May 11, 2007

I have been emailed a few times today concerning the drama involving Queerty, my former employer, and my friend Mr. Michael Lucas. I don't want to get involved really, but I will shed some light on what I think.

Michael wrote about Queerty in his NY Blade column here.
David Hauslaib responded to this article here.

I must say I agree with Michael concerning the tone of Queerty and some of the inappropriateness of some of the posts. When I wrote Queerty it was snarky and dishy a la Michael Musto. Never was it mean. It may have poked fun, but it was not mean or tasteless. At least I hope it wasn't. Queerty went through a few other editors since I left: Steve Pep, my friend Dan Renzi, Frank Griggs. All of those guys reached out to me, and though never really found their footing, honored and continued what we'd started and what won that darn Bloggie. If winning a Bloggie actually meant anything.

When Andrew took over I was admittedly disconnected from the site. Blogging for a living made me fat and depressed. I don't know how someone like Andy Towle does it. But Andrew never once emailed me. He did not have to, I guess. But I did invest much time and energy into Queerty, not only writing it, but championing it in the community. He obviously had his own ideas. And that's cool.

Anyway. I focused more and more into the design world and had no time or energy to contribute to Queerty. And in all honesty I just stopped liking the site or reading the site. I am not a fan of Belonsky's style. But that is OK. What I love others hate and vice versa. It's all a matter of taste.

I don't mind that Queerty writes about Michael. It feeds both of their businesses. But what I did mind is that the posts about Michael were part of a greater negativity the site seemed to have a la Perez (though I totally adore and get Perez, another post) and that is what led me to ask David to remove my name. Yes, I stand up for my friends, but my desire to remove my name from Queerty had only something to do with Michael. It actually had more to do with the fact that I did not read the site and that it did not represent me anymore. And I don't think it represents David Hauslaib either. He is a friend and I think he is incredibly sweet and talented. Additionally, I love Jossip.

David was rather quick in removing my name from the site. He may not have removed it from the history page, but Frank was still there too and I just don't think he realized I was on it. I don't think David delayed the removal of my name for any reason.

Michael and I have a unique friendship, it's still new, but it is fun. We make jokes and laugh at one another. I really think he respects me and his words about me were great to see. But I do think Michael gets a bit too bent out of shape over Queerty's attacks. Having had an online presence almost as long as he's had a porn career I've learned to just get over it and move on. Andy Warhol said "Don't pay any attention to what they write about you. Just measure it in inches." That's my philosophy. Michael has a greater desire to defend. I get that and respect it.

I also respect David. I just don't read Queerty. Next time we have dinner I'll urge Michael to do the same. Next time I see David at the gym I am sure we'll laugh at this.

And that's that. BTW. Michael and his partner Richard and David all contributed generously to my marathon training to raise funds for the Leukemia Society. You should too.