How we connect is as important as the desire to connect. We ask people to think outside of the golden rule and connect within some guidelines. Not everyone is as comfortable as others, and these guidelines will help maintain a good Open-to-Chat culture.
If you choose to use the website, go to the open to chat tab and place a digit pin of where you will be and for how long.
When you are at the location, place a physical signal for people to see.
A physical signal is inexpensive and easily identifiable. Place a napkin or paper in fron of you with a large letter “O” or “Chat” written on it. If you want to help it be seen better, raise it up by laying it ontop of a cup.
Some registered Open-to-Chat locations may even have their own signals for you to use.
Putting the signal up means you are open to meet new people. Having your signal visible means you are open to anyone joining you. We recognize this takes courage. It will mean you may have a connection with someone quite different from you. You may deny people to join you and you do not need to give an explanation; however, we encourage people to be curious and experiment.
Different Signals: Some registered locations may have signal with different meanings. Look for posters for instructions. For example, a cafe or library may provide an additional yellow sign to mean side-by-side work/study with occasional chatting.
Control the crowd: Put away the signal when you have all the people you want.
Ask before you join: Ask the host if you may join. They may deny you. While we encourage people to be curious and experiment with new connections, there are many reasons people may deny someone for joining. This is about the host, not you.
Go for 15: Aim for at least a 15-minute chat. When the time is up, be ready to move on unless you're invited to stay longer.
Be gracious: Respect the end of conversations. Be grateful for the time shared, whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour.
Differences: It is important to recognize that people will have different beliefs and ways of engaging with people. By engaging, please hold any need to change the others' thinking or behavior. We encourage curiosity and to reserve judgment. Everyone has a backstory and perhaps you'll get to hear some of it!
Safety First: Be mindful of personal space and boundaries. Keep conversations respectful. Report any concerning behavior to the venue staff.
We hope it went well and you had a positive connection!
Guidelines for the future: It is important to recognize that the time spent connecting is expected not to be an invitation for further contact beyond the initial chat time. This is a core tenant of the purpose of Open-to-Chat connections. We are helping to provide a moment to connect with other human beings today and for this moment. Any invitation beyond this initial contact is an agreement between those involved.
You may see someone you have connected with before with a sign up. You may ask to join them again. This may be awkward if they decline you to join. It is important to know that no explanations are to be requested or required. It is important to respect others' autonomy as autonomy is your right also.
If you experience or suspect illicit activities such as stalking, assault, or fraud while using our service, your immediate safety is the utmost priority. In case of emergency situations, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement immediately. It's essential to provide them with as much information as you can, including any relevant details about the incident or the person involved. Remember, while the anonymity of our service may limit our ability to assist directly, we are committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement during their investigations.
For non-emergency situations, such as encountering rudeness or other disruptive behavior, consider first disengaging from the situation by removing yourself from the location. We recommend always prioritizing your personal comfort and safety. Report these instances to us, so we can monitor patterns of misconduct and improve the user experience. While we may not be able to personally investigate or intervene due to the anonymous nature of our platform, we value user feedback and will use it to inform potential improvements to our service. Contact us here.
Lastly, it's important to take steps to protect safety. Be mindful of the information you share and keep personal details private. Remember, no one has the right to make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Being a responsible user means respecting the rights and safety of others, but also prioritizing your own wellbeing.