Your dollars - are they working for you?

Dear Readers - I want to enlighten you to something that came up recently in a discussion I was having with a fellow kinkster in another province. Our conversation had evolved into discussing a new group that is forming in the city in which she lives. She mentioned that this group is not a not-for profit, i.e., they are a business, just like any other business - in it to make money and wanted my thoughts on that issue - how nice of her to ask as I have an opinion on this subject.

Now I don't have a problem with people making money, even with people making money in the BDSM arena, but the issue that does annoy me is that most people assume that all kink organizations are non-profit and or charitable organizations in it for the greater good of kink.

The organization that you have affiliated yourself with might be for profit, and likewise might also be a non-profit organization.

Don't assume. If it means something to you - if you care whether your organization is making money or not, ask, check, but stop making assumptions.

If they are for profit - and you've been attending for a while, have you noticed any differences, such as new equipment, more equipment, more programs, more diversity, or are you noticing the organizers are driving nicer cars or going on holiday more frequently? If you are okay with this, that's great - but did you realize that from the time you began paying your attendance fees that a portion of your money is fulfilling the dreams of others? Would you volunteer your time and or your money to a business that is for profit that isn't kink related? Are you getting anything for volunteering (provided you do volunteer work at the local organization level) such as reduced price on tickets, or tickets for a future event?

If they are a non-profit organization do you see efforts to raise money for necessary items to improve programs, or perhaps to offer services at a generally lower rate?

I have no trouble with people making money - my problem is that many people give their time, their effort and or their cash and are unaware of what's being done with those resources.

Most sincerely yours,

Isabelle Channing