The FAQ is currently in the process of being updated in the new system. We apologize for any inconvenience, and will be updating this page as soon as possible.

Should you?? Why, yes, of course! If there's not someone to be a bit aggressive and say "hey! wear your net shirts to ___ between __ and ___ before the ___ show", we'll all remain faceless names with only ASCII to bond by.

A gathering, in this context, is an assembling, meeting, partying, and celebrating of netters, most of whom otherwise have contact with each other only on the net, or by some stroke of luck inside show. Net gatherings usually take place at a restaurant near and just prior to a Phish show, but some take place post-show, and there's no good reason that there couldn't be at some other show in your area. (Check Tourdates' Cities and Gadiel's Tourdates.) For instance, there are 45 phish.netters in Charlottesville, most of whom have never met; sounds like a good reason to party!

Though no longer operational, at one time the link phish.net/tour/gatherings led to info on current gathering plans. Until a replacement comes, keep an eye out for local and regional groups such as the Canadian Phish Traders Network.

Hints:

1. DO:
   • volunteer to set one up if you live in the area and/or have a good way to make decisions & arrangements, & think you might be able to handle a few phone calls.
   • try to find the ideal place: cheap with decent food & a good beer selection, that allows those under 18 in, & is within walking distance of the venue.
   • take comments from others & post corrections ASAP!
   • give directions on the net, maybe with an ASCII map, &
   • note parking if not within walking distance of venue (remembering pre-show slacker energy level and mental capacity).
   • call ahead & get a big table; it may be necessary, would help gatherers find each other, and would be a nice thing to do for the otherwise unexpecting wait staff.
   • let any wait staff know that your's is the "phish net" party for anyone that comes to the door asking.
   • plan it for the second night in a town, if there is one; second shows seem better, and more people can find out about it and get directions during and after the first show.
   • make it early, eg 3-6pm for a 7:00 show.
   • go to gatherings that are planned!
   • take a pen for snail-mail and email addresses (esp. for later trades, show thoughts, etc), recent setlists (for those not at recent shows or distanced from the net due to long distance travel), your tapelist, and good vibes!
2. DON'T:
   • sit at separate tables, ending up in the same travel cliches you came in & totally losing the point of the gathering.
   • suggest multiple places close to the show; pick one, then try to stick to it, or you'll end up with multiple simultaneous gatherings and not know it.
   • pick a 21 & over only place (if possible to avoid).

Note: Some local and regional groups of phans have organized trading and, some, periodic meetings/potlucks/parties with good success. These include the Mass. Pikes, Chicago Phans, and Philly Tape Traders, and New England / New Jersey Tarder Group, Western Trading Zone (Dead focus). We'd love to hear from you about others.

"...we might come to town and the people on the Phish.net will communicate through electronic email and the night of the show, they'll all meet down at a local microbrewery or something....""
-- Trey Anastasio, Rockline, 3/22/94"