The Impact of Charging on Meetup's Organizers and Meetup Groups

Meetup has long been a popular platform for organizing and connecting with like-minded individuals through local events and groups. In 2019, however, the platform shifted its business model to a subscription-based system, requiring organizers to pay fees to create and manage groups. This change had significant implications for the community, leading to a noticeable decline in the number of Meetup groups. Let's explore the reasons behind this shift and its lasting impact.

Evolution of Meetup's Business Model

Before the shift to a subscription model, Meetup operated on a freemium business model, offering basic features for free while charging for premium tools and services. This model allowed a wide range of organizers to create and manage groups, contributing to the diverse and vibrant community that was a hallmark of the platform.

However, the implementation of fees to create and manage groups in 2019 marked a pivotal change. This move was intended to provide better tools and support for organizers, with the expectation that additional financial support would enhance the overall experience. Unfortunately, this change inadvertently made it more challenging for smaller and less active groups to continue functioning.

Impact on Group Formation and Activity

The shift to a paid model had a direct and significant impact on the number of Meetup groups. Many organizers faced the difficult decision of either leaving the platform or scaling back their activities. As a result, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of new groups formed, and some existing groups were disbanded or became inactive.

This decline led to a less vibrant community on Meetup, with fewer options for new members to explore. Critics argued that the initial impact of charging organizers resulted in a reduction in the number of Meetup groups, which was a blow to the platform's overall activity and engagement.

Responding to Backlash

Meetup has since made various adjustments to its business model and features in response to the backlash. While the initial change resulted in a drop in the number of groups, the platform has taken steps to address the concerns of organizers and community members.

One key adjustment has been the implementation of more flexible payment options and a focus on providing substantial value in exchange for the fees. For example, Meetup now offers tiered subscription plans that cater to different needs and budgets. Additionally, the platform has enhanced its tools and support systems to better serve the needs of organizers, even those with smaller or less active groups.

Quality vs. Quantity

While the number of Meetup groups decreased, some argue that the quality and activity of the remaining groups have increased. The requirement to pay for group maintenance encourages organizers to be more productive and engaged, which in turn creates a more dynamic and active community.

Organizers who continue to pay the fees, such as the $90 every 6 months mentioned, often share the cost with co-organizers or rely on financial support from members. This model not only sustains the group but also enhances its overall quality and appeal. Moreover, these organizers benefit from access to advanced tools and support, which can be invaluable for fostering a thriving community.

Additionally, the comparison between Meetup and Facebook groups highlights the unique value that Meetup offers. While Facebook is free, its lack of dedicated focus on community building means that groups may get overshadowed by clutter and noise. On Meetup, the payment model ensures that groups are well-maintained and visible, providing a superior experience for members.

In conclusion, while charging Meetup's organizers led to a noticeable decline in the number of groups in the immediate aftermath, the platform has taken steps to mitigate these effects. The quality and activity of the remaining groups have increased, and the unique value offered by Meetup continues to attract and engage members. The ongoing evolution of Meetup's business model will likely continue to shape the future of the platform and its vibrant community.