Poly FAQs?

topic posted Mon, June 23, 2008 - 9:39 PM by  Melissa
So...

For the purposes of activism/education, I want to attempt to create some sort of flyer or something. I want to start off with some FAQs about polyamory. What do folks think the most-asked questions are? And what are some answers?

I figure "What is polyamory?" probably tops the list.

Others-

How do you handle STDs/ safe sex?
Don't you all get jealous?

I'd love input! And I promise to post any finished product here, too.
posted by:
Melissa
SF Bay Area
  • Re: Poly FAQs?

    Tue, June 24, 2008 - 6:55 AM
    I suggest you make sure you know your purpose behind an FAQ. For example, is it for:

    1. People you want something from, but who aren't otherwise connected to you sexually?
    2. People who've never done it before, but you think might understand enough from a flyer to be marginally fuckable?
    3. People who've been doing this for a while, but you think you have a really interesting take on it and you want to share?
    4. Someone else?

    As someone else's already pointed out, it's not as if there's a dearth of FAQs out there, so how would this one be DIFFERENT?
    • Re: Poly FAQs?

      Tue, June 24, 2008 - 9:38 PM
      Quite right, there are any number of FAQs, and some are bound to be decent. I suppose "FAQ" leapt to mind as a simple format, though once I get involved in writing, I'll probably change things around. I suppose what I'm really looking to do is create series of basic educational materials that address fears and prejudices around polyamory. Particularly, I'd like something useable by friends and family of poly folks (having benefited from similar materials when I came out as a Witch, and again when I came out as bi) and something useable by activists in general settings. Eventually, I'd like to be involved in efforts to educate anyone in a government position that might be involved in taking kids away from poly situations based on assumptions about how bad it must be for kids. Which is, I know, alot of people, and also probably a rather hard sell. But I'm in a position to do it, whereas someone married or with kids might have more at risk. Hope that clears my intent up.

      As to 2, being an activist might make someone slightly more likely to get into my pants, but I don't think I've ever considered it the other way around! Thanks, made me laugh.
      • Re: Poly FAQs?

        Tue, June 24, 2008 - 11:32 PM
        So, for friends and family, I'd suggest the first question be "Why is it important that YOU know what I am doing?"

        For the legal issues, I'd suggest starting with a collection of short declarative sentences, followed up by references to legal documentation.

        Two very different audiences there. 8)
      • Re: Poly FAQs?

        Wed, June 25, 2008 - 10:07 PM
        In that case I'd suggest reading over the stuff at Tacit's site, www.xeromag.com - plenty of great poly educational stuff there besides the FAQ.

        And yeah, he's working on a book too. Tacit was interviewed on Polyamory Weekly a couple of times, the most recent one talking about his plans for a book.
        • Re: Poly FAQs?

          Wed, June 25, 2008 - 10:16 PM
          Yep, Franklin kicks ass. If you REALLY want to dig into some of this stuff, I'd suggest hanging out on the polyfamilies Yahoo group. He's a strong voice there.

Recent topics in "Polyamory"

Topic Author Replies Last Post
Momentum Edward 3 Today, 4:50 PM
Process percentage Edward 30 Today, 3:51 PM
Playa addresses Kinnari 3 Today, 12:42 PM
Loss of Control miss eeyore 21 Yesterday, 4:16 PM