Folks, this board is turning into a civil.. no.. UNcivil war.  I'm new here and some of you are probably saying I have no right to say anything.. and maybe you're right.  I don't like to stick my nose somewhere it may get stung.  But, I enjoy reading most of the things posted here.  In fact, I'm sure if I met most of you,  I would like you.  When I first started reading (and posting) there were some mild, sarcastic digs dished out, which were followed by more severe criticisms, which has now turned into a full blown, no holds barred, slugfest.  I'm not sure what started it.  Whether it was jealousy over discounts, or what.  The thing is this.. discounts happen in the business world ALL THE TIME!  Do you think mom and pops jeans shop gets the same rate from Levi's as Walmart?  But beyond that.. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, let's not forget the providers are REAL WOMEN!  They are NOT A COMMODITY TO BE BARTERED OVER.  It's none of our business who they give a discount to or for what reason (whether it's because he has blue eyes, or perhaps he has big feet, or maybe because he just treats her nice).. IT'S THEIR STORE!!  If you think someone is shilling, you have 3 options.  You can read what is posted and believe it.  You can read what is posted and not believe it.  You can bypass reading it altogether.  I don't care if someone writes a mini and never writes a full blown review.  I'm not sure there are many here that DO care.  What I'm afraid of is this.. it's the cracks forming between some providers and between some of the hobbyists.  This is not good.  It's not good when things are written about someone's financials.  It's not good when demeaning and rude things are written about individuals.  When that sort of thing occurs, the lines of civility have not only been crossed but decimated!  This community, more than any other, needs COHESIVENESS.  This community can not maintain it's stregth against the forces (Gov't and LE) who want to bring it down if there is this kind of infighting going on.  I'm not slamming anyone here.  I'm trying to invoke a little soul searching.  Re-read some of the posts over the last few weeks.  It's not pretty.  Cohesiveness people.. now more than ever!  OK.. I'm climbing down off my soapbox (and scrambling for the nearest wall to hide behind)

Don

The ugliness has become pervasive here.  I would first defend anyone’s right to say whatever he or she wants.  But with that comes the huge responsibility to govern ones own speech and to act in a mature and civil manner.  We all should be concerned to protect the right to air our opinions in unedited fashion and given the nature of this board I would assume we are all above the age of consent. But judging by the actions and reactions of the postings and responses, it would make one wonder.  Others have made these points in various ways and up to now it all has gone unheeded.  The use of aliases makes it impossible to ignore those individuals who continue take this board to new lows.  I for one would like to see aliases eliminated.  I don’t know how much longer we will have to tolerate this immaturity.  I know this post is dull and lacks the base appeal of a four alarm flaming complete with visual aids so it too will probably be ignored.  I have the feeling that like so many other preceding requests, yours and mine will do little to curd those who lack the commonsense govern their own behavior.

lookingthruyou and aznoon.  Not much more can be added to what you two wrote, except to adhere to it.  Just a thought, why don't we, as a community, stop responding to the negative posts.  Just ignor them.  I think they crave the attention and that is what keeps them going.  I am guilty of reponding to them and I know it is hard not to respond when it is you who has been singled out.  Now I take a deep breath, try to relax and pour a tall scotch.  Is it 5PM yet, must be somewhere.

it IS 5 o'clock somewhere.  and somewhere out there is a margarita with my name on it.. i think i'll try to find it.. it may take a while, but i'm certain it's out there!

...went through a flame-fight recently (actually several in short order), and it wound up with two providers whose posts I enjoy being mostly driven off. I hope something similar doesn't happen here.

--b.

Yep, "that IS what it's all about!"

Then I hear "pffffttt, pop, snap, fzzzzzttttt" as my brain shorts out and smoke curls up from my ears.  Knee jerk responses follow, resulting in my typing the dumbest things ever.

It's amazing to watch as people self-destruct, both in real life, on these forums and especially in the mirror.

I made this exact observation and expressed it within private correspondence with one of the regulars here.  My fear is our dear Ladies will become bored with all this and stop posting.  As I’ve stated before one of the motivating factors for me in reading this board is the opportunity it provides to interact with the Ladies and get a sense what she may be like beyond her site and reviews.  I’ve noticed some of the Ladies are choosing to post less frequently than before.  I don't think anyone wants this board to turn into a Male’s only Locker Room; that’s not a pretty sight.

After reading the recent posts on here...from most recent (11/5) back to this one...it seems more and more people are actually coming forward and speaking their mind instead of just "dealing" with it or "fueling the fire".  
I have been in this business for almost 5 years now while I used to be all about the public opinion of me and all about pleasing everyones styles....I have come to learn in the past year that while 100 men and women can say what they like without knowing the real me...but the select few that I extend my time to meet....those are the ones that I focus on connecting with and revealing myself to.  
I could really care less what the world thinks of a post I write...it is the person that responds to my posts because they really want to meet me or get to know me that really matters.
Some may enjoy the public attention and the constant banter, but that only leads to people criticizing you or cutting you down or trying to hurt you because they want the spotlight...
I prefer to put my energy into those that really want to know me and what I am about...not about how many numbers I can please....each day is a new day and a new chance to make a great new relationship/friend/experience...and those moments should be made quality moments...not just quantity.....even if you do meet lots of people....make those meetings count and leave a great impression....save your energy for these things in life...not for posting silly messages and hurtful things on a board.  

Get out and enjoy life!
...Like my site says...
Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about the moments that take your breath away!  

Dont waste your time in life saying things you know will hurt someone or jeopardize their life....spend your time making someone smile or saying something nice....everyone loves compliments and everyone loves a smiling face....
...Yes, I know it sounds cheesy...but you know what....IT WORKS!!!!  

Kisses, Hugs and Lots of Smiles.....
Madison