My History With Posses

Quote from SAYWHAT; "Either way, I'll continue to hobby the way I want to hobby and everyone else should do the same. I'll continue to see the ladies I choose to see - and not see the ladies that I don't. I'll write as many reviews as I damn well please. And, I'll share a cold beer with whom I choose. To anyone that disagrees with me, more power to you. Hobby in secret, don't share your experiences, or stay away from 'cliques' and 'posses' if you choose. The beauty of it is...it's up to you.


[COLOR="black"] Here's to America. Let it never change. Originally Posted by doug_dfw

Bravo! Agreed

"I don't care to belong to any club that would have me as a member!"

Groucho Marx, a very wise man.

Interesting post TM. I'll say over the years, since 2003 or 2004 I believe I've observed much as the same as you but from the outside. Groups are what they are.... be it a tuperware party or a private pussy party.

In the end it comes down to several things, ones own acceptable risk tolerance and basic human relationship abilities/capabilities. I would toss in ones own self esteem as well on the point of control. I would venture many of the groups are there to exercise some influence, be it first crack at new talent or special rates etc. IF that occurs, its more associated with the naive new provider than johns with game.

Many a provider has shown over the years that quality service will win out in the end. Those who are consistent and talented will get theirs in the end. Those who don't will school together and take the protection that a group like that offers. Even that ends up culling the herd over time however.

So groups are not good or bad in and of themselves, but like any group, consist of good and bad members.

Point to the providers.... you can only be controlled or influenced as much as you allow yourself to be. Same goes with the Johns in the group. If you have the confidence in yourself and provide a good product or maintain a good customer relationship, things almost always work out in the long-run.

Over the years I've been invited to a few socials, a few beers etc. I've always turned them down as discretion and privacy are important to me. Some of the ones I would have accepted if my own tolerance was higher for that kind of thing since they seemed to be pleasant folks with similar tastes etc. A few I would never want to be around... for any number of reasons.

Anyway.... the drama has been on overload around here the last year or so. Its been amusing, its been entertaining and its been astonishing at times. It never ends though and this place is like the never ending shrimp special..... they just keeping coming well after you have had your fill.

Thanks for an interesting read.... one of the few in recent memory.

TinMan,
Great post and always enjoyed your reviews and posts on the old board.
You and I have had the pleasure of having a drink years ago in a social environment.
Always found you to be a very wise man (and the Ladies love ya).
As stated by a few here, in today's electronic world I am not sure I would want to attend one of those socials. I found the relationships on the old board a little more trusting. Times change.
I can see someone posting a video on Facebook and that is it.
We have alway's had Posse's / Hobbiest trying to influence the Provider and help market for them (I can write a BS review for ya, just thro me some free lovin) and try Pimping for them (Direct or indirectly). Even back in the ASPD days and today.
I felt for some of the old mods at ASPD (Not going to go back to the battles some of them fought) but it seems like a Thanksless job to be a Mod and Thanks to those here.
As stated the free market always seems to prevail (unless Wall Street starts to speculate on pussy)
As anything else on the Internet, do your homework and do not believe everything.
In some ways Lola may actually see an increase in business from this fiasco, if she starts to see new Clients.
Keep posting TM.

Social Hierarchy...I love that point, BSB.

We have all seen informal social groups before. Think about that group of cackling hens at the office that all go to lunch together every day. Or, the way in which people, often with similar interests, congregate in small groups in a gym. Dear Jesus...think about the little groups that form at your church!

It's not my place to say who should eat, squat, or pray together. It ain't just happening here. It's human nature. Those outside of the group don't have to understand or approve. If you want to share a plate of fajita nachos, go to lunch with them. Otherwise, enjoy the relative peace associated with eating a burger alone. The beauty of it is...the choice is yours.

But, for the love of all that's holy, I wish that people would stop bitching about those that have company at lunch!

Now, BSB, if you'd like, I would gladly give you a spot the next time you do squats at the gym? Good Lawd, woman...juicy booty! Originally Posted by Say What

30 day squat challenge is going to call for some good Greek, FYI

All I can add is that I am a contemporary of TinMan and his post was an excellent reflection of my own travels and current attitude.

My risk tolerance threshold has decreased over the years. The close calls and near misses lower that tolerance and simple outright luck has spared me in other cases.

You might beat the rap but you won't beat the ride is a tidbit of wisdom that grows more poignant each day.

Tin Man, we could tell some really funny stories over a few drinks and some were only funny because we weren't the subjects. I would mention names but you know all of them or would remember them over a cocktail or a beer.

Again, great post! Reflection and counting your blessings is good for the soul.

Damn it, I have never had or been associated nor invited to any of the above mentioned gatherings.
So therefore I can not place my 2 cents into the thread. One of these days hopefully!

Except for DallasDoc. He really is as handsome as they say! Originally Posted by TinMan

lol..you two need to get a room

Like Doc and TM, I have been to a couple of socials back in the day and part of four of fringe groups as well. I met some good people at some of the small gatherings but found the big socials to be a bit creepy. I used to enjoy those smaller communities because there was a little less drama (it is never absent) and I found I was able to speak more freely.

In all those groups the leader eventually became pathetically absorbed in hobby drama and made enemies. For various reasons, things happened in their lives to prevent them from participating. Like Icarus, they flew too close to the sun, melting the wax on their wings and they crashed and burned. Without a leader these groups faded away.

I think only one of those leaders turned out for the better. He found his soulmate, no longer had an interest in the hobby and walked away from it. As far as I know, Randy will never see this but he was a true hobby gentleman, a good guy and I wish him my best.

Damn it, I have never had or been associated nor invited to any of the above mentioned gatherings.
So therefore I can not place my 2 cents into the thread. One of these days hopefully! Originally Posted by verygood69

I haven't either, but if I ever do, you can have my invitation... zero interest in any of that!

I'm no longer a high-volume reviewer that gets invited to private groups, so I don't know the inner workings of any of the current-day "posses". I do pay attention to the market, however, and see the same thing I experienced back in the aspd days: lots of accusations, some true and some not. Lots of smoke, with little fire. Lots of big talk, usually behind the scenes. And in the end, it has no impact on the average hobbyist or provider. It's just a soap opera that is interesting to watch. If you don't like them, ignore them and they will go away...at least in the sense that they have any influence in your life, whether you are a hobbyist or provider.

Discuss.... Originally Posted by TinMan

a jewel in the sand... or a pearl before swine.. depending on who's reading it.
either way, well put and appreciated.

This can be a lonely occupation, so I believe that at times people need to connect.

30 day squat challenge is going to call for some good Greek, FYI Originally Posted by brownsugarbaby

This can be a lonely occupation, so I believe that at times people need to connect. Originally Posted by Exec_Enchant

It is ironic that a business that relies on personal intimacy like no other, can in many ways be so lacking in it.

Originally Posted by pfmtony

Do you want to help me with my squats tony?

It is ironic that a business that relies on personal intimacy like no other, can in many ways be so lacking in it. Originally Posted by TinMan

Absolutely...on the flip side, when there is too much intimacy, it often leads to very bad things. Finding the middle ground can be a struggle.