Letters to the Editor

Editor's Special Note

Dear Visitors to our web site:

We listen.  We respond.  We're pleased to announce, we've begun introducing an exciting new level of service here at MassageAnywhere.com which we call Friends.  With Friends, you can draw your own line between the providers you like and those you don't with the click of your mouse.  But if judging for yourself is a tad too much for you, Friends comes to the rescue yet again, letting you hand it over to a trusted Friend of your choice to be your guide, to steer you clear of what you don't want, to what you do want.  After all, what are Friends for?  We invite you to check it out, as we say thank you to our valued supporters.

We also recently began offering its counterpart service to practitioners which we call PrudeGuard™ and PervGuard™.  These agenda filtering tools are specially licensed automated technology to mitigate and/or reduce contact between persons who may have contrary agendas.

We make no promises these features will solve your every problem, but may they make your experience at MassageAnywhere.com all the more delightful!

-- The Editor

Dear Editor:

I want to say "Thank you" for your website! I've been practicing massage therapy for many years and just a couple of months ago one of my friends, a massage therapist, had shown to me your website. And I really have had a pretty good amount of serious phone calls and appointments since I put up my ad.

Editor's response:

Thank you for using MassageAnywhere.com!

Dear Editor:

"Sensual" is not a massage modality, it is an offer of prostitution and illegal in the state of Texas.  As well as being an insult to Licensed Massage Therapy as a whole and to the professional therapists who strive to keep it decent.  Being a massage therapist in the Dallas area myself I find it very offensive that your site allows this type of solicitation.  I will be sending this complaint for all profiles of this nature.  Thank you very much for your time and assistance in keeping Massage Therapy a respectable profession.

Editor's response:

Thank you for your letter.  If you're a licensed Texas massage therapist, perhaps you can help us identify the Texas regulation on "sensual" massage.  We searched but did not find one.  We did find regulations regarding "sexual" but none for "sensual".

In the English language, "sensual" and "sexual" look and sound somewhat similar and are sometimes used interchangeably as you appear to be doing, but we checked several dictionaries and found that "sensual" doesn't necessarily mean "sexual".  For example, "sensual" can mean "giving pleasure to the body and senses rather than the mind," or simply "of the senses and the body rather than the mind."  Perhaps you're unaware of this.

We understand that some people may choose to hide illegal activity behind cleverly worded ads, but just as importantly, we also understand that people use words differently.  Your letter is a reminder of this and we thank you for it.

Thank you for using MassageAnywhere.com!

Dear Editor:

Thank you for your response.  I am very aware of the differences in words when it comes to the English language.  I will be more than happy to find and send to you any laws or regulations I can that will allow you to be comfortable in discontinuing the allowance of therapists using sensual or tantric as a description for anything but what is intended as sexual massage.

When it comes to massage therapy, it is not just an understanding of the the small discrepancies in definition that you must consider, but the meaning words take on after they are married.  You said you looked up 'sensual' in the dictionary, but did you look up 'sensual massage'?  You must also consider the layperson's interpretation of what is being advertised as they are the target of the service.  When i google 'sensual massage' i cannot find anything that does not carry a sexual description.  I also cannot find any schools that offer accredited certification in this supposed modality.  That in itself infers the illegitimacy of such a technique.

I appreciate that you offer a free listing service for massage therapists as we need to get the word out as much as possible. It is not a benefit though to the decent therapists (and i did see some whom i know) when their ads are intermingled with other such 'therapists', which is why I didn't sign up for the service.

When a therapist places their ad  on your site, are they required to enter their license# and insurance information?  If so, do you verify it's current validity?  Also, are the therapists required to send copies of the modalities they are qualified to offer or do you just let them post anything they want?  If they are allowed to post whatever they want without proof, would that not impose a liability to your site were the therapist to be involved in a lawsuit?  Just wondering.

I thank you again for your time and response and I will get any information on regulations I find to you as soon as possible.

Editor's response:

Thank you for your letter.  To answer your questions, our research included not only the word "sensual" but also "sensual massage".  The former is found in the dictionaries, the latter is not.  We use common everyday dictionaries published by established authorities who scour a wide variety of published material, including books, newspapers, magazines and electronic publications such as found through Google searches.

With respect to "tantric", we also consulted a variety of religious information sources and found that in practical terms it may mean most anything, in essence whatever anyone wishes, much like "religious".  Accordingly, it can at times have a sexual meaning, and for many people perhaps it does, but so can words like "male" and "female".  [Note, there are quite a number of people who would object to your use of the word "marry" in connection with words, who wish to restrict its meaning to the (sexual) union of a man and a woman.]  We recommend you always read providers' ads completely and carefully.  If anything is unclear or you need clarification, ask the provider.

With respect to "legitimate", every lawful service is "legitimate", whether called "Swedish", "Uruguayan", "sensual", "Vampire's Delight" or however, unless such name or service is expressly prohibited by law or by our Terms of Service.  However, we have no governmental authority, special ability, requirement or obligation to determine the legitimacy of any offer or service, and we do not imply, guarantee or warrant any offer or service to be "legitimate".

With respect to "decent", we leave decisions as to who or what is "decent" to each person to decide for him/herself.  At MassageAnywhere.com, we respect differences of opinion and the right to decide for yourself.  As a search and advertising venue, we're all about giving people choices, including the choice to use our service or not.  We don't compel anyone to agree with us, and whether you agree or disagree, we don't like you more or less.

The remainder of your questions are answered either in our Frequently Asked Questions or our Terms of Service.  In short, the answer is yes and no.  Each provider is required by the Terms of Service and any applicable law to conform his/her ad to the Terms of Service and applicable law, whatever that may be, and is entirely responsible for his/her ad and compliance with the law.  We are not responsible for their ads or for vetting their ads or compliance against the myriad of laws around the world.  It isn't reasonable to think that we would or could.  We are not licensed investigators and we have no police authority.  However, there are private investigators you can hire (at substantial expense) who will happily verify licensing, identity, credentials, references, claims, experience, insurance, abilities including language skills, politics, personality, hem and hair length, and whatever else may be of concern to you, if you are unable or unwilling to do so yourself.  We do not imply, guarantee or warrant any ad, offer or service in any way.  You use MassageAnywhere.com at your own risk and discretion.

In closing, we appreciate your concern.  Understand that MassageAnywhere.com serves many different people from all over the world, including people in the U.S.A. for whom English, particularly written English, may be difficult or not their best skill.  We are more inclined to give a favorable interpretation to another's statement than to condemn it.

Thank you for using MassageAnywhere.com!

Dear Editor:

Provider X is unlicensed in New York, which is necessary to provide bodywork/massage in Manhattan. I asked where she went to school for massage and she had no answer.  She claims to be "self taught".  This is illegal from a state that provides regulation to protect the public.  Sorely disappointed from a website that supposedly offers no illegal services.

Editor's response:

Thank you for sharing your concerns.  We do not offer illegal services or even massage.  Rather, the providers who post their ads offer massage or claim to.  We are not responsible for their claims or for vetting their claims against the laws around the world.  It isn't reasonable to think that we would or could.  We are not a licensing authority.  We do not rely upon hearsay or upon layperson claims that "self-taught" equates with illegal.  If you are knowledgeable about the laws of New York, we expect you have the contact information for the licensing authority there and that they would be equipped and empowered to handle your complaint.

If you have any further questions, we'll be happy to answer them as best we can.  Thank you for using MassageAnywhere.com!

Dear Editor:

Hello! I am just curious as to why would you allow some male massage therapists to advertise on your site partially nude or showing their bare chest.  This is unprofessional and sends a negative message that continues to weaken the true meaning of this industry.  This makes it harder for legit guys coming out of school to make an honest living.

Editor's response:

Thank you for your question.  At MassageAnywhere.com, we respect opinions and the right to decide for yourself.  As a search and advertising venue, we're all about giving people choices.  A dress code limits choices.  If the law allows pictures of bikini-clad women in massage advertising, then likewise we allow advertisers to use them in their ads.  We encourage and allow each advertiser to create the ad that best describes his/her services within the limits of the law.  We believe that gives the public the best opportunity to make the best choices.

If you find shirtless men to be "unprofessional," you may be pleased to know our system allows you to choose the ones wearing a shirt.  Systems which require men to wear shirts conceal this distinction from the public.  With our system, men who wear shirts can make themselves known for that fact and stand apart from others.  As you are someone who finds the shirt / no shirt distinction to be important, we're sure you'll appreciate how our system does not conceal this important distinction among men.

In regard to the "true meaning of the industry," a search on our system will quickly show it to be what it is.  It varies by location, over time, and according to each person who searches.  We offer a search engine.  We are not responsible for the truth.  We reveal it.  We offer an honest service with the opportunity for everyone who advertises to be honest about what he/she offers.  If anyone chooses to be dishonest, it's his/her own choice.  We do not make it "harder for legit guys to make an honest living."  We make it as simple as can be.

Thank you for using MassageAnywhere.com!

Dear Editor:

I choose to wear clothing appropriate to season and or event.  Example: A summer pool party or pool and massage.  Either way it's logical.  I choose to describe myself because I'm proud of myself enough to add text and pics.  I choose to remain on call 24/7 because not everyone has the same routine or schedule.  I do not meet in hotel rooms.  I have several stationary incall locations.  As far as prostitution is concerned, I have noticed my ad being solo in stating: "PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR ILLEGAL SERVICES."  Besides, I also visit Vegas.  Oops!  Did I say that?  Yes I did.  Why?  Because I felt like it.

Dear Editor:

I've been a professional masseur for over 20 years and after reading other "letters to the Editor" I have a couple of comments.

First of all, I'm amazed at how critical practitioners are of each other.  Massage and related body work are an art form and as such are interpreted differently by each individual.  What I feel is right for me may be deemed inappropriate by you... and that's fine.  Each of us should practice as we feel comfortable doing, and not worry about others.  If someone advertises that she does massage in a bikini, don't complain that you feel it's inappropriate.  Some people will agree with you and others totally disagree.  Just do your own thing.

Secondly, I often see ads stating "non-sensual" and I have to chuckle because some of the most sensual work I perform involves the feet, neck, and head.  Does that mean these individuals exclude these body parts from their sessions?  With regard to draping, ads often state that only the singular body part being worked on is exposed.  In my mind that is absolutely ridiculous.  Muscles do not end at the junction of a body joint.  The fact that they overlap a joint logically means that in order to provide a true massage session for example, a leg massage must include and extend to the glutes, abs, etc.

Everyone needs to get a life, live it, and not worry about others.  Massage has been practiced for thousands of years, long before licenses, regulations, exams, etc. became fashionable.  It's a beautiful experience for both giver and receiver, but it's an art form that needs to be kept in perspective.

Dear Editor:

[Name1] is obviously a prostitute, because professional CMT's do not remain on call 24 hrs a day and visit your hotel.  And why is [Name2], a "professional", explaining her looks if she is not seeking clients for sex?  You don't hear of mechanics, doctors, estheticians, hair stylists or legitimate massage therapists describe what kind of body they have in their ads.  That is something a prostitute or call girl puts in their ads.  She is not a massage therapist.  She is a prostitute!  Where is the REGULATION?

Editor's response:

The law permits a person to describe his/her appearance and to be on call 24 hrs a day.  And while that may be how you yourself define a prostitute, that's not how the law defines one.  It may also be a noble belief that personal appearance is unimportant, but your own letter clearly demonstrates that you yourself are concerned with the appearance of others.  True, few people are concerned with their auto mechanic's appearance, but you pay him to work on your car, not on you.  Meanwhile many physicians, estheticians, hair stylists, and yes, many legitimate massage therapists include personal photos in their advertising, and like the saying goes, a photo is worth a 1000 words.  But whatever the photo or words, it's information and with it, YOU choose your provider according to the criteria YOU set.  We don't choose for you and we don't limit the information available to you.  This isn't the Martha Stewart® collection where you pick your favorite colors from her favorite colors.  Here, you judge for yourself and make your own decisions.  After all, why should we decide for you?  Do we have some special gift that you don't?  We have specific, well-defined standards and policies in place with regard to the type of content that is allowed and not allowed on MassageAnywhere.com.  And like you, we too have personal opinions.

Dear Editor:

What can you tell us about the masseuse involved in the Heath Ledger incident? Is she a member on your site?  Which ad is hers?  Has she removed her ad?  How can I find her ad?  Why are some ads hidden on MassageAnywhere.com?

Editor's response:

MassageAnywhere.com is not at liberty to reveal information beyond the limits of our Privacy Policy.  Not all ads are viewable to the public.  Members can choose to remove or hide their ads from publication at any time or make them available privately by direct link.  There are celebrities who use our website to find massage providers and even some who offer massage services through MassageAnywhere.com either privately or publicly.  However, we respect the privacy of all our providers and everyone who uses our service, and we abide by our Privacy Policy to protect everyone's privacy.  We are not at liberty to give additional information without their approval.

Dear Editor:

So - just to clarify, [do] you allow both professional massage therapists and people doing sexual and tantric massage to list on your site?  I went to your home page, and the first person there provides sexual education.

Editor's response:

All MassageAnywhere.com advertisers must agree to our Terms of Service.  Our Terms of Service prohibits advertisement of prostitution and requires compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in regard to advertisement as well as agreement to our Code of Ethics.  Our Terms of Service and Code of Ethics policies are available on our website.  If an advertiser is in compliance with our Terms of Service and charges a fee for massage, that is professional massage.  Our Terms of Service also permits massage providers to advertise "such other similar or closely-related services (e.g. personal training, diet / nutrition / exercise and/or health advisement, yoga, mind/body relaxation and/or conditioning, other holistic services, etc.) not otherwise prohibited," as long as massage is the primary service advertised.  We're unaware of any law which prohibits religious practices or education in connection with massage or massage advertising, and we neither presume "sexual education" is prostitution nor do we have police powers to investigate.  However, some advertisers may seek to push the envelope, and if an ad demonstrably violates our Terms of Service, we welcome you to use our complaint mechanism which may be found at the bottom of every ad.

We hope this clarifies your concerns. Thank you for using MassageAnywhere.com!

Dear Editor:

"Sensual massage" and women posing in bikinis is NOT professional massage!  When advertisers call it massage, it is an insult to the trained professionals in the massage business.  The presence of such ads on your site makes me question the legitimacy of your site.

Editor's response:

We welcome your questions!  At MassageAnywhere.com, we respect opinions and the right to decide for yourself.  Remember, we're a search and advertising venue.  That means we're all about giving people choices.  A speech and dress code limits choices.  If the law allows the word "sensual" and allows pictures of bikini-clad women in massage advertising, then likewise we allow advertisers to use them in their ads.  We encourage and allow each advertiser to create the ad that best describes their services within the limits of the law.  We believe that gives the public the best opportunity to make the best choices.

Dear Editor:

[Name omitted] is clearly selling herself.  I don't want my clients to look at these profiles and assume I do the same.

Editor's response:

Everyone who posts an ad is "selling him/herself."  That's what the ad is for.  You also say her ad is clear.  Great!  Make your own ad clear, and then there should be no confusion.  If you want to distinguish your work from hers, then you don't want her to use the same words you do and dress like you, because THEN the public might assume she does the same work as you.

P.S. Any ad which unquestionably solicits or promotes prostitution will be removed upon review if brought to our attention.  However, please also consider contacting your local police.  They have police powers to investigate.

Dear Editor:

Thank you for the opportunity to list on your site.  I think my profile came out really nice. Best wishes.

Dear Editor:

I'm really impressed with your site.  I'm glad it's available to me, thank you for making it so and doing a good job!

Dear Editor:

I just listed my ad on your site.  I want to thank you for a really nice environment for massage therapists.  Your site is truly remarkable.

Editor's response:

Thank you all for using MassageAnywhere.com!

Dear Editor:

If I am a student massage practitioner, can I post an ad, or must I be licensed?

Editor's response:

Our "skilled volunteer" category is designed for persons such as yourself who are working on being licensed.  Volunteers, of course, do not charge a mandatory fee for services.

Have something to say?  Let us know.