Frequently Asked Questions
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1) Am I the right audience for your guide?
FriendlyGuy Guides are INTENDED FOR ADULT MEN, over the age of consent, who have relations with other adult men (sorry ladies, I cover what I can but there isn't that much info for sisters in the places I visit). THE GUIDES ARE SEXUALLY EXPLICIT at times as they provide suggestions relating to how to get your groove on. If you find gay sexual themes distasteful, OR are under the age of 18, then you're on the wrong web site.
If you're COUPLED... just skip the slutty pages. There are still plenty of information for you boys! The city guides recap hotel and dining options to give you a reference point, in case you're starting from scratch.
If you've already booked and reserved your trip... the bulk of the information in my guides is still VERY helpful. And don't forget, a FriendlyGuy Guide makes a great gift to fellow travelers.
2) Where did you get this idea?
I've been sending out my informal travel guides since 2006. It started out as a stack of printouts that I made for friends who saved up for three years for their first trip to Paris... to make sure that they had a great time together. They returned with edits and I made improvements. Then, I started offering larger, PDF versions on CraigsList because— seriously— the ONLY people cruising CL Paris, CL Puerto Rico, CL Costa Rica, CL Brazil... are other Americans. It's just sad to see those desperate posts go unanswered. Rite?
3) Who are you?
ME— I'm just a guy who likes to travel and has the opportunity to jet for extended periods of time. American of Irish descent (born and raised on the East Coast), fluent in a handful of languages, 35, 5-11,175, blond, blue, etc. And before you ask: 1) my photo is in the guide, 2) I don't use a webcam, 3) I only date sexy latin guys. Like I say in my guides, I'm more of a fratboy than a circuit boy anyday. I think my own perspective is in the middle of the road... if not outright funny.
MY EDITORS—FriendlyGuy Guides guides are reviewed by a crack team of local editors, between 25 and 35 and all rediculously hot (grin). So, do note that the perspective of these guides reflect our opinions... as we're a motley crew of whores, alcoholics, worriers, control freaks and broke dudes. How's that for a colorful editorial team!
4) Why do you do this?
For some cities, there's almost too much info available and it's tough figuring out where to start. For other cities, the information that folks can track down online is so wowefully outdated, it's actually dangerous (ie: cruising locations). I like to go to places where I have a handful of friends, waiting to welcome me and show me around. Not everyone has access to the local perspective, so I'm simply returning the favor that was shown to me. I'm all about good gay travel karma.
5) How will your guide SAVE ME TIME?
Know that feeling when you arrive, check in, drop off your bags at the hotel and think “OK, now what?” You could search the internet for tips and info, but they're usually vapid tourist propaganda, trying to sell you something. At the very least, my guides will tell you where the local boys hang, which sites the they're cruising on and which tourism sites are worth peeping. And, for sure, there aren't many resources that tell you WHICH NIGHT is worth hitting a specific bar or club, like my guides do.
6) How will your guide SAVE ME MONEY?
Between the open bars, transportation, lodging, avoidable fees, quality+inexpensive hotel recommendations and other money saving tips, my city guides should at least save you TRIPLE the price that you paid for it. My friends say it's more like “hundreds!” Perhaps one day, I'll sit down and calculate it. But for now... I'm a blond, and math is boring.
7) How accurate is this info?
I ONLY write guides on places that I've visited for more than a month at a time-- at least. Then they're reviewed by locals who check the facts/advice/perspective. The guides are updated fairly regularly, usually after I return from a trip with more insights or because a reader pointed out something worth reporting. They're dated (v9.11 = 2009, November) and you're always welcome to email me to ask if there's been a major revision. AS A BACKUP PLAN, the guides include links to the sites that the locals are using, so you can always doublecheck the latest details.
8) TROUBLESHOOTING / HELP
My guides are delivered as zip-compressed, Adobe Acrobat PDFs.
(a) You can't LOCATE the file you downloaded?
Try searching your computer for "FGG" - which is in my file's name.
(b) You can't UNCOMPRESS the file you downloaded?
The file that you have downloaded is a zip-compressed archive. You might not have the decompression software. It's widely available (ie: www.cnet.com).
OR something happened to the file during the download process. Simply click the download link and try downloading again.
(c) You can't OPEN the PDF?
The file is compatable with the Adobe Acrobat Reader, V8.5 (or higher): [Get it Here]. Or you can try opening the PDF file from within your chosen browser (Browser: File > Open > and browse to locate the unzipped PDF file
(d) You can't PRINT the "main" guide?
CORRECT. Unlike a traditional eBook, the printing features of this file have been disabled. The guide has been designed for on-screen vewing and interactivity. It does not fit within the traditional, letter-size paper format. Additionally, it has been optimized for on-screen viewing in order to maintain the smallest-possible download size. To make up for this limitation, my city guides come with two additional PDF files that can be printed or added to a PDF-friendly mobile device (like an iPhone). On the off case that you're completely crestfallen, you're welcome to take "screen caputres" or "print screens" of the pages that interest you from the guide, for your own personal use.
(e) How should I print the Wallet Guide?
Because of the small text, a "toner-based lazerprinter" would be ideal. However, it should work fine on an ink jet printer, using the "highest quality" setting—this is what I do.
(f) How should I print the Mobile Device Guide?
This file is designed to be read on the small screen of a mobile device. It's a one page PDF that is about 3" by 40" (read: print the wallet guide).
(g) Is the "main" guide too large to email?
Yeap. I optimized the heck out of it! Reducing it from 60mb to 8mb. But that's as low as I could get it. Please respect my "no redistribution" copyright statement. Thanks.
9) How do I purchase your guides?
I use a reputable payment and file distribution company called "Payloadz", who processes payments using PayPal. After making a (normal) PayPal payment, you will receive a speedy email with the download link--my PayPal account is listed as "ZetaDesign."
This email is sent to the email address associated with your PayPal account. If you did not get this email, shoot me a note and I will look into it as soon as I can: info@friendlyguyguide.com
The most efficient way to contact me if there are any billing questions is to email me directly: info@friendlyguyguide.com (I rarely check the email account I have listed in PayPal)
10) Do you retain my contact/billing information?
The "Payloadz" system does save your information, for troubleshooting payment issues that might come up. Otherwise, I am all about discretion: I do not use, nor compile email lists. If you would like to keep in touch, please feel welcome to interact with me via Facebook or Twitter.
11) Are you an escort, travel agent, rental agent, tourism worker?
Nope. I'm a Graphic Designer with zero connections to any of these... vocations.
12) Will you make more guides?
Heck yeah! The master plan is to use the money generated to cover the price of future trips to new and exciting places. It's a swell concept... if you like the guides, you'd be funding the next trip, so there can be more guides. Everybody wins!
13) I found an error in your guide. Do you want to know?
Grammatical flubs happen. I appreciate the thought, but don't worry about it. If a CLUB or BAR has shut down (not 'closed for renovations'), please let me know. The guide(s) that you will be viewing have grown in scope with the direct help of friendly locals who were kind enough to pass along the info.
14) Your guide didn't help me get my groove on. Should I email you to complain?
For serious, people have. PLEASE DO NOT. It's kinda depressing...
15) Your guide is AWESOME! Can I email it to my friends?
I appreciate all referrals to my website, twitter mentions and facebook comments!
16) Do you like fanmail?
Heck Yeah! Bring it on!
17) Media Contact?
If you are writing a "gay + men + travel" article for one of the destinations that I cover, I would be an excellent resource for both the tourist and local perspectives. In the spirit of cross-promotion, I will be asking that my web link (instead of my name) be cited for credit within your article. Email me (from your company email account): info@friendlyguyguide.com
18) Do you offer reseller accounts?
I have not yet, but I wouldn't rule it out. Send me an email with your unique pitch: info@friendlyguyguide.com
