Yes, I started (and consistently paid for out of pocket) an Elixir meetup that was focused on a shape of pair-programming for the attendees. Unfortunately, I haven't hosted in a few months. Since starting it I've become both a father and a CTO, and that has created limited amount of time to dedicate to other things. It probably doesn't help that I no longer have a reason to use Erlang or Elixir professionally for time being.

I can say that I very, very much enjoy hosting the meetup. I've even met a few people in that context who I became friends with and/or later hired when I had the chance.

I would do it again in a heartbeat, and answering your "Ask HN" post I think has given me reason to figure out how I can start consistently hosting it again.

thanks. I think I'd grow a lot from the experience as well. I should go through with it.

What were your initial expenses?

Yearly meetup.com fees + ~$100 per session for artisan pizza & beer.