Decided that this would better be treated as a new thread rather than a reply in some other thread (about fake reviews); see link.

 
Clearly a "paper trail" will give TER good evidence for removing a review where the guy is unable to prove a deposit was made. Though there are also clearly ways to game that type of structure as well -- if I provide my payment proof I'm outing myself and such claims.

 
However, I think it also offers a good acid test for just how bad fake reviews are for mongers (or ladies but in this case it is more about the consumer side). If wide spread requirements for some deposit emerged (as one might think the fears are for some that keep raising the issue in posts) actually does greatly reduce the existence of fake reviews, just how much of a deposit would mongers be willing to accept? A $1 "test" transfer? 10%?

 
If the answer is no deposit is the correct interpretation there that fake reviews are all too easily spotted and really don't influence anyone's decision-making so that $0 value is correct?

I'm not buying personal services when a deposit is required.
I'm not buying that these recent claims of FAKE REVIEW are valid.
I'm not buying that TER admin wants to verify that some dude gave a deposit to some provider via some verifiable method and the provider always requires a deposit.
I'm not buying that proof of a deposit is a paper trail that any of us want to share.

 
I suspect that the "I always require a deposit crowd" is losing business to the ones that don't and has that as motivation to push this agenda. All it will do for me is push me to SA or agencies.

With the provider, because then my identity will be linked to the username.

 
So I'd rather remove my honest review than give anyone a glimpse into what number corresponds to my handle. I would be very unhappy about it, but I'm not giving some entity proof of agreeing to commit illegal activity. And potentially the provider/PO seeing this and knowing who I am.

 
Now, it should be quite clear what my answer about the deposit will be.

 
And that answer is "are you fucking out of your mind" . You want me to show ACH transfer info receipt for a hooker? Who the hell would do this?  

 
To quote Michael Corleone, here's my offer: nothing. Not even the fee for the gaming license.

 
The problem with Jensens question is that the problem with deposits goes beyond a nominal monetary value. If his question would be would you pay an extra ten/hundred bucks anonymously for all fake reviews to be magically removed somehow, then yeah why not.

 
So no, Jensen, some people don't mind paying extra to have honest and real reviews. I don't mind giving money to a person who would be a real watchdog looking through reviews. Hell, I did it myself for fucking free.  

I won't give a penny to a provider for a deposit. Not a single fucking penny. These two things aren't related and should be decoupled.

where gals are complaining that guys are simply refusing to do deposits. Others I have watched lower their deposit demands from exorbitant percentages to something more palatable, like 10-20% - and generally only for extended dates.  

I totally agree that the tide is beginning to show some sign of turning when it comes to outrageous deposit demands.  

I have also heard that pre-booking rates have dropped substantially... no doubt this has an impact on deposit demands as well.

Personally I'm OK with a reasonable deposit (my defnition: 10-20%) for an extended date, just to demonstrate that I have some "skin in the game". More than that, I'm moving on to the next lady.