If they are intelligent, friendly, and/or helpful, then yes! Funny helps, too.

On the other side, on our regional board, there was one provider a while back that posted a rant about something she thought had happened with regard to a specific session and when  the hobbyist gave his account, board sympathy was with him or at least split. It made me take her off my "To visit" list. She was quiet for a while, and when she began posting again, her posts have been in the fist category above. I am still wary about her though.  

But, fear of being too outspoken and driving potential clients away may lead to self-censorship and watered-down board content, which is not in the community's best interests.  

I think providers can be outspoken on the boards and as long as they are reasonable and logical as anyone would want to be in any level of conversation, they should have nothing to be concerned about, but that is just me.

If they are happy, helpful, intelligent and informative, great.  It gives me (us) a feel for their personality.  As the newbie board host, I do appreciate providers' input on questions posed by people on this board.  They often provide an opinion that might not occur to a man.    

However, OTOH, if they are negative, ranting, etc., then it would turn me away.  Location also is a big factor.  If she is not close to me, it really doesn't matter to me what she says, I'm not going out of my way to see her, prob not worth the drive.  Also, her donation requirements will be a factor.  I will say this, I have never booked someone simply based on her board posts.

Swim

I have found that most of the "board ho's", (affectionately nicknamed that I have seen are also Chatty Cathys. I don't like my ears talked off and too many of them have baggage that I don't need or want to hear. I am primarily talking about providers who post daily or very often.
Then too many of them show their instability through the contents of their posts. There have been exceptions to both scenarios though only about 10%.

These boards can be a powerful marketing tool.

And, I've very much enjoyed the gals I have met on here too.