I am posting this to my "co-workers" nation wide.

A question has arisen on another board concerning how traveling ladies can get basic hobbyist info while traveling (i.e. rip-offs, stalkers, abusers, etc)

My suggestion was a "point" person in each city.  Said lady can work to keep her areas "bad client" list updated and be a reference for those of you who tour.

And gentlemen... please be aware that we hate having to keep a list such as the one mentioned above as much as you dislike it's exsistence.   Sadly todays society seems to make it necessary.  And when we do reference checks (At least here in the Seattle area) we give as little info as possible unless it is truly warrented.  (some info that might be passed on is... hygene issues... odd kinks *we like to be prepared for you!* INTENTIONAL shorting of donations *honest mistakes not mentioned* etc)  Usually the conversation goes.. "Oh I remember him!  He is great!" or  "He's ok... I had no worries with him" etc.

So please know we are looking after you as well as ourselves...  A lady who has had too many bad experiences at home or on tour may stop providing the wonderful service that makes all you hobbyists come back!

Thanks for your patience!
Rebecca

It seems it would be just as useful for the local girls. A point person in every city or area. You give her a buzz if you ever have a question about a prospective client, "hey, what about so and so?"

Wytchcat,

I share your concern about gathering information while traveling.  Both,  providers as well as hobbyist have the same issues to deal with:

   -  Who is a "rip-off"

   -  Am I going to have a good time (treated with respect, etc)?

    - Is the environment safe (attitude, demeanor, etc)?

Per the posting on the previous thread, it is my understanding that the Provider's board would be closely monitored.  Discussing a provider review, or commenting on a reviewer, or exchanging personal information of hobbyists would NOT be permitted.

Having said that, its a good thing to do your homework.  Posting your queries on this discussion board, as well as the Provider's discussion board should spark a few interesting thoughts.

I would suggest the following:

1.  Introductory converation:   Have a meaningful conversation with your prospective hobbyist.  Talk about general stuff - sports, interests, hobbies, etc.  This will give you a brief inkling into his way of thinking.  You may be able to get a sense of likes, dislikes, etc...

2.  Networking:  If you find a hobbyist that you like, you may want to consider networking with him.  In the past, when I travelled if my favorite provider was unavailable, I established a rapport where she felt comfortable referring me to her one of her friends.  Mind you, this friend was unadvertised .  

The converse is true as well. If you provide good service at a fair price, more likely than not the hobbyist is going to refer you to his friends.  

I have heard mixed things about providers sharing information.  In certain cities, things are very competitive.  Some providers deliberatley bad mouth a hobbyist with an intent not to have him wander off somewhere else.  

At times, providers may have certain personal biases and pre-conceived notions.  If they had a bad encounter, perhaps they may not reveal all of the circumstances that led to such a distasteful experience.   For instance, say the provider did a cash and dash or bait and switch or upselling, and the hobbyist was vocal about it.  The provider could potentially turn the tables and say the hobbyist was ...

Just like anything else in life, YMMV.  So, be open-minded and use your gut instincts.   There was a thread here "Retirement" which articulates how some misperceptions by a provider resulted in loss of some potentially good/loyal clients.

3.  Clear communication:   Have an honest dialogue with your hobbyist.  Set the expectations upfront.  That way, no one (you or the hobbyist) is in for a surprise.

4.  Lead by example:   As the cliche goes, "if your nice to someone, they (more than likely) will be nice to you.   If you treat your hobbyist with respect, common courtesies, and provide good service -- chances are that he will come back again, and again.

Well!  Not sure if it helps.  But, I hope it provides some food for thought.

- W W W      

[PS:  Sorry about the revisions. Found some typo's and had to fix them]

-- Modified on 6/11/2002 10:01:57 AM

-- Modified on 6/11/2002 10:04:30 AM

-- Modified on 6/11/2002 10:06:48 AM

I really wish that I had something like this when I first arrived. As some of you know, I was taken for about 5 hours of my time. When I mentioned his name to another lady she said, "Oh, we all know about him. No one will see him."

(Serenity NOW!!)

I am a firm believer in not keeping any type of notes. My friends think I'm silly. I have to tell gents calling me again, "I know it's rude but would you refresh my memory? I don't keep your information."
The basic question I ask a new friend is whom they have seen before? It works for me.

I like The Idea ..
Basic screening is very nessesary, for all of us.
I think we all can use all the help we can get.
Good Luck to everyone...
Providers and Hobbyests alike!
Sheila

Capitalization matters...

Why is it necessary to have a point person??? If you have a providers only board, wouldn’t it be enough to have a link to a list of bad clients, where the ladies would post their information, without having to go through any one single individual??

Seems to me having a single person, as contact for the ladies in a particular city seems overkill to put it politely, and worry some for the guy’s at best.

I’m all for keeping the ladies safe and all, and passing along information, and networking for visiting ladies is a good thing, But we had something very similar happen where I’m from…. And without going into details it wasn’t a pretty sight to say the least.

I think trying to have one person to "test out" all new clients is just impractical... first of all, not everyone is going to be attracted to everyone else... and second, the "point" lady would be dead within a week. LOL! I think networking is vital, and I love seeing brainstorming for new ways to get info out there to the ladies, but at least for now, I think the providers boards are the best ways for us to share information about bad clients.

Hugs*
Nicole

My main reasons for suggesting a "point person" are the following:

One, as I am sure all of you know... most boards won't even allow add a provider to their list until they have established them selves.

A point person can verify a travellers credentials before allowing her onto the provider boards.

Second, some providers simply don't wish to go thru the hassle of being a part of the community.  Be it due to politics, discretion or simple anti-social relations (not a slam just an observation) some ladies don't want to have to go thru the process of interacting with a board.  When a simple phone call/email to the point person (In this case a provider board moderator) can answer the question..."Is this gent on the bad client list?"

For those of you that want to a)join all the local provider boards and/or b)pay to join the national ones... such as the one TER here offers have at it.  MORE POWER TO YOU.  

Personally where I a hobbyist the last thing I would want was the chance that my name might end up on a NATIONAL bad client list.  *shrug*  That would weird me out more than a local point person actually.

IMHO of course...
Rebecca