Always put in the time to research, not just the numbers but the content to see if there's any warning signs.  Look at the reviewers old review to get a sense of what's important to them and whether that 9 translate to the same figure for you.  Aside from that, always be cautious with private info.

I realize that this sounds trite, but to me my primary rule is being both respectful and polite. I offer it first to the lady and while not being overbearing about it I look for it in return.

Now there other things that I could mention on a questions like this, and I hope to do so. Those two things; however, are in my mind. Those others could range in what I look for as I research my choices before deciding whom to book. Then, the activities and other things hoped for in the booking. Being both respectful and polite are my going in mindset.

Why? Someone might ask. Well, beyond the obvious on those two points it is an understanding of what is going on. I am going to be rather intimate and erotic with a woman that I have seen in pictures but have not met.  Also, I do not let my ego get ahead of me. I realize that without the hobby some of these women would not allow me the honor of doing what we shall do. I am mindful of that. Additionally,  despite the fun aspect, or the erotic angle, or the intimate view of this - I am inside her body. I intend to be a gentleman.  Yes, show respect, even when being naughty.  

Ok, my two cents on that. Great question to the board.

Others???

I suppose rule number two would be, no CBJ's

Some people put safety at the top of their priority list, I put pleasure. oink oink

Well you can hobby hard, too.  But let's be smart about it first.  In other words - do your homework.

My days of taking one for the team are long behind me.  Hopefully.  I try to do my research on ladies that I think I will be a good match with.  I read reviews, ads, posts, backchannel and all that good stuff.  Then I try to build a connection with the lady through correspondence to see how we click.

The three most important things for me are personality, attitude, and chemistry.  And an amazing butt.  Ok - four things.    But(t)... personality and attitude you can get a sense of before you even meet.  Especially if the lady encourages good communication (something I look for anyway).

Chemistry you never really know until you meet.  So that's a bit of a wild card, but you can do everything else you can to make sure it will be a memorable encounter.  In a good way.

So, do your homework.
If you want to get ahead.
Or just get some head.

LO

Seems a bit cliche, but too true.  

I try to not take unnecessary risks that would leave me vulnerable to various threats.  

I remind myself that regardless of my rationale of the Hobby being consensual activities between adults, the Hobby itself is considered illegal in most jurisdictions. If she seems a bit too young, or appears TGTBT then I pass - no offense to the fine agencies I have participated with in the past as they do due diligence, but this is just my opinion.  

Likewise, I tend to see those ladies I've seen before more so than anyone new, especially the semi-retired.  

I try to use my better judgement in seeing a new (to me) lady via research - as others have stated earlier in this thread.  

I have lots of other rules that are a bit more specific, but Looking Out For Yourself is a nice all encompassing one.

ga_kosh

Don't follow any rules.

Some people enjoy woodworking; I prefer having my wood worked over.  
For me, it's a hobby, and that means it should be enjoyable. If it's no fun, then it seems more like work than a hobby.
Besides, if i were any good at it, i could consider it as a profession. Instead, i will remain happy as a rank amateur.  

... and kudos to all the above posters for their wisdom

Gotta be open minded.  Other rules above are all excellent. Operational security being a major one.  But I'd say try new things. Be open minded.  I've had some great times doing great things that I'd never have thought of and was a little nervous to try...still fun

when it comes to the hobby.
1. The LORD loves a working man.
2. Don't trust whitey.
3. Get a shot, clear it up.
I love The Jerk.

Do your homework and have fun.Don't take it so serious.Just get laid.

Follow your gut feelings. If it feels right, do it. If it seems funky, run like hell and don't look back.

Never slack on your Trade Craft . . .

If you have an S.O. be thorough in not leaving a trail.

Always keep your app history clear, especially the phone and texting apps.
Be aware of what your router and phone bill will store and track.
Always use the incognito mode, and clear browser.
Always make sure your phone location data is wiped.
Never give out your full real name.
Never tell anyone where your live or work.
Have a hobby email and never email your real email accounts from the hobby email account.
On phone and at home use a VPN as much as possible, never do anything from work or through work wifi . . . ever.
Use very different passwords for all your hobby accounts, nothing that resembles your normal passwords (i.e. something your S.O. can't guess at).
Be prepared to deny, deny, deny, and never break.
Always have a reason to be where you are not supposed to be and an alibi for the time you've been off the grid; best to start with a pattern of never checking in, and always being in meetings or busy . . . the less communicative you are, the less your 2-4 hour absences don't look suspicious, the less you will have to lie, the less lies you will have to remember, the less likely you are to slip up.

Remember.  It is only fun, if you don't get caught.

Rule #1 is Don't Sweat The Small Shit