There are web sites/organizations like Match.com for dating, and
roommate services for finding roommates. Is there anything like that
for
making new friends, that includes Chicago (and possibly members from
the northern suburbs, but geared towards Chicago city life)? Or
something that frequently ends up serving that purpose, e.g. a
particular bulletin board? The main purpose would be to find a
person/persons who would like to do the same thing, from events like
ball games, concerts and street fairs; to just liking the same kind of
bars and restaurants. But being able to communicate with them first.
I'm mainly thinking of the principle where you could correspond with
someone by e-mail a bit and then decide if you have not only the same
interests, but general outlook/disposition/tolerance levels.

I'm specifically trying to see if I can avoid the "trouble" of
checking out social groups where the first glimpse of whether it suits
you can only be had by actually showing up somewhere for a meeting,
event or "mixer." Would like to correspond/chat with someone just a
bit first (other than the social group's administrator). Also need to
avoid things that are predominantly comprised of people under 35,
*unless* there is a means to, as I'm asking, ferret out those within
it who are closer to my own age by at least reading profiles first and
then contacting the person(s). So what I'm looking for would likely be
Internet-based, even if not formally formed as a "match" service.

For an answer, obviously my ideal would be a "Match.com" for
friendships, or something like a bulletin board that is used for that
purpose. If you don't find that, but do find something that you think
at least comes closer to avoiding blind, show-up meetings, please
first post a reason why it is different than what I'm trying to avoid.
Note that I'm already aware of an Internet organization called
Meetup.com.

Hello, 4u2do-ga!


 I believe I have found a service in Chicago for you that centers more
on meeting friends rather than finding a date!

 The service is called "Just Friends" and is offered through Chicago
Reader Online at http://www.chicagoreader.com/


 "Reader Matches are Chicago's most popular personal ads, the best way
in town to find a friend, a lover, or even a jogging partner. Hundreds
of Reader readers (a discriminating bunch!) advertise here every week.
Scroll through the ads or use your browser’s "find" function to look
for key words that describe the kind of person you want to meet. When
you find someone who interests you, introduce yourself through our
state-of-the-art telephone system, or (with some ads) strike up a
correspondence by E-mail. New Matches are posted every Thursday by
noon Central time."


See the current listing at:
 
"Just Friends"
https://securesite.chireader.com/cgi-bin/ematch/2001/writeframes.pl?go=friends


Admittedly, there are some peculiar listings in there, but others are
seemingly normal. For example:


"HI! NEW TO Chicago and would like to meet new friends. I enjoy book
discussions, dining out, music, museums, biking, walking, talking
about life and generally having fun. I'm a SWF 40, living on the north
side. Ready to explore Chicago as the weather warms up and trees turn
green."


"HIKERS WANTED: OUTDOORSMAN and friends would like to meet Chicago
people for hiking, bicycling, camping, backpacking, canoeing,
swimming, etc. We have been meeting almost two years and have over 100
people in our group. We hike almost every week in the summer. Hope to
hike with you."


"INTERESTED IN STARTING a writers group to meet in downtown area
(possibly near north side). Seeking writers looking for a place to
share knowledge and test material in supportive, stress-free
environment. No perfectionist or Type-A personalities."


==

"Sign-in is free and allows you to browse the Matches ads and read any
messages left for you. If you want to answer ads or send messages, you
will be prompted to buy E-stamps, which cost $2 apiece with a five
stamp minimum purchase."
https://securesite.chireader.com/cgi-bin/ematch/2001/writeframes.pl?go=signin


How to Respond:
https://securesite.chireader.com/cgi-bin/ematch/2001/writetorespond.pl


** I imagine that after you have contacted someone once to strike up a
correspondance, you could then exchange private e-mails to get to know
them better.**


==========


 I found several singles dating services, but I knew you were not
interested in those sites.


 Another possibility is to look for specific groups along your lines
of interest, and then go to their meetings. It is a non-threatening
way to meet people and possibly cultivate some friendships outside of
the group.


 For instance, if you are of a particular ethnic group (ie Asian
Friends) or religious group (Jewish singles) or enjoy any number of
particular hobbies...sporting events, music, reading clubs, etc.,
there are no shortage of clubs in Chicago.


==


 I hope the "Just Friends" group will help you connect with some new
friends who share similar interest. You can tailor your own ad any way
you like, or just remain on the sidelines until you see one that
piques your interest!


 Good luck!


umiat-ga
 

Google Search Strategy
+Chicago +MEETING NEW FRIENDS
Chicago +online friends

Ok, based on how true you stayed to what I asked for, I give you a
five. I had never considered or browsed the Reader ads before, because
while that paper is respected for its articles and cultural coverage,
on more personal levels it is also rather well known for those ...
"peculiarities" you mentioned. I hadn't realized there was a "Just
Friends" section, and may have jumped to conclusions if I had. But
after reading your answer I looked at a few issues, and have to admit
that it seems like sooner or later something that sounds right in
enough ways could appear there. Still predominantly 20's -- a big
drawback -- and I wish there was a higher volume of ads to expedite
things. Anyway, I don't mean to crab, I did see some flair and
personality in there and it could eventually lead to something good.
And you did follow my specs, so good job, and thank you. I may post a
similar question again, just to gather even more sources and if
possible, higher volume within them to better the odds and shorten the
journey.

Hi, 4u2do-ga!

 Thank you for the generous rating! If you do post another question in
the future, think about some specific interests you have, mention the
ages you are interested in, etc. For instance, do you have any
particular hobbies, sports interests, or other unique qualities that
would open up a search to new areas? Would you ever consider getting
involved with groups along your lines of interest in order to meet
people? Would you attend political meetings, reading groups, other
special interest groups? If so, that might be another direction for a
search for new friends as well as particular chat groups or bulletin
boards in the Chicago area.

umiat