This topic is about the experience of meeting an online friend from the ostomy community in person for the first time. The originator shares their story of planning and attending an ostomy conference in Worthing, which didn't go as expected. Here are some insights and advice from the experience:

1. **Planning and Expectations**: It's important to double-check dates and details when planning trips to avoid unexpected changes and fees. The conference turned out to be smaller and different from what was anticipated, highlighting the need to manage expectations.

2. **Meeting Online Friends Safely**:
- Spend at least five hours chatting over a week before adding someone to Facebook.
- Observe them on Facebook for at least two more weeks before discussing a meeting.
- Keep certain safety precautions private to ensure they remain effective.
- The originator shared that they usually chat with online friends for several months before meeting, but admitted to not following these rules once, which serves as a reminder to stay vigilant.

3. **Safety Incidents**: There was a mention of a risky situation where someone got into a stranger's car, underscoring the importance of being cautious and aware of personal safety.

4. **Community Support**: Fellow members of the community praised the bravery it takes to meet online friends in person and encouraged continuing to do so with caution. They also offered light-hearted support and humor to keep spirits up for future meetings.

5. **Learning from Experience**: Despite the trip not going as planned, the originator hopes for better-organized visits in the future and acknowledges the learning experience from this meeting.