Originally Posted by
SchmutzigMSP
I guess that's basically what I had in my head as well. I was just at the Ann Arbor DO this past weekend and I'm sure we had over 20 people for the dinner and splitting the bill individually was not a problem. People paid for what they ordered (alcohol included in some cases) and it all came out even. I don't know what's in the SFO public water that y'all can't do basic math and in turn come out as much as $200(
!!) short, but it can and does work for many people.
But again, it's not my DO, so ultimately if/when I confirm for the dinner, I'll be agreeing to whatever the organizers decide.
Think of it as a "cost of hanging out with a large group" - if you go to a restaurant by yourself, you pay for exactly what you order. If you go with others, you may end up coming out ahead or behind a couple dollars. I find when I chip into a bill with cash, I round up my tip, whereas I don't round it when I pay with credit card. Oh well, I lose $0.42.
It probably just evens out over time, and if it doesn't... well... you decide whether you are interested in eating in a large group. Relative to the total cost of flying to SF and staying in a hotel, plus the value of your time, losing a few dollars to a dinner where the bill is divided evenly just isn't a big deal.
I think it's great that drinks are paid for at the bar, because that will keep everything much more fair. The organizers seem to be making a good effort to put on a great event, with minimal hassle and confusion for those of us attending.... definitely want to thank them for their efforts!