Thank you TBM and Jayla.

Those that take security lightly almost always live to regret it. They have unwanted guests, unappreciated visits and unpleasant incidents that ruin a good time for all. The security I use is almost uniquely qualified as they have worked many "adult" type parties before and are expert at anticipating and preventing problems before they occur.(So am I as a matter of fact. I've done my share of security work.) At all the functions I have hosted, co-hosted, promoted or where I was permitted to invite people ( about 20 over the years)  there has been a grand total of two (2) minor incidents. The first involved keeping out an obviously intoxicated fellow and the second involved removing someone who was asked to stop "creeping out" the ladies and refused to mend his ways. Period. That's it.

As for my screening, it's nothing more than assuring myself that a prospective guest is not any kind of a risk, has a bad reputation or is some sort of a problem.

I don't play games and I don't play favorites. If someone tells me they won't go if "so and so " will be there, I tell them not to come unless they will behave themselves. More than one hatchet has been buried at one of my parties. Once in a while, I've helped someone with a shaky rep rehabilitate themselves by inviting them to a party and letting everyone SEE that they don't have horns and a tail. Several are now respected "solid citizens" in the hobbying and provider communities.

How do you get screened ? If I don't know you, then you need references. One or two from reputable providers is almost always sufficent.
TBM's word is gold afaic. If he vouches for you,then you are good to go. In short, these "hoops" of yours are actually rather few and fairly simple to jump through. It can be admittedly tough for "newbies" who don't have reviews and haven't seen anyone of note. I am known for trying to help them get verified by talking them through the process and even "fast tracking" them in appropriate cases so long as safety and security are NOT being compromised.

As for the proposed Pool Party, what I NEED now is reassurance. I need to be reasonably sure that IF I commit myself to renting the house we found ( Boy ! WHAT a HOUSE ! ) and hiring security and valet parking ( Yes. If we do it, there will be valet parking for sensible reasons I don't want to publicly discuss ) and buying thousands of dollars worth of food and beverages, that people will show up. So far, the response to the survey is NOT encouraging and a lot of discussion has centered on extraneous matters and unappreciated kibbitzing; although I'm willing to assume it is well intentioned.  

Not to dampen the enthusiasm of a few of you, but I must make it clear that COMMON SENSE will prevail and with a very careful exception we will NOT have ANY outdoor nudity or ANY outdoor sexual activity. There will some outdoor lap-dancing in a tented area but that's it. Laps. No extras and out of view of any possible nosy neighbors. Midnight skinny dipping MIGHT be a possibility. We'll have to see how it goes.
Anything more involved will be INDOORS and mostly behind closed doors. Sorry. We will also practice noise control - NO Loud Music and any yelling and screaming will be confined INDOORS.

-- Modified on 2/17/2010 8:58:55 AM