Over the years, I’ve used my blog as a platform for MANY things; some practical, some funny and some just downright bizarre. In my not-so-eloquent way, I’ve covered it all, but this post today will likely be one of my most important.
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As I’m sure you’ve heard, there has been a recent shuttering of the very popular Backpage.com website. If you’re in the SW community in any way, its probably left you abruptly searching for alternatives on where to either advertise or find your favorite entertainers. I could of course, go into the politics on WHY the site’s adult section is down for the moment, but I only have so much momentous energy for one post – and frankly, more thoughtful people have covered it for me.
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What Happened?
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Let me bring you up to speed: http://mimesislaw.com/fault-lines/despite-law-sanity-backpages-adult-section-falls/15367
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Where To Find Us Now!
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The biggest question now, with this being a major resource for nearly everyone, is what’s going to happen next and where will everyone move their ads? We as providers, are now tasked with the vital job of keeping ourselves visible to you, so both sides of this fence can keep plugging along with as few interruptions as possible. The community as a whole is trying to come to a few consensus’s on where to migrate – right now this short list below is just for the PNW BDSM scene, but I’ll post an inclusive National List here soon.
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From both personal experience and general online sleuthing, these seem to be the NEW top venues.
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Eros.com – Nearly the entire BDSM scene is listed right here alone. Other facets of the industry may be listed elsewhere.
TNAboard.com – Perhaps a bit less used than Eros, TNA has been and will always be a solid venue to vet clients and providers alike.
Google.com – Yep, good old Goole (or any search engine). Most of us have websites now and have made SEO’s a primary marketing tool. If all else fails, you can just search broad terms to find who’s in your area.
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How to Help!
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With a new terrain in place, I know there are a lot of you out there who have relied on and enjoyed this community for years. In a sense, I bet it almost feels like ‘home’. We are your professionals but also your friends, your respite after a very hard day, your kinky adventurers and your paramours who help broaden your erotic enlightenment. No matter how careful we are to keep a bit of reasonable distance, these interactions connect us all very deeply, and now, you’re probably wondering if and how you might be able to help while we weather the storm! I have a few ideas…
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Book An Appointment: If you can afford it and have the time to do so, this is an excellent time to get in touch with your ATF or finally schedule that booking with the provider you’ve been meaning to see for ages. Just because Backpage might be down for the count, doesn’t mean we are, let’s connect and have some fun!
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Distance visit: If a face-to-face meeting is impossible, consider scheduling a phone appointment, a cam session or simply sending her a small tribute. Even little gestures and interactions like might help some ladies more than you realize.
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Donate: You can also donate to one of the many go fund me sites being spread around the Internet. SWOP USA, particularly SWOP Seattle (http://www.swop-seattle.org/) is taking collections to help keep the most marginalized in our group afloat.
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Give A Boost Of Positive Publicity: If you’re a member of a local or national board and you have visited someone who welcomes reviews, even if it is a bit belated, this is a time where a little public exposure could be tremendously helpful. Consider writing a glowing review to help increase the visibility of the last person or people you enjoyed some time with.
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Last but not least, even if you’re not able to do any of the above, by reading this post and absorbing the situation at hand, you’ve helped us spread awareness. Sex workers are a very resilient, unbreakable group of individuals and while this will impact all of us across the board almost certainly, we aren’t going away anytime soon. I’ll personally be doing my best to keep everyone posted on the issues as they develop, but you might also consider following the ever wonderful @MistressMatisse – who historically is ahead of the news curve and notable journalist @ElizabethNolanBrown for breaking – accurate – intel.
