To join or not to join...a group that knits or crochets

Recently I saw this topic and I thought about the obvious benefits and detriments of joining a knitting group or a crocheting group.   Then the question of online or in person popped up.

The benefits are easy to see. 

1.  You get to talk to others about how they might proceed with a trouble spot,  color choice, stitch pattern....

2.  You have someone to knit or crochet with while solving the problems of the world or something more close to home.

3.  You might have a segment of time to learn something new

4.  You can find new friends of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels.

5.  You will see fabulous new patterns or yarns, or tools in action.

6.  You have people around you to commiserate about uncaring recipients.

7.  As you become closer to these people,  they can help if a tragedy befalls your family.

8.  The members might bring new charities to the attention of the group and ask for a donation to the charity.

Now for the detriments of joining a knitting group or a crocheting group.

1.  You will see many, many things that will tempt you to want to start many new projects. If you are a slower paced stitcher or work a full time job or have people to take care of,  you may be gaining a lot of ufos.

2.  The politicians don't solve the problems the way you worked out.

3.  Your bank account might suffer from purchasing fantastic but more expensive yarns.

Now the question of online or in person.

The above benefits and detriments mostly apply to both in person and online.

1.   Most online groups have no politics talk allowed. 

2.  Online groups will have many times more people than in person groups to entice you to want to purchase yarn, tools and patterns. 

3.  There are also more people to encourage you. 

4.  There are more ways thought of to work out a problem. They might not all meet the standards you have for your stitching.

5.  Online groups will probably have a wider age range and more different backgrounds.

6.  Online groups are mostly anonymous despite profile pictures and the sense of community.  You won't hear inflections in the written word.   In person groups allow you to get to know the members on a personal level and do things with them.  Mostly online groups will be further afield,  not allowing you to get together on a regular basis in person.