are the messages here today, what I think that this board could and should - to some extent - be about: reaching out to express the feelings that we all may have about this adventure (of which hobbying plays a role)?  

Clearly the end of the year always makes us think about our relationships, our behavior and how we wish to go forward into the new year.

The posts below are of sufficient quality about human nature and how we play ourselves that they should be taken seriously.  I would ask that we - as a community think about:
What can we do to help identify folks in trouble?
When identified - how best can we help (not talking about a lot of activity - but maybe a note or call to say - "noticed that...   you may wish to get some help - here is a # in your area..."
Follow-up to be sure that the person has someone to speak with...

I know - but it is the lack of knowing what cannot be done that Inspires me on this...

thanks.

No, it's not just you =)

Just as providers range from girls in desperate need (hopefully not too many) and who despise what they do, to girls who are mentally adjusted, to girls who have other options, but still choose this occupation because they enjoy the benefits... so too are there men who range from deplorably sick and disgusting to the other extreme.

Hopefully this board can help everyone be better off, in some way.

Thanks again to BizzSd for expressing with eloquence what I'm sure many of us are feeling.

When he asks about folks in trouble, I can't help but think, gee did he write that after reading my post?  A bit egotistical perhaps, but a perfectly rational question to ask.  I have often wondered whether I need some "help."

I do feel I need some help.  This hobby, although sporadic, occupies a prominent current in my psychological stream right now, and I must express myself or explode.  I have a buddy who is extremely prolific in this hobby with whom I share feelings, experiences, curiosities, complaints, and many laughs.  Sometimes I think my ATF is more my therapist than my lover, although she is arguably the one of the main reasons (ostensibly) that I need therapy.

My thesis here is that this board serves as a terrific form of therapy.  I have been repeatedly inspired by the vulnerable humanity, incisive analysis, and subtle wit essayed by Bizzaro, avalon, and many others.  This Board has become like a friend to me, a friend with whom I have shared feelings, experiences, curiosities, complaints, and many laughs.

Happy New Years to you all, and thanks for your support!

Carver

You speak for many people, I'd guess. (I know you expressed certain things I find agreement with)

Myself.. several of the reasons why I seek providers include: learning to be better (in bed), capturing memories that I will treasure when I'm in diapers at the old folks' home, being with women of all ages, types, variations.

Having said that, I don't know if I should eventually stop (once my original reasons are no longer applicable), or if I *EVEN CAN* stop.

I wondered if it had to do with the season and the new year ahead of us.  In any case it is refreshing and a lot more enjoyable than hearing about who did what to whom, etc.

Some of us, maybe even alot of us, have developed some very good friendships on these boards.
It is natural for us to reach out to people we know and care about during this time of year.
I have used these boards to vent my own frustrations at life and it has helped.
You find that some people you didn't even think knew who you were would reply back with comforting thoughts or comments and sometimes "backdoor" support.

Believe it or not, but we are a close nit "cyber" family here.
And there is a lot of support when and if you need it.

Just my opinion...
B

-- Modified on 12/28/2005 2:24:03 PM

There are few hobbyists that want their provider to tell them how escorting is making them miserable, fueling a drug problem or otherwise causing them trouble.  How many open-letter posts are there on the board asking providers to keep her personal issues to herself?  If she spills her guts and the client really cares, he may not see her again in order to stop contributing to her problems.  If the client does not care, he may take advantage of the provider's vulnerability or he might deem her "crazy" and begin telling others the same while not seeing her any longer.  Perhaps he'll even add that to her review -- "she has personal problems".  There is already the fear of the employer or the wife finding out; who wants to hand over verification information to a supposed loose cannon?  Either way, she loses.  

Escorting can be a difficult and lonely life for some.  A lady must take care of herself whether that means taking plenty of time off to focus on herself, hiring a therapist or coming out of the closet to a close friend or relative, someone she can talk to and especially trust.  It is as important to her business as the computer she uses or the lingerie she purchases.  

It would be nice if strangers, fellow providers and hobbyists were concerned about one another and offered a hand from time to time when it's clearly needed, but the reality is that as personal at the business is, it's a business first and foremost.    

The point and the thought is a nice one.  Take care of each other regardless of whether the other person is a competitor or a stranger.  Should be a given, not just during the holidays or on the New Year but year-round.

Best,

Kate Bishop

Social gettogethers of providers & hobbyists in various cities(such as those organized in NYC by MikitheMilf) can be helpful in forging relations that allow a more in-depth acquaintance with each other.The closer human relations could help more than just communicating thru postings on the board, IMHO

As in the lennon song... Imagine...!  But I do realize that we live in a very real world with bounds and barriers.  The providers that I am most friendly with - I do know their troubles... and wish I could help...  fortunately their troubles are not leading to a suicide - but still you wish to ease pain where you find it.

All that being said - we do tend to be supportive more than not in this TERmunity, I was glad to see that the response to my original post was one of similar thoughts tempered by reality...  

Great term, Bizz!  I was trying to come up with something like that.  I got stuck on trying to find a clever way to morph the word, "board."  TERboard just didn't have the right rhythm, and eventually I got hungry and just gave up.