15th November 2008

And VOTE 1 Tom

5 September 2008

Hi All

As you can see, I’ve still not mastered the art of responding individually and also showing to everyone what I’ve written. Maybe next month! Anyway, I’m off on holiday tomorrow so I thought I’d at least try and respond this way.

To Bob who asks about a cruise area. The WHOLE Peel is a cruise area, but prob not in the way you would like it. The venue HAS to evolve, and we’re now going to head back to things like THROB etc instead of regular type ‘cruise’ areas.

Daniel – You would like Male Box. So would we! We’re working on a way that involved new technology instead of pieces of paper.........please be patient. – But thanks for reminding me!

Crystal, Trav & Martine – Your right! – “Management!!!” where are the new photos????? Do I REALLY have to deal with EVERYTHING myself!

Robert, you ask about swapping the dance floors. Love, we have in the past, and it simply didn’t work. We HAVE to cater to the majority, and especially those who drink as we don’t have a cover charge. It turns out that the queens who like a more disco, camper style music drink more. God bless them!

Matty – Do you REALLY think our drinks are expensive? Compared to where? Remember, we have no cover charge love. As for more house music – I agree – whinge at the DJ!

Wendy – My poor, poor love. You ask when the Peel will close. I would love to say “very soon”. I honestly would love it if places like the Peel didn’t have to exist. It would be great if gay guys could go to almost ANY venue and freely and safely express their sexuality without any dramas. Until then, I’m afraid we’ll be open. Sorry.

Joey – Our lovely security company is “Bodyguard Security” - Ask Abdul for details.

Dan – The next Suds foam party will be SOON!!

Dan 2 – You really want me to start singing again??? Oh, ok then. I don’t need to be coaxed too much!

Thanks again for all you feedback guys – It REALLY IS appreciated –
Tom

8/8/2008
Hi Everyone

Firstly, for those of you who wanted a quicker response, I’m sorry. I haven’t quite mastered the ‘how to respond’ part of the site – and I’m still getting lessons!

It IS my intention to actually try and respond to each individual (if they’ve left their email address), however, until in the meantime, I’ll say this:

I want to encourage open dialogue and received feedback about my venue. I promised myself that I would not vet comments or questions. However, having now read through all of the comments up to this point, I am saddened that some people are using this open facility to have a go at my staff. That simply is not fair. Have a go at me if you wish, have a go at my venue, have a go at my policies. I will respond to all comments. However, if anyone wants to make a serious and qualified comment or complaint about staff then contact me direct. Do NOT use this space just to show the world how much of a bitchy queen you can be – especially anonymously! From now on, anonymous and/or unsubstantiated comments about my staff WILL be deleted.

Anyway, back to the real stuff......

1. Steve the straight guy who likes to kiss girls. Mate, I am happy that you’re comfortable and feel welcome at The Peel. However, it is the comfort of the gay guys that is my priority. Some of them don’t like to see straight people ‘thrusting’ their sexuality in a gay space. As I’ve always said, we welcome everyone.....but just remember where you are! Can you imagine some queens kissing in Young & Jacksons? Most gay people wouldn’t do it out of respect for the venue and for the straight people in the pub who would probably start to feel uncomfortable.

2. Patrick. Sorry we’ve got nothing special planned for Madonnas birthday – unless she decides to visit us of course – then I’ll find an old bottle of sparkling spumante or something.

3. Ian – Upstairs is about to go through a little transition. Hopefully, just after New Year, we’ll have a laid back lounge area for those who like to enjoy late night drinking and socialising without the ‘night club’ type atmosphere. The area will have its’ own entrance and style, as well as its’ own music and door policies.

4. The person who asked about cover charges...... The Peel is still committed to having no regular cover charges. This is despite drastic increases in fees such as APRA & the PPCA. To the best of my knowledge, no other late night venue offers what we offer without asking you to pay to get in. That’s why sometimes I often encourage some people to go elsewhere if they are unhappy with what we offer.

5. Like many of you, I too miss the good old day of when Throbs were all the rage and our Foam parties literally made the headlines. It IS our intention to bring back many of the events that helped make The Peel the icon that it is.

6. It is only in the last few months that the long term security and future of The Peel has been sorted out. As some of you know, The Peel has been through some dramas over the last few years, and without boring you all with the finer points of it all, it’s been a bit of a roller-coaster! However, it is with confidence that I assure you all that the best is yet to come. We can never replace the good times of the past. They where moments in time when WE as individuals where different; the scene was different; and society was different. But you know what, let’s make NEW good times – together.

Hopefully by the next time I respond to you all, I’ll be doing it properly.......xx

PS – To the bitchy queens – grow up!