My 2 cents...
Sure, there are risks in the hobby, and that may be one. However, it is probably outweighed by a few other factors.
1. These well-reviewed providers tend to be discrete (screening, etc.) and therefore can overcome that risk.
2. To the hobbyist, the greater risk is that the ad may be placed by LE. The more reviews (by established reviewers) the less likely this is true.
There are other factors, surely, but that's all I have for now.
I noticed people always say on this site that to be safe, stick with a well-reviewed provider.
Pardon me because I'm new to this, but it seems to me that if a provider has a lot of reviews, that she would be more of a prime target for LE. Why would LE, for example, bother with a tiny agency that hardly gets any visitors? If there's a very popular, consistently well-reviewed agency, and hence it gets lots of traffic, wouldn't that be more dangerous?
A woman doesn't need 20 pages of reviews in order to be a good provider. See the woman that interests you, one that you hit it off with.
LE will target whomever they wish. Who and why is entirely up to them. But trust me, they don't decide based on how many reviews she has.
You are very wise to be cautious in whom to see, for a variety of reasons. You can reduce the risk of encountering LE as well as the risk of STD's. But the risk of both will always be there.
If you are not comfortable with this and wish not to accept this risk, then do not participate in the hobby. There are no guarantees and do not become lulled into a false confidence. Either accept the risk to yourself and others or move on.
Harlow
My 2 cents...
Sure, there are risks in the hobby, and that may be one. However, it is probably outweighed by a few other factors.
1. These well-reviewed providers tend to be discrete (screening, etc.) and therefore can overcome that risk.
2. To the hobbyist, the greater risk is that the ad may be placed by LE. The more reviews (by established reviewers) the less likely this is true.
There are other factors, surely, but that's all I have for now.
An independent provider with 50 or more reviews has proven herself savvy enough that LE would probably need to put in an extensive effort that would not be worth their time and expense for a single, low level misdemeanor bust of her. Furthermore a provider with such acumen is more likely to NOT be intimidated by the coppers into posing as a decoy for them even if they do get the drop on her.
An agency bust whether big or small provides LE with P&P collars and possibly even a RICO indictment.
Believe it or not LE is not out there trying to bust the ladies of TER. LE's primary focus is street hookers and indiscreet providers. The reason you see so many Craig's List busts is because the women who use CL to advertise are too out in the open about what they are doing and where they are doing it.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't exercise caution but LE is smart. They know that trying to bust smart discreet ladies is pretty much a waste of time and resources. They are much more inclined to concentrate their efforts on the aspect of prostitution that angers the general public the most.
Absolutely agree.
A very close friend of mine is a female police officer and she's going to be part of a sting operation targeting prostitution. She told me that they're mainly focusing on street hookers. She also said that they have a special team working CL since it's so blown-up at this point.
I think the providers on TER, the better ones at least, are business woman first and foremost and are pretty smart about how they go about this business.
STD's....another story.
I agree. LE is looking for a big catch (ie agencies or street walkers (public nusiances), not an independent woman who's being discrete. Look at the DC madam case. She ran an agency and was targeted by LE then offered up her client list to save her ass. Best bet is to stick with well-reviewd independents who won't be on the radar screen or concern of LE.
while you're making your argument or anything, but...
LE already had the DC Madam's phone records, they also had all her bank accounts and property.
What she was offering was her phone records, as obtained from the cellular company (the same place LE got them...from the phone company)...not client lists. The same phone records which were already going to offered into evidence against her in court.
You are right that she did it to save her ass, as all her assets had been seized and she had nothing left to pay for her own defense.
Funny thing though, since you guys don't seem to know or notice this one...none of her clients have been charged with anything, none of the clients of any high profile agency or madam has been charged with anything in the case of prostitution...why? because prostitution is one of those crimes you have to be caught in the act of, proving a guy went to an agency after the fact can't get him in legal trouble...so the agency owner or madam tends to swing alone when seizures and charges come down.
A provider with pages of reviews should at least be an indication to you that she has been around a while, that she isn't out to take advantage of clients and that she is probably just what she advertises to be.
I'd have to echo the statements made in regards to LE, most departments aren't out looking to incarcerate a working woman who is paying taxes and adding to the local economy. Now, if she goes into business and has to call for LE assistance over & over then she will probably be shut down by local LE due to the disruption of their duties. I've never known a local community that was hell bent on seeking out independent providers and going after them... just too much hassle and too much payroll involved.
With the weighing of risks and behavior I guess you are on your own... but most have to agree that dealing with an established lady who has proven herself both in the Adult community as well as being together enough to last without being busted is probably a better bet than a fly by night that has just recently set up shop. To each his own but the scales are in your favor if you go with a proven service..... Have fun play safe....kisses ~T