give the providers your AKA here, and let them add it to a list of "good hobbyists" for display at TER....and visa versa.  it won't solve the whole problem. i, for instance, generally don't see any indy provider linked here, because i have been most familiar with amp's over the past 15 years, and that provides a level of security for me.

the process would be slow, but i think it would build. the strength is in the COMMUNITY. my sole purpose of reviewing is to share with hobbyists and help my favorite providers.

As someone with no reviews I may not get a reply but I will ask anyway

Besides the fact that it would seem that stalking the boards might be a logical way for LE to get info is there any evidence or anything particularly suspicious to make someone believe that they do?

Has anyone who has seen an often reviewed provider ever been arrested etc.? If so I haven't heard about it

Although I think it makes sense for the "regulars" here to proceed with caution (although I often lurk I don't call myself a "regular” since I don't post reviews) it would seem that this whole issue is being blown out of proportion and causing a great deal of paranoia

hell, i don't know. my approach keeps me clear of LE, imo.

i'm just reading here and other boards. i think there a some who take more chances than i do. and i think providers are at more risk than clients.

My solution limits me somewhat, but to me it's better safe than sorry.

I won't use agencies. I also try and stay away fom local providers. I figure that's where LE is looking anwyay.

I mostly use providers coming in from out of town.

interesting thought. but i don't use visiters because i tend to think(maybe wrongly) that they're all hit and run.