's more scary Darkfire ......... you thinking like me or me thinking like you!! :shock: :shock: :scared:
Quote by Darkfire
I think many of what would/could have been 'munches' are now being billed as socials because of the politics/ red tape surrounding officially sanctioned events and its just easier for the organiser to handle. Particularly as many of those who regularly attend such gatherings are resident on two sites.
:thumbup:
I think that there's a few interesting things going on right now that might make it appear that interest is 'waning':
1) There's a still whole shed load of sensitivity around munches, socials, rules & invites - they are also spread across two sites which means that sometimes people have difficulty remembering 'which way is up', let alone what the rules are - it must be a complete nigthmare for munch organisers
2) There's a wierd 'dynamic' goin on on SS right now and some of it carries over here, as it did to there last December, from here
3) A lot of people have a loyalty to both 'main' sites and split their time, thereby spending less time on both
3) SH has had a massive influx of 'new blood' and some miss the 'old place' and don't like it - some are doing their best to help newbies fit in, some aren't
4) SH has some relatively new Mods who are still 'finding their feet' and it takes time and a huge amount of effort to do this - Mods can have a massive impact on the dynamic of the site (see 2)
5) Some 'older' members are curious/concerned/interested to know if membership fees will 'kick-in' at the end of the year and this is causing tension
6) The site is growing from a technical perspective right now in order to cope with the increase in membership and this is causing technical glitches
7) davej is being far too polite
8) I miss Bluexxx
I ain't trying to get anyone's 'back up' here by the way - just thought I'd have a brain dump on this wet Sunday afternoon :P
1) There's a still whole shed load of sensitivity around munches, socials, rules & invites - they are also spread across two sites which means that sometimes people have difficulty remembering 'which way is up', let alone what the rules are - it must be a complete nigthmare for munch organisers
2) There's a wierd 'dynamic' goin on on SS right now and some of it carries over here, as it did to there last December, from here
3) A lot of people have a loyalty to both 'main' sites and split their time, thereby spending less time on both
3) SH has had a massive influx of 'new blood' and some miss the 'old place' and don't like it - some are doing their best to help newbies fit in, some aren't
4) SH has some relatively new Mods who are still 'finding their feet' and it takes time and a huge amount of effort to do this - Mods can have a massive impact on the dynamic of the site (see 2)
5) Some 'older' members are curious/concerned/interested to know if membership fees will 'kick-in' at the end of the year and this is causing tension
6) The site is growing from a technical perspective right now in order to cope with the increase in membership and this is causing technical glitches
7) davej is being far too polite
8) I miss Bluexxx
I ain't trying to get anyone's 'back up' here by the way - just thought I'd have a brain dump on this wet Sunday afternoon :P
be afraid, be very afraid :twisted: 
but seriously, I dont think for one minute that there are any less number of people attending, or wanting to attend, in fact there's probably more getting involved in the social side of this than before.... but perhaps that's down to the fact most of us bang on about it so much that it's beginning to appeal to more folk?
but seriously, I dont think for one minute that there are any less number of people attending, or wanting to attend, in fact there's probably more getting involved in the social side of this than before.... but perhaps that's down to the fact most of us bang on about it so much that it's beginning to appeal to more folk?
Quote by Medic_1
Good afternoon one and all.
I have just been into LMU for a look around and notice the lack of stickies for Munches.
Three stickies for munches, all in June, and one of them has been cancelled through what I can only say is "Lack of Interest" with people
not confirming the intention to attend.
As has been said, a lot of people are organising socials as opposed to munches, because a lot of the regular munch goers don't post on this site anymore.
Also the no shows do mainly come from the first timers bottling it so you do need to have a good mix of reliable regulars as well as newbies.
If you look at the other place there are munches all the way up to Christmas, which in turn causes a problem here as if you're trying to organise something big in a month where there are already 2 events elsewhere you know a lot of the regulars will not be attending.
The problem with newer people organising munches is they may not necessarily be aware of "the place that cannot be named" and therefore not understand why there isn't that much interest.
Sex God
Quote by Bloke2005
7) davej is being far too polite
:shock: :shock: ................ Thats not the Davej I know! ....
:lol: 
Sex God
Quote by Bloke2005
I ain't trying to get anyone's 'back up' here by the way - just thought I'd have a brain dump on this wet Sunday afternoon :P
just a thought................
it` MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D :D have to agree with a number of the points above.
organising a munch....is very time consumeing....and bloody hard work. The site as it stands now....as a private enterprise... is still basically in a state of flux. Many poeple are concerned about the possibility of fee's being introduced for orginal members..and so are loathed to arrange something long term....when they might not even be a full member to enjoy it.
The introduction of the new chat rooms has also i think had an effect. there are a great many local based rooms now....ie " midlands room" which i frequent....and there are a great many local social meet ups from that situation. These tend to be for local people and short term arranged meets.
I do think the days of loads of munches are gone. Would be nice to see two or three large events arranged a year......maybe a Northern ; a midland ; and a southern munch. Maybe these could be on a set week-end each year. They could be arranged maybe by admin.....a small admission charge on the door....would be fine....and also they could thgen set the rules for the events....and saves some poor soul that normally arranges these things taking all the flak.
organising a munch....is very time consumeing....and bloody hard work. The site as it stands now....as a private enterprise... is still basically in a state of flux. Many poeple are concerned about the possibility of fee's being introduced for orginal members..and so are loathed to arrange something long term....when they might not even be a full member to enjoy it.
The introduction of the new chat rooms has also i think had an effect. there are a great many local based rooms now....ie " midlands room" which i frequent....and there are a great many local social meet ups from that situation. These tend to be for local people and short term arranged meets.
I do think the days of loads of munches are gone. Would be nice to see two or three large events arranged a year......maybe a Northern ; a midland ; and a southern munch. Maybe these could be on a set week-end each year. They could be arranged maybe by admin.....a small admission charge on the door....would be fine....and also they could thgen set the rules for the events....and saves some poor soul that normally arranges these things taking all the flak.
Sex God
in all honesty, the thing that stops me wanting to organise a munch for this site is the uncertainty!
we do not yet know what is going to happen in december with regards to membership fees etc.
if i was organising a munch, it would probably be for early next year, this means that in theory you could spend loads of time and money before december getting it organised, to find that once december comes it all falls appart!
personally i would rather wait till i know where i stand - and am sure a lot of others feel the same way.
we do not yet know what is going to happen in december with regards to membership fees etc.
if i was organising a munch, it would probably be for early next year, this means that in theory you could spend loads of time and money before december getting it organised, to find that once december comes it all falls appart!
personally i would rather wait till i know where i stand - and am sure a lot of others feel the same way.
Quote by well_busty_babe
in all honesty, the thing that stops me wanting to organise a munch for this site is the uncertainty!
we do not yet know what is going to happen in december with regards to membership fees etc.
if i was organising a munch, it would probably be for early next year, this means that in theory you could spend loads of time and money before december getting it organised, to find that once december comes it all falls appart!
personally i would rather wait till i know where i stand - and am sure a lot of others feel the same way.
I couldn't agree more.
I don't think interest has dwindled on the whole. There are loads of munches at the other place and many of them booked uo and taking reserves.
As I said earlier there are munches already up to December and as stated above I wouldn't wanted to be arranging anything for next year and paying deposits out of my own pocket only to find that most of the people who put their names down disapear when the fees come in
Quote by Darkfire
organising a munch....is very time consumeing....and bloody hard work. The site as it stands now....as a private enterprise... ....
...Maybe these could be on a set week-end each year. They could be arranged maybe by admin.....
*another sharp intake of breath*
Nah I reckon the Mods & Ops should organise them - they've got nothing else to do
Sex God
good thread Medic
we look at lmu and see what you see, it was the heart of the site a year ago , more stickies than you could shake a stickie at!
say no more
staggy
we look at lmu and see what you see, it was the heart of the site a year ago , more stickies than you could shake a stickie at!
say no more
staggy
Quote by Alleyson
I've also noticed that there are fewer munches planned now too. Imho I think it's got something to do with the fact that since the site was taken over, some people have moved onto other sites and are no longer members here and as such can't attend munches. They can however attend socials - socials can't be stickied and unless someone is continuiously bumping the threads they fall off page 1. Could be a reason maybe
Just my two'pennorth for what it's worth
Alleyson xxx
actuallly I think you're spot on with your two'penneth worth :thumbup:
Don't know what's more scary Darkfire ......... you thinking like me or me thinking like you!!:shock: :shock: :scared:
that is a scary concept which i have recently experienced
Sex God
Quote by well_busty_babe
in all honesty, the thing that stops me wanting to organise a munch for this site is the uncertainty!
we do not yet know what is going to happen in december with regards to membership fees etc.
if i was organising a munch, it would probably be for early next year, this means that in theory you could spend loads of time and money before december getting it organised, to find that once december comes it all falls appart!
personally i would rather wait till i know where i stand - and am sure a lot of others feel the same way.
i'd say that's spot on WBB! it's not lack of enthusiasm, cos there are 7 or 8 munches + socials organised in another place. ;) i'm sure part of it is that organisers are more certain where they stand elsewhere?
also, and this is a big negative in my view, organisers elsewhere probably feel it's easier when they know everybody who might want to attend already, as far as invites and timewasting and no shows go. it's a bit of a leap into the unknown here at the mo with such a large influx of new members who will most likely be keen to attend, but are complete unknowns. sadly that means that SH loses out on one of the secrets of it's success, and one of it's main strengths.
i hope come december any uncertainty will be resolved, and we have half a page of the damn things again leaving us worrying how we're gonna possibly make 'em all! ;)
neil x x x ;)
Sex God
Quote by neilinleeds
also, and this is a big negative in my view, organisers elsewhere probably feel it's easier when they know everybody who might want to attend already, as far as invites and timewasting and no shows go. it's a bit of a leap into the unknown here at the mo with such a large influx of new members who will most likely be keen to attend, but are complete unknowns. sadly that means that SH loses out on one of the secrets of it's success, and one of it's main strengths.
This was exactly what I was thinking when we organised the 'Newbie' munch back in March, but I have to say I was VERY suprised by the turn out. The room I had comfortably accomdated 50 people but expecting the drop out to be high, I took 85 names on the list (approx 1/3 drop out can be expected). 70 people confirmed, and on the night 67 people attended!!!!! I was totally gobsmaked, but it turned out to a very good gamble, and I wouldn't hesitate doing another newbie event, its just lack of time which is stopping me.
Sex God
Some good points raised;
1) People being members on more than one site
This shouldn't have any impact at all on who attends, provided that the munch criteria are met.
2) Membership fess
If everything continues as is we have no intention of charging fees in December, we will make an official announcement in the near future.
3) Admin arranging munches and charging.
I still think that the mebership would do a better job and that the munches should remain non profit, we will provide support where we can.
4) There has been a shift from the site being a useful tool for go out and do it swingers, to cam based stay at home voyeurs doing safe sex. That's the new clientele.
I disagree, we now have the cams In Addition to evrything else, true its popular but everything else remains provided that the SH membership continues to support the site and use it.
5) Organisers elsewhere probably feel it's easier when they know everybody who might want to attend already, as far as invites and timewasting and no shows go. it's a bit of a leap into the unknown here at the mo with such a large influx of new members who will most likely be keen to attend, but are complete unknowns. sadly that means that SH loses out on one of the secrets of it's success, and one of it's main strengths.
Probably true short time but not long term, so on the one side there is a regular group of munchers that feel comfy meeting each other on a regular basis, on SH now we have an influx of new people wanting to participate, to sustain the munches surely its better to encourage new people to join in.
1) People being members on more than one site
This shouldn't have any impact at all on who attends, provided that the munch criteria are met.
2) Membership fess
If everything continues as is we have no intention of charging fees in December, we will make an official announcement in the near future.
3) Admin arranging munches and charging.
I still think that the mebership would do a better job and that the munches should remain non profit, we will provide support where we can.
4) There has been a shift from the site being a useful tool for go out and do it swingers, to cam based stay at home voyeurs doing safe sex. That's the new clientele.
I disagree, we now have the cams In Addition to evrything else, true its popular but everything else remains provided that the SH membership continues to support the site and use it.
5) Organisers elsewhere probably feel it's easier when they know everybody who might want to attend already, as far as invites and timewasting and no shows go. it's a bit of a leap into the unknown here at the mo with such a large influx of new members who will most likely be keen to attend, but are complete unknowns. sadly that means that SH loses out on one of the secrets of it's success, and one of it's main strengths.
Probably true short time but not long term, so on the one side there is a regular group of munchers that feel comfy meeting each other on a regular basis, on SH now we have an influx of new people wanting to participate, to sustain the munches surely its better to encourage new people to join in.
Sex God
5) Organisers elsewhere probably feel it's easier when they know everybody who might want to attend already, as far as invites and timewasting and no shows go. it's a bit of a leap into the unknown here at the mo with such a large influx of new members who will most likely be keen to attend, but are complete unknowns. sadly that means that SH loses out on one of the secrets of it's success, and one of it's main strengths.
Probably true short time but not long term, so on the one side there is a regular group of munchers that feel comfy meeting each other on a regular basis, on SH now we have an influx of new people wanting to participate, to sustain the munches surely its better to encourage new people to join in.
absolutely St3v3! i genuinely hope and believe this is simply a short term thing, and that this WILL change!
as things get more settled, all the newbies will be regs, so that little issue won't be an issue anymore. :Dand NWC . . . :thumbup: for newbie munches! deffo the way forward, and i hope more follow that example! :D i don't think they need to be specifically aimed at newbies, but they sure as hell need to be accomadating of them as far as possible! new blood is "a good thing" and god knows many of us have benefitted from them as relative n00bs! :D;)
neil x x x ;)
Quote by st3v3
Some good points raised;
1) People being members on more than one site
This shouldn't have any impact at all on who attends, provided that the munch criteria are met.
But it does impact on wether an event can be called a munch - hence why many that would have been termed a munch are called socials - its a loophole, that's all.
2) Membership fess
If everything continues as is we have no intention of charging fees in December, we will make an official announcement in the near future.
Waits with baited breath
3) Admin arranging munches and charging.
I still think that the mebership would do a better job and that the munches should remain non profit, we will provide support where we can.
I agree Steve. I am sure that organisers will be grateful of support but my personal feeling on this particular point is that Munches are events for the community run by the community/ members of it. I would not like to see a situation where munches themsleves are a commercial venture or even thought of as such.
4) There has been a shift from the site being a useful tool for go out and do it swingers, to cam based stay at home voyeurs doing safe sex. That's the new clientele.
I disagree, we now have the cams In Addition to evrything else, true its popular but everything else remains provided that the SH membership continues to support the site and use it.
There is a new clientele but I dont think we're (the 'membership') cam-based stay at home voyeurs - & although there is an element of that, I'm not that phased about it , because if that's their cup of tea , they're not go out and do it swingers anyway.
5) Organisers elsewhere probably feel it's easier when they know everybody who might want to attend already, as far as invites and timewasting and no shows go. it's a bit of a leap into the unknown here at the mo with such a large influx of new members who will most likely be keen to attend, but are complete unknowns. sadly that means that SH loses out on one of the secrets of it's success, and one of it's main strengths.
Not only easier, but safer. There has been a massive influx of new members and while yes of course its more convenient that organisers know everybody for the purposes of invites and alleviating timewasting, it is my opinion that we (as munch-goers) cannot accomodate too many 'newbies' at any one munch.
Probably true short time but not long term, so on the one side there is a regular group of munchers that feel comfy meeting each other on a regular basis, on SH now we have an influx of new people wanting to participate, to sustain the munches surely its better to encourage new people to join in.
I'm really not sure where i stand on this one. When I first joined the site I had many a rant at people here because of the old catch 22 situation - cant get into a munch becuase not known, cant get known cos cant get to a munch !
However, my perspective on this has changed somewhat, particularly with the influx of new members. We see every day the lack of understanding of what swinging is across the whole site - cafe, lmu and chat. Along with the influx of 'new blood', what we also got was a tidal wave of quick shag brigaders who treat SH like a sex site, not a swinging site - and to me personally there is a massive difference in the way those two camps of people think and behave.
While I will encourage 'noobs' who show a genuine interest in the lifestyle to join in on the forums in order to get themselves known, i'll dish out advice and the hand of guidance til I'm blue in the face, and help newbies in whatever way I can if they need it, I personally, IMHO, do not want to be mixing/ associating in person with people who just dont 'get' what this is about, and i wont compromise my own personal safety (nor theirs, in cases of uninvited arse groping/ attention etc
) for the sake of 'accomodating' all newbies. Again IMO, I think NWC took a massive gamble with the Wigan newbie munch, and hats off to them for it :thumbup: but I think that one worked because of the experience and sheer effort that went into it. What happens when the organiser is not so experienced or prepared to take on the responsibility of not having people there who may bring munches into disrepute? I have been openly oppinionated over other 'munches' aimed at complete newbies and will continue to be so. I personally am not comfortable with the possible situation where XXX amount of people get to go to a munch just because they're new and have stuck thier names down, and furthermore because they've done that it suddenly means they're vouched for, ok folk who can be trusted.
I'm all for bringing new blood, for accomodating small numbers of noobs at munches who have shown a genuine interest, got to know a few people via the cafe/ posting/coffee meets/ pm & phone chats... and for welcoming new people wholeheartedly - but my issue is over which people and how its done.
