Thursday, May 31, 2007
Escorts and Body Image
I have started watching How to look good naked on channel four, on Tuesday .
I prefer this makeover programme to others that I have seen, and like Gok Wan's approach.
He does not attempt to change any of the women on the show with plastic surgery, but works with what they have, and teaches them to love their bodies as they are.
The escort industry is focused on how you look, there is no getting away from that. However, clients tastes are varied, and I believe there is work for everyone out there, as I mentioned in Kiss my Fat Ass. We do not all need to be one size.
Most of the escorts that I have met, have parts of their bodies that they do not like. Watching the programme, and seeing the women and their confidence shift, was amazing.
As escorts I believe that we need to have a certain amount of confidence in our bodies ; as we are naked with total strangers most of the time.
Labels: Black escort, London, Perception, Thoughts
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Virgin Prostitutes
I am struggling here. The debate about Hala Sarhan and her TV show is amusing. She had four women who appeared on the show who claimed to be prostitutes. They claimed that they had been manipulated to say that. Once they realised the impact of their statements on Television, particularly the accusations they made towards the Egyptian police, they were no longer prostitutes.
To prove that they were not prostitutes they went for forensic examinations,reputations were at stake.The forensic report proved that they were virgins with intact hymens. However they showed signs of heavy anal use.
My understanding of a virgin, is a person who has never had sex. I do not differentiate between anal or vaginal sex. It seems that in Egypt they do.
A claim that 80% of prostitutes in some parts of Egypt are virgins from part of the article here is misleading, I believe.
It is not possible to be a Prostitute and a virgin at the same time, in my view.
Labels: American Chronicle, Daily Star Egypt, Escorts, News, Prostitutes
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Trapped by Irish pimps
Israeli women students answered an advertisement in the paper, to work in the sex industry in London. Unfortunately, this was a con. They were flown to Ireland, forced to take drugs, work as prostitutes, and not paid. Angelica Sabag, recruited the women, and was working for a chain of pimps. She was arrested on Sunday.
The advertisements in papers is not unusual. Most agencies recruit women from advertisements in the paper, and on the internet. I wonder how women looking for work in other countries, are able to work out who is genuine. It seems like a minefield, as this is a tactic that most traffickers use.
Labels: Escorts, Pimps, Prostitutes, Ynet news
Monday, May 28, 2007
Escort agency madam sends bill to the Earl of Shaftesbury's son
I find the death of the Earl of Shaftesbury tragic. His widow Jamila M'barek who was an escort will serve twenty five years in prison, for paying her brother to kill him.
Catherine Gutler who owns an escort agency in Nice, walked up to the Earl's son at the trial. She handed him an uncashed cheque for 1279 pounds, and said she needed the money.
After being confronted with her sordid past by Madame Gurtler, Jamila shouted from the dock: “You’re a pimp!”
Madame Gurtler replied: “Jamila is a bitch and I want to see her go to prison for life. She never loved the Earl. All she wanted was his money.” After being shown the personalised Drumm-onds Bank cheque, signed “Shaftesbury” and dated February 4, 2002, the 27-year-old current Earl – a New York DJ – listened politely to Madame Gurtler before she finally handed it to the family’s solicitor.
Madame Gurtler said: “Nick was polite and charming like his father. I’m confident I’ll now get my money.”
Later the court heard from another prostitute about the dead Earl’s unpaid sex bills. Cannes call-girl Rose-Marie Bioulaygues said: “I spent three days with the Earl. He paid me by cheque but it bounced.”
Quotes from Payup Demand by Madam at Earl Trial by Nick Fagge of the Daily Express.
This whole case has left me thinking about greed, and how some individuals do not know where to draw the line. I find their behaviour shocking, and distasteful, which is not unusual in the escort industry. Have a good week.
Labels: bbc news, Daily Express, Escort agencies, Escorts, News
Friday, May 25, 2007
Trafficking
Officials in Belarus at a recent UN conference said that the media ignore their role in fighting sex trafficking, and often end up promoting it through the advertising columns of profit-oriented newspapers. The media has a duty to expose their likely fate.
Arizona has flunked the sex trafficking survey, in failing to protect victims. I hope their grades improve as soon as possible.
Have a good weekend.
Labels: Escorts, News, People's Weekly World, Prostitutes, The Business Journal Phoenix, Trafficking
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Major award
Janice Raymond is to receive an outstanding award for her outstanding contribution, against the war on trafficking. This is her life work, and she is not popular.
The cost to her, is that she receives hate mail, death threats, cannot give out her phone number or address, or have her picture taken.
It is amazing, that she continues her work, given the dangers she faces. Traffickers are ruthless as Julia O'Connell Davidson points out here.
It is not an easy job to do. I think she is an inspiration, and I salute her.
Labels: Escorts, News, Prostitutes, The Herald, Trafficking
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Some people do not give up
Arthur Shawcross a convict doing life for killing 11 prostitutes, and eating some of their body parts, is seeking a female companion. He is hunting for his sixth wife, after divorcing wife number five. He wants a woman between 24 and 100.
I cannot believe that any woman would want to marry him, with his history.
What prevents him from eating you as his wife, as he ate some prostitute's bodyparts before?
Different strokes for different folks.
Labels: Escorts, News, Prostitutes, Shortnews, Thoughts
Monday, May 21, 2007
Caitie Mae on Blogging
What is the first weblog you came across?
The first time I can recall a blog having any significant meaning to me was when I discovered indecentblogging.com. It was a social erotic blogging network that hosted some very enjoyable writers and personalities. Dirty Boys Dirty Thoughts was an instant favorite. Luckily, Roger transplanted his dirty thoughts successfully to a new host when Indecent Blogging was overrun with spam.
Why did you start blogging?
When I started my first blog, a Wordpress engine that I had styled myself and hosted on a free server, I was in my rookie year in the industry. I started blogging as an additional way to make contact with prospective clients without expanding my marketing campaign. In the almost two years since the launch of that first blog, the expansion of my marketing has been limited to a total of about four other sites, and not more than a dozen or so total ad listings, which I consider a successful contained campaign.
Which blogs do you read?
A great deal of the blogs I read are related to web design. The P4P blogs I read are Chevalier's, Blonde Bohemian,
Courtesean Connection, Misemployed in Minneapolis and I've recently added Nia Dark and Lovely to my regular reading. I was reading Compartments regularly, but since her professional direction has changed, I've been reading her less. One of my favorite blogs, Glengarry Leads, is no longer online, and I miss it. Another that I read until the author stopped posting is Experienced Girlfriend because she posted about being a sexworker involved in a personal relationship. I, too, have a very serious boyfriend; we are actually engaged. There was a couple (a provider and her client-turned-boyfriend) who each posted blogs about their relationship on wordpress but their romance quickly became a trainwreck that was painful to watch; their blogs have both been removed. There are also a few blogs I read that are more erotic fiction collections than blogs about escorts.
What appeals to you about the blogs you read?
There is a certain "aloneness" I feel from being in this line of work. I read the escort blogs that I read so that I can have a sense of "she feels the same way," or "he understands what I am feeling about (whatever)." I read escort blogs to feel more a part of than apart from.
Whose writing do you particularly admire?
I admire Chevalier's writing for the fact that he seems to "get it" more than most of the men entangled in this industry. I think I admire everyone I read regularly for either their insight or the way they turn a phrase. Hopefully I will be having lunch with (and meeting for the first time) one of my favorite writers on Monday; I cannot tell who she is, but I don't think there is a person I enjoy reading on the message boards more than I enjoy reading her comments.
In your reading do you seek out different points of view ?
Oh, I know I should seek out differing points of view, and sometimes I do, but I honestly like reading that I am right most of the time. I am so shallow. I have found that I enjoy reading people with whom I agree although our reasoning does not match.
How do you choose items to link?
I tend to add bloggers who link to my blog to my blogroll. Many in my list have many links in their blogrolls. If my readers click through my list, they find a wealth of blogs to view from those sites. with the exception of The Erotic Review, because they require a link on the first page, I don't link to my reviews or the message boards that publish them.
What is your policy on comments?
My comment policy is that I approve the first comment a person makes, after that, comments post instantly. I receive an email for each comment published, just to make sure that spam does not sneak in. So far, no one has posted or tried to post anything that I have needed to remove for the sake of "good press."
Do you ever receive abusive comments , how do you handle it ?
I have not received any "abusive" comments, my readers are generally (so-called) "fans" who send me a lot of praise and flattery. (I do love to be flattered...) I think that most of my readers would recognize anyone being abusive at face value, plus I do not want anyone to think that I will only publish what is favourable to me, so I think that I would let an abusive comment stand. Email I receive is a little different. When I receive an ignorant, graphic or abusive email, I do not respond to the sender. I do, however, publish those comments as an example for others.
Where do you find interesting links?
As I mentioned before, those I link to often have a wealth of great sites.
Do you ever write to provoke a reaction, how do you do that ?
Do I write to provoke a reaction? Absolutely! On the sixth of May I posted a one-line entry to provoke my guests into remembering that I appreciate it when they shower at my place. There is another reaction I have intended to provoke lately; for that purpose, I have been trying my hand at erotica (fiction and non-fiction). I would love your dark and lovely opinion on my three-part "The Librarian" and "SG42."
How much traffic do you get?
My fan-base is pretty modest. I can usually expect about 100 unique visitors daily. Double or even triple that number when a new review is posted on ASPD.
What is your rank on Technorati?
My technorati ranking is about 934k. At one time I had all the little buttons for technorati, digg, etc., but as much as I would like recognition for my blog, I realize the reality of my work and would rather stay somewhat "unknown."
Has your writing changed since you started blogging?
I do not know that blogging has really changed how I write. I am just as wordy as ever. hahaha.
How many hours do you spend online a day?
I am a certifiable internet junky. I am ashamed to say how many hours I spend online in a day... A close answer would be "most of them."
How much time do you spend on your site a day?
I used to spend several hours a day on my site... I was developing my own wordpress themes for a while. Now, other than checking comments or making posts, I do not spend much time at all actually on my site. It does help that my sweetheart is a web-designer who has relieved me of the development aspects of my site.
How many blogs do you read?
On any given day, I could read up to 10 blogs. I have about 50 listed in my news reader to which I commit any real amount of time.
How do you find new blogs?
Most of the blogs I read are design blogs. I find those blogs, usually, via PopURLs. I find new escort blogs through the blogs in my blogroll.
How much reader email do you get?
Almost all of the email I get is from my readers. I rarely hear from someone who has not read my blog.
What do you think makes a successful blog?
I wish I knew what makes a blog successful. I think I have been lucky to have the success I have had. Obviously, regular posts make a difference, as does knowing your audience.
What is your advice for a new blogger?
My advice to new bloggers is to blog, blog, blog. Even if you say nothing, say it! Lack of quantity is my greatest weakness in blogging. Give your readers something, anything, to read.
How has blogging changed your life?
Blogging has not really changed my life. It has made marketing my business easier, but I do not think it has changed me, personally... I take that back... Blogging has made me into something of a comment-whore... I love comments on my blog!
What blogs do you think deserve wider recognition and why?
I think if Chevalier was read more by more men (clients) involved in P4P a lot of things would be easier for them and for the ladies they "visit." Otherwise, I'm not sure I am crazy about more escort blogs becoming "mainstream."
What are your hobbies?
Hobbies? Did I mention I am an internet junkie? hahaha. Otherwise, "the hobby" is my hobby.
How has your blog changed over the years?
Over the time that I have been blogging, I have become less technical and more erotic in my choice of subject matter.
Are you fairly accurate in predicting which of your items will be widely linked?
I am fairly accurate in guessing that few of my entries will be linked at all. Of course, there's an entry that I made six months ago that is still linked to often. I do not think that particular post will ever lose it's appeal for my target audience.
Do you have a background in writing?
My writing background includes a jounalism and mass communications major. It also includes a life-long passion for the art.
When do you blog?
I blog when the mood strikes me... I cannot blog otherwise.
With regard to blogging what was your most memorable moment?
I think posting "My Oral Fixation" has done the most to secure my need to worry about outside marketing. That is the post everyone seems to remember.
Would you read your site?
Yes, probably, but I would have to find more frequent posts in order to be very loyal to the CMEBlog.
I am very thankful to you for considering my participation. Thank you.
Labels: Bloggers on blogging, Caitiemae, Chevalier, Compartments, Courtesan Connection, Dirtyboy, Escorts, Experienced Girlfriend, Friction, Indecent blogging, Interviews, Missemployed in minneapolis, Wordpress
Friday, May 18, 2007
Messageboards what is personal is universal?
The internet has transformed the escort industry. At the moment, there are numerous posts on the mass market, and how endless choice is creating unlimited demand. Some posts on a messageboard, have left me feeling disgusted. This is not unusual for me, with some of the boards in this industry. I cannot get over the arrogance of some of the posters, and lack of respect for escorts.
I find the group dynamics on messageboards fascinating. I read the boards to get up to date on what is happening, and to read the warnings section. I am down to reading one board now, and have lost interest with the rest.
The whole concept of online personas and real life personas, I find interesting. There are some people who I avoid, purely on their posting style, and the types of reviews they write. I find it amusing when some of these posters, claim that they should not be judged on what they post on forums, or write in reviews; as in real life they are different. I acknowledge that I do judge them, and am not surprised when I see their details, on the warning sections of the escort only boards.
I see so many similarities on what Compartments writes about messageboards and how some male members on messageboards like to flame escorts. She makes an important point here
Escorts have to be careful what they say, or they attract the wrong types. It only takes one totally insecure, fucked-up prick out there, name and location unknown to the “community,” who would love to teach an uppity bitch whore who says something he doesn’t agree with on a message board a nice little lesson in person. And she’d never know if it was jerkoff69 or Schlongbooger or DaddyButtFuck or whoever from the message board.
You cannot guarantee, that some of these members will make a booking, with their handles. I do not care if someone claims to have a different persona offline, I do not want to take that risk.
I have and continue to witness, escorts who speak their mind, and boy do they get flamed, or labelled as nutters. Some of the male members who do the labelling, strangely enough cannot take a dose of their own medicine.
Compartments writes a great post on bored with the boards. The paragraph on "It's not a community" is hilarious. As she points out that
Some of the people writing there are suffering from delusions of grandeur that they are IMPORTANT, WELL-KNOWN, or POWERFUL in the community based on how much time they spend adding posts to their count.
If an escort is all caught up in the community illusion herself, she could make a pretty bad mistake based on the belief that some anonymous message board posters could make or break her business because they are “well-known,” meaning, they splatter themselves all over the forums and after a while, other members recognize their handles—Wow, there’s Bryan87 again at 5,462 posts! And he’s reviewed 109 whores! He must hold a lot of sway here! But in fact, the members are all UNKNOWNS outside the virtual community of the message board. Close your laptop, and they cease to exist as an actual, cohesive community, because they are scattered all over the place in offices, basements, and bedrooms posting ANONYMOUSLY. They are embarrassed about their so-called “hobby.” A community does not consist of one person alone whacking off in front of his computer while his family watches T.V. in the other room
Chevalier summarises clearly that some men out there do not know the limitations of knowledge in the paid sex industry.This is what I think is causing angst among some members of the community
As a result of being an underground economy, we will never know as much about potential playmates as people know about, say, potential investments in the stock market or "legitimate" businesses they are considering patronizing. There are no SEC and FASB mandating disclosures, backed up by audits by independent accountants. No FTC setting standards for "truth in advertising."
My view is that some members of these boards have a strong need to control and dominate, and bring their unresolved issues of omnipotence, onto messageboards, and start acting out.
Clearly some escorts feel they have to take the crap, as they feel that having a voice will affect their business.Some of these escorts rely on all their business from these boards.
Have a great weekend.
Labels: Black escort, Chevalier, Compartments, Friction, Joanne of Leeds, London, Messageboards
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Passion killers
I am meeting a higher number of Firstimers now than before. I cannot figure out why that is. The majority of my clients see escorts regularly, and fortunately are not the cynical, hardened,demanding, misogynist types that I hear some escorts encounter.
I met another firstimer this week, and he expected me to interrogate him, on why he had made the booking. It reminded me of Kevin someone who I saw earlier in the month, who while we were in missionary position, asked whether I enjoyed my job.
I answered both questions in a sensitive way. I think in both cases, guilt may have been behind the questions.I do not feel it is my place to ever ask my clients why they visit escorts. Who am I to judge?
I am bewildered when I read about escorts who openly tell their clients that they hate what they are doing. I know if I hated what I was doing, I could not do it.
Labels: Black escort, clients, Firstimers, London
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Mercurial girl on blogging
Mercurial girl is an American ex pat making a home and creating her life in Paris.
What is the first weblog you came across?
Before I start Nia, I would like to thank you for inviting me to participate. It's been fun reading the answers of the preceding bloggers in this series.
I do not remember a specific blog. I became aware of blogs in college and began searching out those that discussed issues that I was concerned with. Most dealt with politics or social justice issues. Later I discovered introspective blogs and those have become the ones that I am most interested in.
Why did you start blogging?
At the suggestion of a therapist who felt that I would benefit from keeping a journal. A blog was a more interesting medium than paper, the exhibitionist in me liked the thought of readers
Which blogs do you read?
The blogs listed on my sidebar and about 50 more that I have bookmarked. It takes me 2-3 weeks to rotate through them all.
What appeals to you about the blogs you read?
I look for good writing, a point of view and a well told story.
Whose writing do you particularly admire?
Excepting present company, this varies from time to time, but one writer who I feel is really hitting her chops is Gillette at Ex-Courtesan in Transition and another is Mandy at How About Now. Tui is a writer who I might go down to the crossroads to strike a bargain if I could have her ability.
In your reading do you seek out different points of view ?
I am looking for a point of view expressed well, in thoughtful arguments. I can take something away from writers who are persuasive in their logic, particularly when I vehemently disagree.
How do you choose items to link?
More serendipity than analysis, if something strikes my fancy I wil bookmark it for future mention. What catches my attention is a post that is saying something important, either as an observation or the writer speaking of herself.
What is your policy on comments?
Excepting spam or at the writer’s request, I have never deleted a comment. Nor do I moderate them. My attitude is that if someone wants to make a jackass of themselves by making a comment that many would find offensive, so be it. The rest of us will recognize the writer for what he/she is and we will go on.
Do you ever receive abusive comments , how do you handle it ?
Not recently, but I have in the past. I typically ignore the comment but leave it up.
Where do you find interesting links?
Two places, among the links of other bloggers and when I see a well written comment by a writer who has a profile, I will check the profile to see if they have a blog and I will check it out.
Do you ever write to provoke a reaction, how do you do that ?
Not really. Occasionally I will make an allusion to something to see if anyone picks up on it.
How much traffic do you get?
When last I checked, about six months ago, Mercurial Girl averaged about 300 page views a day. I suspect that has dropped since I am not posting as often and the content of my posts has changed. Less smut.
What is your rank on technorati?
Technorati, I have no idea, but I did check The Truth Laid Bear, and Mercurial Girl is now a Crawley Amphibian, up from being a Slimy Mollusk.
Has your writing changed since you started blogging?
Yes, when I started it was pretty much stream of consciousness. Now I take care in composing my posts, often making significant edits before sending them up. Early on I wrote directly on Blogger, but after having several posts eaten by the internet, I decided to write off line so I could have a copy to repost if necessary. Writing off line is different, it certainly is less spontaneous and allows me to be more precise, but it does not make the posts perfect. Often I will re-read a post several days after it has gone up and I will wish I phrased something differently or find a typo. Unless I realize this immediately I usually leave the post as it is.
How many hours do you spend online a day?
I am constantly online, because that is how I run my business. It is how I communicate with my contractors, check on the status of projects and review the work. Recreationally, including communicating with friends, probably a couple of hours a day.
How much time do you spend on your site a day?
On days I post fifteen minutes to an hour, otherwise not at all. I pick up comments via email.
How many blogs do you read?
80 to 100, stretched out over a two to three week rotation. Some I read carefully, others I skim, looking for a nugget.
How do you find new blogs?
Pretty much the same place I find links, among the blogs listed in sidebars and the blogs of those commenting.
How much reader email do you get?
Not tons and it tends to ebb and flow. There are a handful of readers who regularly email me so we have an ongoing exchange.
What do you think makes a successful blog?
Having a purpose for the blog and the ability to tell a story in an engaging manner.
What is your advice for a new blogger?
Have a purpose for your blog, but know that the purpose may change over time. If you are new to writing, pretend that blog is a conversation with a friend and you are telling a story. Keep the post simple and focused.
How has blogging changed your life?
I have become a much better and more confident writer. And I have become exposed to many interesting people who I might not have sought out if it had not been for my blogging.
What blogs do you think deserve wider recognition and why?
There is a young blogger, Kestral, whose blog American Kestral I have been reading for a few months who is very talented and a keen observer of the world around her. She should be showing up in more sidebars (including mine).
Annie Rhiannon, at minimum makes me smile whenever I read her, but most often induces me into fits of giggling.
What are your hobbies?
Cooking! I love having a couple or a bunch of friends over and making them dinner. Other things I do are running and biking. Checking out estate sales and flea markets with my friend Anne Marie is a pretty regular weekend activity.
How has your blog changed over the years?
Initially I wrote just for myself, but overtime the knowledge that there are readers has me choosing subjects and composing the posts with the reader in mind. This results in my playing to the crowd occasionally. Today, I also comment on current events that is something I did not do in the beginning.
Are you fairly accurate in predicting which of your items will be widely linked?
I do not have a clue.
Do you have a background in writing?
Not beyond the requirements for a marketing degree.
When do you blog?
Currently late in the evening, I am not much for TV and the blog fills that time.
With regard to blogging what was your most memorable moment?
I am not sure I can put my finger on a single moment, but it would be the support I received when I have written about crises in my life.
Would you read your site?
Of course!
Labels: American Kestral, Annie Rhiannon, Bloggers on blogging, Escorts, Ex-Courtesan in transition, How about now, Interviews, Mercurial girl, Technorati, Truth laid bare, Tui
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Snagging prostitutes and stinging clients in Edmonton
When police do an undercover operation to catch clients,johns, or punters it is called a sting. When they do an undercover operation to catch prostitutes it is called a snag. Once the prostitutes are snagged they are brought to project snug which is designed to get prostitutes off the street, and give them a new life.
It adds a whole new meaning to the word snug.
Labels: Edmonton journal, News, Prostitutes, Resources for Prostitutes
Monday, May 14, 2007
What was he thinking pimping?
Richard Seigler, who is 26 years old, was arrested on Thursday for pimping in Las Vegas.
He clearly was not making enough money as a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
I wonder why Richard assumed that US law enforcement would not catch him. They have a reputation for showing no mercy to pimps.
Another sportsman fired. If Richie Anderson of the Arizona cardinals got fired for soliciting a prostitute, then Richard should have realised that he would be going down.
Have a good week.
Labels: AHN News, Naming and shaming, Prostitutes
Friday, May 11, 2007
Possible Escort Agency Expansion in Winnipeg
Winnipeg has opened the door to escort agencies setting up shop across the city. This is a change from the agencies being restricted to the downtown area. The Mayor's cabinet gave a review of the current regulations here.
Times are changing when a city is encouraging more escort agencies.
Update
Mandy of How about now, has been added to my sidebar. Pay her a visit.
Have a good weekend.
Labels: Escort agencies, News, Prostitution laws, Winnipeg Sun
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
The long arm of justice
Father Gerry Nugent is using the same lines as Randall Tobias. He claims he took prostitutes back to his church but only for sexual fumblings.
He said: "Yes, there were times when I used prostitutes. God, it was about November 2005 when I was back drinking. I was on a real low at the time.
"I took prostitutes back to the church on two separate occasions. It was because I was drinking. I didn't know what I wanted. I didn't even have sex with them. It was more of a sexual fumble."
Amazingly, Nugent alleged that Archbishop Conti's predecessor, the late Cardinal Winning, knew about his weakness for women and offered his support. The priest said: "He was superb. He said to me: 'Gerry, I am concerned about you.' He was compassionate. He was very helpful.
"When I spoke to him about the issues, he promised: 'This is just between you and I, Gerry'."
The Church has reacted to the scandal by effectively sacking him and attempting to make sure he never works anywhere else as a priest.
Malcolm Savidge, the Labour MP for Aberdeen North, who was actively involved in representing victims of abuse at the city's Nazareth House Catholic children's home, said the Church should re-examine its policies for dealing with priests such as Father Nugent.
"Trying to look after the reputation of the Church, rather than the welfare of people, simply leads to the Church being brought into even greater disrepute in the longer term," he said.
MSP Margaret Mitchell, the Scottish Conservatives' former justice spokeswoman at Holyrood, said the Church should look at how Nugent was able to have such a different public persona to his private life without senior clerics knowing. "The Church needs to look at the whole issue," she said.
Quotes from Demand for Church enquiry as priest admits using prostitutes by Richard Elias of the News Scotsman.
Could someone define sexual fumblings for me please?
Then we have David Lee Miller Jr., 43, a former crime scene investigator, defensive tactics instructor who assisted two brothels.
A former Sunnyvale police officer was sentenced Monday to a year and a day in federal prison for helping two brothels avoid police raids, find fleeing prostitutes and collect tens of thousands of dollars in bogus immigration fees from employees who were illegal immigrants.
David Lee Miller Jr., 43, a former crime scene investigator, defensive tactics instructor and longtime SWAT team member with the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, pleaded guilty in January 2005 to two counts of conspiracy to commit extortion.
At a hearing Monday in San Jose, when U.S. District Judge James Ware asked Miller if he had anything to say, he said in a barely audible voice, "I think I'll be sick if I talk." Miller declined comment afterward.
Miller, a Sunnyvale officer for 15 years, was arrested for his part in a scheme to smuggle women from Korea to the United States, charge them tens of thousands of dollars for the trip and then force them to work as prostitutes at the two South Bay brothels until the debt was repaid.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Nedrow said Monday that Miller jeopardized the safety of his colleagues when he alerted brothels to impending raids. Miller also helped recover women who fled their debt and the sex trade, authorities said.
Crystal Palace owners employed Miller, paying him in cash and sex, and would contact him at the main Sunnyvale switchboard or through his personal cellular phone. Miller accompanied club owners to Hawaii and Las Vegas to find women who had fled their debt, Nedrow said.
But Miller's attorney, Paul Meltzer, said his client had already been punished because he has lost his job, his wife has divorced him and his reputation has been ruined.
Quotes from One year for police officers who assisted two brothels by Henry Lee of the San Francisco Chronicle.
I understand that Miller has lost his wife and reputation, but I think one year is a lenient sentence for trafficking.
Could any legal eagles explain to me, why he got a year.
Labels: Brothels, Naming and shaming, News, News Scotsman, Prostitutes, San Francisco Chronicle
Monday, May 07, 2007
The English Courtesan on Blogging
Join the English Courtesan Olivia on her journey from novice Yorkshire temptress, social escort & former mistress to professional courtesan & international travel companion...
What is the first weblog you came across?
Don’t I get to start with an Oscar acceptance preamble about what an
honour it is to be interviewed by Dark and Lovely Nia and how I’d like to
thank Nia and my laptop? If I go into detail about the ‘how’ of thanking Nia the
editor might censor me but I’ll risk a saucy wink at her across cyberspace,
and concentrate on thanking the laptop with one of these instead.
My first blog find was Belle de Jour but like Beau my efforts to seduce her have gone unrewarded to date. So I might just have to settle for a little commiseration with Beau. Ahem. As it were. :-)
Why did you start blogging?
Becoming an escort seemed like such a big life change that I wanted to
chronicle the journey in some way I suppose. As for why I became an
escort, that’s a long story but you can read it here.
Which blogs do you read?
Due to time constraints, I tend to catch up on reading every few weeks
and I always start with my favourites which are Nia (you look so
lovely when you blush!), Gillette (ditto!) and Beau. Whilst I enjoy reading about people’s sexploits, I like thoughtful blogs and non-sex blogs too. I try to read all the blogs on my links list though, so that’s a mixture of escort, client and unrelated non-sex blogs.
What appeals to you about the blogs you read?
I think there are two things that all of these blogs have, and that’s thoughtfulness and honesty. By thoughtfulness, I suppose I mean not just the act of thinking, but the fact that they are open-minded, non-judgemental and able to consider issues other than their own personal ones. Even if I don’t always agree with their opinions, I like the fact that these writers say what they think.
Whose writing do you particularly admire?
In the blogosphere, I admire all of those mentioned above. In books, my
desert island authors would include Evelyn Waugh, Ted Hughes,
Silas Hocking and T. S. Eliot. In journalism, I like Michael Winner and A. A. Gill (who do restaurants in the Sunday Times), Prufrock (random bits of salacious business gossip, also in the Sunday Times) and the ‘Houses with a…’ column in the Saturday Guardian (which does des res properties with things like turrets, libraries, moorings and other useful appendages). Then there’s a graffiti writer who paints words like ‘bum’ on bridges over the M1 motorway which I find peculiarly amusing. My enduring respect also goes to the ad agency that came up with the strapline ‘if it’s not Birds, you’re a custard short of a pudding!’.
In your reading do you seek out different points of view?
Not consciously – I like reading what I like reading, and whether they
share my point of view is less important to me than things like writing
style, honesty, depth and humour. I do like different perspectives though,
like Tom Paine on polyamory and Winheld’s World on life with Duchenne’s muscular Dystrophy, as they make me think.
How do you choose items to link?
I’m partial to girls with big boobies and boys with middle-aged spread. I’m not sure I answered the right question there though.
What is your policy on comments?
I love ‘em! Except if they’re spam in which case I dob them in to their ISP or their Mum.
Do you ever receive abusive comments , how do you handle it ?
I don’t tend to get abusive comments but I do get abusive emails. I usually handle them by hitting the delete button but I’ve kept a few choice ones for their hilarity value. I reserve the right to publish them on my blog one day… :-)
Where do you find interesting links?
Down the back of the sofa with my beribboned undergarments.
Do you ever write to provoke a reaction, how do you do that ?
‘Moi?’. Smiles innocently… I don’t set out to provoke a reaction but I seem to elicit some strong responses nonetheless.
How much traffic do you get?
Ooooh, I love it when you talk techie to me Nia! That’s a trade secret but as it’s you…shhhh...come closer Lovely Nia so that I can whisper in your boobies, sorry, ears…I get 300 to 500 unique visitors a day.
What is your rank on technorati?
270,289 and my Google page rank is 4! I know you didn’t ask for page rank but I’m rather proud of that so I thought I’d slip it in while you weren’t looking. :-)
Has your writing changed since you started blogging?
I think I’ve got more confident in terms of writing about what I want, rather than what I think people want to read. When I started out, I was really trying to answer the questions of an imaginary audience, but now I write for me as much as for anyone else. I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing, but it makes the act of writing it much more enjoyable.
How many hours do you spend online a day?
I’m usually online all day, to such an extent that my wireless router blows itself up on a regular basis. I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that a wi-fi hotspot is a pre-requisite for a holiday destination too, though I’m hoping I’ll grow out of that.
How much time do you spend on your site a day?
It probably averages out at around two hours a week.
How many blogs do you read?
I tend to read all those on my links list, so that’s about 20. Apart from my favourites above, I don’t have time to read them daily, or even weekly, but I try to catch up every few weeks.
How do you find new blogs?
They often find me by commenting on my posts, but I follow links on blogs I like too.
How much reader email do you get?
I usually get between twenty and fifty emails a week. I’m slow to reply because of the sheer volume but I do try to reply in time.
What do you think makes a successful blog?
More pictures of your fabulous boobies would definitely help with the
search engines. :-)
What is your advice for a new blogger?
It sounds trite but I think my biggest piece of advice would be ‘be yourself’. My blog is a way to talk to clients and potential clients, but it’s the real me too and I think that keeping it real is important. I think the rest, in terms of readers and comments and traffic, follows on from that.I think my other advice would be not to trust everyone, in that there are a lot of fakes in the blogosphere, and also not to over-react to seemingly negative comments…see below…
How has blogging changed your life?
Goodness – that’s a biggie, Nia! It has definitely changed my life, but I find it hard to separate the blogging from my new life as an escort, courtesan or whatever you like to call me. The people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made through the blog are the biggest and most positive change to my life. I think a related issue is that the blog means that the loneliness of living a secret life no longer weighs so heavily on me. I can’t tell my ‘normal’ friends about what I do and nor can I ask their advice on things like rates or marketing, but I can tell the blog readers and ask their views.
What blogs do you think deserve wider recognition and why?
Three spring to mind - Lovely Victoria,Hedonistic Pleasure Seeker and Mandy (of ‘How about now?’). Lovely Victoria and Mandy are ‘gentlemen’s companions’ and Hedonistic Pleasure Seeker isn’t (although rather embarrassingly I once called her ‘a hooker with a heart’ at which point she had to explain that she wasn’t, oops!). Again, I think what I love most about these blogs is their refreshing honesty. They tell it like it is and that’s a rare and precious thing in cyberspace.
What are your hobbies?
Top of the list is doing naughty stuff with boys and girls in the bushes - it’s not just work, you know! :-) Aside from that, things I like to do include swimming, going to galleries, antique-hunting (silver and books), sniffing the rain, exploring new places, scuba-diving, restaurants (Indian, Lebanese, and Thai are all good for a veggie like me), running around barefoot on the Yorkshire moors...shall I go on or can I hear snores from the back there? Some of these are things I do with friends, like diving, but others are solitary pursuits, like going up to the moors.
How has your blog changed over the years?
I’m a new girl so there aren’t many years to go on. Ask me that one next year… :-)
Are you fairly accurate in predicting which of your items will be widely linked?
Nope – I don’t have a clue! I just write about things I think are interesting.
Do you have a background in writing?
No but I’ve always loved writing. I read a lot too and I think reading widely helps with writing.
When do you blog?
Naked and at night.
With regard to blogging what was your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment was the return of VJ! VJ is a reader who commented on some of my earlier posts and who initially suggested my blog was some form of writing project or a joke. I reacted outrageously to that, invited my loyal readers to have a go at him, deleted one of his comments, and called him some really nasty names to boot. When I read his thoughtful comments on other blogs I suddenly realised how dreadfully I’d misjudged him so I apologised in a comment chez Gillette. To my delight he showed himself to be more of a grown-up than I am, and not only forgave me for my earlier rudeness, but also came back and now comments on my blog. That meant the world to me when he reappeared – I was genuinely so sorry and so ashamed of how I’d treated him when I started out. That’s what I meant when I said ‘don’t over-react to comments’ – debate is healthy and sometimes people are questioning or encouraging debate rather than taking a personal swipe at you.
Would you read your site?
Absolutely! What d’you mean ‘do I laugh at my own jokes too’? :-)
Labels: Beau, Belle de Jour, Bloggers on blogging, Bloggers on blogging Interviews, English courtesan, Ex-Courtesan in transition, Hedonisitic pleasure seeker, How about now, Lovely Victoria, Perveselypoly
Friday, May 04, 2007
Confidentiality
The Deborah Palfrey case, is raising anxiety levels in D.C. I wait to see who will be outed next.
Is breaching confidentiality the only strategy if you are criminalised?
I think in some cases if too many heads will roll, an arrangement can be made. It does not seem to be the case with Deborah Palfrey, at the moment.
Now those rules of secrecy and survival are in the national spotlight as a woman accused of running a Washington prostitution ring fights back with her own weapon of mass destruction: a list that reportedly contains as many as 15,000 phone numbers of former clients, including high-level military officers and government officials.
The case has opened a debate among sex workers throughout the country about confidentiality, said Carol Leigh, director of the Bay Area Sex Workers Advocacy Network in California.
"It does impact the trust that is important between clients and sex workers," Leigh said.
Palfrey's claims that her business was legal are given little credence among sex worker advocates, but many of them wholeheartedly support her fight. With the potential to drag many power brokers into the spotlight, Palfrey's revelations could serve as a turning point in the effort to decriminalize prostitution, said Robyn Few, founder and director of Sex Workers Outreach Project U.S.A.
"It's a wakeup call," Few said.
Few said she served six months of home arrest several years ago after pleading guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit prostitution. She did not reveal the names of any clients, but said she supports Palfrey's actions.
"I think the woman is alone," Few said. "This is a very lonely occupation. We deal in a very isolated business and we have very little support, and now her finances have been cut off and she is facing total ruin.
"All I have to say to Deborah Palfrey is, `Go for it, girl,'" Few said. "If you can help me decriminalize prostitution in this country, then go for it."
Veronica Monet - who worked as a prostitute for 15 years and said she had sex for money with 1,869 clients - said she sympathized with Palfrey. Monet, now a California-based sex educator and author, noted that Palfrey served 18 months in prison on another prostitution charge about 15 years ago and never told any secrets.
Secrecy, Monet said, is important. But Monet said the federal government has pushed Palfrey to the edge.
"If somebody is out to destroy you, you have to fight back," she said.
Others disagree. Heidi Fleiss, the infamous "Hollywood madam" who served two years in federal prison on prostitution-related charges, said recently that Palfrey should have remained silent.
"I know she's probably being swallowed up alive, and a lot of people can't take that weight on their shoulders," Fleiss was quoted as saying Tuesday on the website www.radaronline.com, "but she's naming names, and that goes against my principles. I realized I'd sunk my ship, but I wasn't taking anyone with me."
ABC's website says Palfrey's potential witness list includes "a Bush administration economist, the head of a conservative think tank, a prominent CEO, several lobbyists, and a handful of military officials."
Quote from Tricky Tactics When Escorts Name Names by Jesse Leavenworth of Fox 61 News.
Have a good weekend.
Labels: ABC News, Escort agencies, Escorts, Fox 61 News, Naming and shaming
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Hope for Prostitutes in Oregon
Prostitutes can become teachers in Oregon, five years after they have been convicted. Apparently, putting prostitute on your resume, will not affect you getting a teaching licence.
"Senate Bill 724, if anything, is about forgiveness," said Sen. Margaret Carter, D-Portland. "This says to a young woman -- or man -- there will be a second chance."
Carter said Oregon is the only state on the West Coast that has an absolute ban against anyone convicted of a misdemeanor count of prostitution from being a teacher. She argued that individuals should have the opportunity to redeem themselves.
Carter tried to get the bill passed in the 2005 session. She amended it this year to require a five-year period before a person convicted of prostitution could apply for a job or get a teaching license.
Quotes from Hot for ex prostitute teacher by Casey Holdahl of Orgeonlive.
Do people really put prostitute, escort or hooker on their resume or cv?
Labels: News, Prostitutes, Prostitution laws
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
LA Player on blogging
LA Player pays for the ultimate intimate encounters, and he tells us how he does it in his blog.
What is the first weblog you came across?
Maybe in 2004, when Xanga first ranked top 100 at Alexa. I found a few pitiful blogs about prostitution.
Why did you start blogging?
It's logical after playing in discussion boards, then I had my rather popular local oriented groups. But the traffic became one way. So it's natural to jump ship when the blog format became popular, and when I could find more like minded bloggers well after 2004.
Which blogs do you read?
I subscribe to all the blogs in my links. Even for my less favorable authors, I read at least the title of the entries.
What appeals to you about the blogs you read?
It has to be something not too superficial about interactions between call girls and their clients, and that I can identify with.
Whose writing do you particularly admire?
Nia of course, when I have enough energy to cope with the current events and issues. Otherwise, it has to be college call girl. The details keep me interested, even without writing about sex (I'm highly visual anyway). Particularly, I know much more about say London than New York.
In your reading do you seek out different points of view ?
Naturally, just on the legalization front I think I'm different from everybody else.
How do you choose items to link?
I list all the postings that I find particularly interesting for any reasons. As for authors, I'm rethinking about it all the time. Currently I list all authors that claim they are or have been available for hire.
What is your policy on comments?
Minimal, just enough to prevent advertising spam robots.
Do you ever receive abusive comments , how do you handle it ?
Yes, and I'm so proud of them that I always link to them with highest profile.
Where do you find interesting links?
From postings that I read.
Do you ever write to provoke a reaction, how do you do that ?
I don't remember any except for James - open fire first and apologize later.
How much traffic do you get?
It's irrelevant for me as, like most bloggers after a while, you know how to be popular, but that is just not what I want. On Barbie Dolls, I get over 100 hits a day.
What is your rank on technorati?
I opened an account and never looked back. I think the links to yourself counts.
Has your writing changed since you started blogging?
I camouflaged my writing style and content a little when I started this new blog. Now it's 100% me, except for some confessions that I can't make at this point.
How many hours do you spend online a day?
A few minutes to catch up with the subscriptions.
How much time do you spend on your site a day?
When I write, it's when I have 10 minutes here and there, in between DVR time, snack time, and some other chores. The reminiscing could take a lot longer though.
How many blogs do you read?
All blogs in my link and more.
How do you find new blogs?
Follow links in other blogger's postings.
How much reader email do you get?
Very little, a player does not fancy commitments, and if you know what RTFF means, you'll understand.
What do you think makes a successful blog?
The same thing that makes a successful call girl - sell what people want to buy.
What is your advice for a new blogger?
A moment of glory isn't forever.
How has blogging changed your life?
Nothing, it reflects my life.
What blogs do you think deserve wider recognition and why?
College call girl, who is able and willing to write about the reality as I know it. I'm sure everybody else, like me, has some wild secrets that they cannot confess yet.
What are your hobbies?
Sex tapes.
How has your blog changed over the years?
It started as a john's adventure but now it's more of a memoir. I'm sure it will change again, or I'll be rich.
Are you fairly accurate in predicting which of your items will be widely linked?
Very accurate, as my contents aren't suitable for linking.
Do you have a background in writing?
Believe it or not, my work has to get into document form before it counts. So I write for a living, and in English. But I enjoy writing in my own let the hair down style.
When do you blog?
Late night if not on DVR.
With regard to blogging what was your most memorable moment?
When, for a brief moment, I felt Clandestine call girl liked me for what I am. The same feeling from a call girl who likes me (as long as I pay the going rate).
Would you read your site?
I enjoying reading my own posts, reminiscing along the way.
Labels: Bloggers on blogging, College call girl, Interviews, James B Logwriter, LA player, Xanga
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Is it impossible
I have to say, I am feeling sorry for Randall Tobias. I expect some people in D.C are very anxious, waiting to hear whether Deborah Palfrey outs them.
Tobias submitted his resignation a day after he was interviewed by ABC News for an upcoming program about an alleged prostitution service run by the so-called D.C. Madam.
ABC reported on its Web site late Friday that Tobias confirmed that he had called the Pamela Martin and Associates escort service to have women come to his condo and give him massages. More recently, Tobias told the network, he has been using a service with Central American women.
Tobias, 65, who is married, told ABC News there had been "no sex" during the women's visits to his condo. His name was on a list of clients given to ABC by Deborah Jeane Palfrey, who owns the escort service and has been charged with running a prostitution ring in the nation's capital.
Quotes from Bush official resigns over escort links by Anne Gearan of Abc News.
I can only think of two clients who came to see me, since I started escorting who did not touch me at all. In both cases, they were too nervous, and were happy to sit and talk. So, it is not impossible.
I just cannot understand, if this were the case with Randall Tobias, why he did not call a regular call out massage service. Then again, he may have wanted the women to massage him naked, which a masseuse would not do.
Labels: ABC News, Escort agencies, Escorts
James B Logwriter on blogging
James B Logwriter writes Memoirs of a whoremongerwhich is a series of photo essays that tells of his experiences as a man in his early 50s who finds himself single again and travels to the Dominican Republic many times, learning to speak Spanish, having sex with dozens of attractive young women, and meeting a formidable woman who became his 'novia' or girlfriend.
What is the first weblog you came across?
Don't remember.
Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging in 1997 when the Internet was new
and you got a free "Home Page" with a subscription. Of
course the word 'blog' did not exist, but it seemed an
intuitive thing to do, so I made my home page into a
kind of personal newspaper editorial page.
Which blogs do you read?
Riverbend blog.
The Policeman's blog.
Nia dark and lovely's blog and some other
blogs it links to.
What appeals to you about the blogs you read?
Information that you won't find in mainstream media.
Whose writing do you particularly admire?
Jane Austen, Charles Dickens,
George Orwell,
Paul Theroux, John Updike.
In your reading do you seek out different points
of view ?
Yes.
How do you choose items to link?
Sites that are well-written and offer original
content.
What is your policy on comments?
I love to get them. I will publish any as long as they
are honestly-felt opinion.
Do you ever receive abusive comments , how do you
handle it ?
Not really. I have deleted a handful of posts that
were spam or off topic.
Where do you find interesting links?
Mostly Google or Wikipedia.
Do you ever write to provoke a reaction, how do
you do that ?
All my writing is intended to provoke a reaction,
mostly in terms of prodding the reader to ask
him/herself if they should be doing what I am doing,
or not.
How much traffic do you get?
80-100 readers a day.
What is your rank on technorati?
No idea. Don't care. People who are interested in the
subject matter of my blog will easily find it by
entering a few key words in Google. I tend to title my
articles with likely search phrases. I am more
interested in providing information to the small
number of people for whom it might provide life
changing experience than in providing reading matter
for one-handed Web surfers.
Has your writing changed since you started
blogging?
No.
How many hours do you spend online a day?
0-24. When I am at home I have Internet radio running
all day. I never watch TV.
How much time do you spend on your site a day?
Not much. Most days no time at all. When I write
articles I write most of it in my head and then type
it out.
How many blogs do you read?
About 6.
How do you find new blogs?
If I am researching a new topic and Google takes me to
a blog, I may bookmark it if it looks interesting. If
a person comments on a blog I read, I may check back
to see if they have a blog.
How much reader email do you get?
Not a lot. Most of it comes from other bloggers.
What do you think makes a successful blog?
Original content.
What is your advice for a new blogger?
Don't really have any except that you should probably
try to stick to one core topic that interests a core
readership. People who are interested in what you have
to say about prostitution probably aren't interested
in your cooking recipes or your views on politics.
How has blogging changed your life?
Hasn't.
What blogs do you think deserve wider recognition
and why?
Blogs written by ordinary policemen, because they
represent a point of view that is never reported in
mainstream media.
What are your hobbies?
Sex, listening to music (mostly jazz), reading
(novels, history, biographies, travel), Web surfing,
swimming, cooking, speaking Spanish, blogging.
How has your blog changed over the years?
It has become harder to find original content, because
I have covered all the main areas that I originally
wanted to cover, and I think readers have a limited
tolerance for reading me writing about myself like
Erica Jong whose books Fear of Flying and Fear of
Fifty, written decades apart, are remarkably similar
and equally self absorbed.
Are you fairly accurate in predicting which of
your items will be widely linked?
No.
Do you have a background in writing?
I have been paid for feature articles I have written,
and I have worked professionally as a proof reader,
but I have never made a living out of writing.
When do you blog?
When I have something to say.
With regard to blogging what was your most
memorable moment?
Being threatened with a law suit for linking to a
prostitutes Web site!
Would you read your site?
I wish I could have found a Web site like mine three
years ago, but it did not exist. I hope that some
people who find it now will find it useful.
Labels: Bloggers on blogging, Erica Jong, Interviews, James B Logwriter, Riverbend, The Policeman's blog
Chevalier on blogging
What is the first weblog you came across?
I don't recall for sure, but possibly kausfiles . I don't recall when that was, though. The first "pay for play" blog I read (other than some truly minimalist/boring ones with no personality) was probably Caitie Mae's , largely because I knew her and was a frequent client at the time.
Of course, P4P discussion boards are a not too distant cousin -- sort of a "collective blog," don't you think? Much higher volume, combined with lower average quality of discussions. If those count, ASPD.
Why did you start blogging?
Why does anyone blog? Expressing one's opinions seems a very fundamental urge, doesn't it? "Blogging" may show up in the revised version of Maslow's hierarchy. :-) Particularly for things such as P4P, which we can't discuss in casual conversations with friends or co-workers.
I drifted into blogging. I had participated in discussions on ASPD for several years but became disenchanted for a number of reasons. Around that time, someone commented that escorts often had websites, which clients could use to find out more about them; it might be helpful for escorts if clients had websites as well, so they could find out more about us. Obviously a lot of practical disadvantages to that, but just as a lark, I put one together on geocities. (I didn't tell prospective partners about it though; it was just an experiment, and realistically most escorts don't have time to do a lot of research on clients other than basic screening.) A blog was an available option on geocities -- I'm an opinionated curmudgeon who wanted an outlet to express those opinions -- and the outlet of a blog would help me stay away from the craziness of discussion boards -- so, voila!
Which blogs do you read?
Within the P4P arena, primarily your and Gillette's. Very different but both very interesting. I check both just about every day. I still drop by Caitie Mae's and Compartments occasionally, although they've slowed down considerably. Clandestine Call Girl and Diary of the Call Girl Next Door have gone into hibernation, although MissEmployed in Minneapolis may be coming back. The Petulant Pooner on occasion. Alice, a local Dallas escort, at times -- fascinating content, although she also blogs very irregularly.
Other than P4P:
A couple of political blogs: kausfiles, Andrew Sullivan A couple of chess blogs: Susan Polgar , Daily Dirt, Dallas Cowboys
What appeals to you about the blogs you read?
Well written, informative, and interesting perspectives that might not occur to me. I generally prefer blogs that don't get TOO angry or strident. It's fine if they want to do so, and a lot of people like it (particularly in the political arena), but that's not what I'm looking for. Exposure to some interesting individuals and how they think. Within the P4P arena, insight into the escort perspective.
The chess and Cowboys blogs -- the overwhelming factor is information, rather than quality of writing or the perspective offered.
And CaitieMae's offers some really outstanding erotica at times. OK, perhaps I'm biased since I was a regular client. :-)
Whose writing do you particularly admire?
Of the blogs I read regularly, I would probably pick Gillette and Andrew Sullivan. Very different, but both very effective.
In your reading do you seek out different points of view ?
To some extent. In the non-blog world, definitely. I tend to subscribe to/read news sources that differ from my personal perspective, just to see "the other side." I don't really seek out blogs, though. I happen to stumble across them, and if they're interesting, I keep coming back.
How do you choose items to link?
Things that interest me and about which I want to comment. I don't really think much about whether they will interest readers.
What is your policy on comments?
I'm not sure I have a "policy." :-) My blog is one of the least sophisticated technologically that I've run across. I don't thing "moderation" is even possible. I reserve the right to delete a comment, I guess, but generally would not do so based solely on the viewpoint. Comments are welcome; disagreement is welcome; just keep it relatively civil.
Do you ever receive abusive comments , how do you handle it ?
No, not really. There have been a few instances in which people posted comments that were critical of me as a person (primarily because of participating in P4P while married), as opposed to being critical of my ideas or opinions. Generally, I just shrug those off. If they have a poor opinion of me as a person, well, they're welcome to it and I don't worry about it. I don't consider those "abusive." I wouldn't encourage they post comments like that a LOT, though, because it would get rather tiresome after awhile. :-)
I think I would have much more of a problem with readers posting nasty/abusive comments about OTHER people.
Where do you find interesting links?
Since my blog is focused on P4P (with an emphasis on Dallas), I run across things on P4P blogs I read and local P4P discussions boards, such as ASPD and AHC.
Do you ever write to provoke a reaction, how do you do that ?
I don't think so. I express disapproval or frustration at times, which might provoke a reaction, but at the same time I don't anticipate that the targets of my ire will run across my blog. :-)
How much traffic do you get?
VERY little. I don't really publicize the blog, and only a few people have run across it, primarily through links at your blog, Compartments, Caitie Mae's, the Petulant Pooner, and a mention on Gillette's. I would guess it runs somewhere around 10 - 20/day on average, although occasionally when I looked at stats I see BIG blips in page views -- jumping up to around a hundred or so. I imagine that's people who run across it for the first time, and then flip back through the entries to see if there's anything interesting, rather than just reading it going forward. (I do that occasionally myself; did it with Gillette's blog, although it took me a few days.)
I mostly think of my blog as a place to express my opinions and what is going on . . . but not necessarily to be read. More like a diary or journal than an op-ed column. If people do read and possibly comment, that's great. If not, that's OK too. I get satisfaction just from putting my thoughts down on the page and knowing that they're there, regardless of how many or how few people read them. Or am I rationalizing? :-)
What is your rank on technorati?
I have no idea. I'm "technologically challenged" and not sure how I would even go about checking all that or what it would all mean. But I gather that's primarily a measure of how widely read and/or linked a blog is . . . and I'm quite content being low profile, under the radar. :-)
As a related measure of the same thing, I would guess the ratio of reader comments to my entries is running slightly less than 20%. And since some entries have attracted multiple comments, the percentage of entries to which readers comment may be more like 7 - 10%.
Has your writing changed since you started blogging?
I have a naturally logical, pedantic, and long-winded writing style, which hasn't changed much. The CONTENT may have changed a bit; I think I'm a little bit more likely to talk about personal things than I was at the beginning.
How many hours do you spend online a day?
I'm logged into the Internet throughout the workday and occasionally at home in the evenings, although I'm not always looking at all that stuff. I may spend a half-hour or an hour in the morning or lunch hour, and then beyond that it's primarily just a quick flip through when I'm bored and need a brief diversion.
How much time do you spend on your site a day?
Very little. I may post one or two items a day for a week solid, then not post at all for a couple of weeks. It all depends on whether there's something I feel like posting. At times, particularly the beginning, I may have "forced" it a bit, but not as much anymore. Sometimes I go back and read what I wrote and think "you were just looking for an excuse to post SOMETHING" . . . and then am a bit more careful about it for awhile.
How many blogs do you read?
On a regular basis, about eight (listed above); occasionally check a few others.
How do you find new blogs?
Through references on other blogs, primarily. I don't search them out.
How much reader email do you get?
Virtually none. Email is welcome, but my email address [chevalierdallas-aspd@yahoo.com] isn't posted on the blog and few people take the trouble to track it down.
What do you think makes a successful blog?
"Success" can be defined so many ways. If you' want to build readership and comments, I think it's interesting content, good writing, a viewpoint, and passion about your subject matter. For your American readers: I remember someone commenting about the Siskel & Ebert TV show, reviewing movies. The commentator said the TV show's success wasn't primarily because of the subject matter but because both of them were PASSIONATE about what they discussed. The show would have been successful if they'd been discussing plubming. I think there's something to that.
For my blog, success = I enjoy it enough to continue doing it.
What is your advice for a new blogger?
Decide what you want to accomplish. Don't worry too much about what others will think. And have fun.
How has blogging changed your life?
I don't think it has, other than an opportunity to "virtually meet" some interesting and fun people.
What blogs do you think deserve wider recognition and why?
Can't say. Not sure how much recognition they have now. :-)
Within the P4P world, I've particularly enjoyed yours and Gillette's. As I said before, very different. Yours focuses more on the "news and commentary" paradigm, like an op-ed column; more of an outward focus, with a lot of exceptionally interesting topics you run across in your reading and bring to our attention. Gillette's is more an inner focus, very personal and subjective sharing of her life, and an introspective and insightful examination thereof. Both those are generalities, of course, and both contain both viewpoints. In both cases, a very high percentage of posts which let me get to know someone interesting and make me think or affect my viewpoint . . . and that's what it's all about. If I wanted a cocoon or echo-chamber that would just reinforce my own viewpoint, I'd only read my own blog. :-)
What are your hobbies?
Alas, I have little time for such at this time in my life. At one time I played chess at a semi-serious level, but haven't managed to keep up in recent years. I enjoy reading, primarily non-fiction (law, history, social issues, etc.).
How has your blog changed over the years?
Or in my case, over the 10 months? :-) Well, it's become somewhat more personal (at times) rather than objective. Other than that . . . I'm not sure.
Are you fairly accurate in predicting which of your items will be widely linked?
I don't attempt to predict, but imagine I would not be very accurate. Since it's not publicized much and gets few readers (and has a somewhat provincial flavor, see below), I'm a bit surprised when ANY of the items is linked at all.
Do you have a background in writing?
No particular background. My profession is one in which writing is important -- but, unfortunately, a particularly dry style of writing. I can generally get my points across, though.
When do you blog?
Whenever I have a few spare minutes and something I feel like saying. :-)
With regard to blogging what was your most memorable moment?
When I first started getting comments, and when other blogs have linked to me. I recall someone telling me that Compartments had listed me on her blogroll and thus "You're big time, Babe!"
Would you read your site?
I guess by definition most of us would say "yes." If we wrote it, presumably we found the subject interesting. :-)
However, if I try to step outside my skin and objectively look back at the last several months, I'd actually probably say "no." Let me explain by comparison to another blog (and perhaps piss someone off in the process).
I rarely read The Petulant Pooner; occasionally, but not often. Why? It's well-written; at times has a different viewpoint than mine, but that is generally a plus; on some interesting subjects; a bit angry at times, but usually not over-the-top. What's not to like? Well, mostly that it has a VERY heavy emphasis on the personalities and what's happening in the Seattle P4P community. To many of the people living up there, I'm sure it would be a "must read" -- but I'm in Dallas. I don't know the people he blogs about and don't use the discussion boards or back channel lists that he talks about. We have completely different frames of reference. (Yours and Gillette's, by comparison, don't have as strong a feel of "place" about them.) I'm sure he gets a lot of visitors from outside Seattle as well, but they're probably less likely to come back and visit regularly.
I think my blog is also, at least to some extent, "place-specific." Looking back on it, there are a lot of entries about the personalities down here and the review/discussion boards that are active in Dallas. Between that, the low visibility, and the lack of "hot" topics -- few people in Dallas know about it, and few people outside Dallas would be very interested. Scarface's approaches a "must read" in the Seattle P4P community, which makes it very popular despite the specifics of "place." I'm not at that level in the Dallas P4P community.
One thing my blog does have going for it, though, is that it offers the perspective of the P4P client. Relatively few of us blog, as opposed to the escorts. I suspect the rarity creates some curiosity/interest.
Labels: Alice, Andrew Sullivan, Aspd, Bloggers on blogging Interviews, Caitiemae, Chevalier, Compartments, Daily Dirt, Ex-Courtesan in transition, Friction, Missemployed in minneapolis, Petulant Pooner
Beau on Blogging
Beau is a hopeful romantic. His blog is a tongue in cheek blog celebrating submissive women and with a light bdsm feel. It is also a showcase for some of his erotic writings.
What is the first weblog you came across?
I'm really not sure now as it was several years a go. The one that inspired me into blogging I think was Belle de Jour.
Why did you start blogging?
I had started to write a memoir about my experiences as a man who paid women for sex. It detailed a journey from the start of that to an emotional entanglement with an escort. I found it difficult to set aside the time for it though. On seeing Belle's blog I realised I could write it as a blog - and perhaps later try to get it published.
But it was Belle who got the book deal! I know there are many who doubt her veracity but I have exchanged emails with her on occasions and believe her to be kosher.
At about the same time I started to write a blog about another part of my life. it was a therapy for myself and I hoped it might also provide support and links for other people in a similar situation.
Then I realised it was also a way I could find an outlet for my photography.
The original Beau de Jour blog is now closed but I found myself writing lots on the comments section of two female bloggers with a bdsm stance - h0les and married man's fucktoy. Although they write as submissive women they are both clearly very strong, intelligent and creative women. I decided that rather than using my creative energies on their blogs I should start one of my own so the current Beau blog was born.
Which blogs do you read?
I still try to read Belle's blog occasionally. Of course I read Nia every day. I read some of the blogs on my sidebar daily. I won't pick any out as that would be unkind to the others.
I also read some of the blogs I link to from my other blogs.
I also read Dragonfly Geisha each day to check up on what is going on and to give me ideas for my next contribution.
And of course Olivia, the English Courtesan. ( Well actually I'm just trying to curry favour in the hope she might one day ...)
What appeals to you about the blogs you read?
The creativity and the emotional honesty which can have a real power.
Whose writing do you particularly admire?
Tolstoy, Rabindrenath Tagore, William Carlos Williams, Toni Morrison, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Shakespeare, Nia.
I suppose you meant Blogs though.
Dragonfly has a number of blogs under different names and I find them very powerful -especially a poetry blog of hers.
I used to like Freya's writing before she closed down. Sometimes too Nina, Lazy Geisha and Magdelena, Myths and Metawhores, though she is not writing currently.
In your reading do you seek out different points of view ?
It is always good to be able to see issues from another's point of view. I don't seek out blogs to challenge me though.
Even with newspapers I tend to avoid the articles by journalists that are just peddling their own views. Why should I or anybody else care about what Melanie bloody Phillips thinks about the latest political issue and how can she be so arrogant to imagine anybody does care what she thinks in her small minded, arrogant ...
Sorry. Please excuse me. I just go off on one occasionally. It's to help ease my blood pressure.
How do you choose items to link?
I'm not sure I'm clear about the question.
If I find something elsewhere that I find particularly amusing, informative or interesting then I will link to it. I don't go searching for such links. Though I do often go searching for photographs that I can put alongside a humorous comment and always try to link to the originator to give them more traffic.
What is your policy on comments?
On the original Beau de Jour blog and on my personal blog I do not allow comments. That is simply because they were/are intended as a memoir. A story rather than a conversation.
If somebody is interested enough to want to say something to me about what I have written they can email me about it and I try to reply if I can.
On the new Beau blog and on my photography blog I do allow comments.
I do not pre-moderate them as I have found no need. I did start asking people to type in that silly letter combination. I know it is a nuisance but I was starting to get a lot of spam comments.
It's interesting how part of the concept of blogging seems to be the comments. It's like everyone having their own little messageboard where they control the topics. I think my approach has been a bit different and only on the new Beau blog and the Dragonfly Geisha blog have come to recognise the value of that interactivity.
I think some though do spend time posting comments all over to attract people to their own blog. That can get very shallow.
Do you ever receive abusive comments, how do you handle it ?
I think I have only received one comment that might be considered abusive. I was accused of being a liar. I left it there as I believe it was honestly felt.
Where do you find interesting links?
From other blogs and comments to my own blog.
Do you ever write to provoke a reaction, how do you do that ?
I don't think of it in that way but surely all posts are to create a reaction. Otherwise why blog at all?
How much traffic do you get?
I got up to over 250 hits a day on the Beau blog last month but then it suddenly dipped to only 150 for no particular reason. It's creeping back up to 200 again now. My personal blog gets about fifty a day. My photography blog used to get fifty to an hundred then it suddenly and for no apparent reason fell off the Google Image listings. It gets links from Google but not from Google Image. I've no idea why but I now only get about five hits a day on it.
With each of the blogs you can suddenly get surprising peaks when you are linked to from a very popular blog. My personal blog's hits went through the roof one day when I got a link from an Iranian living in Canada who writes a political blog that is very widely read.
I'm actually more interested in those readers who visit regularly rather than those who hit me by accident and never return. There are a couple of readers of two of my blogs who stop by every day and never comment or email but are very loyal. I'd love to know who they are!
What is your rank on technorati?
I've no idea Nia. You're getting very techie all of a sudden!
Has your writing changed since you started blogging?
I'm not sure. perhaps you should ask my readers.
Once you have people who you know reading your blog it is hard to be quite as open.
I think my personal blog is less "raw" and exposing of my emotions and deepest thoughts than it was at the start.
How many hours do you spend online a day?
Too many.
How much time do you spend on your site a day?
Not that long - depends how much I have to write. Though when I have been writing erotica for Beau and Dragonfly Geisha that can get very time consuming.
How do you find new blogs?
From links on other blogs, links to me and comments.
How much reader email do you get?
It varies but can be quite a lot - but nothing like an escort's email inbox I guess!
Emails are always welcome. It's great to know you've written a post that someone has reacted to enough to want to respond. It's also always nice to hear from those who I have developed an online friendship with.
It can get very time consuming though.
What do you think makes a successful blog?
I'm not sure what is a successful blog never mind what makes one. It might be that I wouldn't want to be successful in certain senses.
If there are a regular group who come back and contact me occasionally then I am content to have an audience for my nonsense.
What is your advice for a new blogger?
Just enjoy it. Write honestly - even if with tongue in cheek - and go for it.
(Do take time on the design though - I think it's good to try to make an effort with this but not essential.)
How has blogging changed your life?
I spent a few months abroad a couple of years ago at the invitation of a beautiful female artist who read my blog. A very special time.
I've also met some very real friends some of whom are no longer only online friends.
What blogs do you think deserve wider recognition and why?
I'm not sure I have any to pick out here.
Perhaps Am I Still Me.
Very honest, raw writing with a real purpose.
What are your hobbies?
Photography, writing, the internet, blogging, eating out, eating in.
How has your blog changed over the years?
I have four blogs on the go currently. Beau, a photography blog, a personal blog and a new joint blog - Dragonfly Geisha - with Dragonfly.
I closed the original Beau de Jour blog when I realised it had upset somebody who I was close to.
I want to change the layout of my photography blog into a proper photo-blog when I can get round to it.
The new Dragonfly Geisha blog is more part of a larger concept and it is great fun working collaboratively.
Are you fairly accurate in predicting which of your items will be widely linked?
I'm not sure any of my items are widely linked!
Do you have a background in writing?
Not really.
When do you blog?
It varies but the salacious blogs I write when on my own!
With regard to blogging what was your most memorable moment?
When I received an angry and emotional email from someone I cared for deeply, very upset at discovering herself on my blog (although it was carefully anonymous).
Would you read your site?
Yes. I do. I've found myself enjoying rereading some of the erotica I have written. Though it probably appeals to nobody else!
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Labels: Am I still me, bdsm, Beau, Belle de Jour, Bloggers on blogging, Dragonflygeisha, English courtesan, holes, Interviews, Lazygeisha, married man's fucktoy, Melanie Phillips