Here I was yesterday getting ready to take the next logical step and become a VIP member. Then all the threads started about LE activity in SD, that even reviewed ladies can't be counted on and there are weekly stings taking place. I was ready to file for VIP with my credit card - now I don't even feel like I am protected if I go with a money order.

I've been following the boards pretty regulary - as a good newbie should - and thought that I could count on a well reviewed provider to be safe to break into the hobby with. Now I feel like even VIP membership will not provide me with safe and accurate info. What is to keep LE from becoming VIP, for that matter, how safe is TER info and records?!

Little help please in understanding the process. I don't want to be too paranoid - but want to avoid taking a trip downtown.

It's not illegal to be a member here. Sure, there's nothing keeping LE from becoming VIP's as well but that's no reason to go overboard with the paranoia.You'll do fine if you learn how to use the site to it's fullest and listen to the longtime members (both guys and girls) who know how things work. The people who get the free bracelets and a nights room and board are the ones who don't pay attention and take needless chances. Thats not written stone because an unlucky few have followed the rules and still gotten nailed but it's no reason to worry.  Relax, have some fun and if your gut feeling tells you somethings wrong, then don't follow through with it.

Cj you should always listen to that feeling in your gut no matter what you belong to or don't. TER is a great tool though for both provider and hobbyst. I am a provider that appreciates TER, for the knowlege on these boards, and for some of the friends I have found here through the Chat rooms and all the message boards. I am a paid member here like many providers.
Once you start to enter into chats....and yes posting on the boards, you will begin to see a little clearer, and be able to filter out some of the BS.
Gawd do I sell like a saleswomen for ter membership?? Shit I didn't mean to do that???? OH WELL! CJ I support this site, and they have helped me out a few times so I figure the only way to keep a good thing going is to help it along. Have fun out there and be safe.......This hobby is wickedly fun!!

I've been a member of TER for what 3 or 4 years now maybe longer... I've have always had my dues pulled out by credit card... I just re did my membership to take advantage of the quarterly billing ...TER uses IBILL which is a very well established company .. It's not a crime to be a member ...LE isn't going to waste their time hounding you .. take the precautions I suggested and relax.... See a well posted provider and enjoy. And by the way you are not buying or paying for sex .. you are paying for time to be spent with a lovely indie provider ... don't go through any agencies .... hobby safe hobby well hobby all you can be ......

-- Modified on 10/23/2003 3:33:34 PM

It's no crime to be a member.  At the very least you can say you're vouyeristic. Just because you're paranoid, it mean they aren't out to get you; so, stick to (no pun intended) the Angels of Mercy that have several reviews, and you'll be fine.  What occurs between 2 consenting adults is their business, even if you have to help out with their utility bill.

The suggestions above are good.  Here are a couple of more for looking a reviews.
1. Look at how many reviews a provider has and over what period of time. - She may have a lot of reviews but only over a couple of weeks.  If this is the case I'd be a little wary depending on #3 below).
  On the other hand, if she has a few reviews but over several months or more, she's probably ok (also considering #3 below).  Some providers prefer not to be reviewed, so may not have many.  
2. Look at the consistency of the reviews.  Especially if most of the reviews ar very recent.  If you see 1 or 2 glowing reviews and the rest are significantly lower, be careful.  The raving reviews could either mean LE, self posting, or marketing of the provider.  Most providers will have 1 or 2 reviews in both directions.  My rule is I ignore the best and worst reviews and average the rest.  This should give a good idea of what to expect.
3.  Finally, look at the reviewers.  If they've been around awhile and have several reviews (say 10 or more) chances are they're going to be fairly reliable.  If you want check out several of their reviews to get a feel fo rthe reviewer.  If all of the reviewers are new and only have 1 or 2 reviews, wait until a couple of the old timers have posted a review and see what they say.
Good luck and I hope this helps.

Naughty knows exactly what he is talking about. You can talk, chat all day long. You are not breaking any rules. Also, most 'incidents' have been a lapse in judgement or something along those lines. The experienced folks are always helpful, as they can be with information on the board. In all cases it's all about the belly. If it doesn't feel right. Then it probably isn't. As long as, the overall SD 'group sticks together, gives each other referrals. You are in good shape. The VIP membership is worth it.
I have experienced safety suggestions for the girls, too. But they need to email me dirctly.
**But after last night, stay out of Oceanside, unless you want your name in the paper.

How about you read about 100 threads instead of just ONE???

There are plenty of threads with alot of good information here and you need to take into account the sum total not the one thread you have time to read on the day you want to join.

Get used to the flavor of each POSTER, we all end up having similar styles, some are dark all the time, some are light all the time, and some just always gotta put in their two cents no matter if it makes sense at all.

JOIN and educate yourself and start posting and enjoy.

Elise [email protected]

you'll get the hang of it. Read Read Read Search and Read

-- Modified on 10/23/2003 7:41:32 PM

Thanks for the advice all - excuse the newbie paranoia - I'll just try to relax, read read read the boards and learn as I go.

naught's right on - and most importantly have fun!

The two safest ways I can think of are 1) don't hobby at all (not too realistic) or 2) find a provider or two and stick with them.  I know this rules out the adventure of trying new providers, but it is about as safe as you can be.  BTW, I don't follow either of my own suggestions, so if I get a free night care of our city's finest, it will be my own fault.  That's a chance I am willing to take, and I own it.

CJ,
There are no monsters here. Only very lovely, sexy and beautiful ladies. Sure, you have to watch out for L.E., but the ladies!! Oh the ladies!! They are like the Sirens tempting and luring Ulysses and his shipmates onto the rocks. Once you start, my friend, you may become hooked like an powerful intoxicating drug. These ladies are truly sensual, exotic and oh so wonderful.

For a very small investment, you can become a VIP member and gain access to all the reviews and decide for yourself. Armed with information and knowledge is the only way to go. You will avoid Rip-offs and other perils. Hell, the admission is easily justifiable since you get to read the great Pauliewalnuts' reviews!!

You know, one week of "boyfriend land" is good and the next is really  like dog doo doo. *wink*

Let's just say someone around here needs a spanking!

And I think I may want one more than I want to give one!

Elise [email protected]