Can't you just use a third party to process your payments like PayPal? I use my debit card to pay for my online adventures and this is the first I've heard about them censoring what we can purchase.
Substack partners with Stripe which has almost identical rules for publishers. They’re more than happy for customers to use their cards wherever, but most credit card companies and processor have strict rules about nudity these days. Not sure how truly adults-only sites do it, but I’m happy on Substack so I’m adjusting my direction…a bit. :-)
Completely agree with D Bangtson. Will continue to be a loyal follower and for all who appreciate the art that is the male form, I hope we don’t lose too much of the full nudes — erotic and beautiful, they’re not porn. Especially love how you find all types of men from all time periods, in all types of situations. Don’t let anyone restrict your talent.
Thanks, Bruce. If full nudes are your barometer of my creativity, I fear you’re going to be disappointed too. I can’t win this battle and frankly prefer focusing on faces and torsos if need be. At least they aren’t trying to apply YouTube’s ridiculous “sexually gratifying” standard. Cuz wtf does that even mean. I’ll continue featuring all kinds of guys from all kinds of periods in as close to fully exposed as possible. That’s the best I can do. Cheers.
I'm a bit disappointed to hear of this change. I had been feeling like you were drawing your lines pretty much where I would have wanted you to do, or at least what I expected you would do. I hate it that other organizations or businesses think it is OK to tell you how to run yours and to tell me what it is OK for me to view and what is not. I plan on staying with you, of course. But, at the same time, I hope that some day we can return to the point where we had recently been, which I thought was perfect.
Ya know Clint, I think you’ve caught onto something. I love what you’ve been posting, but at times, I’ve wondered what is the story, is there a story. Does he (you) spend all his time poring x-rated photos or does he have real creativity in him. Let me answer by saying I’ve already seen real creativity and enjoyed it. At the same time, you might be able to be even more so if you slow down a bit and give your heart a chance to soar. Go for it!
Hi, Walt…you’re not alone in wondering wtf I’m doing. I mostly know, but it’s a bit like a Jackson Pollock painting: open to interpretation. I do a lot more than just pore over beefcake and porn. I genuinely have some subtle storylines in mind in these montages. Most of even the most “manly” guys are sweet and tender. Few are what we’d call toxic avengeners today. As for slowing down, 2024 was a make-it-or-break-it-year in a lot of ways. I think the worst of that is behind me…thanks to the generosity and support of patrons like yourself. Also, I’ve been “in training” for this kind of work my whole life…so it’s less a job and more a vocation. It brings me a lot of joy to share these videos. I hope it shows. Cheers!
Clint, I loved this line, beautifully written: "Slowly but surely, I’ll be turning the thermostat down a notch—not to dampen the fire, but to channel the heat more thoughtfully."
Your work is very much appreciated and I always look forward to what you post. Thanks for having the guts to do what is meaningful to me and those who watch Collide - a great -place to see what we find beautiful in men, something that just is not available on the open net.
May the NEW YEAR be even better and productive for you!
Happy New Year to you, Allen...and thank you! I'm a stubborn old sod who hates being told what I can and can't do...especially by bots. Not sure I'd be doing this if they told me I couldn't. Silly bots, being a dick if for those with dicks. lol Cheers
I'm no prude; I came out in San Francisco in the early 1970s and was a world-class slut. As we all know, the internet is flooded with dick picks, and porn of all kinds. I actually prefer the dick-free pics of beautiful men that you curate and post on YouTube and--aside from the full-frontal Greco-Roman style living statue types--I find the interesting, dick-free pics of men more compelling. I'd prefer the Substack posts stick to the dicks, and keep YouTube with wonderful examples of men of all sorts compelling men, baring skin or not, while not "forcing" me to look at dicks first instead of faces and attitude first, as YouTube asks of you to post. I like being able to chose to dick or not, to YouTube or Substack. The two different approaches satisfy me the best.
Thanks for all the amazing curation you do. Each approach stimulates me in unique ways. I'd like having them both!
Hi, Nik! Thanks for sharing your preferences and thoughtful comments. I too prefer to focus on the faces and photos. As I’ve been rethinking my approach, I’m leaning towards having only posing straps and cropped photos here on Substack. Technically, nudity is a no-no with the payment processor, though I do my best to do it in the spirit of art. So YouTube will stay as is—it FINALLY ain’t broke lol—and I’ll be adjusting things here on Substack. Just a tad. Still going to do posts that link out to spicier material.
If YouTube hadn’t been so hellbent on striking me for sharing links to my photo sources, I might not have explored Substack as much as my home base. But they did and I’m kinda glad they did. Because creating and curating on Substack feels a lot more personal.
So the plan—for now—is less (or no) full monties and more focus on the mugs these men have. Some are truly stunners. A few are so gifted below the belt it detracts from their above the belt beauty. Some guys have all the luck! I’m one of them…but not for those reasons. :-p
I dislike posing straps as much as I do the freakishly sucked-in stomachs of overly-muscled (IMO) body builders. I DO LIKE dicks, Clint. I even have a nice one. Hate to see the disappear altogether, but I do understand the Pay Bosses. (sigh)
If I might be so bold as to throw my two cents in...
- I'm rather fond of erections but they certainly are not why I subscribe.
- Body builders are works of abstract art for me so posing straps have the least impact there, IMO.
- Regular guys with regular bodies doing G-rated things in the buff draw me in.
- Regular guys striking poses from famous works of art (paintings, statues) run a close second.
It seems to me the last two above constituted most of your NSFW pics when you started here. Maybe move in that direction again? Think of the pics some of us (including me) have described as 'wholesome'.
Random thought: On YT there are 3 or 4 vids taken at a couple of museums that feature male nudes. There's no blurring or censoring. Maybe use those as a guide for what falls into the category of 'art'. I'll try to remember where I saw them.
Thanks for the suggestions. Turns out I misunderstood how the credit card folks feel about nudity, so I’m trying to be proactive. YouTube’s ridiculous policies against “sexually gratifying” content led me to push the boundaries a bit too much for my own tastes. Not a lot but enough that I want to be proactive and course correct before it becomes a problem. I hope you’ll continue enjoying my work. I know I enjoy your comments. Cheers and Happy New Year’s. 🥂
Clint, needless to say, but you are--first and foremost--a sensitive and artistic man. Necessarily, that means you are "out of step" with the population as a whole. I have a sense of trust with you; you do not pander to the least common denominator. I say, trust your instincts and keep your readers and subscribers in mind as you move forward along the path that seems best for you and your enterprise. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
No problem. I have pondered your thought process that includes that image of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis sharing a shower 🚿. Not pandering but definitely new way to consider them.
So I’m not the only one who remembers those photos? Don’t know if I’ve mentioned it, but my understanding is there’s not a lot of subtext to those photos. They were taken for a fan magainze. Two male friends on their day off kind of thing. They chose to go to the baths…in an era there wasn’t any connotation about such a visit. There are several shots, including them in a sauna with other guys. No biggie. Just dudes relaxing…and letting it all hang out. Like we sometimes do. :-)
IIRC, there're a bunch more photos like that. I also recall seeing the same such pics of one or two other famous duos.
I grew up at the very end of that time where 'letting it all hang out' was barely noticed. What was noticed and regarded as EXTREMELY 'straight girl' feminine was anything that even hinted at an attempt to hide your body. Seriously, the best way to hide some aspect of your body was to flaunt it.
You got it, Martin. I’m not intentionally obtuse, I just try not to insert my knowledge about the subects or the photos…it lets the audience make up their own story. Or do their own research. I’m always fascinated to learn what new things some find out—or already know—about certain images. Fascinated I tell you! :-)
Go Clint! Youtube and its labyrinth of freaky restrictions can bugger off. You seem to be doing just fine here on substack. If I'm not mistaken your growth has been phenomenal in a relatively short time. Soldier on and who knows how far you'll go. Can you imagine what your return might be if you reach 30,000 to 50,000 subscribers? And, given your level of committment, it's totally feasible! Best wishes for a successful and Happy New Year!
Awwww, thanks, D.C. At this slow and steady rate, it might be awhile, but I’m hoping to be around to see it happen. Cuz Substack is where my creative heart is, frankly. I show up excited every morning to write the newsletter and maybe post more. Can’t always say that about YouTube. Not because of the followers/subscribers, but because of the platform. 2024 has been a year of change…and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of focus. Wishing you and yours the best!
Clint, it's a fine line you have to tread and thank goodness not one I have to walk. Yes YT is the more easily lucrative and accessible Chanel but as you/we know there are plenty of potholes along that path. SS is more open/optimistic for your creativity but it's still a 'niche' Chanel to most. It's not so easy to be a grazer/watcher to make numbers on. So, for me I can/will support both your outlet's as best I can and leave the decision making to you. It could be beneficial to understand the path to YT (and other SM) services for having to take the line they are now taking. From my UK perspective the SM especially TikToc industry wasn't regulated and got too free anything goes. General media played into the political cesspool for readership scoring (knee jerk reacting) So hence the SM have self regulated to avoid the politics. I'm sure there are better ways to describe events but it's my POV. Cheers DougT 🇫🇴
You've got much of the story, Doug, from my POV. But you've also given me an idea to do an end-of-the-year post about censorship in 2024. How we got there, from my POV.
As for lucrative, I was more than a little surprised to learn--after running the numbers last week--that YouTube has earned me a little less than Ko-Fi and Substack. They're ridiculously close. And let's just say I've done far less work--and have a much smaller following--on KF and SS. MUCH SMALLER. But it's quality, not quantity that wins the race, methinks. Cheers and thanks for the brainstorm.
Can't you just use a third party to process your payments like PayPal? I use my debit card to pay for my online adventures and this is the first I've heard about them censoring what we can purchase.
Substack partners with Stripe which has almost identical rules for publishers. They’re more than happy for customers to use their cards wherever, but most credit card companies and processor have strict rules about nudity these days. Not sure how truly adults-only sites do it, but I’m happy on Substack so I’m adjusting my direction…a bit. :-)
Completely agree with D Bangtson. Will continue to be a loyal follower and for all who appreciate the art that is the male form, I hope we don’t lose too much of the full nudes — erotic and beautiful, they’re not porn. Especially love how you find all types of men from all time periods, in all types of situations. Don’t let anyone restrict your talent.
Thanks, Bruce. If full nudes are your barometer of my creativity, I fear you’re going to be disappointed too. I can’t win this battle and frankly prefer focusing on faces and torsos if need be. At least they aren’t trying to apply YouTube’s ridiculous “sexually gratifying” standard. Cuz wtf does that even mean. I’ll continue featuring all kinds of guys from all kinds of periods in as close to fully exposed as possible. That’s the best I can do. Cheers.
Sorry Clint, did not mean to imply that at all. Was just appreciating the full breadth of what you’ve been posting. Take care and happy new year!
I'm a bit disappointed to hear of this change. I had been feeling like you were drawing your lines pretty much where I would have wanted you to do, or at least what I expected you would do. I hate it that other organizations or businesses think it is OK to tell you how to run yours and to tell me what it is OK for me to view and what is not. I plan on staying with you, of course. But, at the same time, I hope that some day we can return to the point where we had recently been, which I thought was perfect.
Ya know Clint, I think you’ve caught onto something. I love what you’ve been posting, but at times, I’ve wondered what is the story, is there a story. Does he (you) spend all his time poring x-rated photos or does he have real creativity in him. Let me answer by saying I’ve already seen real creativity and enjoyed it. At the same time, you might be able to be even more so if you slow down a bit and give your heart a chance to soar. Go for it!
Hi, Walt…you’re not alone in wondering wtf I’m doing. I mostly know, but it’s a bit like a Jackson Pollock painting: open to interpretation. I do a lot more than just pore over beefcake and porn. I genuinely have some subtle storylines in mind in these montages. Most of even the most “manly” guys are sweet and tender. Few are what we’d call toxic avengeners today. As for slowing down, 2024 was a make-it-or-break-it-year in a lot of ways. I think the worst of that is behind me…thanks to the generosity and support of patrons like yourself. Also, I’ve been “in training” for this kind of work my whole life…so it’s less a job and more a vocation. It brings me a lot of joy to share these videos. I hope it shows. Cheers!
Clint, I loved this line, beautifully written: "Slowly but surely, I’ll be turning the thermostat down a notch—not to dampen the fire, but to channel the heat more thoughtfully."
Thanks, Miles. I try to find some moments of beauty in the midst the rest of my smartass-ness. Cheers!
Your work is very much appreciated and I always look forward to what you post. Thanks for having the guts to do what is meaningful to me and those who watch Collide - a great -place to see what we find beautiful in men, something that just is not available on the open net.
May the NEW YEAR be even better and productive for you!
Happy New Year to you, Allen...and thank you! I'm a stubborn old sod who hates being told what I can and can't do...especially by bots. Not sure I'd be doing this if they told me I couldn't. Silly bots, being a dick if for those with dicks. lol Cheers
I'm no prude; I came out in San Francisco in the early 1970s and was a world-class slut. As we all know, the internet is flooded with dick picks, and porn of all kinds. I actually prefer the dick-free pics of beautiful men that you curate and post on YouTube and--aside from the full-frontal Greco-Roman style living statue types--I find the interesting, dick-free pics of men more compelling. I'd prefer the Substack posts stick to the dicks, and keep YouTube with wonderful examples of men of all sorts compelling men, baring skin or not, while not "forcing" me to look at dicks first instead of faces and attitude first, as YouTube asks of you to post. I like being able to chose to dick or not, to YouTube or Substack. The two different approaches satisfy me the best.
Thanks for all the amazing curation you do. Each approach stimulates me in unique ways. I'd like having them both!
And you are amazing, Clint!
Hi, Nik! Thanks for sharing your preferences and thoughtful comments. I too prefer to focus on the faces and photos. As I’ve been rethinking my approach, I’m leaning towards having only posing straps and cropped photos here on Substack. Technically, nudity is a no-no with the payment processor, though I do my best to do it in the spirit of art. So YouTube will stay as is—it FINALLY ain’t broke lol—and I’ll be adjusting things here on Substack. Just a tad. Still going to do posts that link out to spicier material.
If YouTube hadn’t been so hellbent on striking me for sharing links to my photo sources, I might not have explored Substack as much as my home base. But they did and I’m kinda glad they did. Because creating and curating on Substack feels a lot more personal.
So the plan—for now—is less (or no) full monties and more focus on the mugs these men have. Some are truly stunners. A few are so gifted below the belt it detracts from their above the belt beauty. Some guys have all the luck! I’m one of them…but not for those reasons. :-p
I dislike posing straps as much as I do the freakishly sucked-in stomachs of overly-muscled (IMO) body builders. I DO LIKE dicks, Clint. I even have a nice one. Hate to see the disappear altogether, but I do understand the Pay Bosses. (sigh)
If I might be so bold as to throw my two cents in...
- I'm rather fond of erections but they certainly are not why I subscribe.
- Body builders are works of abstract art for me so posing straps have the least impact there, IMO.
- Regular guys with regular bodies doing G-rated things in the buff draw me in.
- Regular guys striking poses from famous works of art (paintings, statues) run a close second.
It seems to me the last two above constituted most of your NSFW pics when you started here. Maybe move in that direction again? Think of the pics some of us (including me) have described as 'wholesome'.
Random thought: On YT there are 3 or 4 vids taken at a couple of museums that feature male nudes. There's no blurring or censoring. Maybe use those as a guide for what falls into the category of 'art'. I'll try to remember where I saw them.
Thanks for the suggestions. Turns out I misunderstood how the credit card folks feel about nudity, so I’m trying to be proactive. YouTube’s ridiculous policies against “sexually gratifying” content led me to push the boundaries a bit too much for my own tastes. Not a lot but enough that I want to be proactive and course correct before it becomes a problem. I hope you’ll continue enjoying my work. I know I enjoy your comments. Cheers and Happy New Year’s. 🥂
Doing the best I can. Thanks for understanding.
Clint, needless to say, but you are--first and foremost--a sensitive and artistic man. Necessarily, that means you are "out of step" with the population as a whole. I have a sense of trust with you; you do not pander to the least common denominator. I say, trust your instincts and keep your readers and subscribers in mind as you move forward along the path that seems best for you and your enterprise. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
Whatchu talkin bout, Willis? Me, sensitive? Nahhhhh. lol
Okay, guilty as charged…but I try to be thoughtful too. Appreciate your vote of confidence an words of encouragement. Cheers!
No problem. I have pondered your thought process that includes that image of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis sharing a shower 🚿. Not pandering but definitely new way to consider them.
So I’m not the only one who remembers those photos? Don’t know if I’ve mentioned it, but my understanding is there’s not a lot of subtext to those photos. They were taken for a fan magainze. Two male friends on their day off kind of thing. They chose to go to the baths…in an era there wasn’t any connotation about such a visit. There are several shots, including them in a sauna with other guys. No biggie. Just dudes relaxing…and letting it all hang out. Like we sometimes do. :-)
IIRC, there're a bunch more photos like that. I also recall seeing the same such pics of one or two other famous duos.
I grew up at the very end of that time where 'letting it all hang out' was barely noticed. What was noticed and regarded as EXTREMELY 'straight girl' feminine was anything that even hinted at an attempt to hide your body. Seriously, the best way to hide some aspect of your body was to flaunt it.
A different definition of a "more innocent time". Thank you for cluing me in on your thought process.
You got it, Martin. I’m not intentionally obtuse, I just try not to insert my knowledge about the subects or the photos…it lets the audience make up their own story. Or do their own research. I’m always fascinated to learn what new things some find out—or already know—about certain images. Fascinated I tell you! :-)
Our own experiences and reactions are the best. We don't need any CNN or Fox & Friends telling us what to think and how to react. Grrrr.
Go Clint! Youtube and its labyrinth of freaky restrictions can bugger off. You seem to be doing just fine here on substack. If I'm not mistaken your growth has been phenomenal in a relatively short time. Soldier on and who knows how far you'll go. Can you imagine what your return might be if you reach 30,000 to 50,000 subscribers? And, given your level of committment, it's totally feasible! Best wishes for a successful and Happy New Year!
Awwww, thanks, D.C. At this slow and steady rate, it might be awhile, but I’m hoping to be around to see it happen. Cuz Substack is where my creative heart is, frankly. I show up excited every morning to write the newsletter and maybe post more. Can’t always say that about YouTube. Not because of the followers/subscribers, but because of the platform. 2024 has been a year of change…and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of focus. Wishing you and yours the best!
Clint, it's a fine line you have to tread and thank goodness not one I have to walk. Yes YT is the more easily lucrative and accessible Chanel but as you/we know there are plenty of potholes along that path. SS is more open/optimistic for your creativity but it's still a 'niche' Chanel to most. It's not so easy to be a grazer/watcher to make numbers on. So, for me I can/will support both your outlet's as best I can and leave the decision making to you. It could be beneficial to understand the path to YT (and other SM) services for having to take the line they are now taking. From my UK perspective the SM especially TikToc industry wasn't regulated and got too free anything goes. General media played into the political cesspool for readership scoring (knee jerk reacting) So hence the SM have self regulated to avoid the politics. I'm sure there are better ways to describe events but it's my POV. Cheers DougT 🇫🇴
You've got much of the story, Doug, from my POV. But you've also given me an idea to do an end-of-the-year post about censorship in 2024. How we got there, from my POV.
As for lucrative, I was more than a little surprised to learn--after running the numbers last week--that YouTube has earned me a little less than Ko-Fi and Substack. They're ridiculously close. And let's just say I've done far less work--and have a much smaller following--on KF and SS. MUCH SMALLER. But it's quality, not quantity that wins the race, methinks. Cheers and thanks for the brainstorm.
✔️ Go Clint go I'm cheerleading you on
❤️
🌈✌️