Your opinion and I would really like to know how people feel about this...

I recently tried to set up an appointment with a provider.  I followed the rules by "e-mailing" her my information, all of it... From place of employment, asst. name, business phone, home phone, cell phone, address, employers address, date, how long, what time, yadda yadda yadda.  I think you get the jest. (which I don't have a problem with being safe and their screening process, ONCE again I don't have a problem with it.  Lets make that clear.) So, I get a return "e-mail" and I was told she had something at ##:##pm we'll that was 45 mins away, not enough time. So, I "e-mailed" her back saying it was too soon, please call me, let figure this something out. She "e-mails" me back with another option, not much different (mind you these time's weren't the time I was acquiring about.). So I "e-mail" back, please call me.  I get an "e-mail" back, saying "what for".   I could have done something at a later time, if she would have called or said I'll call you in a bit & we can figure something out that would have been fine. Instead we had to played this "e-mail" game. Thought her "what for" was kinda rude, so I forgot the whole thing and apologized to her about wasting anyone's time.

Don't dis the story because that's what happened.

HERE IS THE QUESTION(s):  Someone that deals with e-mail ONLY and this is a $500+ provider, do you feel that this is very impersonal and unprofessional? Am I the only old school that wants to hear a voice?  Ask a question or two? Request an outfit? Want to get a feel of her personality and see if there's a connection?  In this economy, I want to know what I'm getting and, most importantly, if there is any chemistry between us if I'm going to spend that kind of $$$.

I'm really mixed about how I should feel about this new way of doing business.  

Share an opinion or story, I'd really like to know your thoughts.  Be nice please, not meant to be a haters thread.

IMHO, there are so many fantastic providers in Chicagoland that if one sends the wrong kind of signals, as this lady seems to have done, I would just move on to the next one on my list.

I have ignored these subtle red flags before, and have been burned. Let your big head do the thinking. The little one will be better served by it.

Girls who insist on email never seem to work out for me.  I usually find their questioners to be way too lenghty and intrusive.    I emailed brendaboobies who is visiting a few days ago with all the info requested and haven't heard back.  She will be gone in a couple of days and if I don't hear from her within another 8 hours or so even if she has time for me, I probably won't be able to make time for her.  I feel I gave a lot of personal info, and wasted a lot of time for nothing.  This isn't meant to be a personal attack at her, but  a cry of frustration at providers who don't give out phone numbers.

i have done it once in a while but frankly, its enough of a negative that i just move on.

frankly, i don't understand why a lady would not want to talk to the guy.  I can get a lot out of the tone and language from someone.  

I think these ladies are making a marketing mistake.

Whether I'm at home or in a different city, I  must prearrange my engagements (at least a week in advance) to make sure they fit in with the other endeavors I'm involved with in my life.  

However, I generally respond to my email inquiries within a few hours (what can I say?  I'm attached to my IPhone! Additionally, answering my Bat Phone throughout the day is impossible for me) and request that the inquiring gentleman shares a phone number with me along with three good times to call him over the next three days.  Talking to potential patron is very important to me as I prefer to get a feel for his personality and to ensure that I am the right match for him.  During our conversation, I will share my number with him.

I don't think her behaviour was necessarily unprofessional, it just doesn't make much business sense to me if she is trying to arrange same day meetings via email only.  There are some people who don't have smart phones or use them to check emails, so I'd think that providing a phone number would make things easier for her.

I am no kid and more than a little old school in many things, but I much prefer email - it allows people to communicate when they are not available at the same time, and also provides a clearer way to communicate specific information with less chance of misunderstanding, despite the OP's experience to the contrary. On the other hand, it does have its limitations, and there are times when a call is important.

Some examples include short notice scheduling, situations where a message does not seem to be getting through (like this one), and nothing can replace the old two call system, though I have had that happen via text message.

Email is just another communication tool, that can be used well and appropriately, or not so well. I have examples of providers who email very, very well, and others who seem to be quite challenged to create a timely, courteous and clear email. I am sure the same applies to hobbyists. Your communication problems with this provider have little to do with the nature of email, IMO. Move on and have fun with someone who is paying attention to what you are saying.

Zig

I'd much prefer to deal over email than over the phone.

When you don't want people knowing what you are doing, breaking out a hobby phone and calling people is a giant pain in the ass IMO.

Screening out LE for example. Maybe she's getting lambasted with crank calls and time wasters. I've heard numerous providers complain about their phones ringing off the hook from idiots constantly calling or LE probing for marks. Her "what for?" comment was somewhat rude but consider that she's probably fed up with her phone constantly ringing. Email requires more effort than making a phone call so taking the time to email might translate in her mind to a higher likelihood of an appointment for the time she's investing in screening.

As for giving out all your personal info in an email to someone you've never met...you might want to rethink your strategy. You really don't know who's on the receiving side and that's all I'll say.