I'm not expert on this but I've been around the block a few times and can at least offer some input. First of all, there are three sites that seem to be reputable which are: RS2K, Preferred 411, and Date Check, I'm not a member of any of these but they are mainly used by hobbyists who do not have any references from other providers to arrange an initial meeting. If you normally call agencies then you probably won't need this at all as they are basically a way for independent providers to make sure that you aren't a wacko. If you have seen other independents in the past, you can often ask them if they mind being used as a reference when you want to meet with a new provider. I think you are probably right in assuming that these types of services are more for the high end type girls as I have seen many providers in Toronto and I've only been asked for references a handful of times.

Think of these services as an easier and quicker way for a provider to research whether you are a decent guy and who you say you are. If you didn't have references and didn't use these services, I think that even the higher end providers would be satisfied if you provided them with enough information about yourself to prove you are who you say you are (ie) home address, a work voicemail with your name on it, email addresses, your forum personalities etc.. You can see that while it is possible, it creates more work for the provider so that's why some of them insist on these verification services...It'd be good to hear from someone who is actually a member of one of these services as perhaps there are some other advantages that I am unaware of.

One of the other advantages to these sites is that you can find reputable providers on them. You can generally rest assured that if the provider is a member of one of these sites that she is legit and that her photos are real etc... For whatever reason, some of the providers who use these sites require additional references even if you are a member which I've never understood at all.

For hobbyists who are just starting out, it can be difficult to get appointments with the higher end providers and verification services can certainly help with that. Another route that can be taken is to pick a well-reviewed provider and write her a well-thought out email that introduces you to her and tells her as much as possible about you. If you are sincere and provide her with lots of info she may well agree to see you. Once you've seen her, you can use her as a reference with other high-end providers and bingo!

With all the uptight LE Depts around the country, I'm surprised that there aren't more of these services out there, or that more providers don't require more stringent screening. However, I do screen, although not quite as stringently as I used to. Some of my higher-end clients told me that they liked the fact that I was so particular in my screening and they felt secure that their info was being handled discreetly.

Safety on both sides are paramount. I prefer to see gentlemen from Date-Check and P411 (I even offer discounts to those directories), as I know they've been vouched for, and I even check out the providers who have vouched for them for added security.

Screening is important for the providers; we need to make sure you're not cops or serial killers!

...and screening is important for the hobbyists as well; you need to make sure that you're getting exactly what you want.

I completely agree with you. Some hobbyists complain when they are screened but I don't mind at all. It tells me that the provider is legit and professional and reassures me that she isn't LE. I screen by reading reviews and trying to avoid the ever prevalent bait and switch.

Well, I've been "in the biz" only eight months now, and while I don't have too many reviews (one here, eight on TER, two on another directory, and six or seven on a regional board I'm on), all of my reviews are pretty much stellar.

Which is why I screen the way I do. I realize from the guys perspective, you're getting the short end of the stick, as we get to know your personal information while you only know our stage names, but it is important to screen the providers (I even check out the providers who you guys give me as references) via message boards and reviews to make sure that you're not getting a psycho or (heaven forbid) a cop, too!

I believe wholeheartedly in "truth in advertising"; I don't want someone to even HINT that you didn't get what you expected with me!

and just to prove it...

My hair's a bit tousled to cover up most of my face, but WYSIWYG; What You See Is What You Get!

Happy Holidays.

Thanks for the pic Nadine. Believe it or not, the hair over your face is sexy in itself. Like the old saying, a little clothing is sometimes better than none at all as it leaves a little something to the imagination!!
Nice ta tas too.....LOL

Back to the topic, I never joined any of the screening companies. My first hobby visit was to a lady on CL. Worked out fine as I used her as a reference for my next provider. Since then, the only thing that I have given providers is my screen name that I use on escort sites. Some use my "referrals" listings and others read the reviews that I have left. I am sure that I am being screened it's just that it is done lets say, behind my back!
I like it this way and hope it continues.

My experience has been similar to yours Chooch. Never bothered getting involved with screening companies and always made sure to treat the women that I saw right so that I could use them as references. I don't have a long history on review sites but I'd imagine that would be a great way of side-stepping the screening process if you did.