I've never been with a provider before, so I can't provide any references. If providers won't see me because I can't give them any references, then how I am supposed to gather references in the first place?

My second question: Outside of contacting previous references, what does the screening process entail? How invasive does it get?

I am in the same potion as well. Would love to learn a bit more on how a "newbie" gets brought into the fold as it were.

Kind of reminds me of a commercial I once saw...

There are newbie-friendly providers out there.
It's similar to the "need experience to get a job, need a job to get experience" dilemma.
In both cases, you'll have to keep looking and find someone willing to give you a chance.

Providers have different ways of screening/verifying a client.
Employment verification is common if you have no references and if you aren't verified on any verification sites. They'll try to reach you at work. If you have a direct line or extension, that is perfect. You can specify the phone etiquette and cover story for her to use when calling you. It won't look suspicious to your boss/co-workers that way.

Some providers will ask to meet you for coffee or at a restaurant and will ask to see your ID (a site suggests blocking out your address line with a piece of non-clear tape).

It's all about your vibe and attitude.
Your initial e-mail to a potential provider is most important.
Include all of the information she requests in an e-mail and try to tell her about yourself.
It gives her an idea of how you are as a person.

We were all new to this hobby at one point, so don't worry.

Use the search feature to find threads on this subject.  It's about the most common subject on this board.

If you are in the Chicago area, Roomservice is the most popular service there.

P411 allows providers to indicate on their profiles if they are newbie friendly.  Call the toll free number and Gina will work with you to get verified, so providers will see you.  As has been previously stated, you may need to give up some personal/work information to get verified, but that's better than giving it to several providers.

This topic has been discussed countless times, search for verification on this board.

Swim

Would TER ever consider a notice re. the searching for "verification" or references" you come to the "newbies" board?  Maybe it's general laziness, but maybe the number of threads on this subject could be lessened significantly if people were just encouraged to look a little further.....seems like many don't take the time to actually poke around a little before they start posting questions.  

Seems like this takes up a lot of time for the same folks over and over again (mostly you, perfectstorm, and mrfisher).

I am the host of the Newbie board, so it's my job to answer questions.  Being a former teacher, I'm used to hearing the same questions over and over....  Unfortunately, many of the newb's that ask questions don't know about the search function or how to use it, from what I have read.  And, like you said, some are prob too lazy to look, it's easier to ask....LOL

Swim

GFE is girl friend experience, and PSE is porn star experience.  The self help center has a lot of the acronyms listed.  If you are looking for one that isn't there, google the Urban Dictionary, it has 'em all.

Prescreening is where the provider does her research on you to find out if you are an ok guy to see.  There are many ways providers screen guys, each one has her own method.

Swim

the first is always the hardest [pun intended]..i actually contacted an agency for my first figuring it would be easier..i had joined rsk2..she checked me out to make sure it was me..set me up..smooth sailing ever since..then joined P411..made it even easier..the ladies will screen you..it is never invasive,,they know better..