I'm curious to hear how much time hobbiests spend researching compared to how much time the spend with that provider. For example, I'm traveling to LA on business and have probably spent 10-15 hours trying to find a provider in the right area, in the right price range with the looks and review attributes that I desire; all for one or two 1 hour appointments.  

How much time do you spend?

If its DC area, absolutely no time. I have plenty on my "to do" list.  

There are some women in other cities that I have talked to by virtue of just being on the boards, so I would just shoot them a quick email asking about their availability. In some places I would take good 2-3 hours to do research. Sometimes its tricky because there are regional boards outside of TER that are more prevalent in some areas, and will give better results. SF area is one of those areas.  The problem is that you can't talk openly or on PM about those boards.  So the research will involve intermediary step of contacting someone who can back channel me the info about those boards.  

Here is the thing. Do as much research as you want and humanly can. Don't cut corners. In spite of being here for a long time, I am not shy of reaching out for help when warranted. Asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness

I don't know if you want to call all the time I spend on TER as research, but it is through meeting gals on here that I mainly find people whom I end up with.

I don't consider it research I consider it play.

After my first two experiences with providers, and after discovering TER, I started reading reviews carefully and checking out provider sites. I'd guess I've spent at least twice as much time researching providers as I have spent with the providers since the first two experiences.  

I think it's been worthwhile, though. The providers I've seen since doing that research have been superb.

generally gives me a good idea of who is available in my price range and general area of Long Island near my home.  The farthest I've travelled is NYC, and there are simply tons of providers there, so its more of a search for whoever picks up the phone who has decent reviews and meets my criteria of who I am looking for.  Honestly, the whole TER research thing is fairly new to me.  Maybe I'm not taking full advantage of the positives, but I'm learning more every day.

but I can see where married guys, and guys with limited budgets by necessity would spend a lot more time researching than actually playing. I would think that for many of them the research would be a major part of the fun, but not for me. I would much rather play, I spend a lot of time bullshitting on the boards, but very little time researching the ladies I want to see. I know pretty much what I want, all the research in the world is going to change that.

I'm not researching at all per say.  
I just browse the ads every week or so and see who's in town. Or stick to regulars.

Some of the ladies I exchange PM with on TER,  I initially didnt  even click on their profile until they started  becoming familiar.  
So far I think I stumbled upon about five unexpectedly gorgeous girls.  Will likely see them when they visit my area

True, it is kinda like play

END OF MESSAGE

I agree....it's not about volume as it is QUALITY

END OF MESSAGE

Once I find a woman who makes herself available I know that I will see her-- even if it takes a couple of weeks-- and I stop shopping.

VIP to find compatible ladies who interest me both physically and mentally.