Just for the hell of it, I looked at the last 30 ads of BP escorts. I judged whether they used real pics, probably fake pics, or could go either way. 15 I deemed to be real, 10 probably fake, and 5 could go either way. Do your own unscientific survey for fun if you are so inclined.

Some of the girls I have seen, some I've read reviews of, and a couple, well, who would use these pictures as their own, if they were not. Some could be real or close and I think only one or two were more than likely fake. One gal I have seen uses pics that resemble her, but aren't.

Anyway, I use BP all the time due to short notice issues and my satisfaction ratio is probably about 50 -60%. I've been ripped off twice that I remember and been unhappy many times but pleasantly surprised a few times as well. Most fall in the 'closely resemble' category.

If I'm not mistaken, Portia began her career advertising on BP as well as Elizabeth and a few others that will come to me later. I discovered some touring ladies on BP also after fretting over their legitimacy. I'm glad I gave them a try.

Those of you that use only reviewed ladies have every right to do so but are very short-sighted in their advice to others to do so as well. Where are the new reviews going to come from? Every time I see that type of advice I am tempted to post here about another girl that I just saw but will not be reviewing, just for spite. I urge you all to write reviews!

Much more could be said but I've got to go!

I did a bit of research as well. I did a quick count of the top 100 in Minnesota, nearly 70% have a B.P. add in the review. I have read the diatribe about backpage girls and find that there are a few on this form that continually pound the drum taking shots at girls on B.P.  I will not get into putting names or calling anyone out on this. However having followed a number of girls that have climbed to the top of the list I know for a fact there are few on the list that haven't used backpage at some point in their career.
The stats do tell the truth, a large majority of us have seen a girl that has posted on BP.  Many of our reviewers use this as a source, many do not belong to the other services. I am in agreement there are various reasons we look there and not to some of the other services.
I will say my own reasons are varied, I rarely have the luxury of the time it takes to be verified. Most of the time I cannot predict when I'll be able to get away. I have also had a couple of encounters that I would not care to repeat.
 There are a number of girls in the top 25 that I would have already been to see, either I'm not motivated to get through the screening or not willing to provide the info they are requesting.
I have just passed my one year anniversary in the hobby, I am thankful for the wonderful ladies and as important the guys that take the time to write reviews.
Steelhand

I think the 50% is a little high, more like 25%, but I'm going to do your exercise myself.

I too have found some gems on BP, and BP has started many good ones.  Just check my reviews and you'll see a few good ones from the BP pool.  I just think it's never too much to point out the thieves, baiters and switchers, fake pics, and other scams.

...you make a good point, Steelhand. Many top tier Providers here in Minnesota and other cities use BP as part of their arsenal in getting their message out. They also use P411, Eros, TER, etc. that's just smart business sense. Realize that many Hobbyists also get their start on BP. They read about BP when it receives all the positive publicity when anti BP groups try to get it banned. This is their first foray into the hobby world and they eventually learn about sites like TER where one can learn to play safer. The same happens with gals who start out on BP and have no idea that places like TER exist. And when they do, it's exciting to follow a woman's Provider career blossom from $75 blow 'n goes into multi $$$$ full sessions.

There are many quality providers on BP; it's just harder to find them but you have additional resources, such as TER, Google, and Google Image Search, to help you in your research.  And every well-reviewed, well-respected provider was at one time brand new with no reviews.

I would venture a guess that to the uninitiated, a guy is going to get burned at least 4 out of 5 times if he just booked a session based on photos alone and nothing else.  With the use of other screening tools, as well as gut instinct, you can raise your average but my experience has ranged from horrible to excellent, and generally had no clue ahead of time.  While I am now only seeing one UTR lady,BP and previously Craigslist, was an exciting part of my hobby game.  Those diamonds in the rough were worth some of the strikeouts along the way.  As you said, some of the top providers in MN got their start there.

I tried, I cannot go through 30 adds and get an accurate count. Many of the adds cause an auto reject in my brain, those that get a second look cause other filters to kick in TER, Google, Tineye.