The three deadly sins
Those who can't deal with rejection often turn to bribing.

Haile says a lot of people try to pay their way in. The most he's been offered is $2,000, and he says he didn't take it.

PHOTO: LEELA LANDRESS Alex Jimenez, a doorman at Spa, checks for the right dress code.

Jimenez hasn't been offered as much-$500 is his record amount-but he agrees that it's better not to take bribes. "It's a mistake to take money, then you owe them something the next time they show up."

Getting chummy with the bouncer is also something desperate "clubbers" try.

"People try to make friends with you because they know you have so much power here," says Jimenez. "They call you, buy you drinks, but until you show up at my house for dinner you are not my friend."

If all else fails, some people turn to begging, which according to these doormen never works.

"Never beg, never lower yourself," says Jimenez.

In the end, an agitated Cumming says, "it depends on how much you are willing to prostitute yourself."

"People can be aggressive about getting in," says Haile. "Not only men, but also women use all the tricks possible to make in the door."

Although Haile says that men take it better that the women. "When they don't get in, women put up a drama," he says.

Past the Velvet Rope
Tales From the Other Side
The Three Deadly Sins