[Panky]

I'd like to think that people who are straight could produce gay content or run a gay paysite, or vice versa, if they took the time to research and be amongst the other side.

On the other hand, I'm not so sure that this would work to the best of everyones abilities. I look at things this way. If I ran a paysite, for example, and have gay and lesbian content, I would prefer the people running that department to be gay and lesbian people.

My thinking is that only gay and lesbian people truly know what makes a gay or lesbian person tick. What it is that really excites them. In a sense, I would feel unqualified because I'm straight. Even though I have gay and lesbian friends and socialize with them, I'm still straight. It doesn't mean I couldn't learn and have good ideas to share and help make decisions, but I'd still rather take second chair and let the experts take over.

It's kind of like a man developing a new product, creating an ad campaign, or answering questions for feminine hygiene products. Sure a man can learn and have a basic understanding of these products, but only a woman knows what she likes, dislikes, and what it is like to actually use these products.

Womens magazines have the majority of articles and subject matter written for and by women. Why? Because women understand women and can write articles and stories that appeal to women. The same holds true for mens magazines. Men can write articles and stories that appeal to men because they are men and they know "men".

It doesn't mean men can't write for a womans magazine or vice versa, but they may not be as effective.