Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Chevalier on blogging
Chevalier is based in Texas, and he writes about his experiences as a hobbyist in the paid sex industry.
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.
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
Monday, April 30, 2007
The Petulant Pooner on Blogging
The Petulant Pooner is based in Seattle.He writes about what is happening in the paid sex scene there, and other topics of interest related to the industry.
What is the first weblog you came across?
I believe it was on the eve of the Iraq war that I stumbled across a link to Instapundit, who was blogging pretty heavily about Salam Pax at that time (Salam Pax was an Iraqi blogger who wrote about his experience as an ordinary Iraqi citizen in the run-up to the war -- at immense personal risk, I might add.)
Why did you start blogging?
I blogged just a little on Myspace in the spring of 2006, and started to blog seriously in November of 2006.
Why did you start blogging?
Ok, here's 'why':
I've always enjoyed having a soapbox to stand on, but dislike being subject to anyone else's censorship.
Which blogs do you read?
I have several daily reads and too many occasional stops to list. My current favorites are The Belmont Club, little green footballs, HorsesAss, and VodkaPundit. Oh yes, and of course... Nia Dark and Lovely!
What appeals to you about the blogs you read?
Blogs serve two purposes in my world. Firstly, they serve as an information filter -- they screen out a lot of the noise and help me to focus on information that is truly important to me. Secondly, blogs are marvelous for bringing deep background information that would otherwise not come to the fore, and similarly, to provide coverage of important -- yet obscure -- stories that the mainstream media chooses not to allot space for.
Whose writing do you particularly admire?
Wretchard (The Belmont Club) is a favorite. I was also particularly fond of Steven Den Beste (U.S.S. Clueless), who has -- alas! -- given up current events and switched to blogging about Japanese anime.
In your reading do you seek out different points of view ?
Actually, it seems more accurate to say that different points of view seek me out! I think that if one is not regularly exposed to differing points of view, then one needs to adjust their reading habits. The blogosphere is all about diversity of opinion, and it behooves us to make the most of that.
How do you choose items to link?
My blogging has a very narrow focus (that being: prostitution, from the consumer's perspective), so it's relatively easy for me to separate the wheat from the chaff. I look at prospective items and pass them through the filter of my own agenda -- pro-legalization; anti-corruption.
What is your policy on comments?
In spite of what some of my detractors would tell you, I am actually quite tolerant of comments from those who disagree with me. That said, I would also add that I do not suffer fools gladly.
Do you ever receive abusive comments , how do you handle it ?
Where I draw the line is at anonymity -- if somebody wants to throw rocks at me, that's fine... but I insist that they identify themselves (using their locally known Hobby identity, most often as they are known on the local escort review forums). When I have something negative to say, I let people know who I am -- and I expect the same from those who leave comments.
Where do you find interesting links?
For news items, I use Google News Alerts to instantly notify me when something of interest is published. I also devote a lot of my blogging time to the local prostitution scene, and I cover that primarily by haunting the message boards where people in my area hang out.
Do you ever write to provoke a reaction, how do you do that ?
Oh yes! I am all about provoking a reaction... it's the best way to drive increased traffic. It's not difficult at all; it merely requires that one not 'pull punches'. I tell it exactly the way I see it, and usually that gets the job done.
How much traffic do you get?
The Petulant Pooner is currently ranging between 700 to 1200 visitors daily. The single day record is just shy of 2000.
What is your rank on technorati?
I just switched from Blogger to a standalone dot-com a few weeks ago, and I lost some ground at Technorati as a result. My rank at Blogger was in the mid- 300,000's. The new blog is now in the mid 700,000's, and gaining.
Has your writing changed since you started blogging?
I'm sure that it has, but I would be hard-pressed to give an objective analysis. I will say, though, that I tend more towards brevity than I used to.
How many hours do you spend online a day?
At least four to six.
How much time do you spend on your site a day?
The Petulant Pooner usually consumes about a half hour to an hour each day, depending of course on how many posts I create.
How many blogs do you read?
On an average day, perhaps five or six.
How do you find new blogs?
Usually they are brought to my attention by established bloggers, although I do stumble across them on Google quite often.
How much reader email do you get?
I don't get a lot of email that isn't tied to blog comments. My email address is not widely published at the moment.
What do you think makes a successful blog?
Readership is the name of the game. And it's not the number of readers, so much as it is a matter of reaching the right people.
What is your advice for a new blogger?
Find a niche!
How has blogging changed your life?
It's given me a hammer to swat the flies.
What blogs do you think deserve wider recognition and why?
I'm going to throw you a curve in response to this question. I can think of several blogs that deserve considerably LESS attention, most notably Instapundit, which has turned into little else than a list of links. Add to that list ShakespearesSister and Pandagon (blogs which belong to a pair of militant feminists who were let go from the campaign of American presidential candidate John Edwards), which contain a great deal of anti-male hate speech.
Ok, enough of that. Who deserves more recognition? Why, The Petulant Pooner, of course!!
What are your hobbies?
Outside of blogging, I am interested in photography, auto mechanics, gardening and cooking.
How has your blog changed over the years?
Hmm... well, it's not 'years' for me, as I've only been at it for a little less than seven months. In that time, my blog has evolved to suit my agenda, which is to fight corrupt practices within my local prostitution scene.
Are you fairly accurate in predicting which of your items will be widely linked?
I'd say so, yes. In my locality, my blog has become known as THE place to learn the scoop on what is going on with certain sorts of events. When I break news that I know certain people do not want to be known, I can usually count on a deluge of hits.
Do you have a background in writing?
No, not really. I've always enjoyed writing, but until I turned to blogging I never really devoted much time to it. Perhaps one day I will be asked this question again, and the answer might be, "Why yes, I used to write a popular blog."
When do you blog?
There is not set time for me. Sometimes it is early in the morning before work, sometimes I can find some time during the work day. Most often, it is in the evening.
With regard to blogging what was your most memorable moment?
Here in Seattle, a widely popular (but very corrupt) review forum just bit the dust, about two weeks ago. Some say that a series of posts on The Petulant Pooner brought it down, and I have to consider that this is at least a possibility. To date, this stands out as the most significant event.
Would you read your site?
Yes... if I were a hobbyist in Seattle, I most definitely would. And they do, too.
Labels: Belmont Club, Bloggers on blogging, Horseass, Instapundit, Interviews, Little green footballs, Myspace, Pendagon, Petulant Pooner, Salam Pax, Shakespeare'sSister, Technorati, Vodkapundit
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Shopkeepers exchange sex in return for clothes
I had mentioned in my unexpected requests post that I had seen escorts offering their services on messageboards in exchange for different services.
These are Bluesladys comments in the unexpected requests post
"I have had offers of work in exchange for "favours". I have also had artists offering to let me have their work in exchange for mine.
The reason I always decline has nothing to do with undervaluing either individual, but simply it crosses boundaries, or makes them fuzzy at the edges. There is nothing quite as clinical as cold hard cash at the end of a lovely encounter. Everyone knows where they stand,and a return visit is far more likely :) "
I came across an interesting article yesterday, and women seem to be doing it in Iran.
1.Estimated number of Iranian women who work as prostitutes,300,000.
2.Average age of prostitutes in Iran 20. Many are girls who have run away from home.
In a smart boutique displaying an array of miniskirts and skimpy tops, the shopkeeper was too busy attending to his female customers to listen to a sermon on HIV/Aids. "I don't know anything about it at all. Come back after I've finished with my customers," he told the volunteer health education worker.
In the Qaem mall in north Tehran's affluent Tajrish district, where two floors are dedicated to women's fashion, several shopkeepers admitted to first-hand experience of receiving offers of sex. Arash, 23, said he had been propositioned 40 or 50 times in his store. "I reckon that 50% of shopkeepers have accepted sex in return for clothes," he said.
Ahmed Reza, 23, admitted having accepted such offers. "I was sitting outside the shop when two women came and said they wanted to try various manteaus [overcoats]," he said. "They asked for a bargain and I offered them the standard discount. But they said, 'We cannot pay that - if you give us a good discount and your mobile number, we will serve you'. So I gave them more discount and got their mobile numbers.
"I can tell a prostitute by their attitudes and body language. When she asks the price of something, I say it's much more than it really is. Then I reduce it when she asks for discount, so she think she's getting a great bargain and offers sex."
Deals between prostitutes and boutique owners raise fears over spread of disease, an article by Robert Tait of the Guardian.
Escort Advertising
I have come across some interesting posts by other bloggers regarding escorts advertising on the internet versus paper advertising.
LA Player has an intersting post on Price,Law and sex travel.
His post mentions that it is cheaper to advertise in the paper, where he is. This is not the case in the UK. Conversations that I have had with other escorts who advertise in papers, or magazines in London, prove that they spend more money on their advertising.
You pay X pounds to advertise on Eros per month. If I was to put an ad in my local paper it would cost me three times what I would pay for an Eros ad. The same applies to topshelf magazines. When the Herald Tribune ran ads, that was pretty expensive too, but the advertising was worth it. There are other magazines that are just as pricey. A friend had given me the name of a magazine that she used, that had rates that were in line with internet based sites. It did not work for me, but then I only advertised there for two months. I think the women who advertise in papers or magazines, are trying to cover all bases, and clearly not all clients look on the internet. The internet is easier for me. My friends who advertise in papers have hundreds, and I mean hundreds of calls per day. I could not deal with this. Their rates tend to be lower, in most cases, however they are busy. I believe you get more exposure on the internet. I am happy with internet advertising.
Here is a post from the Saafe site in the UK.Where to advertise.
Note that they do not mention any paper advertising. The cost of advertising on Punternet is very cheap and as they are the largest, most well known site in the UK, they send lots of traffic to anyone who advertises on there. On Captain 69, you pay for yearly membership, which is reasonable, and you can advertise on there.
Glengarry Leads has just come back from LA, and his post shows that paper advertising is working there.
Scarface thinks it is money down the drain in his post.
I know that it works for some escorts, but it is not a form of advertising that I want to use, as I am happy with what I do. As I said, the volume of calls is a major deterrent for me. I think there are also limitations on what you can put in your ads.
I read this story yesterday, and have so much respect for what Oprah Winfrey does.
Oprah Winfrey was already the planet's most watched talkshow host, one of America's most successful magazine publishers, a billionaire, an Oscar-nominated actor, the most important black philanthropist in the US and, according to several assessments, the most influential woman in the world.
So from one perspective, the school that she opened for 152 poor South African girls outside Johannesburg yesterday was perhaps not all that significant. But that was not how it felt for Buhle Zulu, 12, who found herself whisked from sleeping on a floor with six family members in Soweto to her own bedroom and bathroom in the site, funded with $40m (£20m) of Winfrey's $1.5bn fortune. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls also features computer and science laboratories, a theatre, library, gymnasium, health centre, sports fields and beauty salon.
"I went to their homes. I know all of them by name. Their story is my story," Winfrey said. She had chosen "every brick, tile, sheet and spoon" in the academy herself, she added.
Mr Mandela, the 88-year-old former South African president, was helped to the stage by Winfrey. "The key to any country's future is in educating its youth," he told the audience. "Oprah is therefore not only investing in a few young individuals but in the future of our country. We are indebted to her for her selfless efforts. This is a lady that, despite her own disadvantaged background, has become one of the benefactors of the disadvantaged throughout the world and we should congratulate her for that."
"Their story is my story" an article by Andrew Meldrum of the Guardian.
Labels: advertising, Captain 69, Escorts, Glengarry Leads, guardian, Iran, LA player, News, Petulant Pooner, Prostitutes, Punternet, Saafe
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
What do you do on Payday?
The industry is based on needs and desires. I am always amazed at how certain months of the year are really busy, and then you have quiet periods. It fluctuates all the time, and I can never predict how work is going to come in(no pun intended) .
I read this yesterday. Millions of adults blow 350 million pounds on payday and it got me thinking, as I do.
Some escorts say they are really busy on paydays, some can see no difference.
I know that when it is payday for me, Mr Bills gets paid. It saddens me, and causes such internal conflict, that he always get a percentage of what I earn.
I think it is so easy as an escort to splurge whatever comes in. There is so much focus on how you look, that it is so easy to justify shopping for clothes, shoes,and bags as a work expense.
I had a client Mr Puntaddict, who spent most of his earnings on escorts, and got into major debt. He just could not stop, and continues.
How many of you arrange a date on Payday?
What do you do as soon as your Pay has gone in?
It is amazing when things are quiet, and then most escorts I know are quiet.
Do all the men out there send each other ESP messages, saying let us keep the sex drive low?
If you are booking an escort in the US and need an alibi, the Petulant Pooner can show you how!
I read this yesterday. Millions of adults blow 350 million pounds on payday and it got me thinking, as I do.
Some escorts say they are really busy on paydays, some can see no difference.
I know that when it is payday for me, Mr Bills gets paid. It saddens me, and causes such internal conflict, that he always get a percentage of what I earn.
I think it is so easy as an escort to splurge whatever comes in. There is so much focus on how you look, that it is so easy to justify shopping for clothes, shoes,and bags as a work expense.
I had a client Mr Puntaddict, who spent most of his earnings on escorts, and got into major debt. He just could not stop, and continues.
How many of you arrange a date on Payday?
What do you do as soon as your Pay has gone in?
It is amazing when things are quiet, and then most escorts I know are quiet.
Do all the men out there send each other ESP messages, saying let us keep the sex drive low?
If you are booking an escort in the US and need an alibi, the Petulant Pooner can show you how!
Labels: Petulant Pooner, Reuters, Thoughts
