24 replies to this topic

[spenceman]

This is kind of a dubious thing, mostly because the vetting process would have to be more than a link to your profile on the ITS forum. The main reason being, any unscrupulous bastard can join any forum. Without a legit background check I don't know that I would be all that comfortable having another forum member knocking on my door. The anonymity folks enjoy with the interenet is completely negated with a background check. Honestly, the best way is to try and meet up with other ITS members whenever you're in their neck of the woods. That way you can get to know eachother in public over a beer or at the range rather than asking to crash on the couch. Then if disaster strikes you're already acquainted and a sleepover won't be so awkward. It just takes prior planning, and good scheduling. Face to face meetings allow you to do your own vetting without violating persec, they also negate the need of assembling a contact list of members' personal data (even if it is just phone numbers). So, find your favorite forum members on facebook/get their phone number via pm, and get in touch with them while you're travelling.

[Mother73]

I second Spenceman. Background checks? Sorry. Background check doesn't mean you are not a sorry person, just that you have been slick enough not to get caught. My house has been a crash pad for teenagers, and the husbands "boys" for as long as I can remember. Sure a few even have minor criminal records, but wouldn't want my middle brother on my block, let alone in my home.(maybe I like you better when I know less) Internet forums may contribute to a relationship of "like minded" people, but it will be up to those same people to expand their relationship beyond forum posts.In the digital age, nobody is real, and everybody is a smart as their ability to google quickly. Me, I accept anybody on my door step. Inside my door is a whole different ball game.

[LongHaul]

I've got to agree that my comfort level with letting people from the internet "drop by" is very low. I like the "safe house" idea, but I can't think of any way that it would work and be safe and comfortable for the participants. Spenceman's idea about meeting in public a few times first would work for those who travel frequently through the same areas. If your travel patterns are widespread and random it would be difficult to have enough public meetings to establish a safe house network.

[Slipery4life]

I think this would be a good idea but should be broken down to your local area, do meet and greets get to know people that live around you then spread out. eg if things go south in town, and you have your local member all pitch in for a dear lease or a property that is like a "safe house" where people can crash or bug out to and meet up as a community

[streethawk]

A group with members in different localities would be great. Of course, everyone in it should be investigated (background checks, wanted checks,etc) regularly to ensure security. Membership ID and database would help also. Group could meet anually or whatever to get to know each other.