i have yet to see a provider.  i am hoping to get together soon with a particular girl that i've had my eye on for a bit.  i have been reading her reviews and have shared a PM with her most recent reviewer (the review was posted within the last week), in which the reviewer vouched for the provider.  for as little as i know about this hobby (brand new and completely inexperienced), this provider would appear to be relatively stellar in her review history and review depth.  as well, several of her more than 30 reviewers appear to be A) long terms hobbyists who have B) written many reviews of various providers (would either or both of these facts do anything for you guys to legitimize the provider?).  
the provider and i have shared 2 emails.  as i am a brand newbie, i have zero references.  also, being self-employed, i suppose i would be hard to verify otherwise.  i was upfront with the provider about these two facts in me first email.  she then asked me to share a bit more about myself.  i responded with general info about myself (age and general professional field).  in her following email she asked when i would like to get together.  i'm not presuming that i am now completely 'screened', but it does feel like i could probably set a date with her at this point.

clearly i am concerned with making sure this provider is legitimate and not LE.

is it at all reasonable to request an initial date with a provider to be public, non sexual affair (with full compensation for her time, of course)?  i guess i'm sorta pussy footing about this first encounter, but not only does this idea of a 'non-contact' first date seems like it could be a safer more cautious option, but knowing myself, just diving into a 'full-contact' first experience would most likely be such a nerve filled blur that i might not even enjoy it.  i can almost certainly say that should this type of first date be an option, i would be able to more completely enjoy my subsequent dates with this girl, after getting to know her and building some sort of rapport and trust between the both of us (though, clearly intended to soothe mainly my nerves) .  

so is that at all something that a new client can request from a new provider?  or is that unreasonable?

thanks everybody.

With the review history that you've shared, this girl sounds about as legit as they cum.

As far as meeting in public place first, my guess would be that if it's compensated at her normal rate, most ladies would be happy to do that.  After all, it is their time that they are compensated for.

Here's what I'd suggest tho, schedule a longer date.  I'm assuming she has incall, so meet her somewhere that's nice, but also close to her incall (let her pick the place and tell her what you have in mind).  That way, once you get past your first-time jitters, you may be able to spend a little quality time alone getting to know each other more intimately (if you know what I mean).

Welcome aboard, have a blast, and good luck!

It is normal to be nervous, but if the lady has more than 30 reviews, there should be little to worry about.
There would be nothing wrong with a date type evening as long as you understand that you will be expected to compensate her for her time.
I have a gentleman who keeps asking for an incall appt but wants to meet somewhere for coffee first, not included in session time, to settle his nerves. Sorry but thats not gonna happen. I work, go to school and see clients a few times a week. I don't have time to play games or go to meet for coffee before every session to see if we click.
Sorry about the reant, to answer your question, by all means ask her out for dinner, movie, whatever, nothing wrong with that. Seems like you understand that you will be paying for her time. You sound like a nice guy, just relax and have a good time.

happy meet you for drinks, etc.

She might even offer a small discount, but don't count on it.

However it sounds like you have already done your home work and meeting with her might not calm your nerves.

You might not be comfortable paying women you don't know for sex, not everyone is. This is not meant as a put down in any way.

Many guys prefer GFs and LTR.

Just my thought after reading your post.

tc

and the history of the reviewers, I'd say that you're pretty safe with this lady. You might want to consider a dinner date, with some dessert planned for afterwards. Yes, you'll be nervous as hell, but let the lady take care of that. That's one of the things that these ladies do very well. You'd be surprised just how comfortable some ladies can make you feel in a short period of time.

Should you still want to opt for a "dinner only" date, I think that most ladies would have no objection, and would probably enjoy it.

As long as you pay for the providers time I am sure she will be happy to have a "non-contact" date with you.  She gets paid either way.  Perhaps a short dinner or drinks then a romantic interlude afterward would make you more comfortable.  This will require a min 2-3hr date but that time will let you get to know the lady better.  Personally I will not schedule less then 2hrs.  If your planning on sticking around go ahead and get verified with RS2k or whatever verification service is most accepted in your area.  These services are usually unavoidable.  Being self employed only makes them more necessary.

harvest.  Go for it!

Why would you just go into a candy store to look at the candy when you can make a purchase and enjoy a sweet treat?

The way you feel is completely understandable.
You've got to get yourself in the right head space and that is up to you.
Here are some tips to help you:

1) Pretend you are going on a date with someone you met on Match ( get out a nice pair of jeans, a collared shirt, some sharp shoes and an irresistible fragrance).
2)Set up a cocktail or dinner date. You will have enough time to get to know each other oer some fun conversation and create a low pressure, relaxed environment which the both of you will enjoy.
3)She is probably not LE if she has 30 reviews spread out over a significant period of time.
4)Whatever you do don't waste her time with trying to set up coffee dates and numerous emails or phone calls, or you may get blacklisted for being a "time waster".

I know this may sound WAY too technical, but make a list of the questions which race through you mind when you are in your own "special" place and ask them in a respectful manor, explaining this is your first experience. That way, she will probably be more understanding, as apposed to wondering if YOU are LE.
Enjoy!

thanks for all the info and suggestions.

question:
if i set up a casual date with her to get more comfortable, would it be appropriate to ask her questions regarding her business or other services, or would she likely read that as  'suspicious'?  just wondering if while getting familiar with each other we will be able to speak frankly or if that sort of conversation can only happen after we've gotten more intimate?

thanks again everybody.

JD,
I'm sure she'd be happy to spend time with you if you are paying for it, regardless of if it's a cocktail or the full sha-bang.
Don't ask her about her other services. Read her reviews if you want to know.
She knows what she's doing and she'll know how to handle both herself and you.
If the two of you click and you are interested in extending your time with her, be prepared to handle financial matters immediately and discreetly.
It is just like any other date...except your paying for it.
Leave the pay factor out and what would you normally do?
There is plenty to talk about. Travel, wine food, theatre, business (yours).
There is no need to ask her if she takes it in the back door or provides bbbj's over a martini. That IS inappropriate and if you throw the lingo out there you will undoubtedly make her suspicious and possibly get canned.
Don't push your luck. Act normal. READ HER REVIEWS!!

schedule a 2 hour date, check into a nice hotel and enjoy some drinks at the bar. If she is as professional and well reviewed as you seem to be suggesting, she will make you at ease and you will want to head upstairs very soon

If you can't trust the girl based on her 25+ reviews and personal recommendations from others who have actually seen her, then you should probably take this matter up with yourself.

As for the dinner date - that your willing to pay for at her normal rate - I'm sure she'd love that

But...

In my opinion, she should probably worry about you -- that YOU are not LE.

From what I've been learning in this community, guys interested in booking a provider do not normally act like you're doing with this particular girl.

If I were that girl, I'd be cautious of you.

great question j88down! and the responses are all great too.  I'm a newbie myself still fumbling around here trying to figure it all out.
Thanks again all!