I am hardly new to the activity, but only recently have I seen it called a "hobby"....I like that.

I must admit that I have been out there on my own, and have suffered more than my share of rip-offs, and learned most of the ropes the hard way. I am VERY greatful to have found TER!

One problem I constantly run into is difficulty getting return calls/e-mails. Is there something I might be saying I shouldn't be, or something I should be saying that I am not? I end up making 6-10 calls and even then sometimes not even one will call back. I have tried longer and shorter lead times, I am well spoken and polite, since I travel I often have to use a cell # as a call back number...but frankly I am often discouraged. Is this just the nature of the Hobby?

Also, no disrespect to TER, but are there other similar review sites worth subscribing to?

It sounds to me like you're picking the wrong women.

I'm a provider and the only reason I will not return a call/email is because of the language/tone used by the clientele.  You're probably being too graphic, read between the lines or better yet, read the providers reviews and know what they provide before calling and asking all kinds of graphic questions.  We're just trying to protect our interest.

There are only two reasons I will not answer an email: it has an attachment or a one liner sentence of sending pictures. The latter seems rather rude, a short "Hello, I saw your review and am interested, do you have any photos?" is just fine and gets a response.

I make sure to check email three times a day, and voicemail whenever possible. Just because its a number I don't recognize doesn't mean I won't return the call (some Gents use up to three phone numbers!). But do check a review as some providers will not answer blocked numbers.