Grindr: More than an iApp for instant gay trysts!
January 15, 2010 10:42 AM Subscribe
Grindr is an iPhone/iTouch app for that special kind of guy. Rather like bat sonar, Grindr pings nearby guys also using Grindr and shows your their pictures. Why, whatever for? “Turning those missed connections into real connections,” says the founder. (Keep it clean, boys! “We have censors who work 24/7 to review each profile.”) If all else fails, your augmented-gaydar app can block one of these “connections.” Enough fellas are doing so that the inevitable (Guys with iPhones–like) Tumblr has emerged: Guys I Blocked on Grindr (often NSFW; via).
Reminds me of a segment on the Daily Show a few years ago
posted by KokuRyu at 10:57 AM on January 15, 2010
posted by KokuRyu at 10:57 AM on January 15, 2010
msalt - When I was a kid we had no idea that was anything but a style accessory and oh boy...
posted by griphus at 10:59 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by griphus at 10:59 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Grindr. They had to call it Grindr.
posted by The Devil Tesla at 11:03 AM on January 15, 2010
posted by The Devil Tesla at 11:03 AM on January 15, 2010
"Size matters.
Hundreds of gay, bi, and curious men in your area are chilling out on Grindr. It’s easy to find a nearby guy in no time. Whether you’re in the mood for some casual IM chat, a hot hook-up, or a buddy to grab a drink with, Grindr makes it happen. Guys into other guys are just a quick download away. And with Grindr they’re also right around the corner—just waiting for you to show up."
Wow, fast food.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:04 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Hundreds of gay, bi, and curious men in your area are chilling out on Grindr. It’s easy to find a nearby guy in no time. Whether you’re in the mood for some casual IM chat, a hot hook-up, or a buddy to grab a drink with, Grindr makes it happen. Guys into other guys are just a quick download away. And with Grindr they’re also right around the corner—just waiting for you to show up."
Wow, fast food.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:04 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Also, the potential for rabid gay bashers to use this is truly terrifying.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:06 AM on January 15, 2010 [11 favorites]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:06 AM on January 15, 2010 [11 favorites]
I find Grindr fascinating. What I particularly like about it is that there's nothing gay-specific in the software, or even sex-specific. It could equally well be used by mothers looking for playmates for their children, or Star Trek fans looking for someone to drink a beer with. The only reason it's a gay thing is the name and the existing community. I wonder if they have alternately branded versions of the app?
I ran Grindr for awhile in my place in San Francisco. The same 16 skanks always showed up on my page, seemingly logged in 24/7.
posted by Nelson at 11:07 AM on January 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
I ran Grindr for awhile in my place in San Francisco. The same 16 skanks always showed up on my page, seemingly logged in 24/7.
posted by Nelson at 11:07 AM on January 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
For as long as technology has existed, male libido has seemingly always been there hanging out in the shadows quietly asking, "How can I use this to get off?"
posted by Rhomboid at 11:08 AM on January 15, 2010 [15 favorites]
posted by Rhomboid at 11:08 AM on January 15, 2010 [15 favorites]
Stephen Fry talks about Grindr on Top Gear.
posted by zsazsa at 11:08 AM on January 15, 2010 [11 favorites]
posted by zsazsa at 11:08 AM on January 15, 2010 [11 favorites]
For that special kind of guy? Seriously?
What makes them special? Their fabulous interior decorating skills? Their ability to style hair? Their impeccable fashion sense?
Or are you implying that they ride the short bus to school?
I'm not sure I understand why you didn't just say "gay" or "queer" or "faggot".
*meanwhile, downloads Grindr for his iPod Touch*
posted by hippybear at 11:08 AM on January 15, 2010 [7 favorites]
What makes them special? Their fabulous interior decorating skills? Their ability to style hair? Their impeccable fashion sense?
Or are you implying that they ride the short bus to school?
I'm not sure I understand why you didn't just say "gay" or "queer" or "faggot".
*meanwhile, downloads Grindr for his iPod Touch*
posted by hippybear at 11:08 AM on January 15, 2010 [7 favorites]
What would Jesus grind? That is indeed a question I ask myself, though I often confuse grinding with blending, so I'm actually thinking of the Son of God being in possession of an industrial blender and some time to kill. Idle blades are Jesus' plaything, I always say.
I like the fact that the handkerchief code page on wikipedia currently has an image of Paul Bunyan's painted concrete ass (file titled "Paul Bunyan is gross.jpg", possibly because he's the "Insertive partner" in an anal fisting couple, at least according to the wiki examples)
posted by filthy light thief at 11:08 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
I like the fact that the handkerchief code page on wikipedia currently has an image of Paul Bunyan's painted concrete ass (file titled "Paul Bunyan is gross.jpg", possibly because he's the "Insertive partner" in an anal fisting couple, at least according to the wiki examples)
posted by filthy light thief at 11:08 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Sweet, now we need haptic gaydar. You wear a special t-shirt that buzzes in the direction a nearby user is standing, and you both sort of home in on each other all Highlander style.
posted by adamdschneider at 11:10 AM on January 15, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by adamdschneider at 11:10 AM on January 15, 2010 [5 favorites]
Stephen Fry on Top Gear talking about Grindr
posted by juv3nal at 11:10 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by juv3nal at 11:10 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
When did vowels become second class letters?
I'd like a version of this that pings for self-identified right wingers so I can better ensure missed connections. (plus an iPhone please kthxbai)
posted by Babblesort at 11:11 AM on January 15, 2010
I'd like a version of this that pings for self-identified right wingers so I can better ensure missed connections. (plus an iPhone please kthxbai)
posted by Babblesort at 11:11 AM on January 15, 2010
Whenever a dating-type topic comes up, I'm so, so thankful I'm already married. Now this post has also made me thankful that not only am I not trying to navigate the dating scene, I don't have the additional complication of having to keep it secret and/or ferret it out of other people trying to keep it secret.
posted by DU at 11:14 AM on January 15, 2010
posted by DU at 11:14 AM on January 15, 2010
No "gaydar" tag?
posted by GuyZero at 11:16 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by GuyZero at 11:16 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
DU: I'm not necessarily sure that this kind of cruising is about "keeping it secret". In any given population, only 5-10% of the men are likely to be same-sex interested, perhaps a bit more if the active bisexuals get in on the action. This leaves a huge proportion, to be conservative let's say 75%, of the population which would find same-sex contact unwelcome. And even in our modern, new millennium day and age of 2010, there is a portion of that population which will react to knowing they are the object of same-sex interest much more negatively than with a handshake, a laugh, and a "no, thank you."
Perhaps this is what you mean by keeping it secret -- that gay men don't want to approach "the wrong type" with their interest because it has historically been a threat to their safety?
posted by hippybear at 11:20 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Perhaps this is what you mean by keeping it secret -- that gay men don't want to approach "the wrong type" with their interest because it has historically been a threat to their safety?
posted by hippybear at 11:20 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
I'm not sure I understand why you didn't just say "gay" or "queer" or "faggot".
I've been noticing this myself, recently, when someone over on AskMe said "...playing for the other team", in a really matter-of-fact sentence, rather than just say "gay".
posted by muddgirl at 11:21 AM on January 15, 2010
I've been noticing this myself, recently, when someone over on AskMe said "...playing for the other team", in a really matter-of-fact sentence, rather than just say "gay".
posted by muddgirl at 11:21 AM on January 15, 2010
Grindr? I don't even know her!
posted by greekphilosophy at 11:22 AM on January 15, 2010 [8 favorites]
posted by greekphilosophy at 11:22 AM on January 15, 2010 [8 favorites]
Metafiltr: when did vowels become second-class?
posted by e.e. coli at 11:24 AM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by e.e. coli at 11:24 AM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Guys into other guys are just a quick download away.
Heh. heh heh. He said "quick download".
posted by msalt at 11:24 AM on January 15, 2010
Heh. heh heh. He said "quick download".
posted by msalt at 11:24 AM on January 15, 2010
What's with the weird skull on the splash page?
posted by electroboy at 11:27 AM on January 15, 2010
posted by electroboy at 11:27 AM on January 15, 2010
No "gaydar" tag?
I believe the correct term is "The Homometer".
posted by bicyclefish at 11:29 AM on January 15, 2010
I believe the correct term is "The Homometer".
posted by bicyclefish at 11:29 AM on January 15, 2010
Perhaps this is what you mean by keeping it secret -- that gay men don't want to approach "the wrong type"...
Right.
posted by DU at 11:30 AM on January 15, 2010
Right.
posted by DU at 11:30 AM on January 15, 2010
No Android version?
That's sad. And oddly ironic.
posted by MrVisible at 11:33 AM on January 15, 2010
That's sad. And oddly ironic.
posted by MrVisible at 11:33 AM on January 15, 2010
Also, the potential for rabid gay bashers to use this is truly terrifying.
Yeah, this will end in tears. From the second link: "He receives frequent emails from satisfied customers and has seen Grindr in use in dozens of countries, including Iran, Israel and Kazakhstan."
posted by hermitosis at 11:44 AM on January 15, 2010
Yeah, this will end in tears. From the second link: "He receives frequent emails from satisfied customers and has seen Grindr in use in dozens of countries, including Iran, Israel and Kazakhstan."
posted by hermitosis at 11:44 AM on January 15, 2010
Also, the potential for rabid gay bashers to use this is truly terrifying.
Though the terror is ameliorated somewhat by the thought of two bashers posing as interested parties unknowingly encountering into each other, with possible erotic outcome (they're all just repressed, don't ya know).
posted by exogenous at 11:51 AM on January 15, 2010 [8 favorites]
Though the terror is ameliorated somewhat by the thought of two bashers posing as interested parties unknowingly encountering into each other, with possible erotic outcome (they're all just repressed, don't ya know).
posted by exogenous at 11:51 AM on January 15, 2010 [8 favorites]
I believe the correct term is "The Homometer".
Is that pronounced HOmo-meter or ho-MOM-muh-ter?
posted by electroboy at 11:51 AM on January 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
Is that pronounced HOmo-meter or ho-MOM-muh-ter?
posted by electroboy at 11:51 AM on January 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
As Ed Helms will tell you (unless you live in Canada), it's ho-MOM-meh-ter.
posted by bicyclefish at 11:55 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by bicyclefish at 11:55 AM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Somewhere out there a "Law and Order: SVU" writer is alone in a bar drinking himself into a whiskey coma and muttering "Grindr. Why couldn't I have come up with that name and plot device?!"
posted by cmonkey at 11:57 AM on January 15, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by cmonkey at 11:57 AM on January 15, 2010 [4 favorites]
I think a homometer would tell you the intensity of gayness in your area, not inform you of specific points of gayness. Gaydar is the right tag, here.
posted by 3FLryan at 11:58 AM on January 15, 2010 [7 favorites]
posted by 3FLryan at 11:58 AM on January 15, 2010 [7 favorites]
No Android version? That's sad. And oddly ironic.
Okay I give up. Why is that ironic? Do more gay people have Androids for some reason? Or because Google is based in the Bay Area?
posted by roll truck roll at 11:58 AM on January 15, 2010
Okay I give up. Why is that ironic? Do more gay people have Androids for some reason? Or because Google is based in the Bay Area?
posted by roll truck roll at 11:58 AM on January 15, 2010
Why couldn't I have come up with that name and plot device?!
It's always headlines -> Law & Order, not the other way around. Expect to see an episode about "GrindMore" anytime.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:01 PM on January 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
It's always headlines -> Law & Order, not the other way around. Expect to see an episode about "GrindMore" anytime.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:01 PM on January 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
Expect to see an episode about "GrindMore" anytime.
I thought they used the real names for things on that show and that's what made it edgy or whatever. Didn't they have an episode about Cuddleparty where they called it Cuddleparty?
*I've never seen any form of Law and Order, as far as I know.
posted by roll truck roll at 12:03 PM on January 15, 2010
I thought they used the real names for things on that show and that's what made it edgy or whatever. Didn't they have an episode about Cuddleparty where they called it Cuddleparty?
*I've never seen any form of Law and Order, as far as I know.
posted by roll truck roll at 12:03 PM on January 15, 2010
*phew*
Of course, naturally, I had to scroll through 59 pages of Guys I Blocked on Grindr just to make sure that I wasn't on the gay version of People of Walmart.
The good news: I'm not on there. The bad news? Oh god there's so much bad news...
posted by greekphilosophy at 12:03 PM on January 15, 2010 [12 favorites]
Of course, naturally, I had to scroll through 59 pages of Guys I Blocked on Grindr just to make sure that I wasn't on the gay version of People of Walmart.
The good news: I'm not on there. The bad news? Oh god there's so much bad news...
posted by greekphilosophy at 12:03 PM on January 15, 2010 [12 favorites]
Stephen Fry on Top Gear talking about Grindr
I enjoyed that very much.
posted by jessamyn at 12:03 PM on January 15, 2010
I enjoyed that very much.
posted by jessamyn at 12:03 PM on January 15, 2010
It's an interesting (and charmingly direct) app. I'm not interested in cruising- to each his own- but it would be very nice to know if that cute guy that held a door open and smiled at you is just being friendly or if he's being friendly friendly and, yes, would want to get to know you better over a cup of coffee later at a nearby diner. Cue Google Places app!
But I've got a Droid, so meh.
posted by kryptondog at 12:04 PM on January 15, 2010
But I've got a Droid, so meh.
posted by kryptondog at 12:04 PM on January 15, 2010
Okay I give up. Why is that ironic? Do more gay people have Androids for some reason?
Main Entry: andr-
Variant(s): or andro-
Function: combining form
Etymology: Latin, from Greek, from andr-, anēr; akin to Oscan ner- man, Sanskrit nar-, Old Irish nert strength
1 : male human being
2 : male
posted by kittyprecious at 12:10 PM on January 15, 2010
Main Entry: andr-
Variant(s): or andro-
Function: combining form
Etymology: Latin, from Greek, from andr-, anēr; akin to Oscan ner- man, Sanskrit nar-, Old Irish nert strength
1 : male human being
2 : male
posted by kittyprecious at 12:10 PM on January 15, 2010
Curse you, sciurus! Curse you to guysiblockedongrindr!
posted by kittyprecious at 12:11 PM on January 15, 2010
posted by kittyprecious at 12:11 PM on January 15, 2010
Yes, it was a strained etymological pun.
And not one, but two people jumped in to explain it before I could.
God, I love Metafilter.
posted by MrVisible at 12:13 PM on January 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
And not one, but two people jumped in to explain it before I could.
God, I love Metafilter.
posted by MrVisible at 12:13 PM on January 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
"For that 'special kind of guy'? Seriously?"
Indeed. OverlyprecociousFilter.
If I didn't suspect that JoeClark was gay and overly sensationalistic, I would find this to be offensive, rather than merely purile.
posted by markkraft at 12:22 PM on January 15, 2010
Indeed. OverlyprecociousFilter.
If I didn't suspect that JoeClark was gay and overly sensationalistic, I would find this to be offensive, rather than merely purile.
posted by markkraft at 12:22 PM on January 15, 2010
I guess I'm going to have to amend myself a little bit and tell you randy kids not TO GET OFF ON MY LAWN.
posted by WolfDaddy at 12:23 PM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by WolfDaddy at 12:23 PM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
>: Yeah, this will end in tears. From the second link: "He receives frequent emails from satisfied customers and has seen Grindr in use in dozens of countries, including Iran, Israel and Kazakhstan."
Oh jeez. It's not like Iran hasn't used Web 2.0 to crack down on undesirables already.
This is no better than handkerchiefs already. If you know what you're looking for, you're going to see it- if you're a good guy or a bad guy.
posted by dunkadunc at 12:28 PM on January 15, 2010
Oh jeez. It's not like Iran hasn't used Web 2.0 to crack down on undesirables already.
This is no better than handkerchiefs already. If you know what you're looking for, you're going to see it- if you're a good guy or a bad guy.
posted by dunkadunc at 12:28 PM on January 15, 2010
What's up with their goalie mask logo? This app is creepy enough.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:28 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:28 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Yet another awesome idea for an iPhone app hindered by the lack of background processes.
How does this even work... potential targets would have to be scanning for each other actively and at the same time, no? I mean if you're out cruising, you don't want your game to be directed at your phone the whole time. Wouldn't you rather be targeted by a gentle vibe in your front pocket?
posted by butterstick at 12:34 PM on January 15, 2010
How does this even work... potential targets would have to be scanning for each other actively and at the same time, no? I mean if you're out cruising, you don't want your game to be directed at your phone the whole time. Wouldn't you rather be targeted by a gentle vibe in your front pocket?
posted by butterstick at 12:34 PM on January 15, 2010
There's that hilarious scene in "Shortbus" where Ceth (that's not pronounced Keth... promise), is using his Yenta 650 to find himself a match. He's distracted while he wanders through Shortbus, until he finally bumps into what his gaydar is pointing him toward. Not, apparently, what he's looking for...
But yeah, what's up with the logo? I've wondered that for a while. Someone should Ask MetaFilter.
posted by greekphilosophy at 12:39 PM on January 15, 2010
But yeah, what's up with the logo? I've wondered that for a while. Someone should Ask MetaFilter.
posted by greekphilosophy at 12:39 PM on January 15, 2010
Grindr? HA!
I happen to know precisely where they got the name for this app - and it's absolutely perfect. Their tagline should be "looking for meet." That particular name for that particular app - so fitting it's ridiculous. Heh.
posted by koeselitz at 12:40 PM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
I happen to know precisely where they got the name for this app - and it's absolutely perfect. Their tagline should be "looking for meet." That particular name for that particular app - so fitting it's ridiculous. Heh.
posted by koeselitz at 12:40 PM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
How long until us Google Phone users get a port? They could call it Mandroid oh my god I'm so sorry
posted by en forme de poire at 12:47 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by en forme de poire at 12:47 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Didn't they have an episode about Cuddleparty
Never having heard of this I had to look it up. I have to say that the What Is It? and What Happens? sections sounded more like a meeting of Rotarians or Chamber of Commerce types than people who wanted to change into their jammies and have a group hug. And they take two hours of introductions and rules before they get down to it! My god, I'd be asleep.
posted by binturong at 12:55 PM on January 15, 2010
Never having heard of this I had to look it up. I have to say that the What Is It? and What Happens? sections sounded more like a meeting of Rotarians or Chamber of Commerce types than people who wanted to change into their jammies and have a group hug. And they take two hours of introductions and rules before they get down to it! My god, I'd be asleep.
posted by binturong at 12:55 PM on January 15, 2010
butterstick: Just jailbreak your iPhone and the background process problem is solved.
posted by Moonster at 12:55 PM on January 15, 2010
posted by Moonster at 12:55 PM on January 15, 2010
butterstick: if you get a vibration in your front pocket, why would you then need a hookup?
WolfDaddy: if we shut off our Grindr apps, you won't even know we're ON your front lawn.
posted by hippybear at 12:56 PM on January 15, 2010
WolfDaddy: if we shut off our Grindr apps, you won't even know we're ON your front lawn.
posted by hippybear at 12:56 PM on January 15, 2010
[I mean, come on. As far as Judas Priest songs go, the whole "I am looking for men to have sex with, whoops I mean 'I am looking for beasts to wrestle with'" thing was a pretty common theme, but "Grinder" is a strong contender for the most overt gay cruising anthem Rob Halford ever wrote. "Never straight and narrow?" A chorus about how he's looking for meat, and he wants to eat you? It's all just incidental enough to slip past the average homophobic metal-head, but by the time Rob starts talking about how "I refuse to bait my man-trap," it ought to be pretty clear to any close observer what's going on. Awesome song, too, by the way.]
posted by koeselitz at 1:01 PM on January 15, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by koeselitz at 1:01 PM on January 15, 2010 [4 favorites]
Wasn't there a little device that was newsworthy in Japan a few years back that would glow different colours and chime and otherwise behave very kawai when it sensed other similar devices in range?
posted by clvrmnky at 1:12 PM on January 15, 2010
posted by clvrmnky at 1:12 PM on January 15, 2010
MetaFliter: The same 16 skanks always showed up on my page, seemingly logged in 24/7.
MetaFilter: The gay version of People of Walmart.
posted by kirkaracha at 1:29 PM on January 15, 2010 [7 favorites]
MetaFilter: The gay version of People of Walmart.
posted by kirkaracha at 1:29 PM on January 15, 2010 [7 favorites]
Nick Cave's side project a few years ago was called Grinderman, and their single was 'No Pussy Blues'.
You can make your own joke here.
posted by K.P. at 1:32 PM on January 15, 2010
You can make your own joke here.
posted by K.P. at 1:32 PM on January 15, 2010
I feel like I need a pin that says "I MAY OR MAY NOT BE INTERESTED IN SEX WITH YOU RIGHT NOW, YOU CAN TOTALLY TALK ME THO.:
posted by The Whelk at 1:54 PM on January 15, 2010
posted by The Whelk at 1:54 PM on January 15, 2010
I feel like I need a pin that says "I MAY OR MAY NOT BE INTERESTED IN SEX WITH YOU RIGHT NOW, YOU CAN TOTALLY TALK ME THO.:
mattdidthat in 5, 4, 3...
posted by roll truck roll at 2:11 PM on January 15, 2010
mattdidthat in 5, 4, 3...
posted by roll truck roll at 2:11 PM on January 15, 2010
Holy crap. I live in a small town, and on firing up Grindr for the first time saw two people I know: one is married (to a woman, his childhood sweetheart), the other is no surprise, but definitely not out to his friends.
Good job I'm not a blackmailer, I guess.
posted by a little headband I put around my throat at 2:27 PM on January 15, 2010
Good job I'm not a blackmailer, I guess.
posted by a little headband I put around my throat at 2:27 PM on January 15, 2010
For that special kind of guy? Seriously?
yeah, I'm not sure what's up with that, either.
also, that stephen fry thing is wonderful.
posted by shmegegge at 2:40 PM on January 15, 2010
yeah, I'm not sure what's up with that, either.
also, that stephen fry thing is wonderful.
posted by shmegegge at 2:40 PM on January 15, 2010
The Guys I Blocked on Grindr site was pretty entertaining, but what was wrong with Thundercats Man? He looks pretty fun-loving and outgoing. Probably the type who livens up a dying party with nothing more than a Debbie Harry CD and some body paint.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 2:46 PM on January 15, 2010
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 2:46 PM on January 15, 2010
Grindr? I don't even know her!
Surely, for this gag to be makeable, the app would have to have been called "Grindm". (Also it would have to be the Catskills in 1954.)
posted by No-sword at 3:00 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Surely, for this gag to be makeable, the app would have to have been called "Grindm". (Also it would have to be the Catskills in 1954.)
posted by No-sword at 3:00 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also, the potential for rabid gay bashers to use this is truly terrifying.
Nah, just needs a rating system.
A++++++ GRINDR WOULD GRIND AGAIN.
posted by jimmythefish at 3:26 PM on January 15, 2010
Nah, just needs a rating system.
A++++++ GRINDR WOULD GRIND AGAIN.
posted by jimmythefish at 3:26 PM on January 15, 2010
A++++++ GRINDR WOULD GRIND AGAIN.
I have heard friends drunkenly pine for such a system "Looks awkward but can go for hours, A+!" or "Short and spotty but actually really great, would bone again!"
posted by The Whelk at 3:59 PM on January 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
I have heard friends drunkenly pine for such a system "Looks awkward but can go for hours, A+!" or "Short and spotty but actually really great, would bone again!"
posted by The Whelk at 3:59 PM on January 15, 2010 [3 favorites]
Surely, for this gag to be makeable, the app would have to have been called "Grindm". (Also it would have to be the Catskills in 1954.)
Or we could invent this new literary device - it would be hilarious and verge on absurdist - we would make comments that are exactly the opposite of what the audience expects. It would catch them off guard. Or make them think. Either way, it would be hilarious. Now we just need a name for it. I'm not coming up with anything, and I need to go force the wrinkles out of some clothes for a wedding tomorrow. Let me know if you come up with anything.
posted by greekphilosophy at 4:57 PM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Or we could invent this new literary device - it would be hilarious and verge on absurdist - we would make comments that are exactly the opposite of what the audience expects. It would catch them off guard. Or make them think. Either way, it would be hilarious. Now we just need a name for it. I'm not coming up with anything, and I need to go force the wrinkles out of some clothes for a wedding tomorrow. Let me know if you come up with anything.
posted by greekphilosophy at 4:57 PM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
this guy doesn't appear to know the difference between t'en revendre and ton revanche and so what should be "I want your love and I want your revenge" (a straightforward Bad Romance quote) becomes "I want your love and to resell you" and I have no idea how to parse that.
posted by heeeraldo at 5:07 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by heeeraldo at 5:07 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
*phew*
Of course, naturally, I had to scroll through 59 pages of Guys I Blocked on Grindr just to make sure that I wasn't on the gay version of People of Walmart.
The good news: I'm not on there. The bad news? Oh god there's so much bad news...
Now I'm doing the same thing. And oh god, my eyes.
posted by spitefulcrow at 6:25 PM on January 15, 2010
Of course, naturally, I had to scroll through 59 pages of Guys I Blocked on Grindr just to make sure that I wasn't on the gay version of People of Walmart.
The good news: I'm not on there. The bad news? Oh god there's so much bad news...
Now I'm doing the same thing. And oh god, my eyes.
posted by spitefulcrow at 6:25 PM on January 15, 2010
"Grindr. They had to call it Grindr."
Koeslitz already beat me to the Priest meat. Grrrrinder!
posted by klangklangston at 6:44 PM on January 15, 2010
Koeslitz already beat me to the Priest meat. Grrrrinder!
posted by klangklangston at 6:44 PM on January 15, 2010
Now I'm doing the same thing. And oh god, my eyes.
A lot of the blocked Grinders are not unattractive. Sure, there are the 'yes this person obviously has problems/is of a distinctly different social circle/way old' but a lot the guys are ok looking, but I guess that's coming from a guy who's into gals who's extrapolating what gals might find attractive.
posted by porpoise at 8:19 PM on January 15, 2010
A lot of the blocked Grinders are not unattractive. Sure, there are the 'yes this person obviously has problems/is of a distinctly different social circle/way old' but a lot the guys are ok looking, but I guess that's coming from a guy who's into gals who's extrapolating what gals might find attractive.
posted by porpoise at 8:19 PM on January 15, 2010
There's a lot of gay dudes out there. Yet I'm in here. Hrm.
posted by Avenger at 8:27 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Avenger at 8:27 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
klangklangston: “Koeslitz already beat me to the Priest meat. Grrrrinder!”
I beat you to the meat? My friend, the trouble with listening to Priest is you start doing this without even realizing you're doing it.
posted by koeselitz at 8:51 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I beat you to the meat? My friend, the trouble with listening to Priest is you start doing this without even realizing you're doing it.
posted by koeselitz at 8:51 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
I know this guy. He's incredibly smart, sweet, funny, and sexy.
posted by ethnomethodologist at 9:30 PM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by ethnomethodologist at 9:30 PM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
One of the cool things about the Internet is that for pretty much anyone out there, no matter how unconventional or untrendy, there's likely someone out there who is going to find them attractive; and it's a neat thing that there's a more efficient way to get them together. Casual sex is a (most often, I think) positive human connection. (And more of it couldn't hurt; my theory on neoconservatism is that it's a bunch of guys who can't get head--I mean, look at its leaders.)
I think it's sad to make fun of people for it, posting their pictures and such, out of the context and purpose for which they are intended. It's like puritanical public shaming dressed up in hipster clothes.
posted by troybob at 9:42 PM on January 15, 2010 [6 favorites]
I think it's sad to make fun of people for it, posting their pictures and such, out of the context and purpose for which they are intended. It's like puritanical public shaming dressed up in hipster clothes.
posted by troybob at 9:42 PM on January 15, 2010 [6 favorites]
What you point to - sadly - ethnomethodologist (and absolutely correctly) is that Guys I Blocked on Grindr suffers from a failure to distinguish between "hot messes" on the one hand and "gay guys who just don't fit the mold" on the other hand.
But this is really not a shock to me that the gay hivemind can be/is cruel and vain and not particularly good at getting intelligent humor or appreciating people who don't look like Abercrombie models. Gay on gay crime is alive and well, and I'm sure we all know it either by experience, observation or - if we're being really honest - perpetration. And in the end, to some degree, we probably know all those angles. But I agree. I was sorry to see people submitted/blocked whose only transgression appeared to be "not looking like an Aberzombie."
I was actually surprised that someone hadn't put my profile up there because my humor verged on creepy for a little while. (I think I was saved by the fact that I'm living 30 miles outside Houston making it unlikely that I'd be noticed.) My profile said, "Like those guys on the Internet your mother warned you about, I'm just here for the headless torsos." (If you've seen the app in action, you'll be aware that 85% of posted pictures are headless naked torsos.)
But judgmental gays aside, GIBoG is home to some catastrophes!! The straight guys are at once terrifying, curious, infuriating and pitiable. And some of the random thing these boys say under the freedom of the anonymous Internet! Yeesh!
posted by greekphilosophy at 10:14 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
But this is really not a shock to me that the gay hivemind can be/is cruel and vain and not particularly good at getting intelligent humor or appreciating people who don't look like Abercrombie models. Gay on gay crime is alive and well, and I'm sure we all know it either by experience, observation or - if we're being really honest - perpetration. And in the end, to some degree, we probably know all those angles. But I agree. I was sorry to see people submitted/blocked whose only transgression appeared to be "not looking like an Aberzombie."
I was actually surprised that someone hadn't put my profile up there because my humor verged on creepy for a little while. (I think I was saved by the fact that I'm living 30 miles outside Houston making it unlikely that I'd be noticed.) My profile said, "Like those guys on the Internet your mother warned you about, I'm just here for the headless torsos." (If you've seen the app in action, you'll be aware that 85% of posted pictures are headless naked torsos.)
But judgmental gays aside, GIBoG is home to some catastrophes!! The straight guys are at once terrifying, curious, infuriating and pitiable. And some of the random thing these boys say under the freedom of the anonymous Internet! Yeesh!
posted by greekphilosophy at 10:14 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
A couple of years ago, a friend who's an iPhone developer had a GPS-based project that died, and was at loose ends. I encouraged him to create something like what this Grindr thing is, but to no avail.
posted by darth_tedious at 10:59 PM on January 15, 2010
posted by darth_tedious at 10:59 PM on January 15, 2010
This guy is my favorite so far. When I do my modernized version of Mystery Date, I'm totally including him.
posted by taz at 11:08 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by taz at 11:08 PM on January 15, 2010 [1 favorite]
also, what's wrong with Aaron? Aaron is adorable. Is it because he says "single again"?
posted by taz at 11:11 PM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by taz at 11:11 PM on January 15, 2010 [2 favorites]
Stephen Fry on Top Gear talking about Grindr
Great, now I have to buy an iPhone just to check if Stephen Fry is near me at any given time.
posted by The Whelk at 11:38 PM on January 15, 2010
So, the guy who blocks people on Grinder doesn't like
- women or men who look like them
- old dudes
- asians
- fat dudes
- facial hair
- whimsy
- dudes who look like psycho axe murderers
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 11:43 PM on January 15, 2010
- women or men who look like them
- old dudes
- asians
- fat dudes
- facial hair
- whimsy
- dudes who look like psycho axe murderers
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 11:43 PM on January 15, 2010
So, the guy who blocks people on Grinder doesn't like
- women or men who look like them
- old dudes
- asians
- fat dudes
- facial hair
- whimsy
- dudes who look like psycho axe murderers
Cross out the last one and you've got a good picture of what the mainstream gay club set doesn't like.
posted by The Whelk at 12:07 AM on January 16, 2010
- women or men who look like them
- old dudes
- asians
- fat dudes
- facial hair
- whimsy
- dudes who look like psycho axe murderers
Cross out the last one and you've got a good picture of what the mainstream gay club set doesn't like.
posted by The Whelk at 12:07 AM on January 16, 2010
The comments on the iTunes app store page for Grindr are mostly negative. Supposedly it "chews battery" and crashes a lot.
posted by evil_esto at 12:08 AM on January 16, 2010
posted by evil_esto at 12:08 AM on January 16, 2010
my profile says something to the effect of "please don't start your chat with just one word", and i continuously get a "hey" or "sup" or "yo". problem is, someone can double-tap a photo and go straight to chat, bypassing the self-description.
mainly, i just want to brag that i'm not on "guys i blocked on grindr". don't hate me.
posted by clyde at 1:36 AM on January 16, 2010
mainly, i just want to brag that i'm not on "guys i blocked on grindr". don't hate me.
posted by clyde at 1:36 AM on January 16, 2010
I'm sure dozens in this thread alone have asked this, but... why only gay? Why not be able to set your gender identity and what gender identities you're looking to sleep with?
posted by tehloki at 7:11 AM on January 16, 2010
posted by tehloki at 7:11 AM on January 16, 2010
Koeslitz already beat me to the Priest meat. Grrrrinder!
I can tell that I move in slightly different circles, because I read this and didn't go Judas, but instead went here.
posted by hippybear at 7:44 AM on January 16, 2010
I can tell that I move in slightly different circles, because I read this and didn't go Judas, but instead went here.
posted by hippybear at 7:44 AM on January 16, 2010
Clyde, anyone else who uses grindr.. Does it get you laid? And have you met anyone there that's become a friend?
posted by Nelson at 7:49 AM on January 16, 2010
posted by Nelson at 7:49 AM on January 16, 2010
I've used ...similar services, mostly back when I was in college, and I've met a few now friends of various intensity from them.
That being said, if I just wanted to get laid, going to a bar was much easier.
posted by The Whelk at 8:06 AM on January 16, 2010
That being said, if I just wanted to get laid, going to a bar was much easier.
posted by The Whelk at 8:06 AM on January 16, 2010
No Android version? That's sad. And oddly ironic.
those three guys in the continental US who can't participate now are gonna be pissed.
this looks like the guy put everyone on his site. or is there another project where he adds those he doesn't ostracize?
posted by krautland at 8:34 AM on January 16, 2010
those three guys in the continental US who can't participate now are gonna be pissed.
this looks like the guy put everyone on his site. or is there another project where he adds those he doesn't ostracize?
posted by krautland at 8:34 AM on January 16, 2010
This app can and will get you laid. That said, it still works best if you are in a major city. Where it's... easier to get laid!
But to be fair, I'm AWFUL at picking someone up out at a bar or whatever. (And I'm a drunk so I really shouldn't be frequenting bar anyway!) So it is useful for me to be able to be witty and fun on Grindr and not have to figure out the whole bar hookup thing.
I've met friends on there also - people not looking for sex. For example, I met another flute player who lives nearby and we're getting together to jam once I'm done with the bar exam. That is actually where it shines out here in suburbia. Those of us trapped in suburbia can find each other much easier.
(As for what is wrong with Aaron, I think it is that he's holding a monkey. Which I think is adorable and hilarious. But I'm kinda quirky like that.)
posted by greekphilosophy at 10:23 AM on January 16, 2010
But to be fair, I'm AWFUL at picking someone up out at a bar or whatever. (And I'm a drunk so I really shouldn't be frequenting bar anyway!) So it is useful for me to be able to be witty and fun on Grindr and not have to figure out the whole bar hookup thing.
I've met friends on there also - people not looking for sex. For example, I met another flute player who lives nearby and we're getting together to jam once I'm done with the bar exam. That is actually where it shines out here in suburbia. Those of us trapped in suburbia can find each other much easier.
(As for what is wrong with Aaron, I think it is that he's holding a monkey. Which I think is adorable and hilarious. But I'm kinda quirky like that.)
posted by greekphilosophy at 10:23 AM on January 16, 2010
Why not be able to set your gender identity and what gender identities you're looking to sleep with?
UserName:
Age:
Kinsey Score (1.00-6.00):
posted by msalt at 10:32 AM on January 16, 2010
UserName:
Age:
Kinsey Score (1.00-6.00):
posted by msalt at 10:32 AM on January 16, 2010
greekphilosophy, I always think these things work better in the suburbs cause you don't have big meeting places and it's an excuse to chat. Like a good 70% of the time I used to spend on Sites Like Those where just ..chatting, cause I liked their profile quote or something. Slutmachine bartalk worked better to actually get pants off, but I rarely saw those guys again. On the internet and I ended up making friends with a lot of people, some internet-only, others not, one now my closest friend, and in a romantic comedy twist of fate - two of my exes -whom I was still good friends with - both moved to Chicago at the same time and met each other and then both e-mailed me WITHIN MINUTES OF EACH OTHER to say "Whelk, I met this great guy tonight..."
Which is a long way of saying I'm like gay nerd Kevin Bacon.
posted by The Whelk at 10:45 AM on January 16, 2010 [4 favorites]
Which is a long way of saying I'm like gay nerd Kevin Bacon.
posted by The Whelk at 10:45 AM on January 16, 2010 [4 favorites]
I met another flute player who lives nearby and we're getting together to jam once I'm done with the bar exam.
One of the things I'll miss most with the evolution of gay rights is this brand of cute euphemism for man-on-man action.
posted by troybob at 10:55 AM on January 16, 2010 [4 favorites]
One of the things I'll miss most with the evolution of gay rights is this brand of cute euphemism for man-on-man action.
posted by troybob at 10:55 AM on January 16, 2010 [4 favorites]
We're going to play Baron Von Priapus' "Duet für Two Skin Flutes."
posted by greekphilosophy at 11:01 AM on January 16, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by greekphilosophy at 11:01 AM on January 16, 2010 [2 favorites]
As for what is wrong with Aaron, I think it is that he's holding a monkey.
Well at least he isn't spanking it.
(For the record it's an ape, not a monkey:-))
posted by binturong at 2:02 PM on January 16, 2010
Well at least he isn't spanking it.
(For the record it's an ape, not a monkey:-))
posted by binturong at 2:02 PM on January 16, 2010
…"where u at?"
No, you had me at "here's a pic".
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 7:29 PM on January 16, 2010
No, you had me at "here's a pic".
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 7:29 PM on January 16, 2010
Oh, for people who were wanting a non-gay version of this?
There seems to be UrbanSingles. I think that's what you're looking for.
posted by hippybear at 9:29 PM on January 16, 2010
There seems to be UrbanSingles. I think that's what you're looking for.
posted by hippybear at 9:29 PM on January 16, 2010
I just said "gender identity" so nobody could call me a transphobe or something
posted by tehloki at 7:40 PM on January 18, 2010
posted by tehloki at 7:40 PM on January 18, 2010
There seems to be UrbanSingles. I think that's what you're looking for.
Went to the root URL, and wow, what's up irritating autoplaying fullscreen video!
posted by adamdschneider at 10:15 AM on January 19, 2010
Went to the root URL, and wow, what's up irritating autoplaying fullscreen video!
posted by adamdschneider at 10:15 AM on January 19, 2010
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posted by msalt at 10:55 AM on January 15, 2010 [10 favorites]