Sex toys are definitely something I advise people to buy in person.  Particularly since most sex shops, online or in the real world, do not allow you to return toys at all, let alone after you've tried it, unless there is a mechanical malfunction. 

Today the sex savvy consumer has a staggering array of choices.  From the $10 bullet vibe on up to fancy vibrators that can cost more than $200.  Walking into a sex store today you're confronted with vibrators and dildos in a multitude of colors, shapes and textures.

I generally recommend buying a cheap plastic vibe with adjustable speeds for your first vibrator.  Unless you're very lucky, your first vibrator is not going to be your favorite.  What it will do is help you discover what you do or don't want in a sex toy.  However, remember that you don't have to buy something even vaguely phallic shaped.  Vibrators come in all shapes, bullets, beans, rubber duckies...

After your first couple of cheap vibrators, you will have a better idea of what works for you.  When you go shopping again think about what speeds work best, also what sort of vibration, a chunkier heavier vibration or a light buzz.  Test the vibrators on your inner arm to get an idea of how they'll feel on more sensitive flesh. 

I personally like a heavy buzz with wide variation in available speeds. 

Now, a word about the Hitachi Magic Wand.  The Hitachi has been touted as the Cadillac of vibrators for years.  I had a room-mate who swore by it, and burned out at least one while we lived together.  But personally, I'm not a huge fan.  I love it with the attachments and sleeves, but on its own it is far too intense and if you don't manage to orgasm in the first few minutes, it will pound your parts into numb submission.  Unfortunately, many women hearing that the Hitachi is the penultimate, buy one and then wonder what's wrong with them when they can't achieve orgasm with it. 

There's nothing wrong with you, sweetheart.  The Hitachi is just not for everyone.  Go back to the sex shop and pick up something in hard plastic for about $15 to explore what your body really wants and likes.  Then, after you have a better idea, THEN you go out and spend a ludicrous amount of money on something with rechargeable lithium batteries, separately vibrating ends that are independently variable and adjustable vibration patterns. 

Also, keep in mind that what works for you will probably change with where you are in your menstrual cycle.  Honestly, I find that just before and after my period I require a far more intense vibration than during the rest of the month.  So don't be dismayed if your favorite vibrator just doesn't do it every once in a while.  Which is why I recommend having at least a couple of different vibrators on hand at all times. 

Now, on to Filament Magazine issue #2.  Issue two is the infamous issue with a fully erect penis in it.  GASP!!!!  Oh, where are my clutching pearls?!  I enjoyed this issue just as much as the last.  The men were just as lovely, the articles interesting and the erect penis very, very nice...  If you haven't already picked up your copies, I urge you to do so. 

Per a note included in the issue, due to an "issue" with the publishers, the colors on the erect penis photospread were over-saturated rendering the cock in question not quite as distinct as the publishers had desired.  They are in the process of negotiating with a new publisher.  I look forward to many more erect penis photospreads in the future, and I applaud the ladies of Filament and their excellent taste in men. 

I, for one, don't understand what all the dither is over an erect cock when most mainstream heterosexual porn aimed at men includes shots that are downright gynecological. 

-Valerie