Transsexual
Hey, Naomi! Knowing the Dog, I dare say it was because many of the posters here are looking for TS for whatever reason.
I'm transgendered myself, so I understand how it may have looked. The Dog is one of the most respectful people I know and is very cool.
When someone is looking for a TV, we are very supportive. And, whether TV or TS, if a provider is misleading, well, it ain't good for anybody.
Because of the differences between TV and TS, I think it's helpful for a girl to post the designation. As for which is better? It's totally dependent on the girl. I've seen some TS's that look more manly than some TV's, and vice versus. Attitude and connection, baby, go a long, long way. 
TV's are wonderful, and we have a tough road to go. Not well accepted by gays and lesbians (except as drag queens) and occasionally not by some TS. It can be a bit of a mine field sometimes. I recently contacted a TS provider who refused to see me because I'm TG: oh well, to each their own, right?
Still, I've enjoyed a wonderful acceptance by those on this board, and it's fantastic.
I tend to agree, Melissa. When I first started crossdressing, it was a very sexual experience for me. I wanted the biggest boobs, etc. LOL!
I like the nice stuff like hot dresses and such, but I always thought I was just being lazy because most of the time, I just wanna feel comfortable in fem clothing. I mean, nites out (which are rare), yeah, I dress to the nines, but for everyday, ha, T-shirt, cotton mini, and flats do it for me.
No offense at all, Naomi! And, here's to good times for ya!
The Dog's Analysis:
I know everyone has their own definitions of lifestyles. Some people think a TV is a guy with a five oclock shadow in a wig. Growing up in a conservative state, I did see dudes in wigs walking down the street at night so that was my initial assessment of a TV. However, now that I have matured I have seen some TV girls who are extremely feminine and girly. Almost more than most females and so so sexy. For some reason, there is a small population of them on Eros in London.
So, what I have decided, at least for me, is that I categorize a TV that is someone who does not live as a female 24/7, and like you said, is into stockings and the such. That individual may be a TV to satisfy their curiosity and then go to work every day in a business suit and/or they may decide being a woman is what they want and transition to a TS.
In my eyes, a TS is someone who may have male parts to start but is all woman and they know it. Even if they do not go through with the surgery, my personal opinion is that a TS is as much of a female as a biological female.
Thoughts?
And if you want to rip me up and down based on my analysis, don't worry, I'll post it
-- Modified on 7/11/2009 9:59:08 PM
I LOVE the list, Melissa!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very thoughtful, well written, and concise--a joy to read!
One of the many reasons I love your list--it doesn't revolve around sex. I think that's one of the most common misconceptions for people who are not trans. It's all about identity.
I really enjoy your insight, Melissa! Every point is like: yep, yep, yep, etc. You've been able to nail down a lot in that post, and I'm glad you're adding it to your blog.
As a TV myself, I see other TV's really fixating on the externals: wigs, breast forms, make-up, shoes, etc. Oh, I should also add foam hip and butt pads--LOL!
In my mind at least, this doesn't make them any less of a person, and I don't think Melissa was saying that at all. On the contrary, she wrote a terrific set of real-world definitions that work.
Here's another: TV's present, TS's live.
In the TV world, we talk a lot about "presentation" of our femme self because we're not 24/7.
In the TS world, the word doesn't exist. It's a moot point.
Thank you, Melissa!!!!!!!!!!!!