Following is my list of turn-offs I've experienced recently in this hobby:

1. OFFLINE BADMOUTHING
2-3 times, ladies have badmouthed other ladies to me. The accusations were alarming, but of course difficult to prove. The intent was stated as concern for me, but it actually seemed more like simple competition bashing. Both the basher & bashee are off my call list now......how unnecessary!  Morgan's Chronicle 69 column addressed this once; see November & December 2001:

http://www.chronicle69.com/arch_topic1.htm

2. ONLINE BICKERING
An old topic. Close cousin to offline badmouthing, but with wider scope. There are several ladies I've decided not to see simply because of their over-the-top online bickering. Anyone initiating a board attack is off my list immediately. I can understand the need to defend against an online attack, but I've seen a couple times where the lady trying to defend herself does more damage than good by taking it too far.  What really kills me is when a lady attempts to defend herself online against a slander that started offline.  I think she often loses more clients doing this than the handful that might get involved in a back-channel event.  ???

Is the outcome an overall + or -?  When these boards began, many of the posts contained review information. With searchable databases now prevalent, there's no need for these posts. The boards have always been an effective and cheap venue for posting availability and specials, maybe they're all that’s worthwhile. Makes me question the usefulness of many of the posts on these discussion boards (including this one).

3. MILKING/FLEECING
I understand the value of services varies for different people.  Some men are more able or willing to take the financial aspect further than others, or even to help out in non-financial ways. No issues there....to a point! We know some guys will lose grip on reality and start to view his relationship with a lady unrealistically. This is a tough situation for any lady to handle and extricate herself from. Nobody deserves this kind of harassment.

Guys who choose to participate in this should at least have a realistic understanding of what it is they're doing.  It's called targeted charity.  You aren't Richard Gere, this isn't "Pretty Woman", you're not a White Knight.  I'm not saying it can never happen, but I'm certain most of the time we have a fleecing operation & nothing more. For evidence, one needs look no further than another Chronicle 69 entry; see the last response to the last question posed for July & August 2001:

http://www.chronicle69.com/arch_topic1.htm

What really bugs me is when ladies milk this situation, continuing to accept all kinds of favors from the guy after he's crossed the line. In some situations, even leading the guy on, letting him continue with his B.S. fantasy to milk him for more money & favors. I have a hard time with ladies doing this. Those dumb enough to brag about it to me find themselves further down my call list.

4. TOO MUCH INFORMATION!
This one is a continuation of the milking rant. There are a variety of reasons I choose to pursue this hobby. Paying someone to hear about all their problems & their qualifications for the Jerry Springer show isn't one of them. I understand some providers have a disproportionate share of life issues. I'm sorry about that, but please don't spoil my one hour paid joyride with too much of it. In light of the milking fests I've heard of, it feels like you're setting me up.

I'm sure there are some lonely guys that get off on the intimate aspect of hearing personal details (uh, I call them milking candidates), but not everyone does. Use your powers of observation & perception ladies. If I abruptly change the subject.....

5. SMOKING
Like no-shows, it's amazing to me this is even an issue, but it is. Please don't light up without asking me if I care. This should be common sense ladies! Here's another winner: you open the door with a cigarette in your hand, and then put it out right away. The room is full of smoke and your breath is too.  YUCK!  I've never walked out of these situations, but I don't return either.

OK, I admit this all sounds rather harsh. Doesn't make it not true. Ladies, the economy is in the crapper. There's more competition out there for our $$ every single day. There are hundreds of local ladies advertising, and a dozen travelers at any given time. It's going to get worse before it gets better, trust me. Frankly, I don't see much reason to give out second chances in today's climate.

When Wal-Mart annoys me, Target is across the street.

End rant.

Peace.