Hey everyone! So I've been thinking a lot lately about compiling a kind of handbook for hooking up online, with tips and strategies for success and a bit of wisdom from my rather robust experience in the matter. Obviously this would include much more than just tips about safer sex practices, but a whole range of issues from whether or not to respond to someone you're not interested in, to how to create a profile that sizzles.
I've dreamed up a few key sections for this mini-handbook:
I. What to Expect
II. Choosing Your Site(s)
III. Creating Your Profile / Ad
IV. Making Contact
V. The Hook Up
VI. Following Up
Sound useful? What kinds of things would you like to see included here?
xoxo
T
Trevor, I think that this is a great idea, and I like your outline. It seems pretty comprehensive and could probably help some guys write better ads, understand the etiquette of online hooking up, etc.
Just so you know, there is a site to this effect already, but, frankly, I think it is pretty weak: http://www.hookinguponline.org/
It's not much more than an STD/HIV prevention website, and I think that's pretty obvious once you navigate around a little.
Mark Vogel
San Francisco
Thanks for the link, Mark! I'll take a gander. Yes I think most of the resources out there are first and foremost about risk negotation -- and this of course is just one of the many strategies needed to navigate hooking up online sucesfully. I've started working on the project, and I think I'm moving towards framing the project around a series of ethical tenets aimed at fostering a healthy sexual subculture (e.g. Mutual Respect, Non-Judgmental Attitude, and Sex-Positivity). I'm excited about having something tangible to pass around!
In case you hadn't thought of it already, I'd love to see information for trans men, especially in the profile creation and making contact sections. Additionally I think it would be great to get some info about the presence of trans men online and some tips on communicating with them to the bio guys who will eventually run into us.
I have a guide to online dating on my website which you're welcome to plunder (a mention would be nice if you use it) - see www.graygay.com/safesurfing.htm.
Regards
Paul
GrayGay.com