 Do I need access to the Internet to join Social Buddies?
Social Buddies is run entirely through the web. Signing up for events, up-to-date event details, reminders and messages to the group are all done on-line or through email. So you would struggle to take part without web access.
I am not in my forties or fifties - can I still join the group?
Most of our members are in this age range, and a few are older or younger than this. The age range is given as a guide, not a strict rule. The most important thing is whether you feel on the same wavelength as people in their 40's and 50's, and like the look of the events we do.
Can non-members attend events?
Social Buddies is a membership group - people can enjoy the great service we offer in return for paying a membership fee to cover the costs of providing the service. But we recognise that sometimes people may want to come along to an event before deciding to join, so there are several ways of making this possible:-
Non-members are welcome to attend our Open Pub Meet or Open Cafe Meet each month. Look at the Current Events List to see when this is. Non-members can also join for a three month membership, on payment of the appropriate fee, and come to as many events as you like during this time.
Members also receive free Guest Passes with their membership, as part of their membership benefits, which allows them to bring a guest to an event in any 3 monthly period. Finally, do look out for any special guest offers which might happen from time to time.
I'd like to join as a Founder Member but I can't afford to pay the annual membership fee in one go
Founder Membership was only available till 1st October 2008, so is closed to all new applicants. However, for existing Founder Members, because the admin is done behind the scenes by human beings and not machines, our admin systems are relatively simple. But we value our Founder Members - you've supported us through this far - so if there is a good reason for asking us to be flexible or creative (within reason, as we wouldn't want to stretch the admin elastic too far), we are really happy to consider your request. So, if finances are truly stretched, we might be able to agree to take postdated cheques for a Founder Member, for example, to help you spread the cost.
For other membership categories, a quarterly option is available in any case.
Can we join as a couple?
Most of the people in the group are single, but it is fine for couples to join too. It would be best to access the Members Area (the Yahoo Group) with one shared Yahoo ID, otherwise you'll be getting every message twice. When it comes to our membership application form (see Join this Group), there is a category for Joint Membership, which works out cheaper than two Individual Memberships. (Please note that if you want to join as Founder Members, this is fine but you will need to join as two individuals since Founder Member rates are already such good value.)
So how do I join, exactly?
Because we have simple systems at present, it needs human beings to join up the dots a little, but this all adds to the charm of our systems.
Four things to do: send off your completed application form plus arrange your standing order, get a Yahoo Groups ID, apply for access to the online Members Area of the group or use the 'Invite', emailed on receipt of your application form, to gain entry.
VERY IMPORTANT: Yahoo will automatically set you up with a yahoo email address. You need to change this manually afterwards to your regular email address, or add the yahoo address to your email programme, otherwise you won't get any of the information from the group!
Do I have to arrange any events myself?
In a word - no! It's all done for you. Around 15 events a month are researched personally for the group, which maintains a sense of consistency in what is on offer. However, it is fine to make suggestions about events you would like to see on the calendar. And seasoned members may, if they wish, offer themselves as voluntary event hosts or even arrange and host an event, under our wing. This can be a good way of finding others in the group to go to an event you're keen on. Come and talk to us, if this is of interest to you.
I have joined the group but I'm not getting any updates or messages
If this is the case, you've not probably set your Yahoo ID up correctly. Click here for a description of what might have gone wrong. At the bottom of this page you can access screen shots of the Yahoo ID registration form, or of Yahoo's 'Edit Membership' screens.
I am a member of Social Buddies but have lost my internet access
People can sometimes lose their internet access for a short period due to computer problems, changing broadband provider, and so on. In those situations, we can keep members in the loop by post and text until you're up and running again. Send me some SAEs (one per month) and I will post you the monthly events list. Let me know by text which events you're coming to, and I'll put you on the calendar myself.
I don't have a car, so I can't get to some of the events
We can often arrange a lift share with one of the members of the group. For longer distances, it is good practice to offer to share fuel costs - a simple guide to what to offer is in the members area of the website (have a look in the Files section) |