It's been interesting to read thru this and see three distinct "classifications" of Do's emerge. I think it's a great thread to be sure, begun by a "master" Do organiser that's kept it going with plenty of wisdom (and appropriate moderator "back at the ranch" comments as well). Jenbel's success as a Do organizer can easily be seen in the fun that she has at the events that she plans (now, maybe in the privacy of her hotel room during the Do or her own quarters afterwards, she's yelling who knows what at the walls, but when she's with the crowd she's gathered, she always seems to be having a great time....seems...) The back & forth comments I've seen so far may just be different perspectives on expectations....which may be clarified by understanding of just what type of Do it is that's being sought. I'm no authority on it, but here's what I see forming so far.....

The "Mega-Do"---A full-on mega FT-weekend "experience". It's more effectively launched & landed by an ambitious & FT-passionate team of organizers. It is more effectively embraced & enjoyed by planning-appreciative FTers who will gladly set aside a few personal/individual "must have's" and "customization" requirements for potentially "better" venue/food/amenity/activity offerings afforded by a large-group. Official events are taken in "as is" or not, without much demand for "exceptions", and thus not much resentment over unmet (unfeasible) tailoring requests. An event-planning/pre-event payment website is retained for ease of information traffic and event payment. "Official" activities include an organised Fri. night arrivals gathering, a Saturday night "dinner", a Sunday mid-day lunch, all of which are "part" of the "Official" Do, posted on and paid for thru the website, each as pre-selectable options. For ease of organization and execution by the organizing team, the events are "set", accomplishing potentially bigger, better, or just a greater variety of offerings. Deadlines for payment and reservations are set, ensuring Do-related obligations are met with minimal financial impact to the planners. The convenience of an entire weekend booked with a few clicks replaces a lot of the research an individual would have to do on his/her own for a similarly scaled weekend. Sure, you may have to "put up" with the collective will of a large number of people, but as with the London Mega, good luck finding your own boat on the Thames with a catered meal and a front-row seat for the fireworks.

The "Do"-- Smaller than the mega-do, yet no less fun in its experience, is this weekend of simpler scale, planned by one or a few FTers. The "Do" usually includes: an "obligatory by tradition" main-event Saturday night "organized" dinner, officially sandwiched only between a possible/optional Fri. night arrivals beverage gathering and a suggested/optional "departure" brunch/lunch on Sunday. Beyond this, Do organizers or attendees suggest a variety of activities in the area for out-of-towners needing "insider" ideas on spending the day, usually the daylight hours of Saturday. While some have websites for ease of information sharing, none is thought of as "required" (yet) since the first few posts of the Do-thread are kept fluid, updated as needed by its planners. While helpful, no pre-payment technology is envoked, since foresight and courtesy are rightfully expected of each attendee in doing his/her part to ensure no Do organizer is left with 'da bill. It's sad that sometimes this happens, as it potentially could with any social gathering--FT or not. Clearly posted expectation of this social guideline would hopefully give deterrence to and recourse from such inconsiderations. (read: Attendees that can get themselves across the ocean to attend, but not across the street to the ATM to have enough cash for dinner, need not apply).

A Gathering -- The simplest of all Do events, we're talking about a simple get-together that is as casually attended as it is casually organized. While so chilled out that a "title" like "Do" seems overkill, it certainly has no less fun on tap than the other "Do" categories. This informal meeting of FTers requires no website, no unwieldy uber-thread, and likely no hotel reservations. Perfect for a road-warrior's weeknight or a mid-day power-lunch, the Gathering begins with a thread title that includes City, Date, Event--"Dinner, place x, date y" and a fluid first post including further details. The ongoing fellowship of local FT networks is enriched by "Do-ing" these regularly. Posting of these offers the occasional companionship of a shared meal or a few raised glasses to the FTer far from home. This easiest of all Do's to execute is ideal for the FTer's first "venture" into Do organization. Attendees themselves become the "organizing team" thru simple gestures from offering rides as needed to volunteering to "get there early" to stake out a table if a reservation is not possible.

The Layover--Barely a "Do" and some would rightfully contest its inclusion here, this is THE simplest, most low-maintenance meetup of them all. Just a simple thread in Community that offers "I'm at XXX airport or at XXX area near said airport on XXX day @ XXX time, who's around?" The airport code is posted in the title, along with the date & time, whilst the full name of the airport or town is put in the initial post (as a courtesy to FT newbies who don't know their airport codes---or FT veterans who forget--or FT anyone in between who's wondering "Where the heck is THAT?". The "OP" may post their preference as far as venue or activity, or leave that open for response. Attendees either PM the OP (send a private message to the author of the original post) or add their yes/no to the thread. Usually involving a simple intersection at an airport bar, restaurant, airline club or airport area (or easily gotten to from said airport) establishment. This "smallest" of all FT "offical" posted gatherings is the Flyertalker's fun answer to hanging out in the airport alone for a few hours.


How do I find one?
Mega-Do's & Do's usually find their way to The Consolidated Do List Thread, wonderfully organized by date & location. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=660468

Gatherings may sometimes appear there as well, but, along with Layovers, are often found in the threads of this forum. Scroll the thread titles &/or yype in your town with the search function for a "Do" near "You."


So, as FT has grown, so has the "Do", with its different types for its different travelers. So, before the reader bashes the "Do" hook/line/sinker, or before the reader decides never to organize one, I suggest to the potential Do organizer a simple reflection on how you roll best and which best fits your stride. All 3 types have been incredible contributions to the FT community, and I hope all 3, the Do at all levels, continues to that end.

Just my $00.02.