Gina, the owner will work with people to get guys verified so they will not have to be handing out personal info to providers.  The site also allows provider members to indicate if they are newbie friendly.

Newbs should also get involved in a positive way on their local regional board so providers can see they are real and interested.

LLAP,
Swim

Create your session and don't try to create a session using different parts of multiple reviews the provider might have. I started to have much more fun once I stopped reading way too much into reviews and just going with the flow and the dates have been amazing.

Yes, go with Preferred411! Also, be sure to thoroughly screening everyone who isn't on P411 (or find someone to help you). You could use their references to confirm the other info they provide. Whitelisted members here on TER means they have providers who vouch for them as well.  

If someone messages you who "doesn't want to screen", or "have time", etc. - remember: your safety is far more important. They know who they're meeting and so should you!

and most are covered in the Instruction Manual, but two I'd concentrate on:
 
1.  Never discuss sexual activities until you are BCD.

2.  Think about how you could be safer if  you see a gal who screens carefully and wants personal info instead of seeing someone who doesn't screen carefully.  (I know that is controversial.)