Backstage is Skout’s newest feature for iPhone users. Launched on December 7, Backstage allows you to upload photos to your profile BUT hides them until it’s unlocked.
What’s in it for you? For every person who unlocks your Backstage you will receive a fraction of the points earned. Put your popularity to test with this fun new feature!
Before anything you’ll need to update to the latest and greatest version of Skout, 2.9.0. If you haven’t already joined the craze then keep reading for I will guide you to the light…

To get Backstage:

Start at your profile
1. Click the Backstage Picture option
2. A pop up box will appear stating, Backstage. Your backstage is empty. Add pictures to your backstage, set your price and earn points.
3. Tap on the Add Pic icon then it will ask if you want to Take New Picture, Choose From Library or Cancel
4. If you elected to upload a picture then a pop up box will appear stating, Backstage Picture Posted. The picture will be reviewed by our staff and be visible in your backstage shortly. You can set your own backstage price on your profile.
Note: Backstage pictures must still be within Skout’s guidelines.
5. Wait to get approval. Once accepted you will get a notification stating, Your picture was approved
6. You can go ahead and Set Unlock Price
7. Price your Backstage pictures anywhere from 10 – 10,000 points. If you got awesome pictures I suggest you price that baby high! Remember, for every user who Unlocks your Backstage you’ll receive a portion of the points earned.
Note: You can change the pricing at any time.
8. Congrats, now you have Backstage! Users who Unlocked your Backstage can now rate it from 1-5 stars!

How do you know who has Backstage? Skouts using the Backstage feature will have a Yellow Star right under the green online dot.

Similar to Who thinks I am hot? and Who checked me out? Backstage will be available for only 24 hours upon time of purchase. This means IF the user you bought a pass for chooses to upload new pictures within 24 hours you can view it for no additional points!

Caution: Use Backstage at your own risk. There are no refunds if you suddenly discover that the pictures weren’t worth it.

Skouts, do you have what it takes to get a 5 STAR rating? You’ll just have to try it and find out. Comment below with your experience.

Good day,
Sheena

Pretty much self-explanatory, right? The holidays are fast approaching and it’s super easy to lose sight of what we’re really celebrating. So, let’s take 2 steps back and ponder over what we ought to be thankful for. Where do I start? This is actually harder than it sounds. Okay, here I go!

I am thankful for…

My support beams
AKA my family and friends for without their love and constant support I would probably be lost (literally, I’m bad with directions). In all seriousness, I’m a very family- oriented person and having them always on my side takes me a long way. They may be bug-a-boo’s and I may take them for granted from time to time but in the end they’re all I have. Now, make sure you go home and kiss your momma and tell her you love her!

Life
Yeah, I’m thankful for life! As we ALL should be. I’m just glad to be alive, breathing and in good health. Point blank!

My job
In this economy a J-O-B is pretty hard to come by so I’m totally grateful I’m employed. Better yet, I’m thankful I actually enjoy my job! I commute (on the train) for an hour and some minutes a day to and from just to be in the office. To some the duration might not seem too bad but for someone (me) who never worked more than 10-15 minutes away from home it’s a big deal! But, when opportunities come knocking you don’t just send them away like stray puppies. No, no, nooo! If you’re anything like me you’ll sneak them in for safe keeping.

I think those 3 things pretty much sum up what I’m thankful for this holiday season.

Now it’s your turn! Skouts, comment below with a few things you’re thankful for or just give a little shout-out to those that deserve thanks in your life!

Good day,
Sheena

P.S.
Remember to stop by our gift store to send your flirt a Thanksgiving gift! Roy the turkey is now FREE so go go go!

Skouts, we’re looking for some users to take part in our first evvvvver virtual focus group. Just answer a few questions about how you experience Skout and we’ll do the rest! So, here’s your opportunity to voice your opinions. Make it count! Comment below stating your interest along with the email address linked to your Skout account and I will contact you shortly OR make my life easier by clicking this link. –> Click here to take Skout’s Focus Group survey.

Thanks in advance.

Good day,
Sheena

I’ve missed you guys! Yup, you and you and mostly youuuuu! No worries, there’s enough love to go around all of Skout! It’s been a while since I’ve blogged but I’ve been a busy beeeee. As always I have a question to propose. Answer wisely but most importantly truthfully and we can possibly learn a little something from each other!

So, a few days ago I was at the movie theater watching a certain captain movie and I realized that my first official date was to watch a movie (I’m sure many others are on the same boat). I remember we bus’d it as far as we could then walked the rest of the way there. Ahhh, what I’d give to be a teenager again…those were the good ol’ days! We can’t possibly imagine doing that nowAdays, it’d just be way too complicating because with age comes responsibilities. Boooo!
Anyways, what I’m attempting to point out is that you’ll ALWAYS remember your first date! It’s could very much be a life changing event. Kinda. It’s just one of those moments you don’t forget so hopefully you made/going to make good decisions to help create those unforgettable memories. Hmmm, for those in a relationship…do you remember your first date?

As clichE as the idea of dinner and a movie sounds – it’s classic! Granted it is the safe and more traditional route but there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe, right?

Speaking of safe, if you meet someone on Skout, the first time you meet in person be sure to follow our safety guidelines: www.Skout.com/onlineSafetyTips.jsp

Skouts, let’s say things heat up with your flirt and you both agree to a date! Now what? What would YOU do or where would you go? Be realistic, please.

Good day,
Sheena

Planned maintenance for Saturday July 23 at 10 AM Pacific — shouldn’t take more than an hour — gotta put in lots of new machines to keep up with all our new members!

Nope, it’s not I LOVE YOU! It’s a little too soon for all that don’t ya’ think? Haha. The 3 little words I’m talking about are descriptions. Positive and not so positive attributes that describe Y O U!

I tried doing this myself and I was stumped! Therefore, I asked a good friend to do it for me. Yeah, I cheated but whatever! I just thought it would be interesting to hear his answer – caring, determined and strong…scoooooore! I smiled from cheek to cheek knowing I’m portraying myself in such a good light. Or maybe he was just being nice? It’s okay; I’ll take it for what it’s worth and nothing more.

Hmmm, wouldn’t it be nice if people walked around with a label that stated who they are in a nutshell? Hello, my name is_____. I’m ____, ____ and _____. Just like that. We’d save ourselves so much time attempting to figure them out! What a perfect world that’ll be…kinda. Haha.

For those of you with blank Skout profiles, maybe you could start by posting your 3 descriptions. Maybe it would help a bit? Just a thought!

Now it’s your turn.
Skouts, attempt to describe yourself in 3 words or simply ask someone to do it for you?
I’m eager to read your answers!

Good day,
Sheena

I Skout whenever I feel like it, damnit! Haha. You can Skout whenever and wherever your little heart desires, that’s totally up to you. But seriously, folks these days are attached to their phones so I wouldn’t be surprised with answers such as: in the restroom, on the bus, under the blanket, at the restaurant, while waiting in line, etc. No answer is too weird. I think?

As for me? I usually catch up on my Skouting in the mornings as I’m checking my emails, or towards the end of the night when I’m laying down all comfy in bed. Sometimes even mid day when I find myself with some free time. I admit I’m generally really bad at responding to my personal messages but I DO try my best to at least say HELLO! Anything after that initial hello is not guaranteed. Hey, I’m just being honest! Hahah.

Howevvver, I’m attempting to improve my response time so I decided to turn on my notifications! So now Skout will alert my phone if someone sends me a message. This will help decrease my lagggg in responding for sure. Woot woot! If you’re wondering how do I go about turning on the magical feature Sheena is talking about? Wonder no more, I’ve provided some illustrations below. I’m a visual learner and proud of it!

How to get Notifications on Skout for Iphone:

1. Go to Settings
2. Under Options press Notifications
3. Check whichever mode of Notifications you want: Email notifications or Push notifications (Instant alerts) or Both
4. Press Save Preferences

How to get Notifications on www.Skout.com:

1. Go to Settings
2. Check the box that reads Send notifications
3. Click Update notifications

Now, your notifications should be updated and all will be well. I hope this helps you as much as it helped me! You can thank me later. I insist.

Skouts, when and where do you usually Skout?

Good day,
Sheena

…You know what I’m talking about! Sooo, raise your hand if you ever had a photo session in your bathroom? **Raises hand** I admit it and I have NO shame in doing so! Hmmph! Hahah.

Don’t be embarrassed because everyone who is anyone has done it – from the stars in Hollywood to the girls next door and the boys across the street. Bathroom pixs are a pretty much a necessity in your profile; it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll find at least 1 shot. AT LEAST 1! It’s like a rite of passage into the social networking world.

The greatest thing about taking bathroom pixs is that it doesn’t even matter where the bathroom is OR who it belongs to! I’ve seen it happen before my very eyes. Hrmmm…drunken people at the club, out-of-towners at a restaurant, fans at a sporting event, girlies getting dolled up in a hotel, etc. The list can go on for days and that’s totally fine. The bathroom is just an attractive place to take pixs because it’s convenient. I mean the mirror is just right there…Regardless of the reason, I encourage it!

So, after numerous hours of research (not really) I was able to compile a list of quick tips to achieve the perfect bathroom pix.

IF your pictures are anything like the examples below, please keep reading…HAHAHAH!

You want to keep these factors in mind:

Clean your bathroom. You’ll look like a slob with your makeup, clothes and hair supplies on the sink, shelves and floor.

Wipe down your mirror. A blurred picture may mean you’re trying to hide your mug? Or that you’re uberly lazy?

Keep the makeup at a minimal. This applies to both sexes:
Guys, the guyliner thing is a big NO NO. This sends a message to us – are we gonna end up sharing makeup?
Ladies, NO clown makeup. Keep it simple and cute. You don’t want guys to think you’re high maintenance…yet.

Lighting Keep in mind how bright/dark the bathroom AND phone lighting is. Why you may ask? The lighting could unpleasantly modify your picture to make you look horribly pale and ghostly or orange-y like an umpa lumpa. Hahah! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!

Have (some) self respect. NO NUDITY. Not even a little. This means no crotch shots with clearly visible private parts. Yuck! Have some clothes on, please. It doesn’t have to be your Sunday’s best but certainly not underwear or skimpy lingerie. This will leave absolutely nadaaa to the imagination so keep those X-rated images for when you actually start chatting with someone you like. Deal?

TMI & Stuff. Absolutely NO on-the-toilet seat pixs. Gagggg. Do we really wanna see how you look when you’re using the toilet? It’s gross, useless and quite unattractive!

Show your face. Doesn’t this sound familiar? This lets us know that it’s actually YOU! There are way too many Body shots & faceless pictures out there, how can we not assume it’s NOT a fake? Proclaim that supernatural body (arms, abs, legs, hips, butt & so on) of yours by including that head of yours.

Ohhh yeahhh. Actually LOOK INTO THE MIRROR & NOT INTO YOUR PHONE. Youuuu-whoo! Your phone is obstructing our view of your gracious face. Also, remember to disconnect your phone from the charger before you take the picture – it’s distracting and unsafe? Hah.

Note: Before you post your picture for the world to see, ask yourself: How will the pix portray me? Would momma approve of this shot? Will I be embarrassed if this gets plastered all over the web?

Skouts, do you agree with my factors or am I missing some? What elements do we need to concoct the perfect bathroom pix? Be a sport and help out fellow users by adding your input.

Good day,
Sheena

P.S
“Like” this if you’re guilty of a bad bathroom pix! Hahah.

Ever wonder what that guy was thinking when you…? Well, wonder no more! Consider this a special blog because I’m letting a man share his opinions! Gasp! Hahah! I thought it would be interesting to co-write this with a friend and self proclaimed pro flirter, Philippe aka anonimus to give Skouts an insight to how women and men differ in their thought process. This could be quite useful for you hopeless flirts out there! He graciously agreed to let me pick his brain sooooo here we go! Feel free to comment with your thoughts & stuff.

Let the deliberation begin…

“Winks”

Sheena: I loathe winks! PERIOD! Call me a hater, call me what you will but I just think it’s effortless. Girls, are you with me?! If someone winked at me in public I’d mistake it for a twitch and laugh hysterically. Hahahah!

Philippe: We don’t mind winks at all in all reality it’s a show of interest for us… For women a wink is lazy and not thought out… For men it’s a show of interest and allows us to know that if we hit u up we’re likely to actually get a response haha most women are bad about responding back they think ignoring someone is the way to go. IT’S NOT!

Playing hard-to-get

Sheena: You wanna play games? Sure, bring out cards and have your money ready because that’s the only game I’ll play. I say ON TO THE NEXT. Who needs to be kept in the dark these days when there’s sooooo many other guys in this world. You snooze you lose, buddaaaay!

Philippe: It’s not so much playing hard to get that bothers us. It’s getting no response at all that pisses me off… women assume if they ignore a man it’s going to get their point across but it’s obvious it doesn’t… you have to be direct with us… kinda like a child… if you don’t tell us your not interested then men will continue until we have an answer..Blocking or reporting us is NOT the answer. Hahah.

P.S.
“Like” this and share it with your friends.
Much love!

How do you know if your flirt is into you? This is a tough question and the best answer I could come up with is…If they want to communicate outside of Skout. Consider yourself triumphant if you got the digits (phone number), a screen name ( instant messaging), an email address, a friend request on Facebook or Twitter, etc. If they wanna get to know you a bit more then they must be attracted to you, right?! Or am I wrong? I don’t know. You tell me!

Personally, I wouldn’t give out my private information until I know for a fact that this person is stable in the head, rational, not a creepy creeper, so on and so forth. It may take days, it may take months but I don’t give a rat’s arse! I need to be able to sleep at night knowing that I’m not dealing with a nutcase! Can ya’ really blame me?!

One thing that boggles my mind is how some people can nonchalantly post their phone number and email in their profiles…I just don’t understand!! HELP ME UNDERSTAND!! You might as well buy a billboard and post your home address for the entire world to see. But that’s just me.

Skouts, when would you give a flirt your personal contact information?

Here are some answers I got from fellow Skouts when asked this very question. During the process of my research I learned that the ladies were quite hesitant with answering me. I wonder why? This saddens my little heart.

Guys

Sage: I guess when or if you feel 100% confident in that person? Lol

Omar: well i get to know her for a long time and then after that i will give my info etc lol

Patrick: Maybe a few days?

Girls

Marlena: definitely after I talk to them awhile, not just one or two messages. I’d prolly give my email first

Chissy: I give them a fake number first. Haha then I take it from there.

Alexia: I DON’T! I stick to Skout. If they want to get to know me like they say then get to know me on here.

Yes, we all want to build our social networking empire and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that but we live in a time where our lives are virtually accessible. One piece of info can lead to another. You give them A and they come back with B, C and maybe even D! Anywho, all I’m trying to say is try to be safe and use your best judgment. With that said, go get your flirt on!

Good day,
Sheena