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Rules for Attending dr.com Events, A Primer for Starting a New dr.com Event


DonRocks

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There have been several short-term cancellations for organized events lately, and it is entirely my fault for not having come up with a policy.

So here it is, effective 11 PM, July 27th, 2005:

1) For any organized event, you must cancel at least 72 hours (three days) prior to the event. Otherwise you need to pay 100% of the cost unless there's a waiting list and your seat(s) can be filled.

2) Anyone not doing 1) can't come to any more events.

I know that sounds a bit harsh, but Hillvalley has been putting a great deal of time into organizing these events, and that time needs to be respected, as does the revenue that restaurants count on when reserving tables for us.

From this point forward, everyone is starting with a clean slate, and no harm has been done. I take the blame for any infractions up until now.

Thank you! smile.gif

Rocks.

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Hi there. I wanted to add that it was not just one person backing out at the last minute that resulted in this policy.

Between the two events on Sunday and Wednesday, to which a total of 29 people were supposed to attend, I had 7 cancellations or no shows. The cancellations all occurred less 20 hours before the event. (Bill, you get bonus points for the advance warning :P )

I always post the final list of those who RSVP'd a day or two before the event as a reminder. Keeping track of topic replies by clicking on the topic reply button at the top of each thread is an easy way for you to keep track of the event. Every event is also listed a week in advance at the bottom of the main page. Be sure to scroll all the way down to keep an eye out for future events, both dr.com related or otherwise (remember, the dr.com related events have an asterisk next to them).

I'll take part of the blame away from Don about "these infractions" - some sort of policy should have been established from the start in order to protect the restaurants who make special arrangements for everyone here.

To those of you who weren't able to join us I hope to see you at future events.

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Thanks to hillvalley and Jacques Gastreaux for writing the "Attending An Event" and "Organizing A New Event" sections, respectively, and to Scott Johnston and mktye for making the 2008 rewrites and edits.

Enjoy,

Rocks

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Boring Legal stuff so nobody suez-moi: All events are bound and governed by the Registration Terms and Rules which were updated September 2007. Click here to access the policy.

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A Short Guide To Attending And Organizing Informal Events

Attending An Informal Event ($20 Tuesday, Dim Sum, Happy Hour, Etc)

All you need to know about participating in a DR.com informal event and have probably asked before.

If you are participating in an "informal" event there are a few simple steps you will need to take to secure your spot (if you wish to organize a new event, read "Organizing a New Event" below).

1. Each event has a coordinator, check with the post and see what they have asked you to do. Generally, there is a sign up list (either on the thread or you can PM the coordinator).

2. Once you have signed up, the coordinator will list your name (along with any guests) on the thread. Sometimes events are "on a whim" or happy hours where you just show up.

3. Sit back and count the days until the event. Keep an eye on the thread for the event for other information you may need to know. You can have notifications of new posts sent to you via email by clicking the Track This Topic button at the top of the topic. If your plans change, please let the coordinator know as soon as possible. Generally someone has made reservations, talked to a chef or restaurant and is trying to get a accurate count. Help them out and be proactive!

4. Next is the easy part: show up. Nothing sucks ventworm more than a fellow group of diners waiting for someone that never shows. Sure, things happen, traffic is bad, but please make ever attempt to let the coordinator know if you can not come. Often the coordinator will PM participants with their cell phone number in case last minute changes occur.

5. Have fun, eat drink and be merry, bring cash, and please let others know about your experience. Thank the coordinator for organizing the event.

Organizing A New Event

We encourage registered users to organize events open to other registered users, significant others and guests. Many informal events are organized by members under such threads as "On a whim" and "$20 Tuesdays." For the benefit of our tireless volunteers, but also for others who might want to organize an event, I thought I'd post some informal guidelines for members to follow when planning an event, to make the process smoother, and to enhance the chances that your event will be successful for both the organizer and the restaurant who is hosting it. These are just guidelines and not rules: but they do apply to the "$20 Tuesdays" and similar threads.

1. If you are thinking of organizing an event at a local restaurant under $20 dollar Tuesday, send a PM to DanielK and monavano to be put on the calendar and let them know what day, what restaurant, and if the timing conflicts with anything already in the pipeline. This simple notice will help avoid overlapping or competing events. The event should be added to the calendar after you send the email.

2. Be upfront about the cost. Generally a $20 dollar event means that the cost of the food is less than $20 dollars before tax, drinks and gratuity. If the cost will be more than $20, let people know.

3. Once you have established the date, time, capacity, pricing, method of payment (generally cash) and menu, start a new post announcing the event. Please add a link to the thread and website if available. If multiple locations exist, let people know which location you are talking about. It also helps to let people know if there is a Metro stop near by and encourage people to post if they can help shuttle of carpool.

4. If your event sells out, we also encourage the use of a wait list. Sometimes unexpected things come up and people need to cancel. Having members ready to fill a vacancy is just a good policy.

5. Check up on the board and monitor how many people sign up. Call the restaurant and make sure they have room for you (hopefully get a reservation). Generally these meals are eaten "family style" and the single bill split among the guests.

6. Have fun! I personally feel that the informal events are a great way to meet new people, eat at different restaurants and extensively sample menus. With these simple guidelines in mind, go forth and organize events.

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Boring legal stuff so nobody suez-moi: All events are bound and governed by the Registration Terms and Rules which were updated September 2007. Click here to access the policy.

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I will be organizing an event outside the beltway. I am hopeful members will drive the distance to a restaurant that I find remarkable. The dinner will be hosted by yours truly, and be held in Lancaster, Pa.

Maison, although it does not bear a liquor license, is worth the trip. Plus, this will give me an opportunity to reconnect with so many I have lost contact with over the years.

The dinner will be held on February 25, 2017. Passed hor'deurves will greet guests on arrival. Followed by a family style meal of 3 savory courses, and a sweet course. Details of the menu will be updated as soon as I coordinate with the restaurant. This dinner will cost 75++(20% gratuity& tax).

 The seating count for this dinner stands at 18, with 8 spots filled already. I could possibly expand the seat count if enough members are interested in joining me for dinner. Please spread the word!! I look forward to seeing you!

#1 cheerleader,

kat

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2 hours ago, kitkatpaddywak said:

I will be organizing an event outside the beltway. I am hopeful members will drive the distance to a restaurant that I find remarkable. The dinner will be hosted by yours truly, and be held in Lancaster, Pa.

Maison, although it does not bear a liquor license, is worth the trip. Plus, this will give me an opportunity to reconnect with so many I have lost contact with over the years.

The dinner will be held on February 25, 2017. Passed hor'deurves will greet guests on arrival. Followed by a family style meal of 3 savory courses, and a sweet course. Details of the menu will be updated as soon as I coordinate with the restaurant. This dinner will cost 75++(20% gratuity& tax).

 The seating count for this dinner stands at 18, with 8 spots filled already. I could possibly expand the seat count if enough members are interested in joining me for dinner. Please spread the word!! I look forward to seeing you!

#1 cheerleader,

kat

If people want to go together, I'll be happy to rent an SUV or Minivan if we can find a designated driver and get 6-8 people.

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2 hours ago, DonRocks said:

If people want to go together, I'll be happy to rent an SUV or Minivan if we can find a designated driver and get 6-8 people.

I hope this endorsement will illcit interest for a group to come my way. I have no handbook that Im following in organizing this dinner. Im just following my gut. I have extended an invite to David Ramey of the famed Ramey Vineyards. If he considers my invite, and joins us for dinner, mark my words, I will be playing Powerball.

feelin like a million $$$,

kat

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37 minutes ago, lizzie said:

I cannot go on that date, but if there ends up being room outside of the donrockwell community, I have lots of friends in that area who might be interested, including one couple (Denise and Bob Harter) who just are celebrating their 2 year ownership of the 1777 Americana Inn and Black Forest Brewery (http://www.1777americanainn.com/).

I am more than happy to have people join us, regardless of they are part of the Don Rockwell community. Perhaps after our meeting, I will encourage  them to chime in. After all its free, and it will expand my base at the same time. In the meantime though, they can contact me directly at katthull@gmail.com, and I am more than delighted to add them to the event.

Thanks!!

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