By Quintin Smith on March 10th, 2011 at 11:29 am.
Calendars and alka seltzer at the ready, ladies and gents! And, uh, axes, apparently! The details of the second ever RPS social club have been fixed, and they are as follows: March 19th at The Blue Posts pub in London. More details, an amazing promotional poster and some similarly amazing name tags await on our forums. After the jump I’ll do my best to persuade you to come, but up here I’d just like to give thanks to noble RPS reader Siri for making this all happen. Siri! You are one classy lady, and the energy you’re putting into this can only strengthen the already-mighty RPS community. Now, onwards!
Why should you come? Because there’ll be booze and great conversation, obviously. Also I’ll be there, meaning there will be opportunities for you to touch my shoulder and whisper things like “Quinns you are so strong”, or trap me in a corner, grill me about my Fallout: New Vegas review and make me wish I’d stayed at home watching Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals because that guy is a food magician.
In all seriousness though, the RPS pub meet-up that I attended during the Eurogamer Expo last year was an incredibly enjoyable night. In case you haven’t noticed, the RPS comment threads alone are the politest and funniest of any gaming website, and that translates into a community which is every bit as wonderful in person. Who wouldn’t want to get drunk with you guys?
If you’re Scottish or Australian and ready to bemoan the fact that this is all happening in London again, why not start a Social Club contingent of your own? Get a place booked, start a thread on the forums and you bet your antlers we’ll get you a post on the RPS front page too.
Any veterans of RPS meet-ups reading should feel free to add their experiences to the comments. Let’s get something started!
10/03/2011 at 11:37 Dozer says:
What you say? I’m semi-Australian, but I live in Bath,which is only about fifteen minute’s fast walking from London!
10/03/2011 at 11:39 Quintin Smith says:
Maybe don’t show up, as I fear what you and your legs look like
10/03/2011 at 11:47 Dozer says:
I am quite tall…
10/03/2011 at 12:07 Vitamin Powered says:
Maybe you could kick Reading into the Atlantic on your way over?
10/03/2011 at 14:10 Meat Circus says:
WHERE IS LONDON?
10/03/2011 at 14:49 westyfield says:
RPS Bath crowd represent!
10/03/2011 at 16:51 Stranglove says:
Can we change that into South West RPS Represent? I know a couple of us who live around the chippenham area…
10/03/2011 at 18:50 phuzz says:
Bristol gotta represent too…
10/03/2011 at 23:21 Dozer says:
I’d prefer to kick Chippenham into the Atlantic. Then it would be on the west side of Bath, so when I’m required to drive a bus there I won’t have to use Bath’s London Road.
10/03/2011 at 11:40 McDan says:
Grrr, stuck up north for this eventingness… Far too poor to come down. Which is annoying because when not up here I’m about an hour away from London.
What a shame.
10/03/2011 at 11:40 KingCathcart says:
My memories of the last (EDIT: Eurogamer) Meet-O-Chat are vague, but I believe I ranted at Kerion then ran out of the pub at the end of the night shouting “Walker is the best writer” to Alec and Quinns.
Am I still allowed to come to this one?
10/03/2011 at 11:49 Kieron Gillen says:
That wasn’t the last Meet-o-chat!
KG
10/03/2011 at 12:03 Quintin Smith says:
I didn’t say it was! Back in your retirement crate!
10/03/2011 at 12:13 BaronWR says:
So, the truth of why KG can’t make it to the meet is revealed!! I thought all that stuff about him “getting married” sounded a bit unlikely!!
Seriously, the last one of these (which I don’t think got front-page billing) was a blast. This one we’ll even have our own room so we don’t have to confuse members of the public.
10/03/2011 at 13:22 Kieron Gillen says:
Quinns: I wasn’t talking to you, child.
KG
10/03/2011 at 17:36 President Weasel says:
I am not sure I approve of this “having our own room” business. Back in my day (read: the previous meet) we had some tables in the back of a crowded pub, not labelled in any way. The “wait at the bar until you see a guy in a geeky T-shirt, then summon the courage to interact with a stranger and find out if he is here for the meet” should be a rite of passage for everyone.
Also, I remember when this website was all fields.
10/03/2011 at 11:50 Hoaxfish says:
So, what are the chances of all the older folks who turn up being paranoid about looking like pedophiles when the younger folks turn up?
10/03/2011 at 16:15 Temple to Tei says:
*wonders which camp he falls into*
10/03/2011 at 17:37 President Weasel says:
I have travelled through time from the year 1974, and I fitted in fine at the last meet.
10/03/2011 at 11:51 Ginger Yellow says:
“March 19th at The Blue Posts pub in London”
So, is that Blizzard Europe’s local then?
10/03/2011 at 15:24 Dances to Podcasts says:
Blizzard’s pub is in Ireland, of course.
/guinness
10/03/2011 at 11:54 Mungrul says:
Which Blue Posts?
Just tapped the name into Google maps, and there seem to be quite a few.
Berwick Street?
Newman Street?
Kingly Street?
Edit: Bugger, should have read more closely.
Move along, nothing to see here.
10/03/2011 at 11:56 apricotsoup says:
Wait, have you booked Alestorm the band?
10/03/2011 at 12:04 Quintin Smith says:
I didn’t know Alestorm was a band! I was just riffing off of hailstorms/Bulletstorm. I am sorry for any disappointment.
10/03/2011 at 12:17 Dominic White says:
Alestorm are very silly and would totally fit in at an RPS meet. Saw em live once, and pretty much all the audience was singing along.
10/03/2011 at 13:11 Vexing Vision says:
I for one would be very much tempted to fly over to London for both RPS and Alestorm. :)
10/03/2011 at 13:39 Peter Radiator Full Pig says:
I saw the title and thought, “What a cool reference to pirate metal”
Alestorm are an interesting band, just too heavy for me.
Now that I say that, of course Quinns would know about a metal band. He too short on Iron…
10/03/2011 at 12:14 Daave says:
I’ll be there! I’ve recently moved to London and am a bit low on local friends so this will be right up my avenue
10/03/2011 at 12:15 Jonathan says:
Why are you singling out Scots and Aussies as whining bastards?
Besides, we all know that you hoity-toity hivemind lot are too feeble to venture outside your comforable southern baronies into the wilds of the North for mingling and uncomfortable stroking.
10/03/2011 at 12:15 CMaster says:
Any chance this could be a travelling thing?
London’s a bit pricey to get to for a night down the pub is all.
10/03/2011 at 13:00 Alexander Norris says:
Getting anywhere outside of London for a pub night is prohibitively expensive and also requires finding a place to crash, if you don’t live in London. :P
10/03/2011 at 15:22 Xercies says:
Yeah but that’s the same thing if you live far away from London and there’s a London meet
10/03/2011 at 18:38 CMaster says:
I was anticipating you’d get different people turning out at a non-London one.
I don’t really see what you’re trying to say though. Yes, for Londoners to go elsewhere would cost them money – but probably less than it would cost rest-of-the-country types to get to London. And I’m sure some reader would happily offer a room, or a few people pool for a travelodge room for whatever members of the hivemind attend.
Birmingham, Manchester, maybe York/Leeds, maybe Edinburgh, maybe Derby/Nottingham seem places that cover other areas of the country, have good transport links and will have a good number of locals. Leaves the southwest a bit out to dry though. Oxford/Bristol accessible enough but not so close to London as making that worth it on its own?
10/03/2011 at 19:20 Schmung says:
Bristol seems a good best for those in the South West and Wales.
10/03/2011 at 19:48 Alexander Norris says:
@CMaster: I thought you meant permanently moving it outside London for some daft reason – and on rereading your post it makes no sense.
The Hivemind should totally start dispatching its members elsewhere in the UK to organise nights of wild drinking and partying, though.
10/03/2011 at 21:10 Groove says:
“The Hivemind should totally start dispatching its members elsewhere in the UK to organise nights of wild drinking and partying, though.”
Yes, this. It’s a bit outside of the job description, but pinning a random into the corner to moan about your New Vegas review would be rude. And confusing.
10/03/2011 at 23:33 Siri says:
I’m afraid I neither have the time or money to travel the country and set up RPS SC meets, so if anyone wants something to happen in their local area they should get off their butts and do something about it. I’m sorry everyone in Minshull Vernon, but you’ll have to do this yourselves.
Unless you pay me to do this full-time, of course. I’m happy to arrange an RPS SC gathering in every shire if you’ll finance my lavish lifestyle.
Also, a party of four is better than none. It doesn’t always work out with smaller groups, but it’s worth a shot. I’m happy to help if I can. :)
10/03/2011 at 12:26 AndrewC says:
Siri is most awesome. Mad props to her.
10/03/2011 at 12:31 JackShandy says:
Are there actually enough australian RPS regulars for a meet-O-Chat?
SOUND OFF!
10/03/2011 at 12:44 tomeoftom says:
Ah, Perth. Your laconic lifestyle does not make up for being one of the most isolated cities in the world. Unless you happen to be in Perth as well? (I’ve actually met Quinns, in the most unlikely circumstances.)
10/03/2011 at 13:10 Quintin Smith says:
That was you? At Charing Cross bus stop at 3am?
10/03/2011 at 13:15 drewski says:
There probably are enough of us, but too spread out to be logistically feasible.
10/03/2011 at 15:00 tomeoftom says:
Yes! Haha! Hello again, Mr. Man. An absolute pleasure meeting you and your girlfriend. I’ve started my journo degree! Which is terrifically interesting. How are you faring, across the many ponds?
10/03/2011 at 22:40 zbillyboob says:
Sounding off but I think this will die unless it’s taken to the forums.
10/03/2011 at 12:44 Duffin says:
“or trap me in a corner, grill me about my Fallout: New Vegas review and make me wish I’d stayed at home watching Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals because that guy is a food magician”
you just made me splurt tea all over my monitor and keyboard. :(
10/03/2011 at 12:49 alice says:
God I live on the wrong continent.
10/03/2011 at 12:53 TomA says:
Ah this sounds like a blast but unfortunately I live too far up north for one night, instead I’ll simply have to brave the streets of manchester for a night out, looking out for shady students with their hoods up selling baby teething powder in little plastic bags because their loans have ran out and avoiding ladies of the night.
10/03/2011 at 12:53 Staggy says:
This is within staggering distance of my workplace. Tempting, tempting…
10/03/2011 at 12:56 The Lord of Leisure says:
I want to go to there! And of all things I can walk home from there too! WOOO!
10/03/2011 at 12:58 Triangulon says:
Sounds sweet like tropicana. Although I do hope it doesn’t end up being as controversial as it’s beweaponed namesake.
10/03/2011 at 13:02 Alex Bakke says:
TRAIN TICKET COSTS A LOT
BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT
10/03/2011 at 13:07 Jonathan says:
That is not a properly-formed haiku.
10/03/2011 at 13:16 drewski says:
Train ticket costs lots
But to meet RPS dudes
Totally worth it
10/03/2011 at 13:36 Vitamin Powered says:
Hmmm, hopefully when this gets off the ground a bit more we’ll start planning ahead by a few months, so people can take advantage of cheap(er) tickets.
10/03/2011 at 13:45 Triangulon says:
I like trains.
10/03/2011 at 13:21 HexagonalBolts says:
Social club manchester…?
10/03/2011 at 18:55 TimA says:
I’d be in.
/casually looks around for more…
10/03/2011 at 14:04 cjlr says:
Anyone up for RPS Meet-O-Chat: British North America edition?
There’s gotta be somebody who can get to Toronto (or, that end of the province in general?)
GOD I’M SO ALONE
10/03/2011 at 14:33 Araxiel says:
And after reading the headline I thought you guys got Alestorm to play a gig.
Because of false advertising I will not come! And only because of that. It’s not like distance or work could hold me back.
10/03/2011 at 14:47 Norskov says:
Would any of the Danish readers(we are at least a few) be interested in a Social Club in Odense? Or Copenhagen would probably make more sense, since the swedish and norwegian readers could join too. So, Social Club Scandinavia any one?
10/03/2011 at 15:05 Jonathan says:
I like that while us UK-ites are complaining about London being too far you fancypants continental Europeans are trying to get multiple countries together.
This is why we lost the wars.
10/03/2011 at 15:13 BaronWR says:
Or it could be to do with the fact that you can quite easily get the train from France to Germany for the same cost as it takes to get to Birmingham here…
10/03/2011 at 15:44 Norskov says:
After actually thinking about it, it would probably be cheaper for the norwegian readers to go to London :P
10/03/2011 at 15:52 drewski says:
You don’t really pay any different in the EU if you rock up on the day and try to buy a ticket.
And if you book in advance in the UK, fares are generally a lot cheaper. In fact, if you book RIGHT NOW you can get a fare from Birmingham to London on March 19th arriving at around 5pm, so plenty of time to tube it to the pub, for £10.50.
10/03/2011 at 15:54 BaronWR says:
This man makes sense. Do it!
10/03/2011 at 18:49 CMaster says:
@Drewski
Problem isn’t always so much cost (though it is a factor) but getting back again.
Advance tickets bought right now would cost me an (already pretty steep) £50, but cheaper than the standard return cost of £80. It would also involve over 5 hours on the train, and having to leave the pub at ~21:00 to get to KC for the 22:00 train back. Driving (if I could) would mean similar costs in fuel + wear, plus prevent the consumption of aforementioned ale.
Might be all right for those coming from Brum mind.
10/03/2011 at 15:13 Eukatheude says:
Oh, i’d love to come.
Though roughly 1000km to get there are quite a put off for me. Have fun.
10/03/2011 at 15:31 Pijama says:
There is this little problem called “THE ATLANTIC OCEAN” for me, though. I am sorry gentlemen. :(
10/03/2011 at 15:35 matte_k says:
Would love to come down and meet everyone, but sadly 9 days is not enough time for me to make the necessary travel and cover arrangements to abscond from work and come get plastered, more’s the pity :(
I’m sure you can toast absent friends though :)
10/03/2011 at 15:42 TheTourist314 says:
I have to go all the way from America… I would totally go if I didn’t have to swim it.
10/03/2011 at 16:25 cjlr says:
My fellow North Americans:
we can make something happen. I know it.
Er, well, if you’re anywhere in eastern Canada or the northeastern USA. And you could stomach an interval with your good ol’ internet buddy cjlr.
10/03/2011 at 17:49 Kieron Gillen says:
To state the obvious, RPS Yanks should do a PAX EAST meet-up.
KG
10/03/2011 at 18:47 Schmung says:
More notice required next time. Need two weeks minimum to make a jaunt to that London affordable.
sadface and so forth
10/03/2011 at 19:50 Tom OBedlam says:
Well, gee… I guess I can probably make that…
10/03/2011 at 20:31 Ayam says:
Can we make it fancy dress, please? PC gaming cosplay would rock. Bagsy Super Meat Boy! *phones up Lady Gaga for that outfit*
10/03/2011 at 22:32 Daffs says:
Can I request, really hard, a Meet-o-Chat exactly one month later (or thereon), as I will be in London then? Come on RPS-types, you can do this for me!
10/03/2011 at 22:47 Siri says:
Which date? The 16th, since that’s the nearest Saturday?
Unless it coincides with something likely to steal people’s attention, WE WILL DO IT 4 U!
Anyone?
10/03/2011 at 23:47 EBass says:
I would really really love to come but I’m otherwise engaged that weekend I’m afraid.
11/03/2011 at 00:16 DrugCrazed says:
You mentioned Alestorm:
KEELHAUL THAT FILTHLY LANDLUBBER SEND HIM DOWN TO THE DEPTHS BELOW! MAKE THAT BASTARD WALK THE PLANK WITH A BOTTLE OF RUM AND A YO HO HO
11/03/2011 at 00:45 uncleb says:
I need a minimum four weeks’ notice, due to being a professional, having a job, family commitments and shit like this and that and everything else. But seriously, the last event was the same. Sort it out. I tell most people three months.
Seriously, booze and gamers? And I have to miss out because there isn’t the foresight to arrange a piss up in a rat infested brewery with a quest giver right outside? Unforgivable.
11/03/2011 at 00:47 uncleb says:
Also, indiscriminate swearing.
11/03/2011 at 06:21 Pantsman says:
Dammit, I’d love to make it, but circumstances have conspired to make the 19th unworkable for me. Those circumstances being, specifically, that on the 19th I will most likely still live about one third of the way around the world from London, in Vancouver.
Ah well, maybe next time!
11/03/2011 at 08:09 televizor says:
That’s on my birthday. Not gonna be nowhere near London, though…
11/03/2011 at 13:30 wiper says:
The one weekend of the month that I’m not near London. You massive tossers.
*sulks*
13/03/2011 at 10:50 Stephen Roberts says:
For a person with a social calendar as empty as the space between Paris Hiltons ears, I find myself hilariously otherwise engaged. At a party in Islington. Goddamn. Seriously, I do three social things a year! What are the odds!