Print Ads in Houston...

[JonathansFun]

Hey guys. I've just moved down to Houston not too long ago and I'm getting ready to set up my prints ads. Before I do though, I wanted to ask about what language is considered off limits here and where I should run my ad. I've run it in the TXT (formerly Texas Triangle) when I lived in Austin and that worked out well for me. What's the most popular publication in which to run such ads in Houston? I've heard from a couple of guys that I must be careful to word my ad so that people will know what I have to offer without upsetting the authorities. I know what is lawful and legal to post in a paper publication, but I've been warned that if I'm too overt then it doesn't matter if I'm doing anything illegal... I will simply be harassed by the authorities until it's not worth it to continue to advertise. Any advice would be very helpful. I look forward to talking to (and spending time with) all you guys here in Houston.

 

Jonathan

 

http://www.male4malescorts.com/reviews/jonathanaustin.html

[Bilbo]

The Voice is much better for advertising in Houston than the TXT. You know how restaurants cluster? And how you find Paper Boy right across the street from Arnie's? Etc. People like to know that if they head for one particular place then they will likely find what they want right there. OK, check out how many Houston "Companions" are listed in the TXT. Usually one or maybe two. This might have something to do with them like doubling their ad price a year or so ago when they combined a couple of papers and started the TXT.

 

The print ad place you want in Houston is The Voice. Good gay readership and reasonable ad prices.

 

You might also get very good results in The Houston Press They have a wonderful big selection of ads, with men and women all mixed together. There are usually only a few (two or three) male escorts in the mix, but it is easier for your "bi-curious" clients to find you there. But it costs $100 an ad!!

[Luv2play]

I have no idea what the Texas law is concerning advertising male escort services nor what interpretation is given to it in Houston by the local authorities, but it would seem to me that if the ad stated something along the lines of "male companion open to a wide variety of activities", you could not go far wrong and the message would get across to a discerning public. But who knows, maybe even that would be too much. I know here in Montreal, escorts get away with quoting prices for "penetration" in print ads, but Texas is a whole different kettle of fish, as they say! (I have family in Dallas and a few other Texas towns but those sodomy laws always kept me from visiting them there, they came here!)

[Bilbo]

As for wording, I've only been troubled by the police once in a long career. You don't want to say anything that will make you look like you know anything about drugs, or like you are an agency ("organized crime" don't ya know?). Be sure you don't use the word "massage" in your advertising unless you have a massage license. Don't do it in the middle of the street and frighten the horses.

The easiest way would be two fold:

1. Read everyone else's ads and use the same words for the first month or so while you "get your sea legs."

2. If you take my advice and advertise in the Voice, place your first few ads in person, make sure that Johnny takes your order and ask him if what you're saying is fairly safe. He won't be able to guarantee your safety, of course, but it's in his best interests not to let you say anything that will get both of you in trouble, and he seems to me more than competent to accomplish that. Go in on either a Monday or a Tuesday, due to their deadlines.

[jasoncarter_dfw]

I used to advertise in the Q-Texas and the Dallas Observer (similar to the Houston Press). IMHO, paper advertising is a waste of time. Unless you want to get calls from drunk guys after the bars close or calls from guys that want to haggle on price, skip the paper...it's more hassle than it's worth. You will get the most quality business prospects from the internet, hands down.

 

- Jason Carter - Dallas, TX

- (214) 274-8127

- jasoncarter53@hotmail.com

[JonathansFun]

Thanks for your advice. I especially appreciate the Mrs. Patrick Campbell quote Daddy Blade paraphrased.

 

I've done print ads before in two other cities and always gotten good results from them, so I think I'll continue to run them in addition to my online ads. Look for me in the future.

 

Jonathan

http://www.male4malescorts.com/reviews/jonathanaustin.html