Ok, I'm new to the hobby. I've been doing some research here and I keep running into what seems like a catch 22 situation.

Providers want a couple references from other providers before dealing with you. But, to get the references, you have to be with other providers, who want references from other providers before dealing with you. It just is a circle around and around that seems impossible to get a start in the hobby.

I have visited a brothel near Vegas a couple years ago, but I can't belive that the provider would remember a client from that long ago after a single visit. I'm looking to start dating independents now.

Many (not all) providers recognize this problem, and so allow substitutes for a provider reference, e.g., a clear work connection (a work # they can call to verify you work there), a verification service (like date check) or some similar way to verify that you are who you say you are.  Basically, you have to be willing to be very free about giving away your personal data -- full name, work phone, occupation, etc.  A TER id also often helps.  Once you've seen a few girls (assuming the experience is at least within the range of normal), then you have provider references.  Generally, they are not trying to insure that you're handsome and charming.  They're just trying to insure you're not LE, an psycho killer, or someone who will rip them off.  Believe me, it's not impossible to get started.  If it were, then no one would ever make any $$$, and that would be the end of the oldest profession.

I'm not sure what datecheck a TER ID is. If you are married , have a sensitive job etc.. do not even think of giving a provider a bunch of personal information. I will use an offline agency before putting my personal life in jepordy. I'm not too afraid of a real name or registering a motel in my name. Job info....No Way. I just read about a guy who was called by a provider from jail at his job. There are offline outcall escorts in SF that don't require too much personal info. There is NO provider worth risking your personal info with. I've been out of the hobby for over 10 years and it was not done that way before. The guys should stick tigether on this one.

If you've been on this site long enough, you'll see some of the same guys seeing the same girls you're interested in. Well, you can take the initiative and send a message to a few guys.
Some guys will be total freaks and not answer or think you're a freak yourself since many here are loners.
But sooner or later, you can gain the trust of someone and elevate the level of trust.
Maybe you meet for lunch and buy the guy a meal or hang out and exchange info.
When you gain trust from a guy here and he's established, word of mouth is as important or maybe even more so than to have a few referrals from the girls.

You can also e-mail a girl, offer to meet with her for coffee in a public place to let her get to know you. Many girls won't do thia but some will so they can gauge as what was stated;
If you're LE, a freak or a loser.

If you're couteous and respectful, you won't have trouble and instead should get that appointment you've been seeking.

RH

It works the same way as getting your first job.  Sometimes, the lack of experience means you need to settle for second best, or just honestly explain your situation and hope for the best.  I got lucky...my first understood that I was clueless, and led me through it.

Date check is an online service that you can register with, and some providers will use it in lieu of a reference.  There are other similar services.

Note that this gentleman has been out of the hobby for 10+ years.  No kidding.  I remember what the hobby was like 20 years ago too -- well, it has changed.  Are there some providers who will be willing to see you with zero screening?  Yes, but they might carry other risks, I'm afraid (including LE).  There are a lot of ads on CL where the girls apparently will see you with no screening, but I would think long and hard before going to one of them.  This is not a risk free venture.  But if a girl is well reviewed on TER, the likelihood that she will turn around and destroy one of her own customers is unlikely (though never impossible).  The best possible compromise may be using a service like date check.  But most decent providers are going to ask for something, because they do not want to risk arrest, violence or theft.  I would like to hear an active hobbyist (not someone who hasn't hobbied in over a decade) who thinks they can see a reliable provider without some screening.

Research, research, research !!!......

First find the provider- use the avenues available to you through TER to research the providers in your area. Be sure to take note of comments made on discussion boards, the information contained in reviews posted and if possible an online blog or journal by the provider which will share her inner thoughts and thus give you some insight into her personality and mannerisms.....…

Next you can pay attention to the gentlemen who have posted reviews on her (*or hobbyists who openly post on local discussion boards under threads that this provider has started*) Many times you can utilize the messaging system on TER and PM (*private message*) the gentleman. It has been my experience that if you just explain to the hobbyist that you are new to the hobby and would appreciate his comments on the provider, that most seasoned hobbyists have no problem giving you their thoughts. Be sure to also get some feel of her business practices in regards to references and how she gives verifications and how an appointment with her would help you in future meetings.

Lastly, I encourage the exchange of emails to help you get an impression of the providers personality & mannerisms.

Once you are completely comfortable with the provider, and her reputation....… Then, share with her anything you possibly can that will give her a level of comfort that you feel confident enough with to plan a meeting. (*If you establish enough of a comfort level with an established provider she will be willing to plan a meeting with you*)

It may seem like a huge investment of time but you would be amazed! (*The obvious is that you will feel much more confident when you meet with her*) If you choose an established and well known provider, you will probably be well on your way to having the provider references that you would need to start sampling other ladies in the area.  

Don’t get overwhelmed and feel discouraged by everything it takes to get involved with the hobby. The time you invest and the care you take to cultivate a repore with various providers will pay off in the long run as you will not have overwhelming concerns of extended ramifications.

Happy hobbying...……
Know your provider (*and her reputation*)  kisses......~Tori

. . . have a reference from a provider then I ask for a business # so I can call and ask for him anonymously.  (Plus I need first and last name, mobile # and to see an ID when we meet)