The Starving Pick-Up Artists
October 20, 2008 · Print This Article
So…anybody get lucky this weekend? We know you’ve been putting yourself out there. On the town, in the scene making your presence known. You are, at the very least getting your money’s worth out of that ‘club’ shirt, right? If not then you should have saved yourself a weekend of rejection, and headed out to Los Angeles for the 2008 Love Systems Super Conference! That’s if you’re a man with deep pockets and a shallow dating pool.
On October 17-19, Los Angeles became center stage as the top Dating Masters from around the world led unlucky and unsatisfied men into the light. Two days of in-field training on topics including Body Language, Vocal Projection, Call Back Humor and Physical Escalation - Touching Gets Results. All designed to guide them through the valuable techniques that their laughable attempt at ‘Game’ has been missing.
A Seduction Training Event! Come one, come all, if you haven’t been cumming enough lately. This is, in fact the culture of the new day Pick-Up Artist. No longer are men leaving their homes with just a fresh pair of underwear, condoms and a wingman. Love Systems has turned this into an entire Dating Science, and we have this man to thank for it.
That, my masturbating to a catalog friends, is Mystery. If he looks familiar, you’re either part of the Seduction Underground, or you’ve gotten a glimpse of his handy work on the VH1 reality series ‘The Pick-Up Artist’. Mystery takes a small group of social misfits and introverts, and puts them through a boot camp to teach them the art of putting ‘beautiful women under your spell’. Yes, you read that right. That’s if you were able to take your eyes off his spell binding hat.
Mystery, born Erik James Horvac-Markovic (why’d he change his name, you think?) has gone from a Dungeons & Dragons playing Toronto youth, to being described as the ‘World’s Greatest Pick-Up Artist’. Author of the book The Mystery Method: How To Get Beautiful Women Into Bed, he has crafted an entire industry complete with a swarm of followers and loyal fans. His words and advice aren’t just strategies, they’re considered modern day dating gospel by those in awe of his abilities.
According to his website, The Mystery Method claims to be ‘the notorious step-by-step system to meet, attract, and seduce or date beautiful women that anyone can learn and that GUARANTEES results.’ You see, it’s based upon ‘female psychology’ so it doesn’t matter if you have looks or money. You do, however need money to attend his Conference.
Seriously, what’s a little one time fee for guaranteed beautiful women the rest of your life? If you guessed $950 you’d be both correct, and totally missing out. That’s just your BASIC Silver Event Package. You want to go Gold and meet some of the instructors privately then $950 will cover your deposit, but you have to cough up a total of $3750. Gulp. Is the idea to turn you into a Starving Pick-Up Artist?
Platinum is really the right move here. You get an all access event ticket, meet the instructors AND after you have learned all about what makes us gals tick; you get to go to a party at the Playboy Mansion! You know…’cause you’ll have mad skills after 2 days and Miss October is just dying to meet and mount the new you.
Now, I realize I have never tried to pick up a woman before, so I haven’t had to struggle with that form of our complex ‘booga booga’ psychology. Certainly there is something to be said for becoming more personally aware and adept at managing social situations. But am I the only one that thinks that shelling out thousands of dollars to the ‘World’s Greatest Pick-Up Artist’ is the proper fix? I should also mention I am not a 31 year old male virgin. My view might be slightly askew.
Maybe it all makes sense and I’m looking at it the wrong way. I actually spoke with someone who both supports and admires these instructors for what they provide. (Instructors by the way that have handles like Savoy, Braddock, Moxie, Sheriff, Tenmagnet and Soul…is Sarah Palin naming these cats?) It’s a service, he said, just like any other self help-tool.
Or maybe, and here’s a crazy idea: Spending the weekend trying to reinvent a version of yourself to pick up women in a bar, isn’t going to work as well as working on the real you. You know…the one who still has to be interesting after we invited you to sit at our tables? I know how to get my leg over my head. Two days in L.A. doesn’t mean you’ve figured out how to get my leg over yours.
Alright! This whole Pick-Up Artists Underground really threw me for a loop! What say you Ladies and Gents? Do you see it for it’s positive self help capabilities…or is it just a sexed up version of Tony Robbins? Would you spend that much cash to get the girls? Confidence booster, life changing experience or just another gimmick from a man in a funny hat? I of course expect all of you ladies to share your encounters with a Pick Up Artist!
On 10/20/08 at 3:07 am
lisaq said:
I love Mystery! And I actually think there are some valuable lessons for us girls in his teaching. Approaching men, increasing self confidence, and the like. While I’m very excited about the 2nd season of The Pickup Artist, I’m pretty sure I’m not shelling out three grand to meet any self help guru!
On 10/20/08 at 3:45 am
Meghan said:
I tried watching it again last night. I don’t hate the guy, but it still all falls flat on me. Maybe its the showmanship I am not appreciating?
On 10/22/08 at 9:22 am
Eathan said:
It’s cheaper to buy Zig Ziglar. Apply his same principals.. and you can sell yourself to anyone. It’s just a spin to what sales and marketing departments have done for years. Confidence is what sells.
Don’t get distracted by the wolf in sheep cloths.. opps.. Dr Suess.
On 10/20/08 at 3:43 am
Meghan said:
I’m all for people taking steps to boost their confidence, create a better level of social play…but so much of this I perceive as ‘gimmick’…I could be wrong.
On 10/20/08 at 4:12 am
Cassie said:
I’ve never seen the show, but I think that if this guy can help ANYONE’S self esteem, it can’t be a bad thing. I don’t think that there is a ‘cure-all’ when it comes to dating, however!
On 10/20/08 at 4:35 am
Meghan said:
The confidence booster is fine. Some of it is touching on my sensibilities, however. Mostly because learning how to approach women is a very small part of having success with women. And vice versa.
On 10/20/08 at 5:12 am
~Lori~ said:
I think I saw this show once, good for entertainment I guess. Personally, it feels as if he is preying on lonely guys with deep pockets and low self-esteem. Who knows maybe if he does teach them a little self-esteem, they will realize not to get duped by the get-lucky-fast scheme next time around. Being yourself will work better in the long run, unless that person is an idiot in the first place then they must need this to present a facade, to get a gal.
On 10/20/08 at 5:25 am
Meghan said:
Some of the guys on the show have much deeper issues than sweaty palms in front of women. And he sends guys that are 27 yr old virgins into a hot spot filled with high maintenance hotties/bitches?!
Not sure about who attends the conference. The show was more popular than I had realized. So I am sure some of the shows devotees made the trek to L.A.
On 10/20/08 at 5:39 am
~Lori~ said:
Oh I’m sure there are some men with deeper issues as you say, but spending that much, for a quick fix? If the issues are that deep, that quick fix isn’t going to stick, sounds like they have a whole lot of working on themselves, and that takes, “TIME”. Sounds like he may be feeding out the promise of false hope. Plus, sending them in with the high maintenance chicks, to me that sounds like sending them into the pit of hell personally. Most guys want those girls, till they get them, and realize that they are not what they really want, who knows maybe they need to learn the hard way. The grass is always greener on the other side, eh?
On 10/20/08 at 10:53 am
Meghan said:
Average men who are used to picking up and mingling with women couldn’t pick those women up. It was kind of cruel, but makes for good television.
In this case the women were even bitchier on the other side.
On 10/20/08 at 5:53 am
The striped avenger said:
I like your point of view and finally I had a chance to read about a topic I am very familiar with.
Well I for one am in full support of the teachings of Pick-up Artists (PUAs) like Mystery, Style (Neil Strauss), and David Deangelo (Eben Pagan) to name a few. There is a misconception that being a PUA, means being disingenuous. There are plenty of ways of doing that, but a true PUA is ethical. If you want to see unethical, look up the teachings of Ross Jefferies (Jeffery Ross) who pioneered “Speed Seduction.” He utilizes Neuro-Linguistic-Programming (NLP), a waking hypnosis and mind control used by Johnny Cockran, to fool women into thinking that whatever the problems of their past and present are, that he is the solution. If done correctly, this stuff really works and can get a complete stranger under your control in a matter of 5-10 minutes. Personally, I feel it gives the PUA and men in general a terrible name.
I feel a lot of girls think this is a bad thing. Since all the students are learning is to be better communicators and better in bed, how can that have any negative affect on your lives whatsoever? Would women rather we continue to talk about ourselves and bore you to death with the intricate details of their new sports car or how to fix a computer? Are you ok with needing to show grown men where the clitoris is and subsequently what to do with it?
Think about how more pleasant going to a bar would be. Instead of being hit on, you can have enjoyable conversation. What do we usually do? Easy, we buy a girl a drink and wing it. Buying a girl a drink just sends the message that you are purchasing her attention for a few minutes. Other than the free beverage, you’ve given her no reason to like you. In fact, at least at first, the only reason you are talking to us at all is out of pity. If the guy gets any action as a result of this it is likely because of dashingly good looks (which get us a lot further than any of you will admit), the off-chance we really are interesting, or we hang around long enough for you to get so trashed you can’t even speak your own name.
Remember the old advice: “just be yourself”? I learned after dabbling in the art of pimpage that advice is as bad as it gets. If yourself isn’t getting the girls, then clearly “yourself” has a limited to non-existent market. So if you want to be more appealing, you have to change yourself. Even learning how to stand, and changing the tone of your voice make a difference.
An ethical PUA is simply teaching men (and even women) the art of seduction; not the art of lying. Think about it, it’s more effective to approach someone in an innocuous manner, such that they just think you’re making conversation as opposed to throwing out some lame pickup line or getting into small talk. You’re also getting to know them and seeing if they are someone you want to hit on at all as beauty is only skin deep.
This movement is nothing new, but as its popularity rises, I wanted to stand-up for those responsible. Now that the art of attraction is becoming more widely known, the only thing a guy like me has to worry about is more competition!
So if this new wave of PUAs gets you ladies into bed with more of us the night we meet, at least you enjoyed yourself instead of waking to a feeling of guilt and the “walk of shame”, becomes the “stride of pride”.
On 10/20/08 at 6:20 am
Carol said:
Between Meghan’s article and your comment contribution, I have learned more than I ever thought I’d care to know about PUA’s!
I do think the PICK UP is more like SCAM artist in some respects. However, I can understand how if you had the means financially to improve your own self-acceptance,etc…it’s not a tough investment. In fact, investing in ourselves is usually a win-win.
On 10/20/08 at 6:35 am
Meghan said:
Investing in ourselves is always a good idea, which is why I can’t completely slam the whole thing. But I can still question it.
And who are we kidding, I am not the kind of gal who likes to be preached to and a Super Conference on just about anything would have me waving my hands in the air.
I’m a pain in the ass, truthfully.
On 10/20/08 at 6:27 am
Meghan said:
I’ll give anyone $10 if they can guess who I spoke to about PUAs this week…;)
Unfortunately, it isn’t being marketed in the manner of creating the better sense of self, better communicator. It’s being marketed as a method to divide and conquer. Not so wrong really, because we already do that in our own dating heads as it is.
An ethical Pick Up Artist? Maybe. I’m sure most of these men just want somebody to love, not somebody to conquer.
On 10/20/08 at 10:12 am
The striped avenger said:
Definitely Pecosa.
On 10/20/08 at 10:53 am
Meghan said:
Hmmm.
On 10/20/08 at 6:30 am
pecosa said:
I tried to watch the show but couldn’t stand more than three minutes of it. The guys have issues far beyond the reach of a pick-up artist. This method is a band-aid fix. If it improves their self-esteem, then good. But how is the guy going to feel after shelling out a G and still getting rejected or used by a girl???
On 10/20/08 at 6:32 am
Meghan said:
While the show has its own entertainment value…or lack there of, how do you feel about the whole ‘female psychology’ thing? I’m not so sure I am keen on the idea there is a rule book out there with my name in it.
No pick up artist story from you, lady…I’ve got a few lines laid on me I’d like to forget.
On 10/20/08 at 7:03 am
pecosa said:
Yeah, no one will ever figure out the female psychology because we are all so different. I’ve been working on a blog about my fuckedupedness when it comes to nice guys. But I don’t like bad boys either…so where does that leave me???
Believe it or not, I don’t get hit on that much, if at all. I don’t get the lame lines from guys, I just get a drink and interesting conversations and that usually leads to a friendship. It’s weird. I hate it when guys tell me I’m pretty. It’s such a generic thing to say; and then they get mad because all I say is “I know”. What the hell was I supposed to do? Be smitten because someone stated the obvious?? lol.
The best line I ever got was from my ex-boyfriend…he sent me a text a day after we met that said “You know when you pick up a book good book and you just can’t put it down…” very original.
On 10/20/08 at 9:07 am
The striped avenger said:
Where does that leave you? Simple. That will leave you home, alone, with a sappy movie followed by quality time with your favorite toy.
Get used to it. We suck; however, the good ones can be taught.
Psychology 114: I’ve read in multiple sources, first by Nicolas Boothman, is the best way to respond to a compliment like “you’re pretty”, but best suited for a compliment on a unique piece of clothing is “Thank you, it’s nice of you to notice (or similar).” When a girl says something like that to me as a man I say, “Thanks, you’re not so bad yourself” with a smile or a wink.
That old wait-3-days rule is dead. Text the next day that begins with “just wanted to make sure you made it home safe. nice meeting you. (cheesy line)” usually does the trick.
On 10/20/08 at 11:14 am
Meghan said:
‘We suck; however the good ones can be taught.’
Preach it.
I would have loved to be at the conference just to see it all…form a more balanced opinion. I’m guessing with his recent surge in popularity from the show it would have been quite a crowd.
I’ll have to follow up and check back with the website.
On 10/20/08 at 7:01 am
Karri said:
I actually know someone who has been using a book as his guide to pick up chicks. Firstly, he’s hawt and charismatic so I can’t imagine why he needs the extra material, but now I’m dying to know if he’s taking his advice from Dr. Seuss!
And I hate to admit it, but he’s practiced a few lines on me, and I totally fell for it. Then again, I never get hit on, so I’m an easy target!
On 10/20/08 at 9:02 am
Matt. E. Warren said:
Hi Karri. Is it hot in here, or is it you?
Tell me you haven’t heard that one…
On 10/20/08 at 10:40 am
Karri said:
Haven’t heard it…thankfully!
On 10/20/08 at 10:54 am
Meghan said:
I saw a man on Bind Date once open a womens jacket in the front and say:
“Look at that body on you…I’m going to split you like wet pine!”
I laughed so fucking hard I cried! But what nerve. Date did not go well.
On 10/20/08 at 3:07 pm
Matt. E. Warren said:
Best line ever. I’m using it at the local Sin Bin here soon!
On 10/20/08 at 4:16 pm
Meghan said:
It rocked me for a good hour and a half…it could get you as far as a drink in the face, a kick in the groin or perhaps fabulous sex.
I’m betting…
On 10/20/08 at 9:08 am
The striped avenger said:
Is it “The Game”?
On 10/20/08 at 10:43 am
Karri said:
I think it might be. I’ll inquire and get back to you on that one.
On 10/20/08 at 6:21 pm
Meghan said:
It appears to be one of their Bibles, if you will.
I don’t know that I’m an easy target…maybe I’m readable. Although I was called an ‘enigma’ this weekend.
Who the hell knows.
On 10/21/08 at 6:13 am
The striped avenger said:
“Enigma” is male jargon for “bitch”. lol.
On 10/21/08 at 6:00 pm
Meghan said:
Is that right. Figures a man can’t figure someone out and they resort to insults.
On 10/20/08 at 6:22 pm
Karri said:
It IS “The Game”! And he’s so freakin’ excited about it, he wants T and I to come back from hiatus so he can be our guest and sing its praises. Its like dating kool-aid and I’m afraid of the cult that is The Game to be honest.
On 10/20/08 at 6:26 pm
Meghan said:
It’s a bigger deal than I knew about. I saw it in the back seat of a car on a frickin date!
It’s By Neil Strauss who was one of Mystery’s students from what I gather…Mystery is a major player in that book.
I want you to come back from hiatus too! I haven’t heard the words ‘proponent’ or ‘preface’ in ages
On 10/20/08 at 8:07 pm
Karri said:
If that darn “life” thing would stop preventing us from being proponents of the Interwaves we could preface a few bits for you. But alas, such is…you know, life.
On 10/20/08 at 8:32 pm
Meghan said:
Exactly…we love you both. Proud to ‘know’ you lady!
On 10/20/08 at 10:55 am
Meghan said:
Do you own Mystery stock or something? I remember the book being in a certain someone’s back seat. *cough*
On 10/21/08 at 4:19 am
The striped avenger said:
I have no idea what you are talking about.
On 10/22/08 at 9:18 am
Eathan said:
You never get hit on? You must not be in Texas. We appreciate beautiful women here.
On 10/20/08 at 8:08 am
Rex said:
I’m sticking with the tried and true method in getting dates… CHLOROFORM.
I kid, I kid! I saw an episode of that crap show once and I thought to myself “I already DO this shit and no one taught me.” Considering my success rate (0.28%) I conclude it mostly has to do with looks.
Back to starving and hitting the gym for you bitches. Damn California Wimmins.
On 10/20/08 at 10:56 am
Meghan said:
No no…Mystery says it has NOTHING to do with looks or money! Thats part of his fool proof guarantee.
And you know your damn adorable…it’s all a ruse!
On 10/21/08 at 6:15 am
The striped avenger said:
I don’t care what he says about that. Financial solvency and looking “normal” is all you really need. You have your work cut out for you if you are hideous or poor.
On 10/21/08 at 6:01 pm
Meghan said:
Ah Ah Ah…not according to Mystery.
On 10/20/08 at 8:43 am
Matt. E. Warren said:
I think it’s a load of crap. I may not be famous and I may not be frikkin’ Brad Pitt, but I am not Quasimodo either, and I have a personality. Here’s a tip to the fellas that subscribe to this horseshit:
Quit being pussies and say “hello”, don’t be a floppy cock out there and just be yourself. Enough of the psychobabble bullshit already.
On 10/20/08 at 10:59 am
Meghan said:
Don’t be a floppy cock just changed the entire outlook on my day. So happy to see you again, Matty. Wicked Happy
There appears to be so much more to it than just having the nerve to say hello. We’re talking the ability to pretty much ‘hypnotize’ women and putting them under your spell.
That’s some nerve! If I feel like I am a player in a game I’m taking my ball and running home.
On 10/20/08 at 8:56 am
Justin said:
I tried PUA tactics a few years ago and it really didn’t flow with me.
Sure it reinforced the idea not to supplicate to women, but the methods of approach made me feel horrible.
It was not natural for me to go up and tell a girl “who lies more guys or girls” nor it was ok for me to “peacock”.
One PUA instructor suggested I wear leather pants! Hell no!
After then I decided to be normal and not act like someone I wasn’t. BTW I didn’t spend any money aside from a $60 “field” session. I downloaded everything via bittorrent.
Here is an excellent article on how the seduction community can make you weird.
http://www.datinggroundwork.com/community
On 10/20/08 at 11:02 am
Meghan said:
AWESOME to see you Justin…will check out the link!
At some point the PUA thing really has to become a lifestyle. Like the leather pants to make you stand out! All it would have looked like is, ‘Wow, that man looks really uncomfortable in his new leather pants!’
It’s not natural, but then again I am not someone who goes out SPECIFICALLY to meet men. If I had those intentions every time I left the house then maybe I’d have to work on my method.
On 10/22/08 at 9:12 am
Eathan said:
Great for you Justin. Here’s the thing.. At the end of the day, you have to be yourself. Some guys are at the point to try anything. If you want to stand out from the crowd just smile, be friendly, enjoy yourself and women will find you. That has always been my biggest advice to guys. People are attracted to other people that are happy and enjoying life.
On 10/20/08 at 9:19 am
The striped avenger said:
I agree. “who lies more…” is a Mystery trick but idk if he created it. I’ve tried it and it usually doesn’t get a good response. I’ve had better success with that line by email then in person.
“settle a bet for us… floss before or after you brush” or “would you date someone named Herman” I’m not a big fan of either.
Card tricks and magic gets amazing results more than any line. I just go “hey you want to see a magic trick I’m working on…” gets the party started.
Asking someone for their advice that invokes more than a one word response is not just for PUA’s and has been recommended by one of my favorite authors, David Lieberman. Oddly asking someone else for their help actually makes them like you more than doing a favor for them.
I agree that a lot of the tricks aren’t so hot but are a good way to learn. If you don’t like the PUA’s check out books on how to make people like you by David Lieberman, Nicolas Boothman, Daniel Goleman, and if you can stomach it… Tony Robbins.
On 10/20/08 at 11:06 am
Meghan said:
Oh Tony Robbins!
The thing about the tricks and showmanship would kinda creep me out if I was with a group of people. I’d feel like scanning the floor for a bucket to drop my dollar in.
I’ve heard ’settle a bet for us’ so many times!!! Thats frickin hilarious!
I agree that its good to work on your conversation skills…but Call Back Humor and Day Game. It seems to be crafting an alter ego WITH a crutch.
On 10/21/08 at 4:22 am
The striped avenger said:
“Settle a bet” is great. Discussing oral hygine with strangers is not.
On 10/21/08 at 6:03 pm
Meghan said:
I don’t want you to approach me with a floss line anymore than I need to know if you scrape your tongue…gross.
On 10/20/08 at 10:40 am
Phoenix said:
Hmmm, I am having mixed feelings about this too.
I mean, I don’t want guys to waste thier money, and I don’t think a “one size fits all” approach is the best way….but at the same time, I have known men that could use something along those lines to get them started.
And, as a psychologist, I cannot deny that there is a shared psychology among any group, women included, that can be appealed to, and I really couldn’t consider it manipulation if it’s used with the right intentions. But, really, getting inside people’s heads and then talking to them in thier “language” is exactly how I do my job.
I haven’t seen the show or read any of the authors listed, but isn’t this sorta like an extension of the “men are from mars women are from venus” idea?
On 10/20/08 at 11:09 am
Meghan said:
You have an excellent point as always. I think it does come down to intentions and how you choose to pattern the methods toward your own personal goal.
Some people do just need that boost to get them going, hell a lot of us do.
I suppose with some of the characters I have seen in this Art of Seduction scene are such a parody of themselves that I was immediately turned off to the whole idea. Clearly many men are getting something out of it.
To each his own. It’s your money, guys.
On 10/22/08 at 9:08 am
Eathan said:
Well said. The psychology is used on a daily basis more than people know. Some time you can use it to your benefit to connect with someone that you normally wouldn’t connect with.
On 10/20/08 at 11:30 am
Tori said:
I don’t care WHAT that guy said to me, I wouldn’t touch him with my worst enemy’s vagina. Just looking at him makes me vaguely nauseated. I fall for the dorky, awkward guys way more than the smooth, douchebaggy boys like ol’ Mystery. Granted, no one ever hits on me, but that’s ok. Maybe it’s because I look mean and scary.
On 10/20/08 at 4:12 pm
Meghan said:
Really, you don’t like the look now wait till he takes hit hat off and has a pulled back long pony tail.
Thats part of his style…stand out, not blend in. Important to get attention from the ladies.
I also read somewhere that he’s like 6′ 5″ and still wears platform boots so when he walks into a club he practically 7′ tall.
On 10/21/08 at 6:18 am
The striped avenger said:
Dorks are the next big thing. I’m a card carrying member and I’m happy to be part of the new revolution.
On 10/20/08 at 12:34 pm
Reggie said:
I think I’ll stick to masturbating with a catalog(no pun intended). The guy looks like he should be Elton John’s pool boy. Enjoyed your article and this site very much.
your fucking brother,
reg
On 10/20/08 at 4:14 pm
Meghan said:
Well then Reg, my fucking brother, glad you stopped over at EVE!
Officially I just have to let anyone interested in knowing that Elton John’s Pool Boy has his own pol boy. The Ranking Pool Boy is to busy with other…duties to swish a net around.