Premise: The hobby is made up of folks. Given the "community of interest" that binds us, you find the same type of folks in the hobby as outside of it.
Here's the thing ... recently several providers I respect have commented that that there is no respect for providers in the hobby! I appreciate the contradiction in that sentence ... but I respect providers.
Most folks respect people. Providers are people. QED: Most people respect providers.
Fact is, I adore some of the providers I've met. And the one or two that I thought were idiots ... it's not that I didn't respect them because they were providers. Any lack of respect was due to being idiots. Even so, I treated them with civility and courtesy.
I love the hobby because it allows an old, overweight, balding guy to be the object of the attentions of a beautiful, sexy woman. And I love them for that!
Times are hard for many of us. Even so, hobbyists tend to be prudent regarding the "selection" process and providers need to do the same. Then cultivate relationships with those who treat you the way you want to be treated. Both ways.
I recently read a glowing review of a provider. The hobbyist mentioned that he had seen her before but had been out of the hobby for about a year. Then he posted on a board and received a PM from her, "I miss you". He melted ... I might have, too.
I tend to send a JPG of myself to providers once we progress along the appointment process because I don't want an OMG episode when I knock on the door. Several providers have commented on how handsome I am. There is a special place in heaven for women who lie as graciously as these ladies. I love them.
To those providers who are complaining about how they are treated, I grant that you cannot control the behavior of these men. But you can control who you spend time with ... and I have to believe there are many frogs out here who will turn into princes with one, little kiss.
Bob
btw ... seems like a lot more drama than there used to be ... "banned" and "account disabled" ... what's up with that?