1.  Legit vs. illegit on BP:  You can Google the phone no. and run the pics through Google Images or Tineye but a Newbie should avoid BP altogether until he's more seasoned.

2.  OK to review a provider:  You answered your own question - ask the provider if it's okay to write a review and if she will give you a reference.  Of course, if it was a horrible session or she was a bait & switch, you don't have to ask because you won't get permission anyway.

3.  PMing a hobbyist or provider:  There really is no etiquette.  If they won't recognize your handle, you should put something in the subject line to get their attention such as: "Newbie seeking advice from BigPapasan, the wisest hobbyist ever."  

1). When I was new, and just learning the ropes , I would open BP and do a search for TER. That would lead me to providers who listed TER in their ads and these were the only ones I would do further research on. Now I only use TER. It's a great resource. Why look elsewhere?
2).  As above
3).   There is no etiquette regarding PMs. Sometimes i will PM a fellow hobbyist who wrote a review for further information. Sometimes I'll PM a provider who has caught my interest to introduce myself.  Sometimes I'll PM one or the other just to comment on a post that they have written. The nature of the response i receive will determine what to do next.

Good luck! .

-- Modified on 9/30/2012 6:42:12 AM

1.  Yes, of course there are unscrupulous ads on BP.  It's no different than any other piece of info you are given.  Research it, doublecheck it, check it out.  Use the TER review function to search by phone number or email address and see if anything comes up.  Google the number and email.  Use Tineye or Google Images to check her photos and see if they are located elsewhere on the web.

2.  If she doesn't want a review, respect her wishes.  You owe nothing to anyone else here, regardless of what some of the "bros" say.  When they pay for your sessions, then they can give you some advice.  Same thing if she doesn't wanna be used as a reference.  Many girls just don't want anyone else to know what they are doing, and are happy seeing the occasional client.  More clients aren't better than fewer clients for everyone.

3.  Send a PM and be respectful.  Realize that you are asking for information (if that's what you are doing) and take the approach that you are asking someone to give you info.  Simple as that.  Be respectful, and realize the other person's time is valuable.

vague in a few areas.
1.  You can shop anywhere you want whether it be BP, Eros, CV, etc. However, if there are no reviews to be found on TER or other review sites (not rely on reviews on a provider's site), then pass. TER VIP is so critical to reading the details in reviews.

2.  If a provider does not want a review, honor her request. UNLESS, the session was way off from her reviews. If she was B & S, or "just laid there", etc., you need to let others know. Sure, YMMV but be resonable.

3.  I will sometimes PM a provider or send them an email if I need more information. Same thing goes for another hobbyist. But, don't become a PIA by asking something that is either on the provider's web site or in a guy's review of her.