reflexology414 said:
A couple of summers ago, I was nearly killed in a serious accident.
Instead of attending a gathering, I'm planning to organize a prvate party for myself (essentially as a reward/celebration for completing my rehab).
I've never even thought of doing something like this, and I could use some advice. The obvious question has to do with finding ticklees. I've debated about using an escort service, advertising, and so on.
I would really welcome some advice on this. Thanks.
Well first of all, kudos for your strength and determination. I too was in a serious accident about 4 years ago, where my car flipped about 5 or 6 times, so I can relate.
Ok back to the question at hand.....
Planning a Gathering will take some work, dedication, and effort on your part, so if you are not willing to work at it, you may as well forget it.
I (along with Mike) are hosting a Gathering, here in Dallas this Friday as a matter of fact, and that was the result of over 1 year in just the planning aspect, alone.
I think it's best to hold the Gathering **not** at a public house, due to saftey concerns that people may have. That is why we have opted to host it at a professional dungeon. If a professional dungeon is not an option, you may want to consider a hotel.... it is just my opinion and thoughts that people may be hesitant to go to your house, especially if they do not know you.
Safety should be your prime concern. You need to go out of your way to make sure that safety is everybody's top priority, and you need to go out of your way to make sure that your guests understand that their safety is #1 concern. (especially with the unfortuante reports of people going to a private house for what they thought would be tickle-play, but was raped instead)....side note: I hope that asshole fries in Hell.
Talk to people who have hosted Gatherings/Nests as they are a fountian of information and I would like to publically thank Max Speer for his help and advice.
Also try to make sure there is an even guy/girl ratio as I know the ladies may feel un-easy about being the only lady in a room of 15 men.
Don't be afraid to take charge if things get out of hand. If that means asking somebody to leave, because they cannot behave, then so be it....it's better to have 1 person pissed off, because their behavior got them removed, than it is to have a room of pissed off people because you refused to act.
Once again I cannot stress this enough.....you need to go out of your way to assure your guests that poor behavior will not be accepted nor tolerated.
People may be un-easy about attending a Gathering....this is especially true of ladies (not all), who may feel they will be gang-tickled by 15 men, the very second they step inside....you need to assure them that will not happen, and if it does, action will be taken.
It takes money to run a Gathering....that's just the nature of the beast, and we have inplemented a very small "cover charge" to help with the costs (but don't expect to walk away with a profit.... but then again that's not what this is about, to start with)
Advertise.....advertise.....advertise. Get the word out about your event. Have an RSVP list of people wanting to attend, but be ready to handle the "no-show factor" (those who RSVP but do not show up) as well as last minute cancellations
It will take hard work and dedication, but if you're not afraid of work then it will happen
Just be patient.