Brand new hobbyist - first time yesterday (yes, I will post that review...)

TER has been very helpful, both in figuring out how all this works, finding providers, as well as (properly) scaring the bejesus out of me regarding the LE risks. So far, so good.

A couple of questions come to mind so far, one specific to Chicago, I assume - how does one find providers? Yes, I have surfed reviews here. Not being in the city, and being somewhat more worried about Chicago LE than suburban (is that right or wrong?), I have focused on suburban providers with 5 or more reviews who do incall. Not a large group, but promising.

I am avoiding agencies for the moment, since what I read here suggests to me that they add an extra level of risk in that I am in their files somehow, and also because it seems that the coming law targets them. I also believe, though pricing does not seem to bear this out, that I am getting a better deal by eliminating the middle man.

Scanned P411, and RS2K and some good stuff there, but not a lot. Postings here make me think BP is mostly a waste of time, if not downright risky, so while I have scanned that, I do not plan to spend a lot of time there unless it is through a link here.

Also have stumbled across a few listings for traveling providers, but I keep running across reviews for traveling providers where I cannot figure out how people knew they were here (not listed here, on the linked web sites, or anywhere I could find). Sometime I do find the travel schedule, but more often than not, I cannot.

So here are my questions:

1. How do you find and track (for those who travel) providers? Just trying to figure out the best way to see what is available when I am in the mood, or to track someone I find interesting.
2. What are the benefits of being a regular with a provider? The attraction of novelty seems part of the reason to hobby, but if/when I find someone really great, what should I expect if I go back again, and again. I know that this probably depends from provider to provider, so just share experiences. I assume providers prefer regulars, at least those who meet certain criteria (and I strive to be a good boy), so they would do something extra to make you a regular.
3. What are the pros and cons of traveling providers versus locals? Any difference in LE risk or anything else? Seems logical that the worst would not travel, so I assume quality is better on average among the travelers (and prices seem to run a bit higher), but what other differences should I expect?

Thanks to all for posting & sharing. I cannot tell you how helpful this board has been.

For Q1:  You've done this much homework so far it should not be any more difficult to keep up with a provider that travels or for when you travel.   Simple enough to watch destination-relevant areas.
For Q2:  There is no answer to be put on a msg board because everyone is unique and no one should expect 'the same' as anyone else in this regard.
For Q3:  Some people travel because they can command it, others travel because they need to leave one place because people realize what a joke they are.  Risks are always there no matter what or where.  Don't be stupid and do your homework (you already must have to get this far; keep it up).

1. Q 1The advanced search on TER is my friend. I cross reference a lot too. Phone numbers and e-mail address are helpful in picking up akas and fakes as well. I love that the new version of the site lets you save searches and name them. Everyone is different so start looking around (it sounds like you are) and the less impulsive the better. Someone that grabs your eye one day might not be the same the next day and setting up an appointment has a lot of expectations riding on it. Though you're not buying a house getting burnt suuuucks. For travelers most providers worth their salt have calendars that they update regularly. I can think of at least three that I check up on from time to time to see when they come through.

2. Q2 Yeah the novelty of someone new is definitely part of the process of hobbying but if you find someone with whom you have some sort of chemistry, or maybe she just gets you going like no other, it's sometimes worth it. For one the tension of LE is all but gone. The other thing is you know what you are getting. No surprises or worries. There is something to be said about peace of mind.


3. Q3 Some people travel because their terrible reputation will dry up any work they might find in town. For some traveling is a definite perk of the job. I've seen several traveling providers with mixed results. the reviews are going to help a lot with a traveling provider. They do tend to be higher ended. I've tended to have better success with traveling providers if they have their own websites and I've worse times with eros traveling providers but ymmv.

Thanks to both for the replies. Sounds like I am on the right track: read, surf, lurk, surf some more.

Good info on the bad side of traveling providers, had not considered that. And I am getting the idea that while it sort of flies in the face of the whole purpose, the big head has to maintain control...

Now I need to figure out provider references, as it seems the tighter the screening the better for all, and even with RS2K and P411 screenings, some will not talk to me without either a longer track record or some references.

Serious fun.

And thanks to all who post on this Board. What a treasure trove of great information!