When is a reference too old?

‘Industry standard’ meaning what most ladies in the hobby industry deem acceptable. There certainly is no official handbook or sanctioning association to define such standards; it’s just simply known by the common practices of most.

If there is an Industry Standard, please cite the Sanctioning Association.
Didn't know this was an Industry. . .

Examples of Sanctioning Associations recognized include but are not limited to:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Originally Posted by biomed1

Then there is no "Industry Standard" just a personal preference.
Now I won't have to look for Publicly Traded Providers in the Dow Jones Industrial Average to gauge their performance.

I completely understand where the OP is coming from. It took years for me to build a solid reputation but I haven't been as active the past year so it would be difficult for me to provide solid references for ladies. It's the way of the hobby.

If you make a good impression, I will remember you. If I remember you, I will be your reference. I will tell the lady how long it's been, but in my years of doing this, good guys don't turn bad at the 366 day mark. BUT, I only see older very professional guys - perhaps newbies are a bit different.

If I don't remember someone, I will look through my P411 okays and let the lady know I did see him but don't remember details (I've only seen two guys ever I would not see again and I remember them and they were YMMV).

I'm conflicted here because on one hand I understand theres safety and security in the referral system but on the other, there are outliers such as myself who dont do this very often. I may do well to have 3 encounters in one year so if I'm to be given only a one year cut off on my references, that leaves me in a pretty tough spot especially if one of my recent reviews wasnt a positive one(which it wasn't)

Is there anything to say for reviews written or time in the community?

The only answer to this question is when she says it is.

We are asking for a favor and at her mercy, just as she is to ours regarding any repeat business.

No reason to whine about it. Face the facts and move on.

If I seen you prior or I "know" you I have no issues giving references no matter how old. But I don't give references for bogus guys or girls for safety reasons