Is it generally a good idea to inform the provider about the TER (or TBD or any similar) review board and ask if it is ok to post a review of our experience there? (Particularly the case if provider has no reviews currently)  Also, what is a good way of bringing up the topic?  Any input is appreciated.

I think that most women find the graphic details offensive, intrusive, and vulgar.  Many put up with it, but I have noticed quite a few getting fed up and pulling all their reviews - even if it means losing business.  This number is increasing.  Below are links to some postings indicating that providers are unhappy with reviews.  Beyond that, I have spoken to several providers personally and they don't like reviews.  One told me she can't wait until she gets enough regulars to pull all her reviews.  She's an excellent provider and gets high ratings.  Another provider I recently contacted pulled all her reviews a few months ago.  I had her in mind for a long time, and it took me awhile to track her down.  I was worried that she disappeared because of getting busted or LE worries, but when I asked her, she said no, it was because she just got fed up with the reviews.  So, my message here is, don't mention the reviews, and in your reviews, have some respect!  Even if you didn't have a great time, don't bash the girl (unless it was a true ripoff), and don't treat her like meat.  Anyway, here are some links from/about girls pulling reviews:

(second paragraph)
http://theeroticreview.com/msgBoard/ViewMsgBody.asp?BoardID=1&Page=1&Messageid=18480

(last paragraph)
http://theeroticreview.com/msgBoard/ViewMsgBody.asp?BoardID=1&Page=1&Messageid=18421

(good summary)
http://theeroticreview.com/msgBoard/ViewMsgBody.asp?BoardID=1&Page=1&Messageid=18490


-- Modified on 9/22/2001 5:45:33 AM

I couldn't agree with you more, Linkmeister.

Personally, I now only post a review if a Provider has only a few reviews, hasn't been reviewed for a while (months), or is a ripoff.  Staff's need for explicitness to weed out the phonies tends to create a lot of problems for Providers.  I note one review wherein a meeting point was specifically named that is so prominent in that area which, when coupled with the Providers photo on her website, creates an inordinate risk for that lady.

This is not a flame on Staff, who I think does a great job of maintaining a very difficult balance.

I can't say it any better than you did so I'll just quote you verbatim and encourage all of us to listen and learn:

"So, my message here is, don't mention the reviews, and in your reviews, have some respect!  Even if you didn't have a great time, don't bash the girl (unless it was a true ripoff), and don't treat her like meat."

It's been a while since I last "hobbied" (about 6 mos ago was my last). I have hobbied much in the past, but have rarely posted reviews. Would it be acceptible to now post reviews of past experiences (given that providers are still active, with good links to web ads)?  One provider in particular I saw, at the time, had no reviews, and now is back on the scene and has many reviews.  I am now thinking about taking the plunge again and think that, due to my sporadic participation, I could post a few reviews in lieu of paying membership fee for my access (hey, i had a vip membership at one point, but call me cheap if you will  Keep the advice flowing, these discussion boards are very insightful.

Linkmeister has a good point.  However, a big part of the problem is the TER staff rejecting reviews because they are not explicit enough.  When I first started, I wrote some "gentlemanly" reviews that kept getting kicked back by the staff as not being explicit enough.  By the time I got them explicit enough to get posted, they certainly weren't gentlemanly, and the added details most likely made the reviewed providers uncomfortable.  I have since seen later posted reviews that were back in the "gentlemanly" range.  TER needs to set and apply a consistant set of criteria for how graphic/explicit reviews should be, and stick to it.  That way, reviewers and providers both know what is allowable in a review, and then the providers can make an informed decision on whether to stick with the internet or go to newspaper ads, as opposed to fleeing the net due to inconsistantly overly-graphic reviews.

Why don't you wait until you get a reply from Staff, to the posting you made on the Suggestions/Policy board.
You've waited 6 months, you can wait a few more days until Staff replies.

...last time i checked the question had only 8 viewings.  just getting a little anxious i guess... i guess "staff" takes the weekend off.... ( where's that darn credit card, maybe i'll join up anyway....lol)

See link