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When I go into overdrive with my, "thank you" it is because I mean it from the bottom of my heart. When I took the month of December off you cannot imagine my fear of letting people down. I have taken a firm stand at answering all my mail "solo." However, I have learned trying to keep a "pen pal" online is almost impossible, unless you understand this disease, patience, and respect for personal space. It is such a great feeling knowing I can go to my computer, turn it on and read letters from around the world. That people take the time to read the information in this site gives me strength to continue.
During mid 1990's I was very critical of people, "cashing in on their disease". I do not feel differently today. I did not know that since 1990, according to CDC guidelines (including the 1993 changes), I have an AIDS diagnosis. How I could not know is explained through the Survival Bible. My tenet "I am HIV positive, I don't have time to be negative", is just that. Due to a low T-Cell count, below 200, in 1990 I graduated and met the CDC?s definition of an AIDS diagnosis. All learned during 1998 when I became ill and had to enter SSA?s system for obtaining SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INCOME.
If you visit my site often, then you know I tend in "my updates" to "update" what is already common knowledge. The segue to why I brought this up is because my topic for this month is about "friends". When my companion became disabled in 1997 and approved for SSDI we shut down business and I became his caregiver. Living on SSDI not possible; especially after his ex-wife was successful in garnishment of his SSDI, at the rate of 60%! The story leading to all of this you will find in the Survival Bible.
I am addressing the commercial aspect of this site. The site's purpose is to allow sharing my journey with others through cyberspace. I am blessed by the outpour of support from many visitors. The decision to "sell" on the site is bittersweet. I had to make a choice, either charge to get into my site, or loose it. Charging everyone for access just not an option. So along web master and others we decided to add e-commerce. The notorious January 1991 Playgirl shoot coupled with many requests to see those pictures was the catalyst for development of the "MEMBERSHIP SITE". The membership site took off quicker than the products. So last year before I was hospitalized I went to New York and shot with three top photographers as well as taping my first Solo Erotic Video, artful and tasteful. I have been asked many times to shoot nudes but felt I "had been there and done that". However after I saw my image was still worth something, I decided to build on that. This decision considered by some people "cashing in on my disease". My message of living life to the fullest with HIV/AIDS, spiritually, physically, and emotionally is in know way diluted by charging a select group to see me naked.
My work published for years by many well-known photographers. I have done this only to maintain what began three years ago. To my critics, if you understand the Internet, you know it takes money to keep a site up. Even more money to explore new ideas and technology. I have done research on the cost of web design, equipment, and other hidden costs. I am truly humbled and grateful to Mike my web master. He started this site along a friend and me. Also motivated because he believes in the message. He is not HIV+, however he is gay and shares the love for GOD. However, he does have a life and responsibilities of his own. There is a balance between someone helping and allowing them to be used. It is time he and others receive some compensation. You, the visitors and our customers are also our heroes. Each time the site traffic up counts as another point in our favor.
The sale of merchandise is to keep this site going as well as adding the new features. You will notice on the home page, Thom's Shop till you drop icon. If you will "bookmark" and access before shopping this will help generate revenue to keep the site up and growing. The merchant list growth based on your requests to CMC. Please let us know what you buy online and whom you would like to buy from. If you have a brand you like, let us know that too. Direct affiliations with the thousands of merchants through the system will provide virtually any product or service. It is important that you make any purchases after first accessing "your merchant" of choice or "shopping mall" through this site. Every time you shop with our site will get a small commission. I must thank Mike Carter from Underneath for providing the information to participate in this program. Also, I have to mention how grateful I am to Richard Carter. Richard conceived and put together THOM-TV. His graphics are wonderful, and recently he added a CHAT ROOM ? Channel 9 through gay.com for all of your Internet chat. These are free services. I love you Richard! MOM & DAD? thank you for all of your help! I love you both!
I hope the live video feed from my home, once activated, will fill you with laughter and humor will overshadow any negatives. Whew, now that this has been said let's get to the topic of:
God Bless You All!
Thom Collins
Contact: thompoz@theshop.net
