I was wondering who out there will only see an independent versus an agency girl?

I have only seen independent providers so far because of LE and confidentiality worries.

However, there are some great agency girls that I don't want to miss out on.

Am I being to careful?

You can never be too careful in the hobby. I've only seen independent providers, so I can't speak to the pros and cons of going through agency because I've never tried to use one.

my preference has always been independent. But after the Spitzer debacle, I have been extra leery of agencies.  You never know how long they hold on to your info.

I had thought about a couple of agency girls, but waited for reviews on them before plunging in.  Some got reviews that were less than appealing, and some got none, so I backed away.  I have seen a couple of girls that worked out of a shop, one was OK, one was less than hoped for.

Bottom line, whether seeing an indy or an agency girl, do your research.  Don't let the little head do your thinking for you.

Swim

There is no magic bullet. I've used an agency (MC) and have had some of the best experiences of my life. Same with independents. Stick with highly respected agencies and ladies, and you'll be relatively safe from prying LE eyes.

I am another gun shy member who, in the past, has only seen independent ladies due to varied trust issues.

However, I live in the Boston area and recently discovered that there are several agencies that are well reviewed (100% thumbs up) promoting many, many smoking hot woman who are also very well reviewed.

I find that its just a matter of time for me before I give one agency in particular that I have had my eye on a try.

I have only met indies for the same reason.  There is only one agency gal I have really wanted to see, but whitelists and date-check referals were not enough.  I want all the ladies to be safe and have good screening practices.  But I don't want my info out there more than I have to.  DC Madam, Elliot Spitzer, it happens around here in DC.

Now I'm sure there are some very good agencies out there, however...

We were just discussing one gal in the LA board, whom I saw and reviewed, but subsequent reviews have been all over the place.

Sometimes she is short (5'0") and sometimes tall (5'6")...

Sometimes she's hot... and sometimes she's not...

and we all now know her pics aren't real (but I still say a fair representation), they are of a porn star.  So, I think everyone who read that thread will assume all the pics in that particular agency's portfolio have been lifted.  I won't be using them again.


I think indy gals have a lot more at stake, and more likely to use their own photos.

I've only seen independents so far. IMHO they have an edge over agency ladies. I think an independent has more control over who they see, and how frequently they schedule visitors which seems to me to be an advantage and can help to make a better visit. It is also a concern of mine, based on recent stories, that there seems to be an inherent danger, due to visibility and record keeping issues, that make me wary of agencies.

C_K

being single I don't have to worry about being discovered. LE targets the agencies because LE follows the money and by getting an agency they get way more arrests with the same work. I've been around this a while and watch as agencies continually get busted so if you can't afford being linked to an agency if and when they get busted stick to well trusted independents.

But you should worry, even if you are single.  If you are on the list of an agency that is busted, you may be arrested (unlikely - look at Spitzer), but  worse is that you and all your information will be under  the scope of the LE agency that is making the bust. It puts you on their radar.  Think of some of the ramifications - Let's say you spent alot, maybe five figures with that agency.  That is the kind of information the IRS might find interesting.  Even if you are clean, who wants to invite that kind of attention?
I always prefer indies.

I'm only chiming in because I'm surprised this argument hasn't been made yet. Usually on threads like these, someone points out that, for the married hobbyist whose schedule doesn't allow for too much planning ahead of time, agencies are preferable because you can usually book quickly and hassle free.

As for me, I tend to pursue indies. But that also has to do with the fact that, in New York City at least, you can usually do better in the indie market than the agency market. That said, one of my ATFs is from an out of town agency that tours some of its providers. So, there's no golden rule.

true enough, but I only used an agency couple of times for small amounts and none of it was paid by me to the agency only cash to the provider. As for them having me under their radar well I only see well reviewed girls and at my place so they can't say what happened in my place. As for Spitzer he was caught for wire transfers not solicitation, as no one but he and Ashley were in the room so it can't be proven what he paid her for. And yes I prefer indies for many more reasons.

I am only pointing out that their are risks even if you are single.  But it is obvious you go about it in a way that minimizes those risks.

Spitzer, on the other hand, made every stupid mistake you could make - wire transfers from the Gov's office for thousands of dollars to an out of state escort agency?  What was he thinking?

I am just not comfortable with an agency having any personal information.  They are targets for LE, along with SW's, and now CL.
Once LE busts an agency, the owners face much stiffer penalties then a single escort would, and will sell out anybody & everybody. The DC madam is just one example.

in some parts of the country they have a bad reputation for b & s, rob, c & d, etc.

Buy VIP, read reviews, and don't see anyone who isn't well reviewed by established reviewers.

With an independent, she posts her rate, you know what to have on your person and stick in the envelope.

I've never seen an agency girl mainly because the reviews I read make it sound like the first 10 minutes are all about price negotiations. Who the hell wants that??? $200 for her to show up or is it $200 for FS? Or is it $250 for the FS? Or is it $100 for BJ, or $300 for GFE, and is all that on top of or inclusive of the $200 show up fee?

WTF???

I want to walk into a room with a pretty girl, throw down my envelope, and let the fun begin.

I do NOT want to start off with some sort of 'used car' style negotiation where we discuss all activities, prices, etc. And even reading the reviews of Agency girls, I'm left wondering what the fuck was paid in total.

AGENCIES... you need to make it simpler for guys like me to become interested.

Indies keep records as the agencies do. I see both.

But I tend to prefer agencies.  I like the variety the agency offers without having to go through a screening for each girl.  I think misuse of screening information can happen with either independents or agencies.  You just need to do your homework and stick to reputable independents or agencies to reduce the risk.