Well, I donated/sold sperm several times when I was in grad school -- it did help complement the scholarship (which wasn't always paid regularly - I sometimes would have had to stay weeks without two coins to rub together, if it weren't for these activities and the largesse of some of my friends), and that was my main motivation. I admit there was some pleasure involved, but hey, there was no need to go to a clinic for that.

Did I ever think about helping people who couldn't have children? Hell, yes, I did, though I'll admit the idea of helping people would not have sufficed: without the monetary incentive, I wouldn't have done it. I thought to myself: there's nothing shameful in what I'm doing, I am getting paid and this will help, and maybe someone will be happy by getting a baby. (I even remember hoping it would be a couple of lesbians who'd take my cells. One of my best friends is a lesbian; her relationship with her gf has already last 15 years, and they seem very happy. I liked to fantasize that I could be helping them to get a baby. Or perhaps another couple like them, since, as far as I know, they don't want a baby...)

Did I ever wonder about what happened to any possible descendants of mine, roaming through America? Yes, I did. But frankly, it's a very theoretical thought. I might want to know who they are, but I don't think I would feel anything special for them. At least I think so; I don't know how I would react in real life if it happened. Would the women here feel more deeply concerned if they had donated/sold eggs?

It's funny, I always thought sex was simply fun, and a damn good way of getting to know a person. Values and interests are another one, conversations are great -- don't get me wrong, I encourage them all the way. But there's something about the intimity of sex that simply allows you to see certain parts of a person's soul that remain hidden behind the image that s/he wants to project.

If there is one thing that I am afraid about 'too much sex', it is that people may all eventually learn how to play the social image game also in bed. So that we'll all be coached in how to act so as to project the 'lover image' we want to project, rather than be ourselves, and let another human being see that.

In that sense, I fully agree with those who thank Ms Clark-Flory for her disclosure. I don't think she's commodifying herself, I don't think she's 'turning herself into a whore' or losing touch with the real goals of feminism (which, I agree, must become human-ism or equalism if its goals are to be reached). Even if her story were not true -- some people here doubt that -- it still makes a point: that sex is a way of evaluating people and getting to know them. Besides being a damn good sport in and of itself!

Some have criticized the possibility that a 24-year-old person might have something to say about relationships. Hm, I don't think her point was that she already 'knows it' and can tell everybody what to do in order to achieve the best relationship. Frankly, I don't think 80-years-old know that either. Human psychology hasn't really progressed so far as to answer such questions; why should Ms Clark-Flory? What she is doing is sharing an experience, providing an argument for her position, defending a lifestyle choice. And I say: great! These are all good things. I don't see how someone could disagree with that, even if their own lifestyle choices are different.

Personally, I have learned things from 10-year children (no, not sex tips!) that were wise and profound, and I have heard shallow stupidities said by 70-year-olds (if you don't believe me, you should listen to my mother-in-law talking about international politics). I take wisdom where I find it. And I see some wisdom in what Ms Clark-Flory wrote, also some pretty good points and some pretty good arguments. If you want to discuss them, fine. If not... that's your prerrogative.

I hope you'll offer good arguments.