What in the hell ever possessed a roomful of people to associate firearms so closely with alcohol??? That must have been a hell of a meeting. But I digress!
I suppose I do have a couple of ATF's, but rarely get to see ladies on a regular basis. Some of the ladies I've met, I would love to see regularly, but they're scattered all over the country. I don't think we ever CHOOSE an ATF, at least I don't. It's just something that happens on its own. When it does happen, I think it's due to compatability, and common interests, as well as similar life experiences. For instance, I have been clean & sober for 24 years, and have met some ladies who are also in recovery, and have had special connections with them based on our similar addictions, and how we deal with them.
ATF being "down"? I did have that happen one time due to Mother Nature, but we met anyway, and spent the entire day together. We did have some activity limitations, but it was a wonderful day, nonetheless. I find it amazing how resourceful she was.
I definitely would not spend more with ladies who accepted credit cards. In the first place, I wouldn't use mine, and it would not effect the way that I tip. I'm not a wealthy man, and I save up for my playtime, always keeping it within my means. I sometimes go months between visits, and nearly always ask for a dinner date. My playtime is very precious to me, and I like to make the most of my opportunities. My tip is always included in the envelope, and in my opinion, is quite generous.
Finally, where the hell you been? I'm sure I'm not the only one who has missed your posts.
I've often wondered myself how some butt orifices, got together and decided to mold the "disciplines" into one. Tobacco is innocent enough but.... I know that we're on the same page here.
Thanks for your input. We're all still learning here. I even got a "solicitation" (bad word) from a credit card company who tried a positive spin on the exact reason that you wouldn't use a credit card.
It will be interesting what others have to say about how they fall or fell into an ATF.
I've been here, just silent for the most part. The entire MN board has been rather dormant of late. I had hope to spark some life with this one.
ATF = All Time Favorites? Dang I always thought it meant 'All Ten Findgers' and that always worried me being no bigger than a thumb! LOL
No more ATF's for me, all the past ones moved out of state, I am playing the field so they all stay! 
Why did I before-too many reasons to name them.
One of the biggest reasons for my ATF's was the same reason I many see different ladies every time! Variety and not knowing what to expect each time you walk in the door!
Down time, they still have a personality and 5 other options!
Reviews or not - had em and it made things easier for everyone, not always a good thing!
References - if the lady does not offer I don't ask. I take it as it wouldn't be favorable or they don't do them. Not everyone clicks and I try to stay with the tried and true! For this I would not call for a second appointment either.
"Knocked out of the box" Sorry to be blunt, but only an idiot uses a reference they are not sure will give a glowing response!
CC - let me put it this way, if it was all you used, I would never call!
I tried posting a long winded response to your long winded variety of questions but it took so long my "time expired" please excuse if this,or any form of it shows up twice.
Any way,I haven't until the past several months been an ATF kind of guy.But what I have come to repsect is that there is a dependabilty factor.It's less about he X's and O's and more about I know she'll answer my communication and keep the hoop jumping at a minimum.Having said that,I am glad to say I have several ATF's who fit that bill!I think Most guys have more than one ATF!
I must say I take good natured offense in your equating ego to guys who shun ATF's and prefer to play the field.IMO variety is the true essence of the hobby.I have a feeling the "Ego" part of the equation could just as easliy go both ways.Couldn't we men just as easliy say wethinks the reason some Ladys provide is to make themselves fell more desirable.But that would be painting with to broad of a brush wouldn't it?
I sometimes think we all put way to to much thought and to much seriousness into what should be a fun endeavor!
Live up to your name-sake, read and type faster. LMAO now. Your opinion(s) are very much appreciated. Actually the reason for the thread.
I'm glad that you were good 'naturedly' offended, for I meant no offense.
Thanks guy
My ATF is one with whom I have connected with on a personal and emotional level. It works for both of us.
Marie; I think having an ATF means different things to different people. And as a woman you might not be able to fully understand a man's opinion, and vice versa (the whole Mars/Venus thing). I don't think seeing a lot of differnt ladies is always an ego thing, after all most of us are not bragging to our friends and nieghbors about it! However variety does keep things interesting. And it is fun to find that next great provider who is just trying to get established and turns out to be one of the greats!
So even though I have some ATF's, I continue to explore. I think that along with sexual drive, hunting and exploring are primal male urges. As is the always trying to improve and stretch our limits. So from a male perspective it is natural to be "still expierimenting" as you put it.
To me, they (is it possible to really have more than one "All Time Favorite"?) are special to me because of how we "clicked" personality wise as well as otherwise. They are Ladies I really enjoy spending time with and could enjoy their company in another setting as well as the one we are discussing. They are also, in my opinion, VERY sexy Ladies but in different ways except that their attitudes turn me on. The common thread is that they have great personalities and are just fun to be with.
I also have scheduling limitations and some of the ladies I consider ATF's do not work full time or are not near my area so are more difficult to line up with.
There are also boundaries not to be crossed such as developing more of a personal relationship so "spreading it around" keeps it in the right context.
Finally the Ladies that have the qualities to become ATF's also tend to be higher priced so there are those limitations.
From a clients perspective I just cannot see any good side of using credit cards and would not do so. Likewise I do not see anyone who wants a full name or place of work.... It just seems stupid to give that out or leave any kind of paper trail.
BN
Multiple questions in the same post. Long reading.....Dang
Feel free to select one or two questions and give us all some feedback.
Sorry
ATF Criteria (My 2 cents)
Physical attraction: The little head should pay attention.
No drama: We are adults so lets enjoy our time together.
Communication: Email, cell, text - work out what works best.
Our Time Together: An evolution of events that I have not even thought of yet. Just keep me guessing.
OK, here's what I think:
Alcohol - yes (in moderation)
Tobacco - no
Firearms - only if you know what you are doing
...
Oh, I guess that wasn't what you were really asking about! 
OK I'll take stab at the rest of it.
Yes, I have an ATF; a lady I have been seeing very regularly for several years now. I find her to be very beautiful and marvelously talented in bed. However, that is only the beginning of why she is my ATF for she is also an intelligent, charming, and delightful companion and I enjoy being with her no matter what we are doing.
I also have a few other ladies that I see from time to time. There are various reasons why I see these ladies semi-regularly but in one or more ways I felt more of a thrill and/or connection to them than I did to most of the ladies I have seen. Sometimes I have gone long periods of times without seeing a certain one of them and then for no particular reason I decide I'd like to see them again. There are also other ladies I saw fairly often who have moved on to other things and I remember them fondly.
I also do like to see new girls from time to time. It's fun to see someone new but most of the time I honestly don't see a girl more than once or twice. Most of the time I see my ATF or one of the other ladies I prefer.
As far as references go, I guess I've been doing this long enough that between, TER, P411, and the ladies who know me well enough I have not had problems coming up with needed references.
I won't pay for an escort's services with CC; it leaves an unwanted paper trail. In this, cash is king!
Vorlon,
Your's are among the most intelligent and "judicial" posts on the board. Thank you.
I also learned with your response that you have a damned sense of humor to go with it. Go boy!!!!!
Can"t narrow it down to one ATF. The physical part of it is very important but even more important is the rapport with these ladies. Even if it's an act it is one of the things I am seeking, and I appreciate it very much. I"ll bet my 4 ATF"s would say they are one of the four. bigdell
Those damn ATF folks, they keep looking for my still, my stash and my Uzzi. So I'm hangin' out in the Ozarks.
I actually have an ATF but I never aquired that status from her, and within the last month she misread an email and TM'd me that she was indignant that I was trying to get something for free. So I got dumped. It is what it is, so time to move on. But she will always be my ATF.
I tend to like to stay with the same provider, or in my current life, two of them who happen to be good friends that I met at a M&G. Both are great people. So why would I want to sample anything else? I like the comfort level of being with someone I know.
I usually write reviews although it sometimes takes a while to get them done. I have seen five providers whom I won't do a review on. They were so bad...and none of them are active on TER, a couple never have been on TER.
I ask everyone I see if they will provide a reference, and I have never had to use the same provider more than twice. With the number of reviews I have done and several whitelists, lately most of the providers don't even ask for references.
I don't have an SO, and it wouldn't affect me either way to take credit cards. I don't tip at all. The poor working stiff who works for minimum wage and tips at a restaurant deserves a tip if he/she does a commendable job. The provider who gets $300-$400 per hour makes more in an hour than some people make in a week. I always book two hours and usually several follow-on appointments. That is the tip. LOL
In some sort of twisted way; I only see my ATF occasionally (about once/yr over the last 10yrs), because I love the mystery and fantasy that surrounds her and I want to keep that alive I guess. Otherwise, - I see someone about once every couple of months. I stopped seeing another long-time ATF awhile back because it seemed like she went thru a transition that took her from someone who seemed to love her job into someone who was just in it for the money......did I just start to know too much ? I had seen her a total of about 8 or 9 times. My fantasy ATF took the time to get to know me several yrs ago over a couple of glasses of wine and I guess you could maybe say her investment has paid off.........Her performance has always been slow and deliberate, she also has an aura of inner peace and love that on the surface seems like a sort of self-confidence,but is soo much more that that. There is always the potential for electricity and excitement with a new partner and I am always looking and trying new adventures with new people just because I love the adrenaline rush, and the experience. It has nothing to do with putting another notch on the belt, or a trophy hunt. Would I ever get just plain bored with someone I have chosen as an ATF.......never. However...."Experimenting" is always fun. I am addicted to adventure.
I would imagine a persons ATF is largely determined by the reasons for being in the hobby. Personally, I'm in it because I don't have the time, sanity or patience to be in a relationship. I haven't had one in over 5 years due to the schedule I have to keep. So for me, my ATF is one that makes me feel and believe the GFE atmosphere as much as possible...well, without the phone calls asking me where the BLEEP I am. Make me really feel that, and I'll be back again and again.
Regarding references: granted I've only a limited number of possible people to ask having been a hobbyist only a couple of months now, but of the few I've asked, none have responded.
Credit cards: I have nothing to hide from anyone, but I wouldn't use them and it wouldn't affect how much I spend. Besides, giving some woman I don't know my credit card number? Yeah, right. LOL
