Tom's Cafe history / Split

[Iolaus]

Others know much more than me, but what you've said seems accurate to my understanding.
Is it worth mentioning the sad and untimely passing of Tom and the demise of the forum since?
Also, could Bravehearts be confused with the forum of that name? not sure what info is relevant in your talk, hope it goes well, make sure you wear the kilt for it :-D

The very next paragraph is going to be mentioning kiltmen.com, with their by-line "Bravehearts in Kilts Against Trouser Tyranny," as well as XMarks and their focus on kilts exclusively.

Which brings up another point. I noticed that both sites are copyrighted starting in 2000. would it be correct to say that they are the two main sites that arose in response to the exodus?

...and of course I'll be wearing a kilt! (...A Utlilkit, but that's all I've got)

[GMan]

Another idea, is that you can contact WDP, the admin at kiltmen (and does at times post here) from either his kiltmen or PM here.

[The Wizard of BC]

Your best source for information on the early days of Tom's is our own Hamish.
He was there.

[Iolaus]

I haven't actually clarified exactly what I'm talking about, so for those who are curious...

My main emphasis in this speech is going to be about the renewed interest in wearing the kilt, how "Breavehearts" differ from the the other "skirt-wearers", and where the kilt has been seen in public - first on celebs, but extending that portion of the speech to include pics of everyday people in everyday situations like work and school.

I'm including a short history of the kilt's developement (great kilt, etc.) to provide some historical continuity, but mainly, I'm trying to convince a class of teen and twenty-somethings that a man wearing a kilt is not an aberration, but a representitive of a current social movement.

[highlander_Daz]

I never had any dealings with any of these aforementioned, I must admit as a traditionalist I dont like to mix the kilt up with boards that advocate the wearing of high heels purses or the lava-lava of Polynesia whatever that may be!!!

Ive nothing against men that want to wear womens attire, however its completly seperate issue than the kilt, as of course its a mans garment.

[Iolaus]

I've nothing against men that want to wear womens attire, however its completly seperate issue than the kilt, as of course its a man's garment.

Exactly my point. I want to deliniate the seperation of men's/women's garments in the minds of these college students.

[Raphael]

The original mission of Tom's cafe to have the 'Bravehearts' and the 'Freestylers' to have a common ground to meet and to discuss all the social challenges that every one faces when they are not in their pants.

The so called 'split' happened because Hank provided xmarksthescot.com as an alternative. Tom's passing accelrated the process. Also, Freestylers and lots of other Tom's cafe partons have different views in kilts. They see kilts are skirts and are fashion items. Most of them don't care the history and proper ways in kilt wearing. They tend to be more innovative and like to free of the bondages established by the traditions. Their main concern is dress the way they want, even tights under their kilts.

As for the social changes, I doubt that any website will impact how men should dress. Most men will check scores or porn first before viewing fashion pages.

If you are to talk about men's kilt fashion, you should also talk about how the metrosexual sense can help the fashion houses to include kilts to their clothing lines.

[Canuck]

The time I noticed the split was after the Million skirted men march in New York. The press featured a gentleman in skirt and high heels as well as a gent in a female skaters outfit. The majority of the marchers were in kilts led by a fife and drum corp wearing Utility kilts. The march was a hoot, lots of colourful kilts, tartans and plain. There were close to a hundred of us and about 15- 20 were "freestylers" First time I came across them...no big deal. Just the press made a big deal of it and the folks that did not participate ragged on the march and it got rather hot at the cafe. As mentioned before xmarks was just starting out and an invitation was sent out to the kilted folk to join. A lot of us just decided to take our beverages with us and sit down for a spell. Still looking for the potted palm with Hamish's table, and the pool...but this place is OK..LOL