Gents- I'm reasonably new to the hobby, but have some friends/coworkers whom, from previous discussions, I think might also be into the hobby. But I live in a small city and if I'm wrong, they might talk to the wrong people. My question is: how might I go about bringing up this topic in an indirect way that leaves me an "out" if they are not actually hobbyists?

Ya' don't. I can't say that any clearer. Others may disagree. I don't consider hobbying a 'locker-room' venture. I don't plan to go `round bragging about it.

Take several of the ones men that you think are hobbyists out for friendly drinks after work. Let the alcohol start it's effect on them, you stay sober. Then, use part truth, part joke. Say something like "I must be coming into a new phase of my life, I have been having dreams about a hot time with zzzz". Zzzz would be the type of lady you prefer. After the opening, keep your mouth shut and allow them to do the talking. See what comes out. If they reveal nothing that confirms experience in the hobby to you, drop it. If one does reveal hobby experience, work to get him alone and casually ask more indirect questions about his experiences, all the time stating how much you dream about his experiences but are too terrified to try. If he offers a mentoring role you may want to pass if he does not have more to loose at work than you do. As a rule, I do not let co-workers in on my hobbying, I prefer to maintain a wall of discretion.

You don't.

Quite frankly, I don't give a fuck who knows about my hobbying, but unless one shares my admittedly cavalier attitude on the subject, I would suggest that discretion would be advised for anyone with "something to lose".

To clarify my attitude for the newbies here. I am happily divorced, own my own company, and not a member of any church or other organization of pious, judgemental assholes whose opinion means anything to me. In short, no one's adverse opinion about my hobbying has the slightest impact on my life, most people don't have that luxury.

FYI, I actually do go "round bragging about it", most of my friends, especially my married friends, are green with envy. lmao

Your coworkers very well may not be.  Look at all the bs around tiger woods.  I think the paranoia you will create in the workplace will set you up for negative rumors and they will stay private.

DO NOT share except on the board.  Set up PM relationships with people who like same providers you do.

Well, you can mention that you were watching TV and accidentally turned on the show 'Diary of a Call Girl.'  Mention you watched it for a while and found it fascinating.  A bit of a 'chick' show, but tthe idea of a sexy woman meeting someone for sex was interesting and you wonder if there are really ladies like that...  See what they say.,,,,

btw I believe the show is on HBO, but you may want to check if you decide to use this idea.  Best to get your facts straight.

Just my thoughts on a way to bring up the subject, while not showing your hand...

Sinfully Sinthia

There is only one person who knows about my "hobbying" lifestyle, and that is my best friend and highest confidant of 15 years.  There are plenty of people on this board to share your experiences with.  There is no need to risk yourself and reputation to the horrid puritanical society that is today's world.  Unless you have nothing to lose like GaGambler, you keep your mouth shut unless you know without a doubt that you can trust that person with your deepest darkest secrets and that they'd never tell a soul even under the pain of torture.

lose lips sink ships.  Deny, deny, deny.

You do NOT tell anyone.  Not a coworker.  Not your best friend.  
No good can come of it and great harm can.  Let's see, co-worker has a beef with you & makes it public knowledge to get even.  
Your best friend gets druck & blabs to someone.
You meet some sexy blonde & decide to hang up your handle...  your best man gets drunk at your wedding & announces on the PA that you're not going to see HOOKERS anymore.  Bride leaves reception...  you take ATF on the non-refundable honeymoon cruise.  Marriage is annulled by the time you get back.  
OK so what was the question again?  Gents do not kiss & tell.  It didn't work in High School, it doesn't work now.
Have a great time, file the memories away in your mind.
skb

Unless you are trying to find someone to share a woman with, 3way, or want to brag about your conquests why would you want to open that door? It really depends on your reasons or needs for talking about your sexual life with your buddies.