is just easier to answer an email when i am actually focused, rather than when i am driving, dodging idiots or gorcery shopping and each aisle learning piecemeal that i prefer references, i dont take last minute appointments and making sure i am really the lady you are looking for...

be forthcomming with your personal info, kind and courteous in the email and offer your phone number, if there are time limits on when you can be reached, please say so.
your age might be a factor, but be persistant with continued politeness... it could pay off, then you'll have a local reference to use with the next gal

(and, in my personal opinion, any lady that would take a last minute over the phone, from a stranger is taking unnecessary risks and should be avoided at all costs)

just my .02
play safe,
Nicole

I'm noticing that more local (Boston) providers won't even give out a phone contact until they are satisfied with verification info provided via email. I'm just wondering if the "no phone contact until I verify you" approach is just a local practice?

I realize that's not the case here. You're saying that they don't even answer your email. I know some providers that do a terrible job keeping up with their email.

thirsty

You may not be aware how many emails a well-known (or even a not-so-well-known) provider can get, especially is she maintains a website. It can be pretty overwhelming, according to my understanding. Plus, many of the really high quality providers are traveling frequently. Finally, many of these girls are relatively young. Were you all that responsible when you were in your early 20s? I wasn't.

So anyway, generally, I don't waste my time on providers that won't get back to me. I tend to seek out the higher end providers, and its usually a significant outlay of cash, so first impressions-- or the lack thereof-- mean quite a bit to me.

On the other hand, your first impression is pretty important too. Stick with the polite and discreet thing. Especially with the polite. You might be amazed at how far polite and friendly will get you.

If a provider doesn't respond, and you REALLY are interested in her, try another (polite and friendly) email. You might also find that some of the very best providers are virtually never mentioned on the boards. I think the clients tend to get protective.

If she doesn't respond at all (and you should give her a solid week to get back to you (during which time she might have 200 other emails like yours asking rates and info, along with her higher priority "regulars" emails)) then find someone else.

And don't be afraid to pick up the phone.