Letters to the Editor	Letters Archive

Wants London Info

I am going to be staying in London near the Kings Cross tube for a few days the third week of January. I would like to know of websites or readings you feel are helpful on getting around the area to see the sights, clubs, pubs, and saunas that are somewhat local to Kings Cross tube. I am going with a friend who's working during the day and I want to play, play, and play. I am not into hardcore, but would like to see what's going on. Any help would be appreciated so much.

View our poll archive

Travis
Alexandria, Virginia

You're in luck, Travis! The London feature at Guidemag.com (pull down "United Kingdom/London" from our homepage) has 102 gay businesses listed -- including six London-based information sources -- and a travel article arranged handily by London neighborhoods. You'll also find 163 photos from London. Check it out; so far 40,756 other guys have!

Consumer Protection in Ontario

This letter is a warning to men and women who may commit to seek a same-sex partner using an introduction service. As well, this information may be a help to those who have experienced financial loss and emotional damage (which is the greater loss) having contracted to pay a fee for service to such a company.

While there is no guarantee of a successful introduction, if no service is provided for the fee paid there is, of course, the possibility of legal action to recover the financial loss. However, having made a commitment to seek a partner, there is tremendous disappointment. One supposed source of finding partnership has been shown to be a dead-end, and there seems no further action to take.

Also, there is embarrassment, reluctance to publicly reveal being a victim of what may be an illegitimate sales operation, one where the service on offer was a same-sex introduction.

Unfortunately, those of us seeking same-sex partners may be the target of companies which bank on our hesitation to reveal experience of unfair business practice relative to our personal life choices.

The Ontario Ministry of Government Services / Consumer Protection Branch publishes warnings about introduction service and indications of illegitimate sales operation specific to such service. Without cost, the Ministry registers complaints and negotiates recovery of fees paid for unfulfilled contracts, as a violation of Ontario Consumer Protection Act of 2002.

More importantly, the Ministry will investigate companies and take any legal action, when there are one too many complaints from the public. Therefore, in order to ensure that fewer people become victims of any unfair business practice, it is essential to register a complaint: Gov.on.ca/MGS/en/ConsProt or 416-326-8611.

J. David Ellis
Oakville, Ontario

Finds Love in MaleBox

I wanted to know if there was a way I could get a copy of The Guide from the year 2001. The reason is because my lover and I met each other through the personals. As you know, many prison inmates from across the country listed their ads in your magazine. The ad I responded to was an ad from an inmate, and I am especially proud that we are still together today after his release in 2002.

It is unfortunate however, that most of the ads from inmates were done as a "game" to lure in lonely gay men just for money-making purposes. It is a sad truth, but God was with me that day I chose the ad to respond to! It wasn't until I received my first letter that I found out that he was indeed a prisoner!

I want to get a copy of the ad or the actual magazine from that time period, so I can clip out the ad and get it blown up to a larger size for a keepsake. That ad was the unexpected turning point to my life and his. I really hope you can help me get this old issue. The details that you need to know are as follows....

A loyal reader
Chicago, Illinois