Am I the Asshole For Ordering a Book at My Local Indie and Just… Not Picking It Up?

Dear Raw and Unprofessional,

I am sorry to hear that you have been left feeling so disheartened. While I must admit that I am not completely familiar with the specific profession you are referring to, I can still attempt to provide some insight into the potential reasons behind the group's actions. However, please keep in mind that this is merely speculation, and I am not privy to any confidential information.

Firstly, I am glad to know that you did not have to pay any fees for joining the group. Had they demanded money upfront, this situation could have taken a very different turn. At least, in this case, there is no risk of being swindled out of your hard-earned money.

The apparent breakdown in communication between the organizer and the group's members might have played a significant role in your experience. It is possible that the person you spoke with on the phone and the one managing the meetings have had a disagreement, leading to the rejection of new members. This kind of miscommunication could have arisen due to the significant changes within the group, such as the departure of long-time members and the recent hiatus in meetings. These factors could have caused confusion or a shift in the group's structure and values.

Without any concrete information about the group's background or the members involved, it is impossible to determine the exact cause of your rejection. Therefore, it is entirely plausible that you were simply not a good fit for this particular group at that particular time. It is also possible that this group is trying to establish new rules and values, given the recent upheaval in its members and leadership.

In conclusion, I empathize with your feelings of embarrassment and disappointment. However, it is essential to remember that such experiences are not uncommon, particularly when joining new groups or organizations. There is no need to feel chewed up and spit out, as there may have been factors beyond your control that led to this outcome. Ultimately, there is no reason for you to consider yourself an asshole for not fitting into a group that you were not initially aware of.