I'm also a newbie, been reading these posts for a few weeks and I'm ready to jump in and hook up.  Been giving it some thought, trying to sort out the hype and I've concluded whoever I see will be 1)easy of the screening for a newbie(as someone  else said "this is DC for christ's sake" and 2) been positively reviewed by jeopcon1(I'll use you as the equivalent of Consumers Report)

to see the services offered and read the details in the reviews. That way, can determine if a lady that you are interested in provides the kind of experience that you are looking for.