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@bigjoey – I don’t bother reading Steven’s posts.

A lot of this is argumentum ad extremum...

It’s serious. Very serious. No one except lunatics are saying it’s not. But people are asking questions that are trying to put things into perspective. Unless I’m wrong, trying to look at things in perspective is a sign or intelligence and critical thinking. That critical thinking is a problem when trying to manipulate people, for whatever ends, so we try to quash it.

There are any number of things out there that, in perspective, can affect people in extreme ways – not just COVID. That’s true and pointing it out doesn’t make you somehow heartless, blind, or unwilling to admit the severity of the disease. The characterization of folks who identify fear as a major factor in this discussion and our response as unconcerned for others who suffer or out of touch is callous and frankly intellectually lazy.

People are really invested in this…

@bigjoey – That article was a good read. Of course, even pondering alternatives to the narrative presented us is crimethink. That’s doubleplusbad.

@Charlie, part of the problem is *merely* perceiving death as a portal to a better place. If death is no longer viewed as the worst thing that can happen to you, it allows you to more fully embrace the current life as well. When religion (in this case likely Christianity) is reduced to “escape bad life for a better next life,” it does lose a lot of value. That’s not to say many, supporters and detractors, of religion haven’t been reductionistic about it in precisely that way, but it does offer a possible explanation for why for so many it’s lost its value and need something else to cling to for hope etc.

Politics now reign supreme in the US response to this crisis. Pandora’s box on that one has been opened. Lines have been drawn and sides taken. Now it’s about defending your team. Facts be damned.

I think there is much to that: the Boomer’s fear of death is driving their responses. After thinking about that, another factor may be that Boomers (and younger people) are more secular than previous generations. Just my general observation (but I welcome someone posting research) is that deeply religious people are more accepting of death and human mortality than non-believers.

A *true* Christian accepts that death isn’t the worst possible thing to happen to them. That doesn’t mean you go out and start being irresponsible, but you also don’t live your life in fear of dying.

@MscleLovr – not so much that I wouldn’t cover it, but that he recognizes it as part of the package. He’s going along because I’m making it possible. I’m happy to so and he, because he’s not a jerk, appreciates that and isn’t asking for a sevenfold amount on his typical overnight rate. That’s all I mean. I think some of it is he is being generous. Simply.

@bigjoey- I theorize a lot has to do with generational politics. Many of those in positions of authority – governors, Congress, CDC head honchos, etc. – are looking at this disease ravaging their parents and for the first time ever they’re really being confronted with the truth of mortality. Until now, death has been an abstract thing for them, on the whole. But now all of a sudden those people who didn’t used to seem old are literally dying in droves. And it’s mom. It’s dad. And that means these leaders (some are boomers, some older) are the next generation in line to face mortality. Our medicine industrial complex has largely inoculated us from death and made it so we don’t have to admit we’re going to die – at least not for a long time. When we have the horror of our mortality unveiled to us, we drive the metaphoric dagger into the painting to rid ourselves of the pain. But this time, instead of just stabbing themselves after they’ve realized they’re not immortal, our leaders have said we’re going to all suffer with them. If they’re not going to live, neither are we. We’re in this together, after all!

Yeah. I’m looking to go with a guy I’ve spent more than a few days with already. It wasn’t a trip though, so I wasn’t sure how to approach that.

I totally feel comfortable talking to hin about expectations. I just wondered how you guys have handled that in the past. Open communication is key in all facets of life, I’ve found. Given the nature of this time together is abroad on a trip, it’s different (at least to my estimation) than going out and coming back to a room over several days.

Regarding compensation – I was surprised that he was was as generous as he was in a price for several days. I assume some of that is the trip itself. Some of it might be airfare too

Not sure where you get the idea that today’s Sweden is held up as a “socialist dystopia.” Sweden long ago dumped much of its socialist dystopian ideas: they ended their wealth tax, the ended their estate tax, they lowered their corporate tax rate (to about where Trump lowered ours), they privatized some nationalized businesses and they even moved away from a total government run healthcare system and now have some private healthcare. Sweden was pragmatic and when the socialist ideas didn’t work, they moved back towards a more balanced tax structure and economy.

I didn’t say I said it’s a socialist dystopia. I spoke of those who lambast it that way...Now they love it. And lest I’m accused of saying anyone who agrees with Sweden’s approach also has called it socialist – no. My comment was pretty clear. It’s interesting to see those who have done that now holding it it. Nothing more. Nothing less.

It seems pandemics end when people decide they end.

Snarky alternative hypothesis: election is over in November, regardless of outcome, and it’s all over.

It’s also interesting to see folks who normally lambast Sweden as a socialist dystopia hold it up now as a paradigm for the world.

Hypocrisy- n.the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense.

Looking ahead, I’d like to do a multi-day hire. About 5 days. When you’ve done that, how do you handle separate time? I’m not a guy that needs 100% of my time with another guy, but for the BFE it’s nice to know he’s there. It seems to me a set 1-3pm (or whatever) of alone time is not exactly like a BFE. But in another sense, a BFE is just that – an experience, not reality.

How do you arrange for that? Is it predetermined or is it more organic?

Likewise, how much sex is reasonable to expect (not demand – this is mutual) in such a duration? Again recognizing our time is limited together but also not going to be a 5-day fuckfesf, what’s reasonable in your opinion?

I don’t think there’s a “right answer.” Just wondering your personal approaches. I’d welcome veteran client and escort opinions. Likewise, how have you – client and escorts – felt about such arrangements? Be blunt. I want frank, truthful answers. No judgement. Just want a clearer view of what to expect

Alternatively, if you want to send me some funds on Venmo to help me out, I won’t object. It would certainly help me out!

*snark*

I’m always leery of guys who ask what I want to pay. Either inexperienced or something askew is about.

My thinking hasn’t changed at all on rates since pre-Covid days: I decide on a case by case basis if the business model someone has chosen is a good match with my interests; I have and will choose alternatives including foregoing meets if there is no good match. same as before.

Same. I have an acceptable range I’d consider. And if the arrangements phase is a pleasant experience, I’m willing to pay more for an overnight. If the provider acts like he can’t be bothered, I won’t pay top dollar. Simply. You either want my money or you don’t. I will continue my search til I find a guy who wants it.

And if a provider’s rate is too low, I also am hesitant. Why? Is he inexperienced and doesn’t know the business? Or is something more nefarious afoot?

I’m willing to pay a bit more for a good interaction setting up an appointment and willing to move on if the rate is too low. I suppose I’m fickle in some ways.

Supply and demand. Unless both curves shift, there’ll be an imbalance. Price and quantity are affectd by a host of factors, and if we are assuming the S and D curves are stable, then there’ll be a shift in the market.

It’s clear some of these guys on IG are providers. What’s the best way of approaching them there about services?

Shaving cream works too.

I think you just tell them that -- if that rubs them the wrong way...so be it.

 

Only thing that irks me is this kind of deal -- I talk to a provider about schedule sometime tomorrow between 8am and noon and agree to touch base early in the morning. I text at 730 or so and they don't reply until after noon, when it is too late to schedule a different provider that works with my schedule.

 

If that's the worst thing that happens to me on any given day, I'm doing okay.

My experience has been the more professional types totally accommodate that. And they also tend to be better providers too.

Totally understand a provider has a life. I hope they do. The same thing happens with my friends etc. in real life. They say they’ll follow up later – and they do. That’s often where the difference is for me in catching a provider at bad time. They say they’ll follow up but never do.

Or worse – they act like they’re time planning with me is a waste. Some providers are interested in getting to know you via text beforehand. That’s great. Some, not at all. Also acceptable. But a certain level of followthrough before setting up an appointment is required to actually set up the appointment. If the provide acts like he’s doing me some huge favor by even responding to my messages, or lectures me on how to communicate with him, I just move on. I don’t need that. He provides a service I’m paying for and if he doesn’t want to be polite, I can find another provider.

There's a real communications issue here where many people are summarizing any and all restrictions as shelter-in-place and any relaxation at all as dropping the restrctions, making it sound like anything goes, which is far from the case. We need some agreed-upon terminology and consistent usage.

Yep. It’s what’s driven me to give up FB for a time. Also not talking with people about all that’s going on.

Same shit. Different day. Every day.

I was used to going to work, seeing people, planning...None of that now. My stress levels are the the roof seeing colleagues posting on social media about their opinions on this pandemic and the plans to reopen. My field is as far from epidemiology or virology, yet my colleagues all seem to think they can speak with authority on the matter. Too much time on their hands. I’m on a Facebook hiatus for the time being, started today, because there are so many “experts” with conflicting opinions and my emotional health couldn’t take it anymore.

So…personally I’m stressed. Living alone has also been rough, particularly in isolation, because I miss people, even as an introvert. Thank God for the pets!

What I’ve read about the virus in semen doesn’t necessarily mean it can be sexually transmitted. Genetic material is found in semen from other viruses that are come and we don’t get them sexually.

Caution? Yes. Worry? I’d say no, but I’m no virologist. I’m growing more and more cynical about reporting because it’s growing ever more sensational. Just my two cents…

@sbguy, I was lectured the other day online about mental health etc. by two married men, telling me that the measures are for the greater good etc. I find it rich that those who are not single and have others in their homes with them, even roommates, believe they understand what the isolation is like. I am a bit of an introvert, so I do enjoy my alone time. But weeks and weeks of no real human interaction with someone you care about at all on an emotional level is unhealthy. Until you go through it, you shouldn’t lecture others on it. Particularly as it comes to bear on mental health. That’s how I feel when people lecture me on the morality of isolation…Here endeth the pontification!

The toll of this pandemic really can’t be measured. We won’t take into account the cost of all the consequences from isolation, to say nothing of the longterm economic impact. It took 6 weeks to have over 14 million people in the US alone unemployed. Those jobs won’t come back nearly as fast. And unemployment brings with it health issues, if indirectly. It’s not just about making money. It’s about providing a life for people too. Yes – some people value money over people’s lives and that’s heinous. But unless some massive social safety net program the likes of which this country has never done before is implemented, people will experience wider reaching health and wellbeing problems from a laggard economy plagued by unemployment. Given the current political landscape in this country what with the Trumpers and his sycophants in Congress and governorships, such a social welfare program won’t happen.