Fourth Friday

I was one of the people that started Fourth Fridays. . .

When we started Fourth Fridays back in 1997, we had a good thing going.  It all started when several of us kinky folks who were on AOL decided to get together.  It was a wonderful time to socialize and meet new people.

The concept was simple.  We met in a family-style restaurant and tried to keep the fetish attire to a minimum.  This way, new people would feel more comfortable coming out to join us.  There was no cover charge and you paid your own food / drink bill.  Attendees ranged from lifestylers -- those who or participate in BDSM relationships 24/7 -- to the merely curious, and everything in-between.

This was a good way for groups in the area to recruit new members.  So there was a good interaction between Fourth Fridays and the local scene.

If you're were a DFW Scene veteran, Fourth Fridays was a great place to socialize, network, make new friends, and learn about new things. It was the perfect place to educate people in the community about groups and invite them to participate.  At one time, Fourth Fridays had a typical attendance of over 250 people each month.

Things have changed though.  The people that run Fourth Fridays now are not as friendly or understanding as the original group was.  The group dynamic has changed such that people who are curious but nervous about taking the first step into the local scene are intimidated.  New people that do come are not made to feel welcome to join in.  This cuts out a valuable growth source for the local scene.

I wish the people at Fourth Fridays good fortune, but I do not plan to return.

Tom aka JailStrap