From: steve@rtfm.mlb.fl.us (Steve Pierce)
Subject: REC.NUDE Frequently Asked Questions, Part I of II
Followup-To: poster
Summary: Questions (and their answers) frequently asked on rec.nude.
         Posted monthly on the 1st of each month.
Supersedes: <nudefq1_9209010000@rtfm.mlb.fl.us>
Organization: We don't need no stinkin' batches!
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 1992 03:11:43 GMT
Expires: Sun, 1 Nov 1992 05:00:00 GMT

Archive-name: nude-faq/part1
Version: 2.1
Last-modified: 1992/09/04

Additions marked by + in column 1.  Modifications marked by | in column 1.

Frequently Asked Questions on rec.nude, part I of II

    1. What is rec.nude?
    2. What does CO, thong, etc. mean?
    3. Why nude recreation?
    3A. But isn't it illegal?
    3b. Isn't nudity sinful?
    4. Won't I offend someone?
    5. What is the difference between a naturist and a nudist?
    6. What if I (a male) get an erection?
    7. But doesn't nudity equate with sexuality?
    8. Does one go naked all the time?
    9. I just had surgery and have a scar.  What will people think?
   10. Where can I find a CO beach/resort near me?
   11. What should I take with me when I visit a nude beach or resort?
==============================================================================
  1. What is rec.nude?
     REC.NUDE is a forum for discussion of clothing-optional (CO) recreation -
     beaches, hot springs, clubs, parks, resorts.  Topics include location and
     directions of CO areas, legal status, relevant news items, and etiquette.

     REC.NUDE is NOT a place to pick up someone.  Harassing/threatening mail or
     posts are not desired or condoned.  See question 7 (and its answer). Flames
     may be directed to alt.dev.null.

  2. What does CO, thong, etc. mean?
     ASA - American Sunbathing Association.
     Bulletin, The - ASA's publication.
     Canuding - canoeing in the nude.
     CCBN - Central Council for British Naturism.
     CO - Clothing-Optional.
     FCN - Federation of Canadian Naturists.
     IMO/IMHO - In My (Humble/Honest) Opinion
     INF - International Federation of Naturists.
     N - Nude & Natural magazine, published by The Naturist Society.
     NAC - Naturist Action Committee.
     Naturist - see question 5.
     NIFOC - Nude In Front Of Computer.
     Ob[xxx] (e.g. ObNude, ObBeer) - Introduces an on-topic statement following
                                     an off-topic statement.  "Ob" comes from
				     the word "Obligatory".
     Thong - in this newsgroup refers to G-String style swimwear.
     TNS - The Naturist Society.
     Top-free - naturist preferred term for what is commonly referred to as
                topless (topless has gained undesirable connotations from
                association with strip bars).

  3. Why nude recreation?
     Some would retort, "Why not nude recreation?"  A more informative answer
     would point out that most naturists wear dress only when appropriate.

     If it's 20 degrees and a blizzard outside, wearing clothes makes quite
     a bit of sense!  Conversely, it makes little sense to go to the beach
     to "take the sun" and then cover some of the body with itty-bitty little
     strips of synthetic (or even natural) cloth.

     The feeling of the sun, wind, and water on your body brings you closer
     to the surroundings around you.  Not having to worry about sand and salt
     in clothing adds to your recreation (of course, wise use of sunscreens
|    still applies here, as much as on a clothed beach).

     When you add to this the growing body of knowledge from researchers and
     sportswear industry leaders that dysfunctional dress - too tight or skimpy
     swimwear - is damaging to health, it becomes clear that nude recreation
     is the logical choice in many situations...

  3A. But isn't it illegal?
     ...even with all this evidence, it boggles the mind as to why many laws
     exist on the books to this day which mandate the use of bathing costumes;
     even laws which do not apply to nude recreation are being mis-applied
     to innocent skinny dipping or sunbathing.

     Although there are no U.S. Federal laws prohibiting nude recreation on
     Federal lands except at Cape Cod, concurrent jurisdiction became the catch
     phrase in the early 1980s, allowing state and local laws to be enforced by
     park rangers, Bureau of Land Management officers, and the like.  This
     insidious encroachment onto Federal turf raises Constitutional questions
     and allows state and local jurisdictions to limit or eliminate altogether
     many traditional sites suitable for clothing-optional recreation.

     Western Europe is generally more tolerant, especially of top-free bathing.
     Areas in public parks are specifically set aside for the purpose of CO
     recreation.

     In light of all this, you've got to believe that naturism has much to
     offer if its participants brave legal and physical barriers to partake.
     Try it, you'll like it!

  3b. Isn't nudity sinful?
     Plenty of naturists find no contradiction with their religious beliefs,
     Christian or otherwise -- in the US, The Naturist Society has a Special
     Interest Group called "All-Together Christians".  The perceived danger
     is that it leads the weak to sexual temptation.  Naturists just want 
     Puritanical evangelists to not make judgements that affect their lifestyle.

  4. Won't I offend someone?
     "Offense"...the age old question (intent v. action).

     Offense is in the mind of the beholder, true.  But, legal questions turn
     on intent; actions by themselves do not imply that offense will
     automatically follow.

     If a man intentionally exposes himself to the proverbial little old lady,
     there is clear intent to do harm; the man knew that he would elicit a
     negative response from the little old lady and intended to do so by his
     actions.

     However, if a group of people are skinny dipping and have demonstrated a
     concern for others by either trekking to a remote area or using a tradi-
     tional or designated (managed) area, then there is clearly no intent to do
     harm.

     This is why naturists continue to press for management rather than
     banishment; naturists would get the same treatment as other taxpayers
     and complainers need no longer complain.

  5. What is the difference between a naturist and a nudist?
     Some people will tell you nothing.  Some people will spell out the
     difference in great detail.  There is little difference in the two terms
     as espoused by the American Sunbathing Association and The Naturist
     Society, the U.S.'s two largest CO organizations.   Americans have been
     arguing the point since at least the 1930s, while Europeans seem to have
     little problem using the terms interchangeably.  Most "naturists" feel a
     closeness with the outdoors and are sometimes termed "beach people".  Most
     "nudists" tend to participate in social nudity via resorts, camps, and
     other similar settings, and they tend to practice social nudity for its
     own sake.  "Naturists" tend to be more active in their pursuit making sure
     that clothing-optional recreation is always available.

     NOTE:  Some naturists/nudists do not participate in social nudity, and
     some do not have or desire to have any "political" associations with
     organized naturist/nudist groups.  Some people who espouse naturist/nudist
     philosophy don't like the labels.

  6. What if I (a male) get an erection?
     Most males get erections.  Now for the news: these natural occurrences in
     most cases are periodic and predictable.  Erections occur periodically
     during sleep and as the result of internal stimuli (slam a cup of coffee
     and wait...).

     They also occur naturally as the result of external stimuli meeting
     particular notions of sexuality.  Since each male has different criteria
     for being aroused, it is difficult to assert that this erection was caused
     by that stimulus.

     This problem occurs far less frequently you might think.  Nude recreation
     is just not that much of a sexual situation for most participants.

     As in any social setting, the Golden Rule applies.  If you get an erection
     at a nude beach or other social nude setting, you and the group you are 
     with are the best judges as to whether or not it is appropriate. Naturists
     generally yield a bit of elbow room to avoid making you feel uncomfortable;
     you should use your judgement to avoid making them feel uncomfortable.  If
     necessary, take a swim or roll over for a short while.  In any case, just 
     use common sense and be considerate.

  7. But doesn't nudity equate with sexuality?
     This hot potato receives much discussion.  Many naturists believe that the
     connection arises artificially in a society where many people see the
     opposite sex nude only in sexual situations.  Suffice it to say that the
     practice of naturism and the pursuit of naturist values and philosophy
     allows one to place sexuality into its natural perspective,

  8. Does one go naked all the time?
     No.  That's why the term "clothing-optional" exists.  Clothing has its
     purposes - warmth and protection.  Many naturists feel more comfortable
     wearing some clothing while participating in active sports and there are
     some activities that require one to wear protective clothing while par-
     ticipating in them.  But many activities - swimming, especially - can be
     much more comfortable and enjoyable without the confinement of clothing.

     NOTE:  As stated earlier, wise use of sunscreens is advocated, as is the
     use of hats, and yes, even T-Shirts to shade/cover yourself to keep from
     getting too much sun.

  9. I just had surgery and have a scar.  What will people think?
     Naturists preach body acceptance.  Being nude means having nothing to hide.
     There is no perfect body and naturists come in ALL shapes, sizes, ages, and
     colors.  Some have scars from surgery, some are confined to wheel-chairs,
     some are overweight, some are too thin, some have tatoos and other body
     adornments, and some are "handicapped" by being normal :-).

 10. Where can I find a CO beach/resort near me?
     This question is always welcome in rec.nude.  Part II of this FAQ gives
     some sources for finding out some of this information, but the readers
     of rec.nude are generally pretty willing to give the latest information,
     also.  Remember, when writing to a naturist/nudist club/resort for
     information, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the reply.

 11. What should I take with me when I visit a nude beach or resort?
     Take a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, two towels (one to sit on), sandals,
     sunglasses, and water to drink.  It is also a good idea to have something
     to read, something to eat and something to play with (like a volleyball or
     frisbee or your tennis racquet).
===============================================================================
  This information is a compilation of the FAQ that existed before I took over,
  material gleaned from nudist/naturist publications and of course, mail and
  postings from rec.nude.

  Corrections, additions, postive comments/critisims and updates should be
  addressed to:

     steve@rtfm.mlb.fl.us

  See also the periodic postings concerning organized naturist and nudist groups
  and other information.  These will usually go out monthly at the middle of the
  month and are set to expire when the next batch is due out.

  Relax and enjoy, naturally!
-- 
======================================================================
Steve Pierce             Palm Bay
steve@rtfm.mlb.fl.us     Florida
      Space Coast Naturists, PO Box 560086, Rockledge, FL 32956-0086