Following up my question earlier about secrecy [or privacy] and the hobby, for those who have to keep it secret [or private] what would be the likely consequences of exposure?
It's obviously going to vary from person to person, but here's how i think the chips would fall in many cases :
1. chagrin and embarrassment
2. hobbyist, you've got some 'splaining to do
3. scorn and public humiliation
4. severe life change [estrangement from or loss of SO, lessened stature among peers and within the community, negative effects on career, etc...]
5. possible legal difficulties [felony level chatges]
6. problems TBD later
I'm an inconsequential nobody, i'd probably take some partial hits on 1, 2 and 3.
What about other hobbyists who have a loftier perch from which to tumble?
1. 80%
2. 2%
3. 5%
4. 5%
5. 2%
6. 6%
That about covers it.
About number 5 on your list: if a hobbyist is caught by LE for solicitation, isn't that a misdemeanor? I understand that pimping is a felony.
such as teachers, sports coaches and the like, would probably come under pressure to be fired because of the anxiety in society over sexual crimes against kids, even though it's totally bullshit.
Also politicians and people in the public eye would either lose their jobs or their business.
The irony is that these are the people who most need the hobby to relieve them of the stress of their work.
Society truely lives in a glass house. It seems those "leaders" in areas such as anti-porn (are actually into porn). Those leaders and politicians who are great "family men" get exposed having an affair.
Society seems to be like a wild animal. As soon as someone is down, they go for your throat. Look at the basketball ref who got arrested. The news paints him as a monster. In reality the poor guy apprantly has a gambling addiction. Those 12 steppers who went through AA or NA or something similiar, would understand. You take risks and unfortunately ruin your career to satisfy the addiction. It is a disease.
I am not saying the hobby is an addiction. I am sure there are hobbiests who are addicted (bankrupt,etc), but like anything else in life, if done in moderation, is fine.
I just am tired of people being exposed with some sort of sex issue (public affair, look at A-Rod's situation,etc) and made out to be evil demons. They are just human beings.
I have yet to meet a truely 100% moral human who does the right thing 100% of the time. And then....define what is "the right thing".
Being exposed to family and friends would probably amount to plenty of explaining and possibly alienation by a loved one or two.
When you are placed in a position with the public's trust it seems to carry more weight than any other situation. Gov't employees with Security Clearances can kiss their career good bye.
Teachers are generally believed to be entrusted with the impressions of the next generation so anyone with any type of leadership role with children can probably plan on their right to influence children to be denied after a bust.
Lastly, if the "bust" actually involved more than just "the hobby"- such as drugs, minors, or some other behavior violating other laws, then sit down, hold and be prepared for an adventure. it's almost guaranteed to get ugly. Hobbyists can head that off at the path by staying clear of drugs and immediately departing the scene if minors are on the property.
The generally accepted state of mind is: Two adults behaving with mutual consent is one thing but adding minors or drugs puts it in a whole different ball park.
We had a fireman get arrested 4 times for soliciting before they finally cut him loose. Police and firefighters have strong unions.
http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5909544