Dolman

This!! 🙌🏻

I know there will be hobbyists who will (vehemently) disagree with me, but in the two decades I’ve indulged in this hobby, I’ve had maybe two encounters, both in my early days as a hobbyist, with genuine straight providers that sufficed. They weren’t spectacular, and they weren’t unpleasant - they just sufficed a need at the time. 

Without getting into the whole discussion of providers who identify as straight or bi when they’re not either for marketing, there are plenty of actual gay providers out there. Again, just my opinion and experience, a gay provider is the one with whom you’re far more likely to have a successful encounter. 

Sorry to read about your very disappointing experience, @Daniel_D, and I hope your future experiences are far, far more enjoyable. 
 
BBD 

You got that right. I sounded the alarm on Monkeypox on this thread back on May 18th when the CDC was asleep at the switch.
They got around to it on May 23rd, almost a week later.

A long time ago I accepted that 'hiring' is a multifaceted gamble, and therefore, if you can't afford to lose the investment, don't play.  Take the high road, check in with the guy to find out how he is doing. I wouldn't hassle over coin.

Unquestionably.
Also, it appears some RM profiles exist solely for the purpose of promoting a non-escort's OF.

I found this information via Dr Carlton on Instagram who has been a valuable resource for the gay community providing up to date info on monkeypox as it becomes available... 
This document is a non-comprehensive, crowdsourced list of where Monkeypox vaccinations are being provided in various U.S. cities while resources continue to be scarce. Much of this information is based on available information online or word-of-mouth.
https://stopmonkeypox.org/

An initial vax gives you a fair amount of protection and ultimately, it's better than nothing at all.
We do what we can as it's made available.  Perhaps they're not 'fully' vaxed, but they're definitely on the way there.
https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/key-facts-about-monkeypox-vaccine

My husband had a appointment for monkeypox. I went with him and asked if they had any no shows or cancellations this morning. They had a couple people that did not show up so they gave me the vaccine. I was trying to book an appointment for weeks.
I would just go with friends that have appointments and ask if it's been any cancellations. It worked for me and a whole bunch of my friends. 

With the exception of the "warm" welcome I got from a Canadian Passport Control/Border Agent this morning, getting a Monkeypox vaccine shot in Vancouver was a success and is a very simple process!
The vaccine site I went to was in a secondary school in the West End, and it was a simple process to sign in, get the shot, and do the 15 minute waiting period, and be on with your day.
https://vchcdimms.janeapp.com/locations/west-end-community-vaccination-clinic-king-george-secondary/book#discipline/1/treatment/2
Fortunately, I'm not experiencing any major side effects besides some soreness. It's a shame you can't get a 2nd dose in Canada (hopefully I can get that in NYC or LA), but i still recommend visiting Vancouver if you can for your shot.
A question for fellow foreigners who went to Canada for the jab - Do you explicitly tell the passport control you are visiting for the vaccine or do you mention other reasons (shopping, work, visiting friends/family)?

On the way in….."I’m here for a friend’s Birthday".
On the way out…"I came to get the Monkey Pox vaccine!!!!"
The boarder agent just stared at me and said “Are you serious"?
I explained that I was at risk, and that the US was dropping the ball. 
She smiled, thanked me for protecting myself and others, and I was on my way home. 
Canada Rocks!
On the way in, if you get the wrong boarder agent, they might block you.
Why risk it?

As as rule, I adhere to the following.
1) I only ever tip in the United States, because not to tip is considered rude, and a wages of service providers is built into the American tipping culture.  For "providers" - I round up. So if the festivities are 250, I might give 300, only if it was "good and exemplary". If it was just ok, the dude is getting 250.
2) In the UK, almost all restaurants now will include a discretionary service charge. It used to be 5%. I've seen it as high as 12.5%.  If it was high and I thought total bollocks ( to steal their phrase) I have asked them to remove it. I do not tip in the UK.  I may round up, but to smaller amount. This applies to hires.
What I did learn from friends from smart circles in England is one should always tip with paper notes as opposed to coins. Either give paper notes or give nothing at all. So the bellman that fetched my suitcase would get a £5 at least, but never a £2 in coins ever.   
3) In mainland Europe, as soon as they hear me speak, or worse, the machine picks up that I have an American / US dollar credit card, I'm expected to tip. I do no tip in France either, or Italy for that matter, and never in Germany. In Paris, I might leave a euro or two for good service at the cafe. I follow the UK rule, never tip only if its good.  In france, a euro or two euro coin is acceptable at the cafe.
4) Latin America has been ruined by the American tipping culture. I generally try avoid tipping in Brazil, but in Mexico as soon as they see me they almost expect it. I don't tip in Latin America.  I only ever tipped once in Latin America, a provider I thought was phenomenal, the rest got their quoted rates, rounded up slightly. 
5). Tipping in Japan is rude, and some professionals ( including creatures of the night) might consider it insulting. You can give your entertainer/companion/host/urisen a drink or gift.   I never ever tip in Japan.  If you liked the service, consider upgrading - i.e turning a 1 hour into a 3 hour or buying an expensive drink, rather than a tip.
6) I don't tip in Asia either or Africa. Though in Kenya - again because of Americans they expect it as soon as they see me. Don't tip here either. I don't care how big it was.
7) I also don't tip in the middle east. 
Just because I'm from the US, doesn't make me a tipping machine, people should not expect it. 
If you read this far, I only tip in the United states, not anywhere else.  
I consider myself well travelled, and culturally aware, rather than cheap
 

If someone is being paid some $300 an hour, usually in cash, I would be astonished if they expected a tip as well.

I consult RM regularly and am a premium client. I sometimes read negative reviews which are followed up with a reply from the provider. The replies that stand out and win my sympathy are those that explain the situation in a non-inflamatory way and give the other side of the story. Then potential clients are left to judge for themselves. 
To me its the best way to handle this if RM is unwilling to remove the review. Your many 5 star reviews will speak for themselves.

Yes, this is correct - there are two Blessed Boy's, the escort in NYC is NOT the one that is pictured above.
This is the escort in NYC that I met up with the last two  weeks: https://rentmen.eu/BlessedBoy
Feel free to reach out if you questions about any of these guys.  
It was an amazing 4-some and each guy has unique qualities. 
Blessed Boy is just a flat out STUD and fully versatile and is the pure definition of a grower!
Skinnyhungmj has a perfectly shaped straight dick who has a very devilish smile when he is doing his thing.  He really felt great when he was inside and showed me how much he can pound when he and Blessed Boy were busy.
Boy_xxxL is HUNG HUGE and can pound hole like a madman...that was where Blessed Boy stepped up to the plate as I was no way capable of taking that missile....but when it was me and Boy_xxxl he was very much aware of my limitations and went at a normal pace.
Great time had by all!  Lots of hot, sweaty sex, just like I wanted to experience and these three men were exceptional!
 

The one thing about this outbreak that has 'hit' me hard is all the references in news articles to gay sex and how much sex gay men are having.
Let me say up front - There is ZERO judgement on my part, if anything, I'm jealous.  I go months between sexual encounters, but so many of the articles I read reference the multiple partners and multiple times a week gay men are having sex.
Is there just a haves vs have nots thing going on here?  I feel more and more disconnected from the 'community' and feel like I'm not one of the cool kids.
 
I will say, monkeypox definitely sounds like it can be mild or really fucking scary.  I'll be on sexual sabbatical for a while as a result. 
 
 

Would HIGHLY recommend him. The man knows what he's doing, is super friendly and had the most amazing experience. 

I met Matt (Blessed Boy) the other night. 
It was due to a cancellation from another escort.  I was in the city and it was around 10:30 when I started looking for a replacement and after reaching out to 5 other escorts, who were not available, Matt was and was able to host.
My experience was exceptional and he blew me away and far exceeded my expectations .   It was near midnight by the time we were able to complete the booking and took about 20 mins to get to his place.  I had not met him before and had no idea what to expect.  So I was hoping for the best, prepared for the worst.
Matt was an all-star and he delivered a punch I wasn't expecting.  LOTS of fun but the most important attribute to me is his great personality...dude is a great guy, friendly and down-to-earth.
Feel free to reach out directly to me if you want more info about this amazing STUD!
 

Per the RM ad: oral yes, anal no. Pass!

OMG without exaggerating one of the hottest guys I've ever been with and one of the hottest times I've had bottoming. 10x7 real inches and God-like body and face to go with it.
Gorgeous ass as well, but he said he's a total top. I'm glad he doesn't live in New York City because I would totally fall in love with him and spend all of my money on him until it was gone.

I wear nail polish at times. Having well-manicured nails is wonderful and should be encouraged. 
And if the polish puts you off, maybe examine your internalized misogyny and femme-phobia. 
Nothing irks me more than gay men policing other people's gender expression. If you're a man who fucks men, you've already crossed the Rubicon, so why not enjoy the perks.  

I'm not sure if that statement is more informative about how much sex HE is getting, or how much sex YOU are getting.  😉
For me, that level of activity is a positive thing: He's so experienced and talented (meaning he has seen it all and done it all) that he'll be able to pull off what could be awkward and mediocre sex with me with great flair and elan, just like a true pro and be responsive to his partner!
As far as safer sex, always assume every provider has twice if not three times as much sex as Cain Marko, and do what you have to do for that condition on your own personal safer-sex comfort scale.  Even if a provider says they don't have "that much sex", you need to assume they are either a.) gentlemen and just don't tell, b.) admirably modest, c.) simply embarrassed by their own sexual behavior, or d.) outright lying to tell you what you want to hear, and  you need to act in a way that is true to your own personal decisions about safer sex.
Good luck and have fun!

Be on time

To me, $450/hour is quite a bit.  I consider myself a middle class gay man, and I could actually afford $450 an hour.  However, with so many other great providers in the area at more reasonable prices, I would have to give them a hard pass.

Our experiences have not been nearly as bad as the OP described. Maybe it’s bc we’re in NYC. But most of the guys we’ve hired do look like their pics - some even better. 
 
Our primary reason for hiring is that it’s easier then wasting time on Grindr and Scruff. We’ve had a couple of duds in our time hiring, but probably 80% positive. But I read reviews. I check their social media. I come on here. 
 
I do think you have to be discriminating. What we look for more than anything is someone who seems to genuinely enjoy this work. 

I tend to hire visitors as well.  I'm less likely to run into them at the mall, and I get bored with the locals.  Their is something exciting about hiring someone new who won't be here tomorrow.
However, there is a major con.  A good looking visitor is more likely to be overbooked to the point that they cannot perform.  While a good provider should show more restraint, that is often not the case.
I've met two in the past year that normally have 5-star reviews and one is even favorably reviewed here, but neither could keep UP, if you know what I mean.

I hire less based on lessons learned from previous hires, but it has nothing to do with Covid.  I did avoid hiring during 2020, but this year I've been too busy if anything.  I don't find it to be much more expensive and I still find quite a few good options when I have the time.
I also seem to have noticed that the more expensive guys are seldom worth it.  My best encounters have been with guys in the $200-$250 range.  I usually give everyone about $300 regardless of what they're asking and don't hire anyone over $300.