I have found that if I keep in contact with the ones that I have seen with a friendly email now and then helps. Then when I do need a reference from them I ask ahead of time if they are willing to provide one for me, so that they are not blindsided or can have a heads up that one will be coming. Once I get their enthusiastic "Oh sure.. no problem" I will pass their information on to the one I want to see and "K-Ching" jackpot.. a glowing report is soon passed.
I have had great results from being gracious and considerate on demanding something from their time. I have heard sometimes of the demands they have just from answering their own phones for business and also the time it takes to check email all day and if they are having to answer mine with no appreciation shown on my part well I just wouldn't think I would have very good results.
Just another blow hard opinion.. but mine has worked..
I understand the priciple behind references. It is a benefit to Both Providers and Hobbyists. Since a number of hobbyists decide not to review on TBD or TER, this is where the issue arrises.
I typically deal with a couple of the traveling agencies and the owners book my requests themselves. IN additon they will allow me to book farther in advance than they would allow other hobbyists due to the fact they know I do not cancel unless a last minute emergency arose.
I can not remember the last time I was asked for a reference. In my opinion bottom line is that references for hobbyists are a way to protect the provider to make sure this person is ok. Not to get into a cat fight that they are taking business away from me. With that attitude everyone losses and the hobbyist will take his $$ elsewhere ie travelers where he does not have to jump through hoops.
'Godfather
when you patronize a certain establishment you get special treatment.. so you are in a sense taking care of the ones taking care of you... so if you expect preferencial treatment from others be sure you grease the hand ... arrrrfffff arrrrffff