So, have you done it? Was it good for you? Would you do it again?
Sure, lots of times, and of course. Between pure socializing and work, and things like my Amiga Report experiences where I would go to trade shows and meet hundreds of people who knew me through my publications, I've met all sorts of people who I first encountered as an e-mail, chat session, board post, or phone call. I really can't offhand think of a single encounter I've had where I haven't gotten along at least as well with someone in person as I would with them online, with the occasional exception for people who have abrasive or otherwise unpleasant personal habits (or lack thereof) which aren't really apparent online. I guess expectations are a little lower when I meet a colleague instead of a friend, but the principles are basically the same, and, yeah, I don't see much downside.
Also, if you are meeting someone you consider a friend, is that inherently more likely to be a successful venture than if you are meeting a potential romantic partner? It seems to me that it would be a lot less stressful.
As I have been married roughly all of my life, this only really came up twice. The first, who was the first friend I ever made online, I knew had a boyfriend and was 2-3 years older than me (significant when you're, like, 12) so my expectations were pretty low anyway for any sort of serious hooking-up. It was a very brief meeting--a friend of mine decided that we should drop in on her since we were in the neighborhood, so it was all a very "Uh, hi. We were in the neighborhood. Gosh, this is awkward on a Sunday evening. See you around" affair, and she moved to Alabama or something like that not too long thereafter. I do idly wonder whatever became of her. She was my online "first." Sniff. (Hey, Samantha, if you're a BG2 fan by some chance, drop me an e-mail!)
The other was a girl who I had thought about getting serious with (after getting to know her better through meeting in person and such), but it never quite came together, but not for reasons that had anything to do with meeting in person. But we're talking about when I was 13-14, here. (So, okay, "local BBS scene" instead of "Internet.")
So, yes, I'm sure it's basically inherently easier to meet someone you're not actively fantasizing-about-with-intention-to-consummate, but that's basically true of meeting people no matter how you first came to know them, I'd say.
