The Offline Club

Existing Offline Options and Alternatives

• Many argue similar spaces already exist: board-game stores, swing/ballroom/square dancing, skating rinks, churches/meditation centers, hobby clubs, libraries, and civic meetings.
• These provide structured, screen-light socialization, though each has its own “barriers” (skill, subculture, or intimidation for newcomers).
• Some see the ideal as informal “third places” (cafes, pubs, neighbors’ houses, college dorms) where you just show up and people are around.

Value Proposition, Pricing, and “Gentrifying Boredom”

• Several commenters question paying ~£10–12 just to read quietly without phones, suggesting a cafe or library is cheaper or free.
• Others think charging can filter out disruptive people and create a more intentional, like‑minded crowd.
• There’s criticism that this is another example of commodifying what used to be organic community life (“gentrification of boredom”).

Comparison to Meetup and Event Platforms

• The service is frequently compared to Meetup or Facebook Events: coordination tech plus in‑person gatherings.
• People note recurring challenges: finding venues, no‑shows, bootstrapping critical mass, organizer burnout, and groups degenerating into sales/lead‑gen funnels.
• A described pattern: early mixed “cool people + weirdos”, then the “cool people” splinter off into private groups once the ratio shifts. Some wonder if a paid, curated model can mitigate this.

Phones, Lockboxes, and Addiction

• One attendee enjoyed a phone-free Amsterdam event but found the fee hard to justify regularly.
• Multiple commenters refuse to hand their phone to strangers due to PII/security concerns, preferring to self-regulate (minimalist launchers, app removal, airplane mode, or leaving the phone at home).
• Lockboxes are seen by some as necessary because there’s “always one” person who can’t resist using their phone; others think trust and norms should suffice.

Spontaneity vs Scheduled Socializing

• One strand idealizes spontaneous visits and unplanned hanging out, arguing over-scheduling “corporatizes” life and kills organic relationships.
• Many push back that unannounced drop‑ins are rude or impractical for adults; consistent, scheduled outreach is framed as essential for maintaining long-term friendships.
• Sanctioned events with clear social expectations (name tags, explicit “this is social”) are viewed as crucial first steps for people struggling to meet others offline.