You do not need VIP to write a review, but you do to read them. If you need help, try the self help center, and the newbie board.

You can however write reviews and get 15 days VIP membership per review. This is the equivalent of a VIP membership.

To start your VIP membership will start after you write two reviews with 30 days credit. You will get 15 days credit per review thereafter.

You can also look at the discounted plans for 90 days, 180 days, and 365 days. These plans are cheaper and don't get billed monthly (recurring) but one time.

If you are just starting, I would recommend getting a VIP membership as it gives you more details, her menu and makes it easier to choose a lady that fits your needs

If you hobby 1-2 times per year and you dont care about her menu, you may not need VIP as you can get the info needed in general from free info here. But if you more serious about the hobby than that, than YES upgrade. Write reviews, help out others by doing so and you get free VIP if you write 2 per month.

def yes. it's important.  If you can't afford the 30 bucks a month, you should not be hobbying.  If you get a longer period of membership, the cost per month is less.  You can also get free VIP days with reviews (15 for each) or problem reports (2 for each).  To do the proper research on a provider, you need to be able to read all the information on her profile which means VIP.  In short, it's def worth it.

Swim

I started the hobby about 9 months ago and have found VIP to be an essential tool in the hobby.  Reading the reviews on a provider usually lets you know what you are in for.  There are certain things I want and others I don't.  Having this tool at my disposal has allowed me to narrow down my choices to exactly what I'm looking for and I'm sure it has saved me money and more importantly disappointment.  I have never paid for VIP as I see enough new ladies to write several reviews a month, however even if I only saw one lady every few months in the $$$-$$$$$ range I'm pretty sure I'd still pay for it.