I had hoped to keep my involvement with ATL M&G's UTR.  However, emails forwarded to me today have left me appalled to the point that I feel compelled to post.

I am starting a new thread so as not to be perceived at calling out or embarrassing any single individual per se.  ATLMEETINGORG, JPW, Jimmy to most of us and Cuetip to one, tries very hard at being a gracious host.  And based on the fact that more and more people are expressing a desire to attend – he obviously is doing a pretty good job.  So if anyone has issues with this post- please direct those issues to me.

While I believe some of the following transgression to be the result of innocent motives, they are nonetheless rude.  So, to hopefully prevent others from making the same errors – here are some no-no’s.  To be clear – no one has done anything wrong in terms of action, but we have had to intervene on some stated intentions.

For Ladies – please do NOT send us an email telling us you vouch for a handle and asking us to add this individual to the invite list. We have no way of knowing the gentleman in question’s desire to attend.  Guys need to request invites on their own as we need to maintain headcount for food, capacity fire codes, etc.

For Guys – please do NOT send us multiple emails asking about the status of your reference checks.  In one instance, five emails in one day was past ridiculous.  As is exaggerating by saying that you sent a request a week ago when in fact it was the preceding day.  We are glad you are looking forward to attending, but constant follow up is actually counter productive to getting your references checked in a timely fashion.  The ATL ladies have been excellent thus far in getting back to us while maintaining your discretion.  (Thank you ladies!)  And guys, do NOT tell us who you are bringing or who you intend to invite. Ladies who have never attended a M&G need to be verified no matter how long standing a hobbyist you are.

For all – please do NOT take it upon yourself to tell anyone about the event.  The event announcement has been posted. Reminders are posted.  The idea that the lady or guy will not see these posts and you are only being “thoughtful” is rude to the host.  If there is such an individual, then send JPW an email or PM and ask him to contact the person in question.  Of course IMO – if this is a guy’s first time attending, then probably a bit pushy to ask JPW to invite a bunch of new ladies as well.

There has been and will continue to be security at the door and ANYONE not on the confirmed invite list will be denied entry – no matter if they are escorted by someone on the list or not.  We take very seriously our commitment to ensuring these events are safe for all attendees and one where everyone can feel comfortable with one another in a social setting.

I apologize for such a long post but common sense and courtesy folks….