Meetup has overwhelmingly been a net-positive for me over the past couple of years unlike most technology platforms these days. I've met some great people locally and felt much more in tune with my IRL community than I would have otherwise.
That being said, I've also been sad that Meetup appeared to be languishing as a modern web property. It really needs a "glow up" and general attention to UX so that it feels in line with other major local-based platforms such as AirBnB. It feels like nothing much has been done to improve Meetup since before the WeWork acquisition way back in the day, and if anything it's gotten cheesier with all the crappy ad popups.
Perhaps with a parent company that is squarely focused on software and design, Meetup can find its footing again and be that premier destination for all things local event communities. (Can we even talk them into adding ActivityPub support so Meetup's part of the Fediverse? A man can dream!)
That being said, I've also been sad that Meetup appeared to be languishing as a modern web property. It really needs a "glow up" and general attention to UX so that it feels in line with other major local-based platforms such as AirBnB. It feels like nothing much has been done to improve Meetup since before the WeWork acquisition way back in the day, and if anything it's gotten cheesier with all the crappy ad popups.
Perhaps with a parent company that is squarely focused on software and design, Meetup can find its footing again and be that premier destination for all things local event communities. (Can we even talk them into adding ActivityPub support so Meetup's part of the Fediverse? A man can dream!)