Dear Readers,
When we started working on Oysters & Chocolate, we anticipated a lot of excitement. We hoped to have fun, discover new artists and writers; we wanted to create a beautiful site filled with sensuality and sexuality, and to have the opportunity to communicate with people from all over the world in all walks of life. Well, we're happy to say that three months into this project, all these wishes have been granted and more.
We've also received some reactions that we didn't quite expect. It has become very clear how much social taboo there is in our society in regards to sex. We had difficulty getting our store set up with merchants because they consider sites like ours to be "high risk". We've gotten correspondence from people assuming the worst about us, naming us as thieves and perverts among other things. We've had reactions from women ranging from jealousy to disgust to outright anger. It's been a wild ride and we're hanging on for dear life, because the positive aspects of working on Oysters & Chocolate far outweigh the negativity we have encountered.
We want to reiterate what we really stand for. We stand for empowering women with a sense of sensuality and sexuality. We want each woman we encounter to understand that her unique sexuality is a powerful force that when utilized makes her stronger and more vibrant. A woman's eroticism is not something that should be looked upon as dirty or embarrassing. A sexually awakened woman should not be looked upon as a slut or whore or any of those condescending, antiquated views.
We are for all women. Whether you're straight, lesbian or bi-curious, and whether you're a Dom or a sub, or you're just looking to spice things up with your boyfriend, we strive to have something for all of you. Our goal is to make sex both exciting and safe, no matter what you like or what you're looking for.
Oysters & Chocolate is about opening a dialogue between women, and allowing for sexual expression in a non-judgmental and supportive environment.
September is a very exciting issue and we hope you will find it as titillating as we do. In this issue Jordan gives tips about how to make a spicy sex life even spicier. Barnabus tells us if a good girl can be a bad girl too in The Book of Joe, and we have a wide range of incredible new authors who give us a peek into some very intense, erotic encounters.
Be sure to view our gallery filled with sensual artwork. We would like to give a very special shout out to artist Kathy Slamen who contributed five stunning photographs to this month's issue, at the very last second.
And finally, we encourage everyone to take part in our forum which has become a free speech area filled with some very though-provoking and downright exciting conversations.
As always contact us at any time to let us know how we can make Oysters & Chocolate a better experience for you.
With love,
Jordan and Samantha
Samantha & Jordan, your dedicated editors
Originally published September 2005 - "Sugar & Spice"