Hey Clark. I think every hobbyist has a different “paranoia threshold”. Personally, I think that a degree of concern regarding personal information is obviously reasonable.

This thread has some tips that may be useful as far as maintaining a degree of secrecy:

http://www.naughtyreviews.com/forum/hobbyist-hangout/keeping-your-hobby-...

It primarily deals with keeping things secret from the SO, but some of the points - a pre-paid cell phone or credit card for example – could help keep things more discreet overall, SO or otherwise.

I’ve heard that they are supposed to be cracking down on pre-paid credit cards soon, but I’m not sure if any stricter policies have been put in place recently.

If you are so concerned with privacy that it affects your ability to enjoy yourself, maybe you should only deal with indies who don’t require too much info?

For the record, it's notable that apparently none of the "big wigs" who purchased services were pursued. That was the point of the ABC article - they had the list, but they didn't go after the clients that were on the list.

That being said, I fully understand for the sake of one's reputation that most reasonable guys wouldn't want to be on such a list...

I would be very reluctant to see any provider who kept a list. Luckilly for me, I´m not the type to frequent 5000 per hour call girls and more the type to visit independents. I think you´ll find very few independent providers out there who keep a list of anything that has to do with their trade.

Exactly, keep a low profile and no harm will come to you. No way would I see someone who kept a list.

Clark,

Why take unnecessary risks?

I think you are prudent. Agencies provide convenience but at too high a price (both financial and privacy).

Stick to independents that don't need you to provide ID. Pay cash. Use a prepaid cell. Keep life simple.

yep, indies are the way to go if you hold your privacy above all else.

Girls who keep lists are stupid anyway. How are you going to explain that when you get busted?

I just keep phone numbers, save them under first name with a made-up last name that tells me something about the guy and whether I want to see him again, but nothing a stranger could understand.

Before saving the number, I ask whether the guy is ok with me doing it - but it's the only way to talk to me on the phone, otherwise they have to always do email.

Your solution sounds alright Lucia. I guess technically it would be easy for LE to grab your list and call the phone numbers you had and ask to speak with the person by their first name. While that could happen, I feel that's taking paranoia to a whole other level and I'd have no problem if you saved my phone number so that I could avoid email.

I personally feel safer going to agencies. The girls are cleaner and you can still pay cash. I had a friend who was robbed by an indie, explain that to your wife and kids. This hobby is high risk whether you think it is or not. I find it cheaper than keeping an extra apt etc..... I don't mind the precautions taken by agencies, feels like their keeping on eye on their girls and looking out for us. I'll go for an indie if I feel like walking on the wild side.

Fair enough but keep in mind that agencies are more likely to keep information about you that could be subpoenaed at a later date. The chances of that happening are almost non-existent but they are higher than your chances with an indy. If you see indies who are well reviewed you shouldn't run into any problems with being robbed or ripped off but I do see where you are coming from.

Thanks... well, the list is not on paper, it's just the numbers on my phone.... in between all the other numbers of friends and such. So it might be embarrassing for me if LE called my friends, but I guess it's pretty safe for the guys who's number I have.