I am a rookie to this hobby and have a handful of encounters. I am finding that I will often show up early and check out the building before I go in. I will often experience a level of panic and worry when I do this. I am concerned that the place has LE observation or that a pimp will jump out of a closet and mug me. How do I best alleviate these fears? Also, I have visited a few places where I know they used CCTV to screen potential clients. How do I know that my face won't show up on a website somewhere? I appreciate any advice my fellow hobbyists  and providers can offer. Thanks.

But, every so often, I do feel some anxiousness and uncertainty when meeting new friends.   And, if I know the gent is early driving around the parking lot and scoping things out, that anxiousness would be increased.  I think you would be better served to be punctual but not early.   Be discreet and act like you belong there.   I don't always remember, but I try to tell the gent exactly where the elevator is so he is not in the lobby looking like he's lost.  You want to blend in as much as possible.  Driving around and scoping things out only brings attention to yourself.  

You should look at a girls reviews.  Sometimes, if the girl has a driver or a pimp, someone has written it in the reviews.

and to know when to walk away.

As for BM's rules, I'm glad those aren't written in stone.
Some of those could get in the way of a guy's fun.

Good! I am taking notes.

My first 2 rules:

1. Don't talk about hobby
2. Don't talk about hobby

They are typically smart and experienced enough to avoid trouble.  Once you have some experience then you are more likely to be able to sniff out a bad situation and avoid it.  But there is no foolproof solution and a little paranoia is a useful thing for a hobbyist or provider.

-- Modified on 10/15/2012 11:14:52 PM

Seriously. This sounds totally miserable. If I was you, I'd stick to outcall at a decent hotel. Nice, neutral, public ground for you both.

is in large part excellent.  I am reminded of the scene in Ocean's 11 where Brad Pitt is explaining to Matt Damon all the rules of pulling off the scam of being an agent from the NGC (Nevada Gaming Commission).
He gives him plenty of advice and direction but when he gets to the most important item, Pitt is interrupted and you never get the key element to remember.  Same here.  Its different for each of us.  The best most solid advice is to see well reviewed providers and follow their lead on getting to the meeting.

It'll keep one on their toes & aware of a given situation.  I remain cautiously optimistic and slightly paranoid/on edge as a hobbyist.

I tend to not be so much paranoid of LE but more paranoid for not so well behaved guests.
Nothing worse than not being able to be comfortable or connect with whom you're with.

not really