I’ve been enjoying the SDMB for many months now, and am quite impressed by the intelligence, erudition, and eloquence of most members, even those with whom I disagree mightily.
So it seems it might be interesting to meet some of these people IRL (in real life).
Does this happen? Is it encouraged? Discouraged? Are there regular meetings? How and where would I post a message proposing a get-together?
No, never…
Well, sometimes…but apparantley in california only mercutio shows up…
From Cajun Man’s sticky thread, at the top of MPSIMS:
Dopefest threads usually dwell in MPSIMS forum.
I have met every doper in real life. However, none of them know that they have met me. Each day i fly across the planet and “accidently” run into the new members.
Yes, we do meet. Search MPSIMS for “Dopefest.”
Since you’re in Maryland (unless you fibbed about your location) be on the lookout for MAD threads - Mid Atlantic Dopers. Them guys get together frequently. I’ll be one of them guys soon. Um, that’s “guys” in the generic sense.
Yes, Dopers party together and even get married and have babies together.
Speaking of MAD meetings…
All are welcome. We’d love to have you. And it’s just up the road from you.
That’s funny, I would have thought I’d remember running into an eight-foot tall green guy with four arms…
i was wearing a mustach so you wouldn’t recognize me 
Actually, despite all these supposed “Dopefests”, members of these boards have never met in real life.
(a) Many of them don’t HAVE a real life.
(b) Most of the people at the Dopefests are actors, hired to charade the role.
© Except for the androids.
But don’t tell anybody. If my girlfriend ever finds out I’m an actor hired to play me, she’ll kill me. Or him. Or somebody.
Is this why you began cackling evilly when I said I’d write some staff reports?
Suddenly it all falls into place.
Thanks for the info folks.
JC, I should be able to make the meet, thanks. Where will I find a more specific address for the Chance mansion than “8 miles south of Harper’s Ferry”?
Keep watching that thread. I’ll be putting up a web-invitation shortly.
And if you post in that thread I’ll email you, too.
Sometimes, it seems that all the cool people go to all these Dopefests… me, I’ve only ever been to one. (or maybe two) But hey… that doesn’t mean I’m not cool… being laid-back and relaxed is my style. 
not to say that Dopefests are usually hectic and uptight… and I’d seriously like to go to more if possible!
F_X
commasense keep your eyes peeled in MPSIMS for the MADinner threads. It’s monthly doper dinner that moves about the DC/Baltimore area. We actually just met this past Friday night in Annapolis and are planning on the next one to be on the 20th of June, probably around Baltimore, and we’d love to have you.
Go MADs!
A coherent community for incoherent people!
Don’t go! Scary people go to them! Boogah-boogah! Run! Run!! rrrrrruuuuuuunnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!