how to combat the flake factor

Everyone has to bail on plans sometimes, but why are they always your events? Luckily, Evite sends handy reminder emails and has a "send to phone" function to help guests keep the party's date and address in mind.

But what can you do? Incentives like guest speakers are great for networking events, but office-bonding activities need something that's not so, um, work related. When you invite people, mention perks like the killer happy hour specials or the awesome band that'll be playing. Then recruit friends and coworkers to spread the word. And, of course, keep up your end of the bargain and don't flake on others.

Comments

I'm glad you're addressing the Flake Factor. Right now, it's up there with War in Eye-Rack and other things I'd like to see gone forever.

There seems to be a cultural trend these days of needing to re-invite people you've already gotten acceptances from just a few days before the event.

ie. I invite fun-loving guests to a great event at my place in ten days time

Fun-loving guests accept.

But then I need to confirm with them a few days before said shindig just to make sure they are still coming and I don't throw a party fer no one.

It's just not right.

And the more parties I try to throw, the more I realize just how much the host is counting on people who said they'd love to come TO ACTUALLY SHOW UP!

I really dislike those who say they are coming and don't show up. Sure, there are times when things come up last minute but at least be courteous to the host and call.

Can Evite create something so the hosts and guests can indicate who's a flake or not? Perhaps a way to add a snow flake icon next to the person's name or something, as long as this is done in a fun, friendly manner?

Hanna, that snowflake icon is a brilliant idea!

Here's my take on the flake phenomenon:

http://zen-denizen.blogspot.com/2006/12/every-evite-is-eventually-evil.html