Maybe one of these days, I'll write some real content, but until then, a few links for the enjoyment of all. Guess what tonight's topic is...

We'll begin with an essay. I'd Rather Be a Whore Than an Academic, by "Anonymous, PhD."

In general, prostitution is so silenced and taboo -- so little known -- that it serves as a blank screen onto which mainstream society projects all the abuses of the capitalist workplace. This distracts us from the fact that we're all implicated in many forms of exploitation on a daily basis. We may think that the most extreme forms of exploitation and objectification only affect prostitutes on the streets and others driven to poverty and desperation. It's true that these people are exploited, but a lot of abuse goes on outside whoredom in the "straight" workplace as well.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Following that theme, an entertaining blog chronicling the exploits of one woman who got into "the biz" as an independent contractor a few months ago. What better way to dispell the myths and sterotypes (or validate them where appropriate) than to blog about it! (Yes, I know the much more famous Belle De Jour has been doing the same thing for a longer period of time, but personally, I found Laura's writings more entertaining.)

Hmmm, I want to quote, but there are so many good entries to choose from. Here's a good one:

More on the "why I do this" topic:

I've been thinking, and I have to admit that a large part of it is an ego thing. It amazes me still that there are perfectly attractive, even dare I say--hot! men that are willing to fork out big bucks to play with me. I'm just an ordinary early 30something woman, not some supermodel. In a previous part of my life, I'd have been hesitant to even smile at some of these men, for fear that they wouldn't smile back, much less actually chat one up. And now I'm sitting around picking and choosing from a virtual plethora of 'applicants.' Who will I let pay me for my company next---when I feel like it, not because I have to. It's amusing to no end.

Reminds me of Inara. Truth as strange as fiction?

And last but not least, The WebWhore Manifesto. (Warning: Image at the top of the page does contain nudity, but otherwise it's just text.)

Sex Workers' economic and social contributions to society deserve commendation, not criminalization. It's about time we stopped marginalizing, stigmatizing, ignoring, and punishing sex workers. We've been around forever, we've made marks on history, we've provided services in response to an unending demand. Quit the resentful narrow-minded bullshit and give us some fucking credit!!!!!

Women should NOT be villified and disrespected for capitalizing on human sexuality. People should pay women for sex work with the same respect and appreciation one would expect to pay ministers, teachers, lawyers, doctors, therapists, etc.

Preach on, sistah!

I believe that should fill my "proselytizing for the cause" quota for now.