mhall119
commented
5 years ago We use the Searchables model to store both a squashed copy of local event data, as well as syndicated event data from other instances of GetTogether. These are the records used on the homepage. It would be possible to allow users to fill in a form that would populate a Searchable record directly. We would need to consider the impact of missing/bad data being entered, but I think it shouldn't be too difficult to accomplish.
In order to increase the number of events in an area, if members had a new feature to let them share details of external events that they have discovered, such as a local festival or car boot sale, regardless of if they are group organisers or not, Gettogether becomes richer and more compelling.
GROUP ADMINS also benefit if they need to be found by more people, so their group can grow. The more people look on Gettogether, the better. The more juicy events there are , the more likely people are to quickly check Gettogether more often. IT ALSO solves the problems of members needing to alert group organisers who may not know about such events, where they would want to join in. IT COULD help physical real life event organisers spread the word of their open day or fete. ALL members benefit as their local Gettogether network connects better to their real life community. Care is needed to avoid unwanted spam or advertising or even charge for ads. WHATS ON in my own local area is a problem as there is no one central, yet open place to post Whats-on type events, except for the local newspaper. Here we are looking for an easy online place to share this. And with members doing the crowd sourcing, the busy real life event organisers who have no time to think about online, get exposure, and Gettogether get an exclusive.
HOW? The event could use the current event functionality, just not necessarily connected with any group, and with no organiser name in the header. Alternative being it is linked to a group and needs approval from the group organiser. However to encourage easy posting of more events that may not fit to any specific group, giving the member posting the event a difficult decision, is an unwanted barrier.