what do you all think about using meetup.com?

i have been on the list at meetup, and have gotten e-mails about other people interested in du meetups. they are now charging to belong. it is $19-12 month depending on length of contract. you have to pay it up front.
i recognize a lot of people on the list, but hate to have folks who are interested get left out.
it is set up to be a regularly scheduled thing, and that doesn't really work for us. but i wonder what people think about pitching in a few bucks to do this. as i read it, you have to sign up for 6 months at $19 per.
i don't mind being the organizer, but i don't care one way or the other. i would be cool with passing the hat, and collecting whatever.