I participate in a large, active volunteer group. We have an online message board. I posted an inquiry asking if anyone knew of an upcoming class or workshop in timber frame construction. I am not actually planning on building anything. I just want to take a class.

One person responded that they would be happy to show me what they had built and to answer any questions. Now several other people have jumped on the bandwagon. I've replied that I am not sure I want to pursue the project and just want to take a class to learn more about it, but it's not really having much effect. I'm getting private messages with phone numbers.

My BF didn't understand why I was annoyed with this situation. I don't want to call four different people to ask random questions about a topic I know nothing about. I don't want to read a bunch of webpages. I just wanted to take a class. Now I feel like I am in this awkward situation of having to turn down people who are just trying to help.

And the reason I like to take classes is because I like to meet people - so is it stupid to turn down this opportunity to meet people? Probably...