I would suggest that we never do away with condoms for the reasons discussed below.  However, I agree that providers should incentivize hobbyists to get tested and to provide test results.  I would suggest that providers either 1) offer discounts to tested hobbyists or 2) only offer BBBJ, DATY and DFK to tested hobbyists.  The discounts make economic sense because the lost revenue is offset by reduced potential medical costs (think of it as health insurance premiums) as well as peace of mind.  Also, a provider might actually be more popular if she requires testing (less chance of bringing something home to SO and having to make huge alimony payments).

Going without condoms is always a bad idea.  First, it is my understanding that certain STDs cannot be tested for but only diagnosed through visual detection (and sometimes this isn't even possible since symptoms may be near invisible).  Second, even without STD risks there is the risk of pregnancy.  Sure a provider could use some other form of birth control.  But a hobbyist would have more comfort knowing that the birth control situation is in his hands.  Nobody wants to be hit up with a DNA test and child support payments down the line.

-- Modified on 1/31/2003 2:19:33 AM

I'm all for testing.  Why not be sure?  I've never understood why some people hesitate.  I've been regularly tested for the last two years, it's the only way to have peace of mind.

Up here in the Great White North it's even "free", (let's not get into the tax burden!)  And I just wanted to mention to anyone in the Toronto area that anonymous testing is available at the Hassle Free Clinic - www.hasslefreeclinic.org.

-Anya

Really? Ok, let's really open up the thread on this! I want to visualize this..So, the date begins, and I check his Drivers License..you're saying he (should) also provide his test results?
What do you guys think about that? Would you do it? I'm so for it, I can't begin to tell you!
Well, I tell you what, if this were part of the Generally Accepted Hobby Principles, then, I would definitely make it the norm for me. So, any gentleman who can provide test results dated six months ago or less, showing at least HIV, Chlamydia (had to check spelling!), Syp, and Gon (forget spelling), will get my old rates! Always.

Big Hugs,
Sedona

Give it a break, all this is so elementary.  Do people have to be told this?  It's common sense and if any of you all catch any thing, all I can say is "that's what you get for being stupid."  Folks around here must be running out of things to discuss.

Will you also show your driver's license and test results info?

I don't mean to be critacal but I'm puzzled. In another recent thread you mention how new you are to the business yet you have "old" rates? What the heck does that mean?

There's a great scene in the movie "Cherry 2000", where the male lead goes into a 21st Century dating bar. Among the innovations, are attorneys who will help the parties write contracts for one-night stands. As I recall, negotiations get a little out of hand, when the man demands too many sexual acts.

I think this thread is beginning to sound too much like that scene.

tests, testy!


Sedona

Now, Pat McGroin..tsk ..you recall my posting before New Year's that indicated a rate charge effective Jan 1, unless I've seen you before and the rate would stay the same until March 1?

Hope this answers it..
Sedona

I only wish they made testing more convienant. Seems every HMO, clinic or health Dept. has hoops to jump through for what should be a simple and responsibly prudent exercise by all of us, for all of us.

As I have stated in other postings, donating blood is still one of the simplist ways of being tested...Donations are put through every test available, with a 98% accuracy...and if they find ANYTHING....they will notify you immediately...!!! I had a friend who got HIV, back in 1988 from a blood transfusion, but testing is much more thorough today and my friend says, he would have no problem receiving blood today if necessary. And for those that would otherwise skip the clinics and private Doctors visits...This is a reasonable alternative...IMO