Q:) Why does your site say HIV so much in large graphics?

A:) Before, I had non HIV+ people posting ads to my various services such as dating and pen pal ads. Now its to hard to miss this fact that I provide HIV/AIDS web sites.

Q:) Why are you not a charity or organization? Are you not allowed this status?

A:) I do not plan on becoming an organization. I have had local groups accuse me of trying to steal needed money when I asked (ex:  ACT Toronto; the biggest ORG that helps almost anyone POZ in GTA) for information on becoming an organization as I had funding waiting (all I needed to do was get registered as a charity) for me at the Trillium Foundation. Because of negative response and attacks from local community HIV/AIDS help centers, I have decided not to even try as I am sure this will make bonds with other groups even weaker. I now plan to become a business and sell goods online to try to cover expenses (but I never have the time to set up anything, here's a site I started 6 months ago http://poz.ca/123shop and might be done in a year at this rate).

*** I will never try for funding again, these days (being HIV+ myself) I BELIEVE THAT ALL FUNDING/GRANTS MONEY SHOULD GO TOWARDS CREATING VACCINES AND THE CURE!

Q:) Why is your web sites so red? Is this to remind us about our infected blood? Do you just like red? Is it because of the red ribbon? Why?

A:) Actually, I live in Canada and I originally had my sites for Canadians. I used to delete non Canadian ads and postings. But I got harassed by the rest of the world so now I do not claim to be a Canadian Only web site. I will be redesigning pages as I get the spare time (might be awhile as this is a one man show).

Q:) Are you HIV+ or do you have AIDS?

A:) Yes, diagnosed early 1997 with HIV. I had no symptoms, I got tested only because I had a wedding date planned with my now exfiance. I quit school (Electronics Engineering) after finding this out (tried to go back, but my student loans went to credit agency when I was homeless for a stint and I cannot get another student loan, plus my credit is ruined).

Q:) Are you a certified counsellor?

A:) No I am not a counselor. I am just a simple HIV+ male stuck at home in my little cramped basement apartment (trying to avoid the mildew as it infects my lungs). I would love to take a course, but I cannot afford this. I could not even afford the public transportation costs. I cannot get a student loan. I cannot do it, I guess you need money to be accepted in this society (LOL, of course you need money!).

Q:) I looked into setting up a web site like your HIV search engine. I found a programmer and a database admin team who said they could make a site similar for $75,000. You claim you receive no money from any where except you disability check (850+ Canadian dollars), how is this possible to create such a project?

A:) I am the programmer (I spent 2 years teaching myself most aspects of personal computers) , I am also the database administrator. I saved myself about 50 thousand dollars at least by doing all the hours of programming! I do everything, editing, deleting, monitoring, upgrades, building computers, installing computers, trouble shooting, backing up, restoring, database creation, graphic design, HTML CGI ASP and PHP programming, web server admin, promotions, public relations, chat server admin, etc, etc.

Q:) How much money is in setting up HIV/AIDS web sites?

A:) Oh, lots, so far I have made -10,000 (that's a minus as in negative!). But all the great comments I get from users of my services is payment enough! I am used to not having money or no luxuries such as car, full fridge, spending money, savings, etc. I can go on much longer without any money earned too, I been doing this for almost 3 years now (never had 10,000 in a lump sum to buy stuff, that was buying a piece each month).

Q:) How much do you make off banners?

A:) To date, I have made $0.00. Most banners are for my own sites banner trading so I get to have banners on other sites. I run a few banners for free for HIV sites I admire. Many banners are for my own sites too.

Q:) Why did you set up all these support sites? Our local orgs think it's pushing the limits by setting up dating services and chat support.

A:) I set up these support services as most of the local organizations do not cater to all sexual preferences or races.  I myself do not want to discriminate, so I made services for everyone infected with HIV or AIDS, no matter skin color or sexual tastes (as long as they do not bash or harass my other members or me). Also, heterosexuals actually have some where to go now thanks to me (here in Canada, there are no HIV chats or heterosexual services, was one called Positive Straight Men, but they do not even have an office or web site now)! I have raised my voice locally and now I am discovering that these groups are becoming more open minded.

Q:) Why are you pimping HIV plus people?

A:) I am not pimping anyone. Relations ships are a healthy part of life, I am just bettering HIV individuals chances of finding a nice relationship. I am not selling sex or anything like that!

Q:) Should HIV people even be dating or  having sex?

A:) Why shouldn't they, there are effective ways to prevent transmission. They are only human. They should however notify (HIV or AIDS disclosure) their partners that they are HIV+ or AIDS status before engaging in any sexual or risky behaviors.

Q:) DaveyBoy, are you on medications?

A:) No. I am waiting until my CD4's are 300 or less. Some of the meds will cause complications with my heart (had open heart surgery in 1989, still need a pace maker) so I am waiting it out. So far I have not had major symptoms associated with HIV. I am not a NOT dissident either, just waiting until the "last minute".

Q:) You claim to be always broke, yet it sounds like it's all your sites that are too expensive. Why don't you shut them all down?

A:) Did Bill Gates give up? Never! I have a goal, and I will never give it up. How would I go about telling my 500+ members that I am giving up on them? Computers are my life, my hobby, my fun, I cannot just stop this now after putting 3 years of hard work into it. Why would you (ACT Toronto librarian Nikki) even suggest this to me?

Q:) Are you single? Is that why you have all these services to find a date for yourself?

A:) No! I have a happy relationship already.

Q:) How many employees do you have?

A:) None, I do EVERYTHING! I cannot even afford to pay someone for a day of work.

Q:) Are you really HIV+, or just lying to take peoples money?

A:) Yes, I am HIV+. Where on my sites do I ask for your money? Why would I lie about something like that? I have never accepted a donation! I have never made any money from HIV/AIDS patients or anyone else! I am just trying to help and meet others that are also affected/infected with HIV/AIDS.

Email questions to HIV.AIDS.POZ@GMail.com
or visit http://poz.msyte.com