So....

No.  I am not attending the upcoming M&G, but I have been asked on a few occasions by providers I have seen if I would be there, as they think it would be fun.  I would have to agree. And I am beyond jealous of those who are given the posted list of provider attendees.

However - my overriding concern is that I might very well run into a hobbyist or two whom I know personally and/or professionally.  Of course we would BOTH then have this tidbit of knowledge about each other which might serve as a mutually assured destruction morsel of information and thus offer some security.

Am I making too much of this or are my concerns reasonable?  Since discretion is the currency of the hobbying realm I would like to think that what happens at an M&G stays at an M&G, irrespective of whihc side of the equation you're on.

Interested in hearing other points of view.

Mongo

  Relax my friend, and take my advice. Just pull down your pants, and slide on the ice!

I've been attending for the past couple of years and your concerns did cross my mind on the first one I did attend, but didn't run into anyone I knew from outside the hobby. Been that way since.  If you think about, there are only a 100+ or so hobbyist that attend these events out of a potentially very large demographic pool here in LA.  You probably would have better odds at winning the lottery than running into someone you know at a M&G.  It is a great opportunity to meet in person those providers that you have potential interest in, but also meeting some of the other hobbyist as it is a community of sorts.

I think it would be fun but if you feel you're in a industry that's high profile of course there's an element of risk.  I think your concern is reasonable.  I would think that ANYONE attending a meet and greet would show great discretion; there has to be a level of trust that is clearly understood between all parties involved - whether you're a client or a provider.  Discretion is key in the hobby; anyone breaching that trust should immediately be blacklisted as far as I'm concerned.  I'd love to attend one, one of these days.

The other thing you can do is wear a disguise.  Get a fake beard, some dark sunglasses, and a hat!

You might run into your wife or girlfriend there....or maybe your daughter.

and  are therefore able to engage other freely on the boards and the wise ones keep their identity and personal life out of the reaches of bookers and providers , unless that is , we have a puplic profile no matter low but can be recognized even by those we do not know. In this case it is best , if that is you have concerns , to avoid , such gathering that might compromise you especially given one or two  out of control providers  had been abusing the national black list. To each his own tolerance level. We need to know our red line , and not cross it.

...get hit by lightning after leaving one.

OK, seriously, we have all had that same concern run through our heads...

but in the end if you are that risk averse, maybe this isn't the hobby for you.

Let's put things in perspective.  Which is worse?  Being recognized at a M&G, or spending a few hours in metal bracelets, and what follows that.

And all I got was a stupid blowjob!

NDtBF

But you should use your individual circumstances to guide your decision.  Consider this scenario....say you were to run into someone there you knew who happened to be open about his hobbying (this happens).  That would destroy that "mutually assured destruction morsel of information" you speak of if he was a gentleman that didn't mind speaking about who he saw and where he saw them.  I'm not saying that this would definitely happen, but it's something you'd need to think of when deciding whether it was right for you to attend or not.   When it comes down to it, you're better positioned to make the decision for yourself than we are, because only you know the extent of your circumstances.  Having other points of view always helps though.  Hope I did a little.

according to Bond there will be 143 gents and 115 ladies at the M&G. I would say the odds of running into someone you know to be low.

Wow, out of 10 Million.. what ARE the chances?  I guess if you bump into someone you know.. at least you are BOTH there!