With the economy (not to mention gas prices) being what it is, your humble pollster assumes that money is tight for many hobbyists.  [This question is not directed to providers, nor to hobbyists with enough money to see whomever they want whenever they want.]

We were wondering, when money is tight, whether frugal hobbyists are a) taking risks with new, unestablished, but presumably less-expensive providers in order to save money, or b) sticking with ATFs (who deliver consistently great service...that's what makes them ATFs!) in order to avoid wasting money?

ATF's, just less frequently.

Used to be monthly or every two months, now its three months.  I understand the exigencies of the business, but nourishing the client base is fundamental to your success.

Post script to message posted:  I've noticed that email responses from ATF's stretch out a bit lately. I think that you ladies should cherish your regulars and hold them more closely. When the economy revives, we will adore you even more.  I, for one, currently have only two of you, but you are incomparable.  I have no need to go bottom fishing.

-- Modified on 6/28/2008 6:15:11 PM

Yeah i'd say if money is tight, you go with what you know.

I've learned the hard way that it's better for me to go with known quantities even though they're more expensive.  At least I know I'll have a great experience, but I have to save up for a while to afford it.  Now I wait until I can afford AZC or DD or HIPS, and get by as best I can until I can.  If I need some relief instantly and can't afford the premium prices, there's plenty of potn on the internet.  lol

For me its been awhile but I have to stay with my ATF's even when things are a bit tough at these times . Its worth the wait. And being said I do stay in contact with my regulars to let them know i am still around and they do so undersatnd and appreciate the contact. I would never gamble outside my circle regardless of the times. HAPPY HOBBYING!!!!

I'm considering a half hr rate in light of the concerns mentioned in the survey above. My concern is quality companionship... a half hr wouldn't exactly be gfe, but perhaps some gentlemen would like the option for a reduced rate. What are your thoughts on this (providers and hobbiests)?

The question was clearly not intended as an opportunity for you to promote yourself.  It specifically stated it wasn't directed to you.  Is there any way it could have been said more clearly?

Now Pole, perhaps you should lighten up.  This is exactly how these threads start to turn toxic.  Your Pole poll indeed requested providers to stand clear, but these discussion boards are replete with promotions (obviously encouraged by management) and it was in fact an interjection relevant to the economic theme of the thread.  Plus, the lady was sufficiently discreet so as not to insert a link to her site or otherwise turn her posting into a blatant pitch.

I can afford the hobby as I practice it (staying with well-reviewed indies whose rates are more realistic) so per your request I will not respond.  To the offendingly (for you) inserted question of providers who haven't done so now offering half-hour sessions, my sense is that it's a great idea as long as there's a real incremental difference between the 30m and 60m rates -- 25% off for half the time doesn't get my attention;  35% to 50% less for half the time does.

Hope this discussion continues in a civil tone.

Good question Mr pole !

 First though..I'm not sure most ladies would like being compared to 'meat' !  

 I am sticking with my ATF of course, but when I try someone 'new'..there are a number of reasonable priced established ladies (ie Randi, Velvet, Mindee, new hottie 'Riki',Bliss, etc) that would not be a major risk and you get great value. Also, some of my favs are offering specials that are hard to resist (Tina Pink )!

Where I am affected is waiting to see the higher priced 'legends' (Jordan, Brook, AZC girls, etc) till I have more funds...

Keep with who you know will deliver quality service. If you want to try someone new just stay with reviewed providers and you should be ok.

I would only offer the half hour rates to people you know or have seen before babe. Just my opinion.

Quality always trumps Quantity!  Only problem is......there's a rather inordinate quanity of quality available!!  

Mr. President SIR!!!  We need another STIMULUS check, PLEASE!!!

I've moved down a pricepoint (sorry that's a slang term in my industry), no disrespect intended. And, I've found (researched) some great ladies at a lower pricepoint I never visited. All ladies are reviewed on TER.  These ladies are just not high profile. They're out there if you do the research.

thank you unique and proman i appreciate your thoughts.
pole, there is a reviewers only board if you wish to hang out with the just the guys. doesn't sound like a lot of fun, considering you are a hobbiest. I didn't wish to promote myself so much as gather feedback, otherwise I'd have my own thread titled "now offering half-hr rates!". Thank you anyways for starting the discussion, as it certainly was one of interest and your reaction was equally taken into consideration.

who is "we"... ??? the only collective group of men who would ask this type of question ...I think I am familiar with and if so... responding with such disdain really isn't worth it.

I'd rather have a reduced rate for a longer time. A HH isn't enough.

I will just continue to look for classy ladies whenever I travel. That's what has brought me the most enjoyment. Trying to save a buck just never turns out that well, so even if I need to invent a trip, I'll find a classy, interesting lady, and invariably have an enjoyable evening.

I suppose I am in the minority on this board.  I don't pay money to be with meat.  I pay for the time of a quality women like Sweet Sara.  But sometimes I  am adventurous and see someone who is not known.

But I suppose I am in the minority because I still get phone calls from women who have not worked in years.  

As far as how much a person pays.  If the women likes you she will usually adjust what she wants you to give her.  

First, The Gallop Pole is not a group of hobbyists, nor affiliated with any such group.  If you search past Gallop Pole posts you will see that we do not use this alias to promote any particular agenda.

Speaking of "we", that term is used by your humble pollster merely as an editorial device, just as the writer of a newspaper editorial or an academic author might do so.  There is only one of me.

Finally, The Gallop Pole absolutely respects providers, and all women, and certainly does not view them as "meat."  The subject line of this thread was chosen as AN ANALOGY and for its eye-catching potential, representing the contrast between an outstanding known product and an unknown quantity.  If the female readers were offended, however, TGP regrets it and apologizes.

my comment was NOT towards the Gallop poll or his reference regarding meat -

Thanks