nate_sf

Yes definitely. I think the most significant thing has been knowing how the hire is arranged, structured, that I can ask for what I want, etc., which I've learned by being hired myself.
 
As @Rudynate mentions, the reason to hire is because you want to. Or as I would tell clients, you hire "who you want, for what you want, when you want it." Most significantly, you know they'll show up and will be professional, so you know you'll have a good time. It's great to be able to pick out a guy you're really attracted to, get to meet him, touch him, and just have a lot of fun.
 
I did some hiring when I was still escorting, and that created some wierdness in deciding whether or not to tell the guy I was also an escort. I wrote some blog posts about them at the time here and here. But now that I'm retired for the most part I usually don't make any mention of it.

Yes definitely. I think the most significant thing has been knowing how the hire is arranged, structured, that I can ask for what I want, etc., which I've learned by being hired myself.
 
As @Rudynate mentions, the reason to hire is because you want to. Or as I would tell clients, you hire "who you want, for what you want, when you want it." Most significantly, you know they'll show up and will be professional, so you know you'll have a good time. It's great to be able to pick out a guy you're really attracted to, get to meet him, touch him, and just have a lot of fun.
 
I did some hiring when I was still escorting, and that created some wierdness in deciding whether or not to tell the guy I was also an escort. I wrote some blog posts about them at the time here and here. But now that I'm retired for the most part I usually don't make any mention of it.

The confirmation emails with the event details have been sent out. If you've RSVP'd to us with your email address you should have received yours.
 
There's still time to RSVP if you'd like to join us, or if you haven't sent your email address. Send a PM to @ArVaGuy or to me @nate_sf, or send me an email directly.
 
If you've confirmed but have not received your email confirmation, please get in touch.
 
We'll send another reminder email next week. If you have questions that have not been covered in the email, or you have suggestions, let us know.
 
We're looking forward to having fun and creating some heat in DC. See you soon!

Great to have you guys on board! And yes to anyone still on the fence, plenty of time to RSVP.

Tyler and I will be there, looks like. Is it too late to RSVP?

The arrangements are in place for the upcoming Forum DC Gathering, January 12-14, 2018.
 
Important: If you're planning to attend, please send a direct message to either @ArVaGuy or @nate_sf or both of us (direct messages can include more than one recipient). Please include an email address, as we’ll be sending the final itinerary by email, not PM, so we need to have an email to contact you.
 
@ArVaGuy and I have been working the past couple of months to put together plans for next year's gathering, and we'll be co-hosts. As with past DC gatherings, the weekend will span the MLK weekend, and coincide with Mid Atlantic Leather (MAL). There will be a range of get-togethers, culminating in the traditional brunch on Sunday, January 14th.
 
For those of you who may not be interested in MAL or the leather scene, not to worry! Traditionally the DC gathering has coincided with MAL because it's a long weekend and many of us are in town, but the forum gathering is otherwise independent of the leather activities and is welcoming to all forum members. You may choose to sample some of the MAL activities, or go "whole-hog", or alternatively forgo them completely. That's up to you.
 
The Events
Here is a rundown of the various events planned:

Friday, January 12th early evening – Cocktail Hour at or near MAL. This is an informal kickoff to the weekend, dovetailing with MAL. Great for those attending MAL, or who may just be curious in checking out the scene. Leather and uniforms are welcome but not necessary; jeans and t-shirts are totally fine, or you could right from the office in your suit (for those who appreciate men in suits!). And later that evening, there will be a dance party at MAL where at least one of the Forum guys will be go-go dancing...


Saturday, January 13th afternoon – Informal Get-together/Happy Hour, Dupont Circle Area. For those who are not as interested in the leather scene, or want a break from it, we’ll have an informal gathering at a bar in the Dupont Circle area.


Saturday, January 13th dinner – “Newbie” dinner designed to welcome those new to the DC weekend. * If you'd like to attend this, please note it in your RSVP.


Saturday, January 13th evening – Road trip to Secrets/Ziegfeld’s. Strippers upstairs, drag performers downstairs. Conveniently located in the same venue so you can take your pick or sample both. And yes, in a unique to DC twist, the strippers are nude(!)


Sunday, January 14th midday – The Brunch. This is the “main event” and will allow forum members to meet each other in a relaxed setting. There will be a limited set prix fixe menu to keep things simple.


Sunday, January 14th evening – Rock Hard Sunday. For those who have not had enough strippers, here’s another opportunity at Rock Hard Sunday.

Accommodations
Generally speaking, DC proper is easy to get around on foot, Metro, cab/rideshare. The weekend’s events will be mostly in the Dupont Circle area or at the Hyatt Capitol Hill (walking distance to Union Station), so anywhere near or between those locations will be convenient.
 
Rooms at the MAL host hotel are sold out, though they get cancellations periodically. Reservations need to be made directly through the MAL website, not the Hyatt website. Here is the link to the reservations page: http://www.leatherweekend.com/hotel/
 
There are several other hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Hyatt, within walking distance. However just as many forum members are likely to be staying at other DC locations, including the Dupont Circle area. If you have a question about a particular hotel you’re considering, post the question in this thread and you’re likely to receive feedback.
 
Confirming Attendance
If you're planning to attend, please send a direct message to either @ArVaGuy or @nate_sf or both of us (direct messages can include more than one recipient). Please include an email address, as we’ll be sending the final itinerary by email, not PM, so we need to have an email to contact you.
 
Currently we have about 30 Forum members who have confirmed or expressed interest in attending. The current mix is approximately 60% clients/40% providers, and while that ratio may change a bit between now and then, past events have been pretty balanced.
 
Attendance is open to current and former Message Forum participants in good standing. We value everyone’s privacy, and ask that you respect others’ desire for privacy at the events. We will not post a list of attendees either in the Forum or by email, and emails will be bcc’d so you can be assured your information will be not be shared without your consent.
 
Questions and Suggestions
If you have general questions or suggestions for the gathering, please do so in this thread or send us a PM. We’re happy to receive input.
 
We look forward to seeing you in DC soon!

See you all there.

The arrangements are in place for the upcoming Forum DC Gathering, January 12-14, 2018.
 
Important: If you're planning to attend, please send a direct message to either @ArVaGuy or @nate_sf or both of us (direct messages can include more than one recipient). Please include an email address, as we’ll be sending the final itinerary by email, not PM, so we need to have an email to contact you.
 
@ArVaGuy and I have been working the past couple of months to put together plans for next year's gathering, and we'll be co-hosts. As with past DC gatherings, the weekend will span the MLK weekend, and coincide with Mid Atlantic Leather (MAL). There will be a range of get-togethers, culminating in the traditional brunch on Sunday, January 14th.
 
For those of you who may not be interested in MAL or the leather scene, not to worry! Traditionally the DC gathering has coincided with MAL because it's a long weekend and many of us are in town, but the forum gathering is otherwise independent of the leather activities and is welcoming to all forum members. You may choose to sample some of the MAL activities, or go "whole-hog", or alternatively forgo them completely. That's up to you.
 
The Events
Here is a rundown of the various events planned:

Friday, January 12th early evening – Cocktail Hour at or near MAL. This is an informal kickoff to the weekend, dovetailing with MAL. Great for those attending MAL, or who may just be curious in checking out the scene. Leather and uniforms are welcome but not necessary; jeans and t-shirts are totally fine, or you could right from the office in your suit (for those who appreciate men in suits!). And later that evening, there will be a dance party at MAL where at least one of the Forum guys will be go-go dancing...


Saturday, January 13th afternoon – Informal Get-together/Happy Hour, Dupont Circle Area. For those who are not as interested in the leather scene, or want a break from it, we’ll have an informal gathering at a bar in the Dupont Circle area.


Saturday, January 13th dinner – “Newbie” dinner designed to welcome those new to the DC weekend. * If you'd like to attend this, please note it in your RSVP.


Saturday, January 13th evening – Road trip to Secrets/Ziegfeld’s. Strippers upstairs, drag performers downstairs. Conveniently located in the same venue so you can take your pick or sample both. And yes, in a unique to DC twist, the strippers are nude(!)


Sunday, January 14th midday – The Brunch. This is the “main event” and will allow forum members to meet each other in a relaxed setting. There will be a limited set prix fixe menu to keep things simple.


Sunday, January 14th evening – Rock Hard Sunday. For those who have not had enough strippers, here’s another opportunity at Rock Hard Sunday.

Accommodations
Generally speaking, DC proper is easy to get around on foot, Metro, cab/rideshare. The weekend’s events will be mostly in the Dupont Circle area or at the Hyatt Capitol Hill (walking distance to Union Station), so anywhere near or between those locations will be convenient.
 
Rooms at the MAL host hotel are sold out, though they get cancellations periodically. Reservations need to be made directly through the MAL website, not the Hyatt website. Here is the link to the reservations page: http://www.leatherweekend.com/hotel/
 
There are several other hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Hyatt, within walking distance. However just as many forum members are likely to be staying at other DC locations, including the Dupont Circle area. If you have a question about a particular hotel you’re considering, post the question in this thread and you’re likely to receive feedback.
 
Confirming Attendance
If you're planning to attend, please send a direct message to either @ArVaGuy or @nate_sf or both of us (direct messages can include more than one recipient). Please include an email address, as we’ll be sending the final itinerary by email, not PM, so we need to have an email to contact you.
 
Currently we have about 30 Forum members who have confirmed or expressed interest in attending. The current mix is approximately 60% clients/40% providers, and while that ratio may change a bit between now and then, past events have been pretty balanced.
 
Attendance is open to current and former Message Forum participants in good standing. We value everyone’s privacy, and ask that you respect others’ desire for privacy at the events. We will not post a list of attendees either in the Forum or by email, and emails will be bcc’d so you can be assured your information will be not be shared without your consent.
 
Questions and Suggestions
If you have general questions or suggestions for the gathering, please do so in this thread or send us a PM. We’re happy to receive input.
 
We look forward to seeing you in DC soon!

The arrangements are in place for the upcoming Forum DC Gathering, January 12-14, 2018.
 
Important: If you're planning to attend, please send a direct message to either @ArVaGuy or @nate_sf or both of us (direct messages can include more than one recipient). Please include an email address, as we’ll be sending the final itinerary by email, not PM, so we need to have an email to contact you.
 
@ArVaGuy and I have been working the past couple of months to put together plans for next year's gathering, and we'll be co-hosts. As with past DC gatherings, the weekend will span the MLK weekend, and coincide with Mid Atlantic Leather (MAL). There will be a range of get-togethers, culminating in the traditional brunch on Sunday, January 14th.
 
For those of you who may not be interested in MAL or the leather scene, not to worry! Traditionally the DC gathering has coincided with MAL because it's a long weekend and many of us are in town, but the forum gathering is otherwise independent of the leather activities and is welcoming to all forum members. You may choose to sample some of the MAL activities, or go "whole-hog", or alternatively forgo them completely. That's up to you.
 
The Events
Here is a rundown of the various events planned:

Friday, January 12th early evening – Cocktail Hour at or near MAL. This is an informal kickoff to the weekend, dovetailing with MAL. Great for those attending MAL, or who may just be curious in checking out the scene. Leather and uniforms are welcome but not necessary; jeans and t-shirts are totally fine, or you could right from the office in your suit (for those who appreciate men in suits!). And later that evening, there will be a dance party at MAL where at least one of the Forum guys will be go-go dancing...


Saturday, January 13th afternoon – Informal Get-together/Happy Hour, Dupont Circle Area. For those who are not as interested in the leather scene, or want a break from it, we’ll have an informal gathering at a bar in the Dupont Circle area.


Saturday, January 13th dinner – “Newbie” dinner designed to welcome those new to the DC weekend. * If you'd like to attend this, please note it in your RSVP.


Saturday, January 13th evening – Road trip to Secrets/Ziegfeld’s. Strippers upstairs, drag performers downstairs. Conveniently located in the same venue so you can take your pick or sample both. And yes, in a unique to DC twist, the strippers are nude(!)


Sunday, January 14th midday – The Brunch. This is the “main event” and will allow forum members to meet each other in a relaxed setting. There will be a limited set prix fixe menu to keep things simple.


Sunday, January 14th evening – Rock Hard Sunday. For those who have not had enough strippers, here’s another opportunity at Rock Hard Sunday.

Accommodations
Generally speaking, DC proper is easy to get around on foot, Metro, cab/rideshare. The weekend’s events will be mostly in the Dupont Circle area or at the Hyatt Capitol Hill (walking distance to Union Station), so anywhere near or between those locations will be convenient.
 
Rooms at the MAL host hotel are sold out, though they get cancellations periodically. Reservations need to be made directly through the MAL website, not the Hyatt website. Here is the link to the reservations page: http://www.leatherweekend.com/hotel/
 
There are several other hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Hyatt, within walking distance. However just as many forum members are likely to be staying at other DC locations, including the Dupont Circle area. If you have a question about a particular hotel you’re considering, post the question in this thread and you’re likely to receive feedback.
 
Confirming Attendance
If you're planning to attend, please send a direct message to either @ArVaGuy or @nate_sf or both of us (direct messages can include more than one recipient). Please include an email address, as we’ll be sending the final itinerary by email, not PM, so we need to have an email to contact you.
 
Currently we have about 30 Forum members who have confirmed or expressed interest in attending. The current mix is approximately 60% clients/40% providers, and while that ratio may change a bit between now and then, past events have been pretty balanced.
 
Attendance is open to current and former Message Forum participants in good standing. We value everyone’s privacy, and ask that you respect others’ desire for privacy at the events. We will not post a list of attendees either in the Forum or by email, and emails will be bcc’d so you can be assured your information will be not be shared without your consent.
 
Questions and Suggestions
If you have general questions or suggestions for the gathering, please do so in this thread or send us a PM. We’re happy to receive input.
 
We look forward to seeing you in DC soon!

The arrangements are in place for the upcoming Forum DC Gathering, January 12-14, 2018.
 
Important: If you're planning to attend, please send a direct message to either @ArVaGuy or @nate_sf or both of us (direct messages can include more than one recipient). Please include an email address, as we’ll be sending the final itinerary by email, not PM, so we need to have an email to contact you.
 
@ArVaGuy and I have been working the past couple of months to put together plans for next year's gathering, and we'll be co-hosts. As with past DC gatherings, the weekend will span the MLK weekend, and coincide with Mid Atlantic Leather (MAL). There will be a range of get-togethers, culminating in the traditional brunch on Sunday, January 14th.
 
For those of you who may not be interested in MAL or the leather scene, not to worry! Traditionally the DC gathering has coincided with MAL because it's a long weekend and many of us are in town, but the forum gathering is otherwise independent of the leather activities and is welcoming to all forum members. You may choose to sample some of the MAL activities, or go "whole-hog", or alternatively forgo them completely. That's up to you.
 
The Events
Here is a rundown of the various events planned:

Friday, January 12th early evening – Cocktail Hour at or near MAL. This is an informal kickoff to the weekend, dovetailing with MAL. Great for those attending MAL, or who may just be curious in checking out the scene. Leather and uniforms are welcome but not necessary; jeans and t-shirts are totally fine, or you could right from the office in your suit (for those who appreciate men in suits!). And later that evening, there will be a dance party at MAL where at least one of the Forum guys will be go-go dancing...


Saturday, January 13th afternoon – Informal Get-together/Happy Hour, Dupont Circle Area. For those who are not as interested in the leather scene, or want a break from it, we’ll have an informal gathering at a bar in the Dupont Circle area.


Saturday, January 13th dinner – “Newbie” dinner designed to welcome those new to the DC weekend. * If you'd like to attend this, please note it in your RSVP.


Saturday, January 13th evening – Road trip to Secrets/Ziegfeld’s. Strippers upstairs, drag performers downstairs. Conveniently located in the same venue so you can take your pick or sample both. And yes, in a unique to DC twist, the strippers are nude(!)


Sunday, January 14th midday – The Brunch. This is the “main event” and will allow forum members to meet each other in a relaxed setting. There will be a limited set prix fixe menu to keep things simple.


Sunday, January 14th evening – Rock Hard Sunday. For those who have not had enough strippers, here’s another opportunity at Rock Hard Sunday.

Accommodations
Generally speaking, DC proper is easy to get around on foot, Metro, cab/rideshare. The weekend’s events will be mostly in the Dupont Circle area or at the Hyatt Capitol Hill (walking distance to Union Station), so anywhere near or between those locations will be convenient.
 
Rooms at the MAL host hotel are sold out, though they get cancellations periodically. Reservations need to be made directly through the MAL website, not the Hyatt website. Here is the link to the reservations page: http://www.leatherweekend.com/hotel/
 
There are several other hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Hyatt, within walking distance. However just as many forum members are likely to be staying at other DC locations, including the Dupont Circle area. If you have a question about a particular hotel you’re considering, post the question in this thread and you’re likely to receive feedback.
 
Confirming Attendance
If you're planning to attend, please send a direct message to either @ArVaGuy or @nate_sf or both of us (direct messages can include more than one recipient). Please include an email address, as we’ll be sending the final itinerary by email, not PM, so we need to have an email to contact you.
 
Currently we have about 30 Forum members who have confirmed or expressed interest in attending. The current mix is approximately 60% clients/40% providers, and while that ratio may change a bit between now and then, past events have been pretty balanced.
 
Attendance is open to current and former Message Forum participants in good standing. We value everyone’s privacy, and ask that you respect others’ desire for privacy at the events. We will not post a list of attendees either in the Forum or by email, and emails will be bcc’d so you can be assured your information will be not be shared without your consent.
 
Questions and Suggestions
If you have general questions or suggestions for the gathering, please do so in this thread or send us a PM. We’re happy to receive input.
 
We look forward to seeing you in DC soon!

It will be great to see you @purplekow!
 
Everyone, @ArVaGuy and I have been finalizing the arrangements, and we'll put together a new post this weekend and an email following up.

It will be great to see you @purplekow!
 
Everyone, @ArVaGuy and I have been finalizing the arrangements, and we'll put together a new post this weekend and an email following up.

i do not know if I already RSVP but I will be attending and staying at Rouge, another KLimpton hotel.

I went back to butter 100% after hearing an old interview on NPR with Juila Child. She made a good case, and I think at the time there were also a bunch of articles about how margarine is not very healthy, so that was that. Growing up we always had tubs of Fleischmann's in the fridge, but no more. Though I love those Mother Nature commercials!

I went back to butter 100% after hearing an old interview on NPR with Juila Child. She made a good case, and I think at the time there were also a bunch of articles about how margarine is not very healthy, so that was that. Growing up we always had tubs of Fleischmann's in the fridge, but no more. Though I love those Mother Nature commercials!

I went back to butter 100% after hearing an old interview on NPR with Juila Child. She made a good case, and I think at the time there were also a bunch of articles about how margarine is not very healthy, so that was that. Growing up we always had tubs of Fleischmann's in the fridge, but no more. Though I love those Mother Nature commercials!

"I Can't Wait to EAT"......

http://78.media.tumblr.com/c91a6f13f2eb6b1fb38c2f56c8109fc4/tumblr_ozutewACA01qjoy06o1_250.gif

Please mark your calendars for the next Forum DC Gathering, January 12-14, 2018.
 
@ArVaGuy and I have been working the past couple of months to put together plans for next year's gathering, and we'll be co-hosts. As with past DC gatherings, the weekend will span the MLK weekend, and coincide with Mid Atlantic Leather (MAL). There will be a range of get-togethers, culminating in the traditional brunch on Sunday, January 14th.
 
Last year's effort for the gathering had the best of intentions, but fell short when a venue for the brunch was not arranged. No harm, no foul, but not something anyone wants to have happen again. For this next year's event, arranging the venue for the brunch has been the first order of business, and it's been all confirmed. This event WILL happen, and you can start making arrangements with confidence.
 
Along the lines of making arrangements, we wanted to post an announcement early particularly for those interested in booking a hotel room in the MAL host hotel, or one of the hotels nearby. As of this writing there are still rooms at the MAL host hotel, but in year's past the host hotel has sold out well in advance of the event. So if you've been thinking you might want to book a room in the host hotel, you might want to do that sooner than later. Here is the link to the reservations page: http://www.leatherweekend.com/hotel/
 
For those of you who may not be interested in MAL or the leather scene, not to worry! Traditionally the DC gathering has coincided with MAL because it's a long weekend and many of us are in town, but the forum gathering is otherwise independent of the leather activities and is welcoming to all forum members. You may choose to sample some of the MAL activities, or go "whole-hog", or alternatively forgo them completely. That's up to you.
 
At this early stage we are posting so you can plan the dates ahead, book your hotel if inclined, and let us know if you're interested in attending so we can start putting together a head count for the brunch.
 
If you're interested in attending, please send a direct message to either @ArVaGuy or @nate_sf or both of us (direct messages can include more than one recipient). As the date approaches, we'll get in touch with each member who has expressed interest.
 
And if you have general questions or suggestions for the gathering, please do so in this thread.
 
We're excited to be continuing this fun tradition and hope you'll join us!

Fun at IKEA
 

Fun at IKEA
 

Erik Estrada

I bought my plane ticket today. I'm flying in on Fri early morning into BWI. Not excited about flying into an airport so far away. But it was half the price and cheaper than the other two. Grrrrr!!!!!
 
Hugs,
Greg

Please mark your calendars for the next Forum DC Gathering, January 12-14, 2018.
 
@ArVaGuy and I have been working the past couple of months to put together plans for next year's gathering, and we'll be co-hosts. As with past DC gatherings, the weekend will span the MLK weekend, and coincide with Mid Atlantic Leather (MAL). There will be a range of get-togethers, culminating in the traditional brunch on Sunday, January 14th.
 
Last year's effort for the gathering had the best of intentions, but fell short when a venue for the brunch was not arranged. No harm, no foul, but not something anyone wants to have happen again. For this next year's event, arranging the venue for the brunch has been the first order of business, and it's been all confirmed. This event WILL happen, and you can start making arrangements with confidence.
 
Along the lines of making arrangements, we wanted to post an announcement early particularly for those interested in booking a hotel room in the MAL host hotel, or one of the hotels nearby. As of this writing there are still rooms at the MAL host hotel, but in year's past the host hotel has sold out well in advance of the event. So if you've been thinking you might want to book a room in the host hotel, you might want to do that sooner than later. Here is the link to the reservations page: http://www.leatherweekend.com/hotel/
 
For those of you who may not be interested in MAL or the leather scene, not to worry! Traditionally the DC gathering has coincided with MAL because it's a long weekend and many of us are in town, but the forum gathering is otherwise independent of the leather activities and is welcoming to all forum members. You may choose to sample some of the MAL activities, or go "whole-hog", or alternatively forgo them completely. That's up to you.
 
At this early stage we are posting so you can plan the dates ahead, book your hotel if inclined, and let us know if you're interested in attending so we can start putting together a head count for the brunch.
 
If you're interested in attending, please send a direct message to either @ArVaGuy or @nate_sf or both of us (direct messages can include more than one recipient). As the date approaches, we'll get in touch with each member who has expressed interest.
 
And if you have general questions or suggestions for the gathering, please do so in this thread.
 
We're excited to be continuing this fun tradition and hope you'll join us!