Possibly a fair point, though remember that there are lots of people who use the chatrooms regularly but don't read the forums, and vice versa (I'm one of the latter category, I've never got the hang of chatting online in real time, I prefer to have at least a few minutes to consider what I'm writing). They may also be people who're known personally by regular users of SH, although they don't use the site themselves much.
Tip-top post I reckon.
In my opinion, you don't tend to get many gawpers. Nervous newbies yes, and some with expectations that it's going to be some covert sex party.
As is always stated, it is purely social. Obviously those attending tend to be more open and willing to be more , lets say, erm , forward, than you might get at a normal night out. But a munch is just hectic fun. If anything is true, you'll wonder afterwards why you had any nerves in the first place... it's just like a pissed up version of the forum/ chatroom but in real time and with actual people and not pixels... the time flashes by and before you know it you'll be sitting at home counting down to the next one!
Oh.... and you'll say at least 10 times.... "... you're not like i thought you'd look like at all.."
It's often a mood thing I think. Sometimes you're in the mood to chat, to contribute. Sometimes you just want to be quiet. Absorb what's going on without sticking your head over the fence.
Sometimes - wrong time, wrong subject, whatever - a post gets a load of unkind responses and that puts people off posting.
Don't judge people by the amount of posts they contribute.
Jezzay.
I have just spent the last few minutes reading through all the points that everyone has said. As a newbie to the site and a long way off, of going to a munch the points you all raise are of true value and I have taken them all in. I to would be scared of entering a place with people I don't know, and I'm use to speaking to people of all nations and nationallities. I hope when I get my first invitation to one, the idea that Postie mentioned to help the newbie is still around.
Thank you all