raife

@Nick222 To me, his unwillingness to even face time, is a big red flag that he is not the guy in the photos notwithstanding his friendly responsive texts.  I recommend caution in proceeding with him.

Perhaps @Marc in Calif is right that it's an NYC/DC/Chicago thing. But A list celebrities take the subway in NYC. Broadway stars take the subway. So the idea that some fit, healthy 28 year old can't take the subway is just silly. 

If you agree to a session and an Uber never comes up, the Uber isn't included. 
Whenever a provider tries to add that (or any other monetary change) after a deal is reached, I cancel immediately for breach of contract. Which is what that is.

Steve Osrow, the founder of the Continental Baths on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, has died in Australia.  The Baths established Bette Midler and Barry Manilow and other entertainers and was a major center of gay activity in the early 1970s.  The NYT has a nice, long obituary today with details about the Baths.

When I see really big numbers, I'm inclined to think that they are actually just promoting OF, selling videos, or something similar and don't actually want to meet anyone.

Brazil is a huge country with a rather large population of 214.3 million, 105.7 million of which are male. There are areas of extreme poverty in that country, about 28% of the population lives in extreme poverty, and many of the providers also support their families with what they make. That is particularly true with transgender providers. sometimes they are the primary source of income in the family (even though there are instances where the family doesn't allow them in the house).
Venezuela is going through terrible times. 94% of Venezuelans lived in poverty, and by 2021 almost twenty percent of Venezuelans (5.4 million) had left their country, not necessarily legally. Half of their population is male in that country.
In Colombia, with a male population of 25 million, crime rates remain very high. Illegal armed groups and other criminal groups are heavily involved in the drugs trade and serious crime including kidnapping. Additionally, there's extreme corruption in their government, so many people who live in poverty have little to no opportunities available for progressing, unless they get involved in the established system that is entangled with the drug trade. If you have seen shows like Narcos in Netflix, you see all those nameless extras that get killed in drug trade-related shootings? Those are the ones who live in poverty and have little opportunities to do something else.
Poverty, crime, social and political instability are factors that make many people who would otherwise choose a different profession, to become this type of provider.
I remember seeing a documentary in the early 2000s about male prostitution in Brazil. They showed areas where there are many street providers looking for ways to survive. Just survival. We, in USA and other rich countries tend to forget what life is like when there aren't opportunities available and you have loved ones to support, or when the situation is so dangerous that you have tio manage to survive by any means possible. Sometimes I ask myself similar questions, then I remember that I live in a country where people can start a march over something that they just don't like hearing about.
BTW, it's not just the USA, I also saw providers from Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela in Spain and in Mexico.

This is where the money is, it's easier than ever to get here, they're a very sensual, less inhibited Latin demographic, and the demand is high for their type of look: 
Muscled, smooth(ish), sexy and hung. 
I hope they come in droves and drive down overpriced mediocrity.  I'm not sure they're skilled masseurs, but they know how to enjoy sex.  😊

44 is not old as fuck.

I agree with much of the above. I would broaden your physical criteria a bit. Is uncut a must? How important is the age? A girthy cock is fun, but if you have never taken one of any size before, it’s wise to start with a medium size, nothing really long or particularly girthy. Once you try it, it’s easier for you to gauge what you can take and will enjoy the next time around.
Maybe you can get some of your wishlist, but since this is your first time, it’s going to be more important to find the RIGHT guy for the job - someone experienced, patient, and professional. Some of the 27 year olds you mention may be hot in a photo online, but many of them have short attention spans and even shorter patience for newbie clients, especially those with zero experience with adult men. Chemistry matters a hell of a lot more than how defined an abdominal muscle is or how flawless the skin is around his eyes. A 30yo+ man will most likely be your best bet, at least for your first time. You can always seek out others later that fit your wishlist more closely. It’s just a lot to put on a 20 something…and have to tick all of your other boxes too. Trust me, it will be more fun to hire those young studs after you know what you’re doing.
My recommendation: search providers in your area on RentMen that strike your fancy, but please don’t filter on looks alone. You need someone who looks good, but more importantly, someone who will do a fantastic job for you. With your short list, search the forums in the deli section and see what info you can find on any of your guys. Take your time. Ask questions. Read reviews. Based on what you find, you will likely be able to narrow down the list to a shorter one. Find the best matches for a first time experience. Let your other criteria go for now and consider it a bonus if the right providers tick your other boxes. Be flexible when they don’t.
Once you have that done, reach out to the few you selected stating that it’s your first time bottoming and that you want him to be patient with you. Assuming he’s good with that, ask about rates and any pertinent info like incall or outcall and any questions you have. Don’t be afraid to circle back while you inquire of others and shop around. Tell them you are considering hiring and will get back to them. That approach doesn’t leave them all hanging in the meantime.
Take responsibility for your own health. Whether hiring or hooking up, it’s up to you to assess your own risk tolerance and protect yourself. Talk to your doctor about PreP and get on it. Generics are covered on all basic health insurance plans. Condoms are a good safeguard for any STI, not just HIV. If you’re willing to use one, that is another way for you to take responsibility. You can’t outsource responsibility by putting it on a provider. Not only is this impractical, but impossible, for reasons already stated. If you don’t want to get on PreP or can’t, use a condom. If you want your bareback fantasy, get squared away health wise first. Again, your first time might be with a condom and that’s not the end of the world. You can have bb sex in subsequent hires if you like. Either way, be prepared and take responsibility.
I have been the first time for many a man older and younger. I know how to treat virgins and how to be patient and respectful and sensitive, and how to make it a special, meaningful, and memorable time. But I also know when to kick it up a notch once he’s feeling emotionally and physically comfortable. You won’t find that delicate balance on Grindr, and very few 20 somethings can handle such a task with the necessary care. 
When you are ready to hire, check out the forums here that discuss douching. It makes all the difference not having to second guess and worry about hygiene. Be confident. Be ready. Enjoy.

I wish everyone did that Vegas. Yes we are getting fewer and fewer. You know what I have found in all the years I'm doing this. When a place closes those that complain the loudest usually haven't patronize the club. Trust me what I'm saying. Then they wonder why Clubs have let in ladies. Ladies 🍷 drink 🍻. Yes they are annoying but a club can't survive on selling bottles of water and lurkers in the back of a club looking for a free show.🤷‍♂️. I hope Matt and Johnson's makes it. But Tampa is a tough market. You don't have the East Coast I 95 clients. Last weekend I had Axel Rockham and his BF Damien in Philadelphia doing my private party. They worked Johnson's the week of coming to Philadelphia. It was tough for them. But if they wanna work Ft Lauderdale they may have to take a trip to Tampa now and then. 
BTW. Who remembers Cupids Cabaret in West Palm Beach. I co managed with Andrew Cross in 2007-2008. Those were good days😘. 

If I am in any city with a male strip club, I make it a point to patronize the business if only to keep them open and hopefully stir demand for even more.  There are so few as it is.

Wow you're off on an adventure for sure. I bet you can find a willing partner that will meet most of your requirements. Fair warning though. This little hobby of ours is kinda addictive. Bet you can't eat just one. Anyway, have a great time.

Definitely too much for a hook up.
Finding a patient 27 year old escort might be a challenge.
Might want to start with someone a little more seasoned ( over 30 ) with the maturity to guide you through a first time bottoming.

Pick the most important qualities to you. Simplify what you are looking for to a VERY concise list eliminating all the narrative and history. Go through the descriptions of possible providers, pick one, contact him and ask! If he says no, move on to the next one. If he says yes, either meet -- or come back to CoM for questions about that one specific guy.
The simpler the question the better the answer you will get on CoM.
 

It would seem to be more useful to challenge posts you think are being unfair to providers directly in the thread where they were posted.  A vague post whinging about unspecific behavior is just an invitation to useless controversy.

If you agree on a price, but the provider asks for more money later, cancel immediately.

I've found that guys who are into PNP are not dependable.  For example, IF they show they won't be able to perform.
Self identified gay guys don't guarantee you a good time.

Ensure mutual expectations on safe sex, drug use, behavior in public places, sexual dos and don'ts, and travel costs are conversations that happen BEFORE any meeting.

Never ever pay someone in advance of even meeting them.

I feel super naive here, and I can probably guess from context.  But I’m gonna go out on a limb here - maybe look like an idiot - and just ask…
What does this actually mean? 

I read Siddhartha by Herman Hesse every few years. Its a different journey every time.
On the Road has a similar effect if I wait long enough to read it again.
I've read the entire Sandman series 4 times - only gets better and better.

Never pay in advance.

Thanks. I was tempted to overlook the lack of phone number because he has a website (Themagictouchbyeli.com). The pay in advance by apps where the charges can't be reversed are glaring red flags.

and pay in advance with an app?  Er...no thanks !!!

My father passed away in May of 21 at 74. His health started declining in February and no one in my family wanted to look after him. We all had conversations about who to pawn him off on, and if anyone felt compelled to call the facility he was in that week. My mom and brothers were unmoved by his condition. He died the way he lived, miserable, alone and unloved. 
My grandma passed away 2 weeks after him. Her health started declining in February around the same time. We organized shifts to be with her, in her own home, 24 hours a day. We had home health aids, my cousin quit his job to be there, I made sure she could stay in her home where she was safe and comfortable as long as possible. A week before her death, we moved her to one of the most beautiful hospice care facilities I’ve ever seen. She was the most amazing woman that ever existed, and everyone in her life lined up to show her she was loved. 
 
I learned that the last few months of your life is quite indicative of how you live your life. I’d like to think that good people aren’t discarded and it’s the assholes who are left to rot. I’m only 40, with not much experience with death so I could be wrong. 
 
Your post was quite moving Charlie.