The second essay in the book discusses the nature of social relations within the realm of urban studies.

Delany proposes two kinds of relationships, "contact" and "networking," and analyzes the content and benefits of each.

Throughout, Delany draws upon the redevelopment of Times Square to provide examples of these relationships and the ways they are affected by urban infrastructure.

The starred 1999 review in Publishers Weekly describes it as being "a provocative and persuasively argued cri de coeur against New York City's gentrification and the redevelopment of Times Square in the name of 'family values and safety,'...(Delany) writes frankly about his gay sexual adventures in the peep shows, porno movie houses and bars of Times Square.

This personal history is juxtaposed with a detailed record of how the city's red light zones have changed over the past 40 years.