My Social Calendar

This would be a really great concept if it was run by people who actually cared. Unfortunately, the owner (Emmet) wants nothing to do with his paying customers, and the event coordinator (Vanessa) takes every opportunity to avoid doing the work needed to have successful events that satisfy their members. But they seem to be content with sitting back and collecting membership dues month after month from people who realize the mistake they made by signing up and are just waiting for their contract to end. Too bad.

I had recently moved to the area when I saw an ad for MSC on Insta and thought I’d check it out. I scheduled a “screening call” with them, which was really just a sales pitch to get you to sign up, right then, without giving you time to think. If you don’t sign up right then, then you don’t have the option to try later, so, under pressure, thinking “sure, maybe I’ll meet some cool people, I am, after all, a member of several social clubs that I LOVE in my home city”. I signed up. DON'T DO IT.

I was a member over a year and canceled because I was not using the service. The day I canceled, my account was deactivated but I was charged for services, which are billed one month in advance. Essentially I no longer has access to the calendar but was billed. There’s no contact information for help on the website. The DC events Coronado, Lena, refused to provide contact information for anyone in member services and essentially told me that the billing issue was my fault and to deal with it.

They like to tell potential members that you will 'probably meet someone in...' to get you to buy a 6 month or year membership. This allows them to manipulate your emotions to make a binding long-term purchase without actually committing to anything themselves. The truth is, all they are only legally obligated (per their contract) to do is schedule 10 events per month. If you don't meet someone, not their problem. If events get cancelled, not their problem. As long as they put 10 events per month on a calendar - whether they actually run or not, whether you meet someone or not. If you want to cancel your membership, not their problem. As a member, I can't count the number of people I've seen come to one or two events, not make any connection and never return.

These people could care less about their paying members once they have your money. All they really do is copy a calendar from month to month - they don't even attend their own events. They expect the members to run the events themselves and you can't get any response from people in the office. A lot of nothing for all the money they charge.

When I returned to the Philadelphia area after being away for 15 years, I was interested in meeting single people and was especially interested in developing friendships. I have enjoyed a variety of events throughout the region. The events include so many different venues that anyone who joins would find outings of interest to them. I am also happy to say that I have succeeded in building new lasting friendships.

The "screening process" to join MSC I experienced was little more than a pressure sales pitch. After asking me where I came from, why I hadn't had success, et cetera, within 10 minutes the employee on the phone was asking if I was ready to give him my credit card information. When I asked if I could please have more time to think about it, he immediately did a 180 and said he didn't think it would be right for me. Why, I asked? "Just a feeling," he said. This is how salesmen win, by making you feel unworthy. I've never experienced MSC myself, but based on this representation it isn't something I'll try anytime soon.

Vanessa is the event coordinator. She does as little as possible to fulfill her job and deliver a satisfying customer experience. Their literature and membership contract states that they provide hosts for the events - false. They solicit members to host the events themselves. Vanessa hosts perhaps one event a month - and only if it's convenient for her. If her kids have an activity or she has a family event, she will pressure members to host the event in her place, and cancel events if no-one is willing. She has also cancelled events when there is a willing host, but she had personal priorities that kept her from monitoring the office phone for attending members on the day of the event. Some of the poorest customer service I have ever seen.

As a single, professional adult I joined the Calendar, then I promptly quit. The Calendar will ask a prospect a screener question: if one is absolutely male or absolutely female (they do not ask questions about one's ethnicity). I am not 100 percent male or female, have an X for gender ID on my license. I choose to not ID with any gender. This entity refuses to acknowledge diversity in gender outcomes and that people MUST be either male or female at all times. I am offended by these 'you must be this or else' tactics required as a pre-requisite. Wonder if this firm sends its profits from members to sexist conservative, pro-Trump candidates or political action committees.

Let me begin by saying, I don't ever write reviews if an experience is bad, but I could not let this one slide. MSC aka My Social Calendar: The website depicts professionals. I went to an event of 8 people. Bill's Burger Place, West Street, in NYC. The Manager was kind enough to give me the heads up after I voiced my concerns. I was expecting at least a group of 20. Wow seriously, how dare you charge people all this money for an experience that is false. Demographics were way off on so many levels. No disrespect, but... not need to insult folks, not one looked like anyone representative of what appears on the company's website. They have to be paid actors.