NYC Rentboy "Know Your Rights" meeting to be held Wednesday 8/26 5-7 pm

[Kevin Slater]

RENTBOY Know Your Rights

The event will be held tomorrow: Wednesday, August 26, 2015, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Judson Memorial Church's Assembly Hall, at 239 Thompson in Manhattan. The entrance is about the middle of the block, and is downstairs to your left. The meeting is not affiliated with any organization, but is being organized by independent lawyers and community organizers.

This meeting is intended to be informational in nature, and it will not consist of a question and answer session, and no one will be asked to identify themselves in any way. However, attendees should be aware of the possibility that undercover agents or criminal informants may gain access, and that there is no way to ensure that they will not. For this reason among others, attendees should not discuss their individual circumstances, names, or contact information at the meeting.

The aim of the meeting will be to summarize the information contained in the federal Criminal Complaint as well as some broad-stroke legal concerns for advertisers on the Rentboy platform, as well as prostitution-related New York State laws. We will also make every effort to have lawyers competent to provide advice on other relevant areas of concern to advertisers on the advertising platform (e.g., e-discovery, asset seizure, forfeiture, tax issues), but it is not guaranteed that we will have those particular lawyers present given the short notice. The meeting will also dedicate some time to a discussion of community organizing around the ongoing criminal prosecution.

It is important that you do not discuss anything related to your individual circumstances with anyone whatsoever. At the workshop, you will receive general information and possibly a referral for a later one-on-one legal consultation. This consultation is the only way to ensure your statements will be protected by attorney-client privilege.

 

Kevin Slater

[JDXXX]

RENTBOY Know Your Rights

The event will be held tomorrow: Wednesday, August 26, 2015, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Judson Memorial Church's Assembly Hall, at 239 Thompson in Manhattan. The entrance is about the middle of the block, and is downstairs to your left. The meeting is not affiliated with any organization, but is being organized by independent lawyers and community organizers.

This meeting is intended to be informational in nature, and it will not consist of a question and answer session, and no one will be asked to identify themselves in any way. However, attendees should be aware of the possibility that undercover agents or criminal informants may gain access, and that there is no way to ensure that they will not. For this reason among others, attendees should not discuss their individual circumstances, names, or contact information at the meeting.

The aim of the meeting will be to summarize the information contained in the federal Criminal Complaint as well as some broad-stroke legal concerns for advertisers on the Rentboy platform, as well as prostitution-related New York State laws. We will also make every effort to have lawyers competent to provide advice on other relevant areas of concern to advertisers on the advertising platform (e.g., e-discovery, asset seizure, forfeiture, tax issues), but it is not guaranteed that we will have those particular lawyers present given the short notice. The meeting will also dedicate some time to a discussion of community organizing around the ongoing criminal prosecution.

It is important that you do not discuss anything related to your individual circumstances with anyone whatsoever. At the workshop, you will receive general information and possibly a referral for a later one-on-one legal consultation. This consultation is the only way to ensure your statements will be protected by attorney-client privilege.

 

Kevin Slater

 

This is great for NYC escort/residents to attend to, Kevin. Just hate I can't attend. I would fly to NYC just for this meeting if only it was held 2 more days later. DAMN. . Maybe if we meet someday you can fill me in on the important pieces. . I'm confident many escorts will be attending this considering what happened in today's events with Rentboy.

 

Wonder if rentboy is shut down for good still knowing no money laundering was committed.

[devonhunter]

So, in other words (as per usual) there are no answers. Every jurisdiction is different, so getting info in NYC is irrelevant unless you live and work in NYC.

[Kevin Slater]

So, in other words (as per usual) there are no answers. Every jurisdiction is different, so getting info in NYC is irrelevant unless you live and work in NYC.

 

I wouldn't say that. For example, the seven arrested today face a federal indictment.

 

Kevin Slater

[craigville beach]

Kevin, will someone be posting somewhere a recap of what was discussed? I realize that it cannot be a detailed review but a brief description would be great.

[TruthBTold]

This is a great idea. I think it will put a great many minds at ease. In most cases, the feds do not want the small potatoes with no money. However, just don't make it any easier for them.

[+ purplekow]

Did this meeting come off well and what was the gist?

[BaronArtz]

Too bad I missed this meeting! It sounds like it was aimed at assisting advertisers (i.e. escorts and masseurs). It might be a good idea to organize a meeting to assist clients also. Just a suggestion!

[+ quoththeraven]

I feel like the point made on a different thread probably belongs here too. Despite the fact that anyone could have attended the meeting, any report here regarding what was said is probably not helpful. Don't expect it.

 

I could be proved wrong about that, but I kind of doubt it.

[+ FreshFluff]

I feel like the point made on a different thread probably belongs here too. Despite the fact that anyone could have attended the meeting, any report here regarding what was said is probably not helpful. Don't expect it.

 

I could be proved wrong about that, but I kind of doubt it.

 

I wasn't there, but I'm guessing that they brought in a defense attorney to make sure that anyone concerned about the investigation knows his/her rights and how to exercise them. The content was probably similar to what we're discussing in the other thread. The announcement requested that people not ask questions about their own circumstances.

 

I'd be surprised if the feds bothered to send someone.

[hunterlee]

Did anyone else pull their ad down from rentboy? I wasn't sure what was going to happen, do you think it is safe to keep an ad up or keep it down?

[BabyBoomer]

Did anyone else pull their ad down from rentboy? I wasn't sure what was going to happen, do you think it is safe to keep an ad up or keep it down?

 

Hey Hunter, Welcome to the forum. Did you know that the link to your website that you have in your signature doesn't work?

 

~ Boomer ~

[Mocha]

No one has mentioned, I'm just trying to figure out if we're going to get our money back from these ads. Because I just renewed a gold membership the other week....not to mention made lots of updates during the 30% off ad campaign.

 

I just want to march and start burning down some buildings right now.

[+ azdr0710]

I'm just trying to figure out if we're going to get our money back from these ads.

 

 

your money is probably long gone.....

[Mocha]

your money is probably long gone.....

 

I'm sure they'll be back in no time. Look what happened to backpage. They're passing out free ads.

[hunterlee]

Hey Hunter, Welcome to the forum. Did you know that the link to your website that you have in your signature doesn't work?

 

~ Boomer ~

 

Thank you I fixed it

[RicardoMilos]

No one has mentioned, I'm just trying to figure out if we're going to get our money back from these ads. Because I just renewed a gold membership the other week....not to mention made lots of updates during the 30% off ad campaign.

 

I just want to march and start burning down some buildings right now.

 

Rentboy is history.... and any monies paid to them is lost.. All professional escort /companions/ massuers need to move on.. there are TONS of there sites.. and I am sure all the experienced working MEN or boys whichever you prefer to call yourself.. You should have well established email or phone list of clients..So there no need to worry , run frantic screaming into the night as if the world has come to an end.... There other sites..

[adannyboy]

If you didn't get to go to the "Know Your Rights" training in NYC, someone live tweeted and put it together on storify. #technology

 

https://storify.com/EscortingAdvice/know-your-rights-training-in-nyc-for-rentboy-adver

 

Also, yes - laws vary. Local SWOP chapters can be found for resources. I think we're up to 21 cities now? Something like that. Swopusa.org.

 

San Francisco - There's plan for a rally on Sept 5. at 1pm. Location TBA.

 

Los Angeles, we've got resources too. Message me. I'm looking into planning a simultaneous action with San Fran. Maybe weho based because they like us?

 

Between the lawsuit in California and what's going on in Alaska, the event in West Virgina, MyRedBook getting raided, Backpage. There is absolutely no telling what's going to pop first.

[hunterlee]

If you didn't get to go to the "Know Your Rights" training in NYC, someone live tweeted and put it together on storify. #technology

 

https://storify.com/EscortingAdvice/know-your-rights-training-in-nyc-for-rentboy-adver

 

Also, yes - laws vary. Local SWOP chapters can be found for resources. I think we're up to 21 cities now? Something like that. Swopusa.org.

 

San Francisco - There's plan for a rally on Sept 5. at 1pm. Location TBA.

 

Los Angeles, we've got resources too. Message me. I'm looking into planning a simultaneous action with San Fran. Maybe weho based because they like us?

 

Between the lawsuit in California and what's going on in Alaska, the event in West Virgina, MyRedBook getting raided, Backpage. There is absolutely no telling what's going to pop first.

 

Link isn't working

[Mocha]

 

Rentboy is history.... and any monies paid to them is lost.. All professional escort /companions/ massuers need to move on.. there are TONS of there sites.. and I am sure all the experienced working MEN or boys whichever you prefer to call yourself.. You should have well established email or phone list of clients..So there no need to worry , run frantic screaming into the night as if the world has come to an end.... There other sites..

 

It's not just about rentboy though. And where are these tons of sites you refer to that are EFFECTIVE enough to bring in the clients from rentboy? The average rentboy client I've met has come with atleast 300. Many overnights have come from there also, but lately...as you mention, yes there are other sites. But how many more is this going to keep happening?

 

There's lots of sites, but rentboy has done its job to bring in some very decent clients. I don't know how, but it worked while it lasted. I just wish they bought in clients FASTER, as they were taking too long to get me clients after I paid my memberships.

 

I don't think rentboy is history. All throughout the centuries, and decades and eons, websites have been targeted, and non have been permanently taken down: EscortRedBook.com, TheEroticReview, Adam4Adam, Men4Rent, even craigslist and backpage. They're still around.

 

And I better get my money back. I know all these sites use 3rd party billing. And I doubt 10 million escorts are going to go for that. Especially the ones paying for 5 and 6 platinum ads.

[adannyboy]

Link isn't working

 

I just tried it and was fine..

I did seem to not work from mobile. Maybe try a different browser?

[adannyboy]

I don't think rentboy is history. All throughout the centuries, and decades and eons, websites have been targeted, and non have been permanently taken down: EscortRedBook.com, TheEroticReview, Adam4Adam, Men4Rent, even craigslist and backpage. They're still around.

 

And I better get my money back. I know all these sites use 3rd party billing. And I doubt 10 million escorts are going to go for that. Especially the ones paying for 5 and 6 platinum ads.

 

I went to rentboy.com and got some weird message about government blah blah blah. So, I'm pretty sure it's history. Just like MyRedBook. Craigslist's adult section has been gone for years.

 

The federal government seized their bank accounts and assets. You could ask the feds for your money back, but I'm pretty sure they'll ask you about your connection to the site and look into your ad (you know, since they most likely have it?). Even if you "took it down", the internet doesn't do "taken down". The internet has a way of storing things in weird little places.

 

The people at rentboy are a little busy at the moment and won't be able to handle your complaint. Something about FIGHTING FEDERAL CHARGES AND NOT GOING TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR 2-5 YEARS.

 

So, yeah. You can be as upset as you wanna be. But count that money as gone and direct your frustration at something different. Like how fucked up it is that we have laws that made this happen in the first place.. Maybe write that money off on your taxes?

[Glenn1441]

Read the live tweets, and I realize the 'town hall' style meeting was to primarily benefit escorts. However, the safety of clients is also a very real issue and I would like to see in the future more opportunities to safely discuss the client perspective. In the end, we are talking about a community. XOXO

[adannyboy]

Here's a readable doc SWOP put together for you: https://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/19689503/928989717/name/Rentboy%20KYR%20Letterhead%2Epdf

 

Trust me, the sex worker rights movement wants to protect you too. You're the livelihood. You're the reason. We work against "End Demand" or "arresting johns."

 

I think just like us, do your research. And by that, I mean screen your people. Go with reputable providers. And Respect that both the provider and the client in this both have to navigate with caution. So having to answer a few extra questions when you're trying to book with someone is gonna happen on either side.

 

Just keep it safe. Read the ads. The info is there. Don't discuss sex acts for cash.

[Mocha]

, yeah. You can be as upset as you wanna be. But count that money as gone and direct your frustration at something different. Like how fucked up it is that we have laws that made this happen in the first place.. Maybe write that money off on your taxes?

 

Fuck that. Time to start burning some buildings. It's fucked up because we haven't done a Baltimore+Ferguson=that's why it's legal in Canada and The UK.

 

We can't keep being pushed around. Nobody is hurting anyone by placing ads online and doing things privately. We need to fight, fight, fight. I'm starting today. We need to Manny Pacquiao and Mike Tyson on that government ASS.

 

Gay marriage to me is only 1/4th of the gay milestone. We need to overcome drugs in the community, and legalize what needs to be legalized already. Gay marriage only 2 things: Makes gays conform to the cookie cutter, evangelical Christian way of life of monogamy and marriage. But not everyone finds it easy to get there. Some people like an alternative lifestyle, but it's good that atleast it's accepted.

 

http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-beat-a-motherfucker-with-another-motherfucker.jpg