Make a difference. Impact society. Be the change you wish to see in the world.
These are all worthy goals people could strive for. However, one man, Noel Biderman, takes that advice in a dubious direction, owning a company that wants to encourage what it sees as a “paradigm shift in attitude toward monogamy in marriage.”
It is an online company you could otherwise easily ignore, if it weren’t embarking on a giant media tour that includes Dallas. Ashley Madison, maybe the antithesis of eHarmony.com in the online dating world, is the world’s largest infidelity dating site that boasts over 4 million members in 50 states and a new member signing up every 15 seconds for an affair.
According to press materials, “The city of Dallas didn't want Ashley Madison to put up a billboard there so Ashley Madison is bringing the billboard with them!”
The company did put up billboards in several other cities, but they were forced to take them down due to pressure from moral and religious groups. They were also denied advertising by the NFL during this year's Super Bowl that was aired on NBC.
Biderman, who is married with children and says he is faithful to his wife, seems to have no moral qualms with the pain and destruction infidelity could reek in the lives of the users of his site.
“"This is just a business to me. This is a market need, just like any other business that's successful. There's huge demand for it," he told NPR.
The company has several large trucks wrapped with such advertisements as, “Life is short. Have an affair.” that should be seen around the city. It will also be making an appearance at the Cowboys game the weekend of Aug. 29-30.
Holly LaFon has written and worked for various local publications including D Magazine and Examiner.
