I agree that Eros does not want to weed out its poor-performers (about 10%), identification thieves (about 5%), or out and out rip-offs(10%+). It would reduce its income significantly.
I once tried to pay for an ad in BackPage listing the "rip-offs" with their TER numbers, and I was told that BackPage would not allow one poster to slander another. So NEVER use BackPage, especially “outcall only” providers. The only place to find an escort is to use TER to find reputable agencies or providers. NO TER REVIEW-NO VISIT. Any of the women on the TER ads board are legitimateI have notice several posting asking what Eros Authenticated really means, including http://www.theeroticreview.com/discussion_boards/viewmsg.asp?MessageID=254528&boardID=6&page=1#254528
The Eros disclaimer says, “In order for an Eros advertiser to be eligible to have the Authenticated seal affixed to their advertisement or to be placed in Eros' Authenticated category, the Eros Guide must have received tangible information that the individual appearing in the photographs on any specific advertisement intended to be advertised on the Eros Guide as an individual providing adult companionship. Such proof could include comparing the pictures submitted to the Eros Guide on an advertisement with either government issued Id's or pictures taken by Eros Guide employees at many of the various industry related functions that the Eros Guide attends each year.
However, please be aware that the Eros Guide cannot and does not make any guarantees or warranties that either (a) the advertiser in the pictures on any particular ad will be the same individual who shows up for any date arranged between an advertiser and yourself, (b) that any of the text, including the name of the advertiser, or stats that appears on an advertisement is accurate or truthful.
In other words, “We have seen the person whose photographs we are posting, but we do not assure THAT will be the person who shows up nor is their written desecration accurate.”
Recently Lauren was in town, http://www.eros-dc.com/files/378816.htm , and her ad has the Eros authentication. But a search with Google image revealed a TER review, 221328, (It’s DEFINITELY her, http://frederick.backpage.com/FemaleEscorts/warning-addictive-explsive-smkin-ht4u-24hrs-22/6723618 ) with a rating of (Looks 6 / Performance 3), with comments, “I wouldn't bother unless your desperate. Very rushed, smokey, and tons of rules. … I just got up and left. … She puts in her ad she is 22, but there is no way. She has EXTREME stretch marks everywhere. She's probably over 30. “
So the Eros authentication means “We have seen the woman, but her advertisement may be fraudulent, she may not be the person who shows up, and her performance may be awful.” That does not mean much, does it
That was poorly planned, if they did it right, it would be a great tool for the guys. Instead it's just a waste of time and money for the ladies who try to use it
Eye Candy Only
As far as I am concerned EROS has Zero credibility as a reliable source of information; Nor do they make any effort to 'weed-out' known false advertisers. It is the Last site I'd go to for prospects, if then! They only want to take advertisers' money, counting on their extensive coverage and audience to make the sale, yet do little to protect their franchise or goodwill.
Imagine if say, half of the reviews on TER were unreliable; or fake, how many of us would continue to support the site? That is why TER takes such pains to preserve their reputation.
I agree that Eros does not want to weed out its poor-performers (about 10%), identification thieves (about 5%), or out and out rip-offs(10%+). It would reduce its income significantly.
I once tried to pay for an ad in BackPage listing the "rip-offs" with their TER numbers, and I was told that BackPage would not allow one poster to slander another. So NEVER use BackPage, especially “outcall only” providers.
The only place to find an escort is to use TER to find reputable agencies or providers. NO TER REVIEW-NO VISIT. Any of the women on the TER ads board are legitimate
for either looking for prospects or even as a research tool. No reliability if the lady is legit or even is she is the one you will see.. If people stop hitting the site, their business model will fail.
I've done business with Eros for a long time. Sadly at the end of this month that business relationship will most probably come to an end.
I have an excellent relationship with my Rep and they all know, I won't speak to anyone but her so I knew about 'Eros Authenticated' before they announced it. It sounded like a good idea and at first I thought it was an attempt by them to address the issue of stolen photos, however the implementation says otherwise.
Even-though we've done business for years and I'm a known quantity with Eros it doesn't seem to matter. I have met every photo ID request they have ever made, never used fake photos and spend thousands a year. In spite of this Dreams is not eligible. Why? Because we're an agency, no other reason. The FACT, we could meet the requirements as they set forth, is completely irrelevant.
Then they announce that the price fro multi provider profiles in some markets will be doubled with no grand-fathering for long time customers. Well for me, that is all the markets I advise. Hey, it's their business model, they can do what they want. However, I know the metrics of just about every ad I pay for, the traffic it generates and the booking ratio for that specific ads traffic. ( Traffic don't mean jack, it's the booking ratio of qualified traffic that matters)
Like most businesses, they are getting squeezed, I get that. They've cut the hours of many of their Reps to 30 and below. However mathematically for me, they crossed the line and the cost plus benefit of doing business with them is no longer there. Think of it as my version of the Laffer Curve. Now I will find other venues to spend those advertising dollars they used to get from because as a customer I no longer see the "value" for what I'm spending.
This industry is undergoing a serious paradigm shift and has began for about 6 years. Have you not noticed how many escort directories /communities have died off? It's not a coincidence, it is a measurable phenomena and I've tried to bring it to the attention of the powers that be via my Rep to no avail.
As a side note, if you know your escort industry history, there were several other communities who also pulled the "where charging agencies more" stunt and they are not around anymore (one of several factors not the only one). There is only one left and I don't advertise with them because in my view they are low brow and I prefer other "Avenue's" anyway.
* Shoulder shrug *
Oh well.
Expect to see a blog post on this soon as I will lay it all out in detail my thinking and business process justifications.
As for the concept Eros is loosing creditability, we all (everyone else) saw that coming, but them. However all they see is their shrinking bottom line and I suspect they just can't seem to understand why.
Just sharing different prospective guys.
Lee Dreams
Edamus, bibamus, gaudeamus
-- Modified on 8/16/2013 1:58:04 PM