But be careful not to confuse publicity with acceptance...

Does it seem like the number of visitors to Boston is increasing?  There are too many visitors who I want to see.  I actually don't like TOO many choices.  At least the opposite problem does not exist (for now).  I think there are 2 factors at play.  First is the poor state of the economy and second is that I suspect that this hobby (as a result of the internet) is becoming more accepted by society.

Not likely.  It just feels that way because you can go on line and talk to fellow travelers.  Trust me, society will never accept  paying for pussy-ever!

There seems to be less of a stigma attached to the hobby.  It hasn't hurt Charlie Sheen.  If he was an actor from the 50s or 60s, his career would have been over.  Elliott Spitzer loses his job, and he is rewarded with a talk show.  Probably making more money now then he was before.  Twenty years ago, he would have been shunned by society.  Celebrities are a different class compared to non-celebrities.  How do you think society will view the hobby in the next 10-20 years?  Acceptance is perhaps the wrong word, but there is less of the stigma attached to it.  Just think about how society has changed in the last 50 years.  Teen pregnancy, having children outside of marriage, sex before marriage.  It is doubtful that law will change--what politician would vote to legalize prostitution?  Society's views do change over the long run.  I wonder what society will look like in 15-20 years?

At least not in dwontown

What you are leaving out is the reality that both Charlie Sheen and Elliot Spitzer benefited from the negative publicity because they are involved in a media that rewards bad behavior.

Again, don't confuse acceptance with publicity and the general sensationalizing of escorting by the media in order to draw ratings. There is in fact a very disturbing trend starting to develop when both escorts and customers forget that they are involved in an illegal activity.  Discretion is becoming a rare commodity when Charlie Sheen's porn star/hooker is doing television interviews instead of laying low and keeping her mouth shut the way she should be.

I think society at large is more tolerant of the biz now but there is still a social stigma attached.  More women are getting into the biz because, yes, the economy is limiting options, but being able to control your business has made a huge difference.  You can hand pick who you see and interact directly with them before meeting.  The freedom the business offers is unparalled.  It's easy to travel and have a working vaca!  Which is what I am about to do...Hawaii for a month or more on Saturday!!
Good thread!

I agree with whatsitnow.

it is acceptance, begrudgingly.

this reminds of the current debate about Marijuana - which is now becoming accepted.

I expect prostitution will be viewed like marijuana in 10 years - ok if you are an adult, and no one is being coerced, and it is done in private.