By now everyone here knows the dangers of dealing with ads posted in CraigsList.
Here's what puzzles me ... I've seen ads posted here on TER that refer to or link to their CL ad, and I've seen CL ads that mention their TER reviews.
If CraigsList is to hobbying what STD's are to sex, why post messages there?
I think they mean you have to watch yourself, as far as LE and/or grab your money and run..
Not all on craislist are bad just have to do the homework 1st..
The answer, of course, is that there isn't as hard and fast a line between high end escorts and CL as some folks here would have you believe. Many legitimate escorts use CL for one reason or another and many experienced hobbyists connect with women off of CL. There is a lot of CL activity among the TER community. It is also true that there is a high level of rip-off among CL providers and LE does seem to watch the CL activity a bit more closely than it watches other venues. So you constantly see cautions to stay away, especially if you are new to the hobby.
Probably more important than the venue in which a provider advertises is whether she screens or not. I would never ever connect with a provider who didn't screen. Although the screening is for her safety, it's for the safety of the hobbyist as well.
Because Craig's List, though a pain in the ass, is not completely useless. A lot of very legitimate providers, with TER reviews, post short-term availability on CL all the time.
The problem with CL is that it is over run with street-walker types and their pimps, bait and switch, and just plain bad service. That doesn't mean that smart providers and smart hobbyists can't find each other their.
Honestly, I use CL all the time when I travel. I met one of ATF's in Philly about three years ago on CL simply because she had just gotten back into the business and wanted to get the word out in a hurry.
Nothing in life is black and white and CL is no exception. Remember, it's the singer, not the song.
Thanks for the intelligent responses ... my main concern about Craigs List is the high level of LE infiltration.
The folks at CL now require advertisers to pay a small fee with a credit card and to post an active phone number which can give LE enough info to identify providers.
I think the biggest appeal for using CL was it's cost = FREE, but now that they're asking for a paid fee it may cut down on some of the ads.
I only have 3 experiences as a hobbyist and both I cam across here on TER, I admit to being tempted by some of the CL ads.
I will only see a CL gal if I can cross-reference her to TER reviews, her own web site or another ad mall site.
The gal that I met in Philly actually has no TER presence and does not want reviews but she had and still has a very professional web site as well as a recurring ad on Eros both of which she sent me the link to upon first contact.
Always look for something beyond the CL listing. Any legit lady should have some other sources of promotion to point you to.
I've been very fortunate with craigslist. However you do have to be careful and I will only see someone that has been reviewed, minimum 2 times. I will also only see someone who wants to to some verification. I feel like verification protects us both.
be sure to check reviews here on TER to verify the lady.
No different than shopping for electronics. Get the advice of the "experts" at Best Buy or elsewhere then go buy what you want at Walmart and save some cash; for hobbying of course.