After reading Ms London Thread I wanted to add my own 2 cents from a different perspective.  

I know I am opening myself up to flaming and everything else but so be it.. whats a post on TER without flame anyway

Ok... I was reading some opinions that there is "never too much screening and security", in my opinion yes there is.  

 First, let me preface the conversation by saying I have never had anyone put my personal info on the internet; however, I have witnessed providers do this.  I even had a few established providers who I had seen for over a year defend such actions and as you could probably guess I broke ties with them.  

There is no such thing as "real" security or screening.  This not only applies to the hobby but to life in general.  People are screened and background checked in every aspect from the airport to the CIA and still breeches occur.  

Someone once asked me "How do I stop my computer from ever getting a virus or hacked.. what software can I run so there is never a chance of that happening?".  My reply was "Turn the sumbitch off, unplug it from everything and throw it in the closet."  

You see "security" is a balance between(the most important 2 words of this entire conversation) DUE DILIGENCE and functionality.  You can secure your computer by throwing it in the closet but it serves no purpose; however, you do take precautions in the form of Antivirus and firewall, etc etc etc.  

I feel a similar way about the Hobby... it is risky.  It is a risk for me and it is a risk for the provider.  To have no risk.. is to not participate.  I think the point is to manage and minimize risk.  Some providers will only do incalls as a form of both convenience and risk management.. others will not see Newbies..

More to the point, (again just my opinion... not saying I am right), certain types of a background checks can be so intrusive that potential legitimate clients are off-put by it.  That is not saying that a provider shouldnt do their due diligence(meaning to take reasonable steps to ensure their safety and well being); rather it is to say there has to be balance.  "What is the least intrusive but most assuring?"

Initially, I thought p411 with OKs and two references were reasonable steps, I found that some providers do not feel that way and still want Full name and place of employment, etc, etc, etc.  While I by no means am telling anyone how to screen or saying what is or isnt acceptable from screening, I would like to get a feel from the community in general and particularly from other hobbyist  on what you think is reasonable.

KEEP THIS IN MIND FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, as I stated previously I havent had my information published on social media but I have seen it  done and more than once.  Now I am skeptical of giving a full name and place of employment.  

You see while we are free to be critical of Doctors, Banks, Credit Card companies, and other service industries without fear of our private information purposely being disclosed to the Public(laws that protect us from such things) no such assurances exist in the Hobby.  

So just to reiterate "What is the least intrusive but most assuring information and/or system that can be effective in screening?"

OK now flame on!!  Seriously I would love to hear people feed back if you dont feel comfortable commenting on the thread feel free to PM me.