I have noticed an interesting pattern while reading reviews over the years that led me to finally ask the following questions:

Occasionally there are providers that have a fairly sizable number of reviews that are all poor or mediocre...Obviously they're getting business, but it's an interesting phenomenon so I thought I would ask the lovely population here...  

Do people see "meh" reviews and still decide to pull the trigger regardless?  

Do People not know what they are in for and have a bad experience, discover TER as well as the provider's 20 other weird reviews and just decide to add one more to the pile for a month of free membership?  

How high does a score have to be for someone to desire to pull the trigger and see a provider?  

On the Flip Side, there are some gentlemen who have reviews that never go above a 6 or 7? Have you ever had a "10" and never review these, or have they been continually unimpressed? Does this type of reviewer only write reviews when things go south?

How high does a score have to be to be considered a "good" or "excellent" escort... What do the words "Highly Reviewed", "Excellent Reviews", or "Top Rated" mean to you gentlemen?  
What are your expectations for that lady?  
Is a gentleman's opinion based on statistics or reviews?  

Insight of the male variety would be fascinating to hear  
xoxo Eva Bliss:

I would pass on a lady with consistent "meh" reviews. But a lady with one or two, I then look at the Reviewer's history. If he only gives out 6s or 7s but saw someone I would consider higher, I'll still see her.  

I think if you see a rash of 6/6s and think you're going to experience something better then you're basically delusional.  

As far as guys who dish out only 6 and 7s well, I'll let them answer. I think sometimes there's some ego involved in being contrarian and telling our community that we're all wrong and you've got more discriminating tastes.  

Excellent for me are 9s and 10s. 8s are good. 7s are a gamble and if I'm going to gamble I'll go to Del Mar or Vegas.  I have a line on the "safest bet" in Vegas, or so I've been told.  

"Highly Reviewed" or "Top Rated" are overused clichés in our community. I'd rather go on Pics, Reviews, Rate in that order than self promoting ad jargon. One woman's "Highly Reviewed" is another man's "High Volume."

It may sound crass, but someone smarter and wiser than me once posted "We shouldn't be surprised when they f$&@ our brains out. That's why we seem them."  Which I guess is another way of saying I'm not coming to you for a "meh" experience

I don't mind a "Meh!" review here and there...no one can be everyone's cup of tea. But if someone is nothing but mid-range scores, obviously they aren't doing something right. It could be people posting free review stuff...or (IMO more likely), it could be guys who judge more on looks or price or menu than read reviews and the boards. I remember a gal who used to post on this very board a couple of years back who regularly got rip-off reviews, and yet inevitably another rip-off review would post at least once a month...obviously by hobbyists who didn't look at her reviews.

I 100% agree with NY on the "7 tops" reviewers. Some people see it as a crusade to offset the "damage" positive reviewers have done, and take the words describing the numeric scores as literally as they take the Bible. Again, some people can't be pleased.

I think NY summed it up succinctly in his "Meh" post, and agree with MrSD also. For me, as a rule I normally screen as follows:
Average numbers of 7/8 (appear/perform) or higher first, over a number of reviews.  
Then look at provider's photos. Here is where I immediately eliminate many as they don't appeal.
Then price point as I have a max I am willing to pay.
Then reviews to see if provider sounds like a lady I'd have a fun time with.  

That's pretty much it, although notice I did say "normally". Occasionally one will grab me the right way based on something a frequent reviewer said, combined with profile pix

..is certainly one of the questions you raise.  Why do people find a stack of mediocre reviews and just decide to add one more to the pile? As you say about the providers: ...Obviously they're getting business.

I don`t fully understand it but I guess our standards are different for what we accept when it comes to looks and interactions.  One suggestion for an answer would be: if your blood is boiling, you are addicted to the business and you don´t want or can`t spend more than 150-250 for an hour that’s where you will have to go. You write a review to feel you are in the game and get 2 more weeks of membership.
When I was in the service a soldier in my Company told me he would ask any girl he met on the street  if she would f….him (for free of course) and he didn`t bother to discriminate – just liked the action.  

May be that`s how it works.

How different we all are when it comes to selecting or discriminating. Men as well as women!!

Yes, often. Many times rate comes in to play when gentlemen decide who to see.

 
I know some gents whose ATF has mainly 7's in scores for looks and performance but go back all the time because it's a good experience (if not 10/10) and they can afford it thus can play more often. For many men it's about having as much fun on their budget as they can not looking for the diamond int he rough or seeking the best of the best. For many men the scores are a GUIDE not LAW. The scores show who is legit and who is a rip off. The ratings paint a picture of what the session will entail and average to mediocre scores weigh little when the rate is lower or closer to the gents budget.

 
The investment people put into their scores is silly. People stating "Top rated provider visiting" or "Highly reviewed temptress seeking playmates" is the PROVIDER labeling themselves so, not a title awarded by clients. It's self promotion and nothing more to make bold statements like "My reviews show I'm the best" when each review is simply a matter of that individuals opinion.  

 
Seasoned hobbyists know what is BS and who is clinging to this industry by tooth and nail...  

 

Additionally gents will see a "average scoring" lady to add a review for VIP credit. It's easier and cheaper to see the lower scored ladies usually and review them for credit than to see the higher priced ladies to review them for credit, so that may also be a factor for those who utilize TER.

 

 

 
Interesting question, thanks.

Eva, I most typically look at scores first, I won't look at someone who isn't at least an 8. Then I look at picture. Even then if I see scores bouncing up and down I figure the low scores are probably right, and the high scores are made up. I also look for a track record. Additionally, I don't review, I pay for my membership because as my handle says, I am a very discreet guy.  
If I need to save $30 I shouldn't be in the game. On the other side, I do read for value. Perhaps I am cynical, but if it is all a great job of acting, I want the best actress at the best value. Thanks for reading.  

1. There is a high correlation between avg scores and financial consideration (i.e. you generally get what you pay for).   As such, it is no surprise that mediocre reviews continue to get business, as there are a variety of budget levels out there.  Similarly, there is not a set of scores that alone will have you pull the trigger - it is always evaluated in terms of the price point.  I do think girls are too focused on their scores.  The problem is if you are really an "8", but manufacture scores closer to "10", you are just creating a situation that is unsustainable - you are going to create disappointment and unmet expectations in future dates.  Realistic/honest scores help hobbyists make better decisions - keeping everyone happy.  You might not make as much in the short-term, but I think it will be a much better situation in the long-term.

2. I don't think anyone takes the scores at face value.  First and most importantly YMMV.  This is across individuals and even same individual on different days.  Second, there are a lot of factors that influence scores, including knowing provider will see review, not wanting to hurt her livelihood, hoping she will be a reference, or not wanting to be blackballed.  There is no doubt that the average scores would be (much) lower if providers did not have access.  The "looks" score is more important to me than the performance score, because I think looks is less subjective.  I have seen guys ding girls because they don't deep french kiss enough, give covered blow job, won't rim them, or other things that may or may not be a big deal to the next hobbyist.  Similarly, because of various scoring rules on TER, some girls are not even eligible for a score above 7 despite being fabulous at what they do.

3. The content in the reviews matters more to me than her performance score.  With experience, you can get a lot better at reading between the lines.  I have found back-channeling to be very helpful when unclear.

4. There seems to be a surprising amount of bashing about writing reviews presumably for free access, but that is why we are all here - to make better informed decisions.  This site has helped me significantly in terms of identifying girls I want to be with.  Without people taking the time to write reviews, we would be in the dark.  Thus, I take the time to write respectful reviews that hopefully help others to make better decisions as well

Eva, scores are certainly part of it, but not the whole.  My encounters are usually based on the results of research I conduct over time.  I kind of enjoy analyzing the business model that a provider uses as a basis for her marketing, and that can lead to some revealing insights into their personality.  But having said that I've also been guilty of decisions based on seeing some hot pics and nothing else.  I've read reviews that give a provider 9s or 10s across the board, but there can be tell-tale signs and subtle suggestions in the narrative that suggest to me  that she would not be a good fit for what I'm seeking.  I tend to avoid providers who average 7s.  Likewise I avoid the bargain basement (for safety's sake) and the ultra-high end (for the bank account's sake).  I do searches based on 8 or better in terms of both looks and performance.  I also look at some of my favorite reviewers - guys who are not mindless sycophants in search of kick-backs (and there are some of these on this board) - but rather those who are witty, have common sense, and good taste.  I also look at how many other reviews they've written.  A solitary stellar review in my book is a red flag - I begin to wonder just who has written it.  I tend to work laterally from a review posted on one provider, and see who else they have reviewed.  I've found some great experiences that way.  Then I also look at the comments providers make on these boards, and these can be very telling as far as revealing the inner person.  All this takes time, but for me its been worth it.  Even so, I've occasionally made mistakes, and learnt from them.  You know the saying, once bitten, twice shy.  There are some individuals I'll never see again, and would say as much in a PM if a trusted hobbyist inquired.  Which leads me to the last and perhaps the most important method of all - the inquiring PM sent to another seeker far from the public eye of these boards.  That has proven to be a gold mine.

I should also add I've been given some great tips and fantastic advice from a few really trustworthy providers - details on who to see and who to avoid.

When I'm looking to see someone 'new' to me I search for anyone getting 8-10 range performance reviews. Not worth trying any lower, IMHO, when there are plenty of great gals around. I can tell in a second if I'm interested in her looks. That gives me a pool of candidates to work with. Then I'll look at the other reviews those reviewers have given, looking for trends (tough or easy grader, no other reviews, etc.).

Speaking only for myself;

   1. This is an expensive pastime, so I restrict myself to 8+ on the ratings, taking into account specific look and specific activities I'm after.
   2. Evaluating ratings - need to check the reviewers' history; # of reviews, have we seen someone in common, are their reviews consistently higher/lower than everyone else's, etc.
   3. John/Ossie above make excellent observations, re: scores being influenced by provider ability to read them, PMs to other hobbyists, recommendations from current favorite providers.

As for those reviewers that only have 6's or 7's, who knows what they're up to? Some of them, in the body of the review, appear to have had a good time and would repeat. Maybe in their book 9's and 10's are some kind of unattainable supermodel type, but WTF. Although I don't see a new girl every week, in the 10 or so years of TER I can safely say I have never seen anyone who I would have given a 6 or 7. There have been a small number with whom I just didn't click for one reason or another that I just didn't review. And with 2 or 3 of those, I didn't review them because they were pressing me for a review. Regardless, they still were not at the 6 or 7 level. I can't see how I would ever find myself with one of those, at least by my own criteria.

I think the numbers only tell part of the tale it is the whole package...eg I have been with some whom I have not reviewed, absolutely fantastic, but they smoked and it ruined it all for me because kissing is so important and smoking ruins that for me..even if it was amazing certain discrete criteria make it or break it and it's different for everyone. eg when I get a lapdance if she has clit piercings it ruins it...like totally...so it's very individual as to what does it for a guy and it might change week to week...one thing is key which I look for is attitude and I think that can show when the performance number is better than the looks number on occasion...again there is the tendency to keep a 10 quiet too but also there is a tendency to just say whoa that was frickin amazing and just enjoy writing about how awesome it was. cheers!

Seeing that the rating system has its own standards I will always max out at a 7.I knew what my score was going to be before I ever saw my review. I'm perfectly fine not changing what I like doing review or not. What's good for one person may not be that great for the next person. A friend of mine has been working for years without a single review or website. For me the review was a big deal just to show I am legitimate. I think it's just a little silly that you have to have unprotected oral, kiss in mouth, and take it in the ass to get a 10 performance. I mean are those things really that important? (Shrugs and drops the mic)

In my opinion only the rating numbers unfairly get us looking at the lady and possibly not going any further than just the numbers. I read all the reviews and really don't care what the numbers are, numbers are numbers and some guys give higher scores and lower scores with no reason to justify them.  

I look for what drives me period, I want the bbbj not cbj, my choice and if she is not comfortable with that it's ok and I move on, some guys it does not matter to them and that is okay again it is a comfort level and choice. I also look for honest pictures not air brushed specials, ladies please show pictures of what you really look like, we are like you and for the most part are accepting what you look like. I think and again my opinion only that the numbers are not honest because we read about a fairy tale encounter true or not and we expect to have the same type experience.

I ask the ladies to be real with pictures now I also ask the guys to be honest with the reviews as well, it helps us all in our choices. The most important thing to me is the attitude, I always walk in the door with a smile and even if she is not what I expected I still keep the smile on and have a good time. I have had a encounter that when I went in it was like oh crap what did I get myself into and the lady blew my mind away because I did show her the respect that all of need and deserve.

Now you got my two cents and now I need to find some extra cash so I can schedule me a appointment with Eva

Awesome and insightful answers!!!  

There are several perspectives that I hadn't previously considered before  

It makes me glad to be part of a little community where one may ask questions and share unique points of view with articulate and well spoken gentlemen and ladies...  

You guys are great  

xoxo Eva Bliss :

OK Wonder Woman, beautiful AND a great sense of humor. Love it!! lol

I think the ter review process is anti social. As a gentleman I do not like to discuss the "dirty" details. What happen between the sheets stays between the sheets.  

Another Ter problem is massage ladies can only get a 7 unless they have sex in some way.  

So with all that said. It comes down to personality and a personal connection. I will read reviews less than 7 to see if it is a ymmv thing if so no big deal. If she flakes or up sells  its a no see.  What I like to see in reviews is how she interacted with the gent! How did she make him feel. It is a fact that happy fun people enjoy sex more. So bring on the happy people!

Highly Reviewed", "Excellent Reviews", or "Top Rated" don't mean a thing except Highly reviewed makes me think they are a slut which is not a bad thing! LO

Going to Comic-Con are you?

Why yes sir the comic-con gods have smiled down on me this year....

If u have any costume ideas let me know!!!

I'm not too hung up on the numbers, but I do follow reviewers I think are reliable and have the same taste and impressions I have.  That gives me a good read about whether the prospect is a good fit.  The number I pay attention to is the performance number.  I like to see an upward or steady trend.  I prefer ladies on the thicker side, and notice that sometimes performance numbers are lower than deserved because they are getting dinged for looks.  The other thing I pay attention to is how the personality is described and the interaction when arranging a date.  Great attitude is the most important thing.

END OF MESSAGE

Why guys keep seeing low rated  providers and they complain about the service...?
Now, let me state we are talking about performance rating and not looks rating, because there is a very distnctive difference.  Looks are not nessarily up for critizisim unless there is deception,.  Guys have certain tastes in the type of girl they like so if you know going in what she looks like accept it and don't complain.
Performance is another matter.  If you expect good performance why do you seee anyone with a rating of less than 8?
As far as my rating criteria, I try and do research and so rarely get fooled where it requires a low rating.

P.S...excuse the typos, just got a tablet and its a pia to type with....lol

...hard to believe you still don't know what to dress up as for Comic Con.  :P

" As for those reviewers that only have 6's or 7's, who knows what they're up to? Some of them, in the body of the review, appear to have had a good time and would repeat. Maybe in their book 9's and 10's are some kind of unattainable supermodel type, but WTF. Although I don't see a new girl every week, in the 10 or so years of TER I can safely say I have never seen anyone who I would have given a 6 or 7. There have been a small number with whom I just didn't click for one reason or another that I just didn't review. And with 2 or 3 of those, I didn't review them because they were pressing me for a review. Regardless, they still were not at the 6 or 7 level. I can't see how I would ever find myself with one of those, at least by my own criteria."

 
This blows my mind.  A 7 isnt a bad rating.  If you do it mathmatically it is halfway between average and awesome.  Lol.  I always compare it to the olympics., gymnastics or figure skating.  For them to get a ten it is usually a once in a lifetime thing.  It is suppose to be the highly sought after, rarely obtained , ultimate score.  I just dont believe that everyone is having the best sex of their lives with everyone they meet.  That makes me think, as the one guy said, you are having the best production of the best sex, because you are surely in the presence of great actresses.  I know this is just my opinion but it just irks me.  Ter wouldnt let someone give me a ten because of things not offered on my profile.  Since I dont offer them, I am not eligible for 9s or 10s.  Even if I did these activities , since i dont have them on my profile I cant get the extra points.   When I was told this that is the moment when I said ... the review system, the point part is ridiculous.  Read the body of the review.  That is how you should determine how good they are.   But I still believe a 7 or an 8 is a great review.   Well stay safe everyone.