What is OpenMeet?

OpenMeet is a locality-aware, privacy-centric app designed to help people connect, coordinate meetups, and foster a sense of community. While it serves a wide range of purposes, from organizing playdates for parents to planning neighborhood gatherings or hobby meetups, its core focus is on improving local well-being and simplifying the process of community interaction.

Why should I use OpenMeet instead of existing social media platforms?

OpenMeet is purpose-built for creating and managing local events in a safe and private manner. Unlike general social media platforms, which can be broad and expose users to a wider audience, OpenMeet focuses on verified interactions, privacy, and user-centric event management. Whether you're organizing a playdate, a local workshop, or a neighborhood meet-up, OpenMeet provides tailored tools that prioritize user safety, privacy, and ease of coordination.

Where is OpenMeet currently available?

OpenMeet is being introduced in Louisville as part of its pilot phase to gather user feedback and refine its core features. Based on the success and feedback received from this initial rollout, future expansions to other cities and regions will be planned.

What measures are in place to ensure user privacy on OpenMeet?

OpenMeet prioritizes user privacy through: granular visibility and permission controls, secure in-app communication that keeps personal contact details private, and verified onboarding (upcoming) for enhanced user validation.

How does OpenMeet prevent misuse by bad actors?

OpenMeet incorporates several preventive measures:

• verified onboarding (future feature)
• event and group controls for private interactions
• moderation tools for reporting inappropriate behavior
• vetting processes for group membership

Are OpenMeet's privacy and safety controls sufficient to protect users?

We believe our existing privacy measures are robust, but we are committed to ongoing improvements. Regular user feedback and security audits help us adapt to new challenges and enhance the platform's safety features.

Will OpenMeet share my data with third parties?

No, OpenMeet does not sell or share user data with third parties. All user data is securely stored and used solely to improve the app's functionality and user experience.

What key features does OpenMeet offer?

OpenMeet offers: event scheduling tools, group invitations and RSVPs management, local event boards for discovering nearby activities, and automated reminders for upcoming events and updates.

Can I create private groups in OpenMeet?

Yes, OpenMeet allows users to create private groups where they can invite trusted members and control who participates in activities and conversations.

How does the messaging feature work?

OpenMeet's in-app messaging provides a safe channel for communication without exposing personal contact details, making it easy to coordinate meetups without relying on third-party messaging apps.

What measures are being taken to minimize the risk of potential misuse?

To address safety concerns, OpenMeet is enhancing verification with optional photo ID and address checks, implementing AI tools to flag suspicious activity, and training community moderators to respond swiftly to reports and concerns.

How do you ensure children's safety within OpenMeet?

OpenMeet is designed for adults and community members organizing events. All interactions related to children's activities, such as playdates, are managed by verified adults to ensure minors are not directly using the platform or exposed to potential risks.

What are the biggest risks OpenMeet faces in adoption?

The main challenges include: privacy concerns about data security, perception of redundancy compared to existing platforms, and building trust within communities during early rollout stages.

How will OpenMeet address adoption hesitancy?

Our approach includes transparent communication about safety protocols, providing user education resources such as tutorials and onboarding guides, and active community engagement with early adopters for continuous improvement.

How will OpenMeet be monetized, and will it remain free?

OpenMeet offers a robust free tier that covers essential features. For users who exceed typical usage limits, a paid plan will be available to continue high-level usage. Additionally, we may partner with local community organizations to contribute to revenue, avoiding intrusive advertising.

What tech stack does OpenMeet use?

OpenMeet is built with Nest JS, typeORM, and Postgres for the backend, and the Quasar framework for the frontend. This ensures compatibility with both iOS and Android devices.

When will OpenMeet's code be open-sourced?

The app is nearing its open-source phase, expected within a few weeks. We are finalizing platform stability and integrating feedback from early beta users.

How can I contribute or get involved with OpenMeet?

Developers and community members can contribute by joining the beta testing program, providing feedback through our community channels, and collaborating on development once the code is open-sourced.