[Fedora]

I think it's better to get to know someone in a group FIRST.

Agree. But that requires attending group activities which lend themself to that. This can be challenging if either such activities aren't available or if a person is shy in groups. I personally have a crowd phobia that affects me in certain social settings, though not all--I have to be in a certain environment for someone to get to know me.

[JenB]

Internet groups can help that - though there is an element of pig in a poke with that. But based on Hair and ecurb, it can work!

[TalonDJ]

Crowd control will be much easier now that I have a new source for weapons grade cheese. muwahahahaaaa

[JenB]

Forgot I was going to say, in large groups I get very introverted. Online I can feel more comfortable. Ask people who were at Entmoot, I wasn't shy there because I knew everyone so well. Then ask anyone who's been to any party with me and you'll get a very different picture.