JB_Studio38

Great point about basic/gold ad. Even though I’ve kept a basic ad on one of the sites for the last couple months, I decided to switch back to Gold. Even though I was still getting booked even with basic, I was finding I wasn’t being displayed properly in some travel locations in RMass…and in some locations I had to keep bumping myself to platinum on RM just to get on the first page. So that was kinda disconcerting. I mainly do platinum boost to jump start a tour, but I’m not fully convinced it is reliable to use all the time. Except in the more busy markets where there is 2-3 pages of Gold ads. I just wish RentMen had the same level of “hits/inquiries” as the other site. Especially since it is more expense. Unless guys just say the other site to make it sound “safer” when they contact. I often have people contacting me saying they “seen me on RM.” I usually ask, which one?? Lol. This seems more true in some areas than others.

Yah I agree with that. Even though I’ll say: I think now that you mentioned it, I feel “safer” as a provider than even working in most of those professions. Stuck with some crazy at 35,000 feet…reminds me of that movie turbulence lol. At least we have the option to screen out or block those types before actually meeting them. That’s why the entitled ones who think they should be able to walk into our offices with minimal screening, should keep walking. It’s not meant to be a personal attack, only if they interpret it as such.

Right, that goes back to the thread someone posted about which is better between massage and S corting. And I was like, there is no which is better but…I do know what tends to be more “approachable” in some areas. Even Adam4Adam, they nixed the escort category and defaulted to masseur. Not great, but I guess better than no category. Somehow massage just happens to override escorting in many areas. I remember that being so as far back as the Craigslist days. I think what they really asking is, how much is it to…🍆 e.g. etcetera. But it’s like…it’s 2023. Can we just move on already? First thing needs to be done, is modify the S&F bill that T&P signed 📝 back in 2016. Considering all the mayhem that’s been exposed. Fortunently, I just had a booking request yesterday who seemed to have read and gotten the memo. I think going forward, I’m just going to stick with email and number listed off site. Most weeks I can handle the flurry of inquiries, but I just turned 36 less than a week ago and my patience for arguing with people who expect providers to do minimal screening: is low 🚮

Right, similar to Miami/Wilton Manors in Florida. I won’t mention his name (politics) but RDS is making Florida look extremely conservative when in reality, there’s tons of liberal fluid people. If anything, Florida is one of the most liberal states in the country as a whole. But you have people living and moving there who see all that, and throw the 📖 at them. Even Miami and Fort Lauderdale area can be super conservative in pockets 🫤 New Orleans is an example of an enclave in a middle of conservatism I experienced that myself. Considering Alberta borders Montana which is a very conservative and repressed state…it’s not exactly surprising. Hmm, idk about that. I stayed in that area and seemed to be convenient for most. However, I did week nights. I think the issue would come if someone tried to go during the most busiest and rowdy nights of the year. I never been to decadence or Mardi Gras, however I can imagine local clients not wanting to go down there during those days. Basically. On top of that: small towns are full of churches. My relatives live in rural area and I see it all the time. It’s all about church, work, and family values. So much so, that it rubs off on the gay community. No matter how much some tout equality and such.

Good assessment on competition and how it shouldn’t be feared but…it’s just in my experience especially in the biggest cities, with the biggest dicks and lots of chocolate 😆 : it just doesn’t pop as quickly as cities with less competition. Places I’ve spent time in like Miami, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles…it seems like the money takes too long for me. I be desiring clients within the first day or 2 of arrival. I remember one year I was in L.A., and wasn’t getting anything. Went to Bakersfield and had a booking within a couple days of advertising. Though I will say: sometimes visiting and living in a city can bring 2 different levels of opportunity. If OP isn’t really reliant on bookings, and can post around for weeks and months and get noticed by a wide audience, it may be easier than someone just visiting for a couple days or a week and not easily noticed among the pages of ads.

At this point, I’m just over the constant stupidity. Many of these guys prove they haven’t done a damn thing to read my ad, all they’re doing is being lazy, clicking number after only viewing pictures: and not wanting to do a single bit of effort. Then, these guys have the fucking AUDACITY to complain about someone having a booking strategy, when they aren’t even the least bit honest themselves. For example: Yet I’m supposed to give him an easy meet up, despite 3 other people saying the same thing: All these guys do is just lie. That’s why I’ve just updated my Ad to inform people I’m removing my number, only posting on my website. That way I can prove who’s reading and who’s not. The rest can just bang their heads into a wall all day trying to figure out how to reach me. I’m done with the bullshit…

Though this may work for some, I would advise against someone new going this route. I had a client similar to how you describe as well, which was good in theory but: the issue comes if they want to “take stuff back”. Also in a case like that, that isn’t necessarily escorting or sex work. That’s just sugar daddy arrangement. Anybody can do that. Without a marriage, that basically could be anyone. Now over time, if someone happens to be able to come across someone like that and maybe they are on their way out of the biz: perhaps. Like you say, “short lived” was probably for a reason.

Well, though you’ll get differing perspectives and success stories: It’s worth noting that the biz right now is in a different place than what I might have been “several years” ago. Being fresh and new isn’t necessarily a ticket to instant success. Even with the optimism, still have to be realistic about the situation. And moreso: Los Angeles (and even the industry as a whole in many cities) is an extremely competitive market to navigate: there’s lots of guys just like you with the same ambition. Problem is: there’s too many escorts and not enough decent websites like there used to be. Not to mention, the economy is all over the place, with lots of time wasters: time-waster noun [ C ] US /ˈtaɪm ˌweɪ.stɚ/ UK /ˈtaɪm ˌweɪ.stər/ Add to word list someone who causes another person to waste time doing something that does not achieve any good result: The ad was answered by a lot of time-wasters who didn't even seriouslywant the job. However, it shouldn’t be a reason to not explore the industry if you desire. I would just caution to keep your perspectives reasonable. Figure a rate you’re comfortable with, ensure clients are willing to screen/give basic info, don’t accept last minute appointments (the ones who are like, wanting to meet “now” because they’re also willing to flake), and be prepared for it to take some time to make everything work.

Exactly. Even if it’s “nothing serious”, one can still end up with something nasty from cum or “etc” getting in the wound. Even a little bit.

I been having people message, with seemingly no indication that they put any effort into reading my ad or anything before contacting. Just a bunch of vague messages. I’m trying to plan a trip ASAP so I can change the scenery from my current area. But it’s like, people are contacting not even giving the most basic details. It’s nice when a person sends a pic and a paragraph. But sometimes even that falls short because, they’re expecting something to happen on limited deadline. Like, all that info included only to learn they have to fly out the next day or something to where nothing can be coordinated in advance. What are people thinking? Am I expected to just be: Him: Hi Me: Sup Him: Available? Me: Yes Him: When Me: Now And then somehow, we just magically meet up? If they want 1 word, I’ll give them one ☝word

I was actually just there couple months ago for about 4-5 days. First time I actually worked the city, since I last visited in 2010 for a day. I was surprised, I had a great time. The first 2 days I had friends present, the other 3 days I was on my own. I stayed in the quarter and parked, even walked to/from different venues. I think the scariest part of the city were the roads (drivers and giant craters covered with nothing but a cone) and a palmetto bug that flew towards us on the balcony on bourbon St. Crime has gone up in many major cities. Kansas City has issues , St. Louis has issues, Denver has issues. I was showing some friends around in Kansas City couple weeks ago, sirens were going off everywhere, people fighting in the street. Many of the big cities are having issues. That’s part of why I almost want to just stop working big markets all together, and stick with smaller (not small, but smaller) It’s just the traffic can be much lower. I think if you just watch your surroundings, don’t get too inebriated, have a 2nd wallet when going “out” (I never go partying with my full wallet, I have spares that usually have nothing but an ID and just enough cash/credit for the night). I also don’t buy in-calls are any safer than outcalls. Hence why I ask for confirmation and screen in the first place because: most people with ill will, are more likely to come to you, versus you being able to track where they live (the Boston Craigslist killer is an example). Just have to get an idea about them ahead of time and anyone acting dodgy, keep it moving.

I think what it is: lot of providers want to be listed under the major city. Problem is, RentMen map feature is very precise, moreso than RentMasseur. The city of Los Angeles probably only covers a small square, before you end up listed under something different, like Huntington Park. Idk why, again one of the mysteries of the 2 sites. For example; in St. Louis: that is a very small area to pick from. If one moves the ad to just a few miles (like literally, one side of a city park even) to the next neighborhood, it’ll show up under a different city. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with specifying what neighborhood one is in. But seems to fare better listing under the main city.

Easier said than done. In my experience: most, except for the few extra kind clients: are not going to book a room for a provider. Why? I don’t know. But like I said elsewhere, if I was actively seeking action, I’d be willing to do BOTH. Host and travel. Both people should be willing to do both. That way if one option doesn’t work for the other, the odds (going back to that gambling thread) are in both favor. Doesn’t mean you have to necessarily be hosting/ready to travel 24/7 or in that moment, but better to be able so you’re not reliant or pressuring the other person to. That’s why I decided to ask for deposits. My hosting situation varies based on location, but for the most part it’s the same: I have to book accommodations majority of time. Which I don’t mind, booking a hotel gives me the opportunity to create my own ambience and have privacy, in addition to the possibility of hosting another booking or encounter. Assuming hotel rates are in the $60-$100 range, it shouldn’t pose an issue. My last hotel room was under 75 and it was clean, comfy, and bug free in a central suburban neighborhood. However in some cities, $150+ a night for even basic accommodations make it challenging, in which case I’ll either prefer Outcalls or will do longer sessions only. In most smaller or medium sized markets: in-calls may be most of what any can get. Many are likely married. Hard to make much if one doesn’t host, because majority also can’t host. Though I get your concerns, I think if you’re in a position to host from home, count your blessings and let it work in your favor. Gay men have to let go being dubious about having other (gay or etc.) men in their home. You’re better off in the comfort of your own, than to go to some mystery place that you have no idea about. There’s been times I’ve left the comfort of my host to visit a client, and wasn’t thrilled it because the environment or ambience was subpar. Usually doesn’t happen all the time, as many client’s place are much better than a hotel, but it’s something may come across when doing Outcalls. Back when I had a full time incall: I pretty much hosted all the time and only did Outcalls to hotels. However, people would sometimes flake or no show…which compelled me to let it go. And now, hosting is different.

My motto for anything that doesn’t have an exact cause: please go see a doctor. I had to encourage a friend in San Diego earlier this year to do the same. In fact, I was telling him: go to the nearest hospital and apply for financial assistance if you don’t have the means…this is no joke. I had a nagging cough for a few weeks (went to a doctor within 3 days, tested negative for strep and Covid), but ended up going to the emergency room one night because it got just that bad. Waiting for it to “wear off” wasn’t happening. I have asthma so, it’s not something I’d wanna delay. I can’t necessarily say the case for this person, but regardless: it could be MRSA and worth having immediate attention. If it were a cut/injury: I’d be taking time off or wrapping it with a bandage.

Right…and gambling is what I describe it if…IF one chooses to do it that way. For example, I “gambled” going to Houston with no pre-booked appointments (though I had a few contacts from previous advertising in the area…non of who were available). But normally I don’t do something as foolish and stupid as that anymore. Maybe in my 20s. But now I know better, and I would have been better off going an alternate direction but…live and learn. At least I know not to do it again. But, what I was describing was: I didn’t think “odds” accurately described the biz. You can’t even put odds on it. That’s like a bad bet on PowerBall and mega millions lol.

Hmm, well like I posted in another thread: sometimes no matter the experience, some people get to where they can’t afford it. Idk the exact validity of that. Or, with the options that are out there, lot of guys.. both free and paid, are always switching up their hookups. I see it all the time. I enjoy having regulars myself but, if it were as easy as that in all areas…few would be posted up on RM “Available now” all the time. I reached out to one provider in my area with some feedback about a client who was being a pain in the…bussy about booking: turns out he told me he only sees him about once every 3 years. Wouldn’t surprise me but, that’s a long stretch that I’d hardly consider a regular. I most recently finally come across a DECENT return client who isn’t with the drama, high maintenance requests, canceling and rescheduling multiple times in a day (true story).

Right, except where does one draw the line? I did mention it CAN be like a gamble, but I don’t feel it has to be. Of course there’s strategies to use…because nobody wants to keep putting money into ads and taking trips, in a way that isn’t going to bring about a decent return 🤷🏾‍♂️

Had a chat with someone about this the other day: There shouldn’t be this idea that we’re “gambling” and playing by odds. I feel that trivializes our work and also gives the impression that nobody can be in control of their coordination. I think once people change their views towards the biz, things will be better.

I occasionally hear some clients say they don’t like to hire guys with tattoos. I don’t necessarily feel complimented or advantageous, but I recognize that’s their preference and it’s fine by me. I personally like a tattooed man…and guys who have them catch my attention quick. I wish I had some myself, But I also think about guys like Cutler X and Adam Dexter (both Black, big dick porn stars) like myself 😜 who seemed to get plenty of ass without any… I don’t think there should be any expectation. I think it’s as much of a choice as having a beard, or driving a luxury car (and both of those tend to either be: because you desire to OR because you’re trying to promote a status). Maybe someone needs to drive a luxury car because they need the reliable power to haul luggage up steep hills, and luxury when you pull up to prestigious client’s hotels. I feel tattoos are simply a person’s personal expression, I don’t think it says anything more or less about the person. For a little while: I used to feel tattooed guys were all self-absorbed jerks, because I was meeting a lot like that at one point. But this past year: I met a really sweet and selfless guy with a tribal sleeve, another guy I’ve known for years who has a few: and he’s one of the most down to earth, selfless guys out there. Then recently met a totally selfish guy with no tattoos. So…threw that notion out the window 🪟 lol Exactly… other thing too: temporary tattoos are becoming quite popular as well. Some guys who may have tattoos might not actually be “permanent”. I experimented with some myself for awhile: but the problem is: Americans are obsessed with something being “real”. Instead of just complimenting and appreciating a design, they have to be nosy and pry more. And I personally don’t like being related to anything “fake” or not real, because nothing about me is fake. That said: a tattoo is on my bucket list: however, unless someone has a friend who is an artist that can offer them tattoo work: Ink can be expensive, and I just haven’t found a place in my life (or budget) to do that type of work. I tend to invest my money into clothes, car maintenance, jewelry, travel. Not that tattoos are less significant than those, but it’s just: those are my priorities. Plus the idea of having to nurse a wound. I know with tattoos there is a certain amount of that required. I routinely get bit, scraped, cut or jabbed by something doing my hobbies: (the other day I sliced the end of my thumb and didn’t even realize it until I felt a burning when washing my hands…and all I could think was: Hope I don’t have to give someone a massage today, even though I need the biz) 🤦🏾‍♂️

I don’t doubt what you say, because either or both could be true: but I‘ve come across impulsive people without tattoos and people of higher social background than me (including clients) with tattoos. One guy I know is a neonatal nurse for a hospital (which is basically a baby doctor). I didn’t even know he had a huge back and a few other tattoos until we started fucking 😂 They sure look delicious on you 😋

The dedicated GPS (i like Garmin) are usually always on point majority of the times, when going from town to town. It’s just when it comes to navigating countryside areas, that they seem to occasionally off track. Or sometimes on a route that isn’t favorable. I usually like to verify on Google phone map first, and then use the dedicated gps as a hands free or, especially in areas where data signal is thin: a regular gps will still work.

This. I would 💯 Mark this as the solution to this thread BUT: I don’t think women should get more credit. I think all these things are valid and should be taken into consideration. Partly why I am advocating for a revolution in the industry. Not that we have to go marching down the street, but: simple things to improve the market. Something as simple as: no selfie pics in the bathroom on profiles. It may look hot, but that’s Grindr content. Not content to sell something for. In fact, on my profiles: I have many “selfies” that don’t look like selfies, because I want to portray a professional photography look. At the same time, how can we do that if guys aren’t taking it seriously? When it comes to #2, I’m doing all of that how I can. That’s why I couldn’t rely on RentM for full info because: they could edit out certain things and/or: people skip over it and don’t read. When it comes to #4, hard to tell who’s to contribute. I’m sure it’s been that way long before I was around. In fact, I think just the simple fact of being able to hookup as gays so freely, is probably considered a payment for some. Compared to eras before of stigma, being arrested in a park, gay bashed etc.

I’m so over talks about how “strong” The economy is. Yeah people are spending again after Covid, but it’s all on themselves and small ticket items. The stuff on the news and the bubbly stuff about local restaurants booming is all smoke and mirrors. For example, there was an article about how one of the coffee shops and some other foodie businesses were doing so great here during Taylor Swift and NFL draft. Why wouldn’t they be? Everybody loves food and coffee. I didn’t make shit either of those weekends, just had 2 clients flake out. But I had a group of friends come to town for a couple days: and it was like 4 guys to a room, 2 to a bed. Why are the rates of hotels in some cities on a weekend, not affordable enough for 2 guys to share a room or have their own? They can talk about the economy all day long: But I’ve already seen a lot of specialty shops go out of business. They can interview me, and I’ll tell them the REAL truth lol.

Is he Black, White or Latino? Because before I even lived in KC, I used to rarely get any serious bookings then. There was a brief time initially in the 2010-2012 era that I was was busy to my liking here, but after that I usually found myself just getting a hotel for the night, and keeping it moving to my next destination (usually DC or someplace or the east coast). But otherwise, that would sound about right. I’m down to 1 regular in the area at the moment. But our last session got cancelled. I’m surprised he has any regulars at all. Maybe if a person is okay to host at the last minute, drop of a dime with no deposit like is common here, perhaps. But I was discussing on another forum: I tried working like that here, and it was chaos. Can’t plan anything, never know if it’s okay to start a project or accept plans, for fear you have to abandon it or turn down an appointment. Even the hookup apps work the same way: one guy was trying to come over to me ASAP. Then he said he had to cancel, but then he was on his way again. I was playing games with him the whole time too, and was like: darn I left my wallet at home: can you get the hotel instead (I was about 30 miles from home). Of course not. That’s how 99% these KC guys are. They want you to host asap, and then they flake. 🤦🏾‍♂️ The thing is: we can deserve better if we ask for better. I don’t even like to take stuff on “now” notice even if I need to because: it lets guys know it’s okay to do so again the next time around. Then they get an attitude when you can’t. And if another escort flaked on said client: I can’t see the satisfaction of not being someone’s first choice. Only time I can see it being “okay” to do stuff short notice, is if you see the escort and meet around the same time on a regular basis. Lot of the Kansas City guys would call out the blue, wanting now: but never available when I said: “I’m hosting NOW/TODAY, can you make it?” So yeah, I am just trying to make an exit unless on the off chance I get an alternative solution. On top of that, some of the escorts here are scamming just as much as the bad clients are. It’s sad. Tragic. I can’t think of a market I’ve had to endure more financial stress except perhaps Nashville, Tampa and Orlando.

Ha. And I’m also wondering why there’s so many ads in my area. There’s nothing going on here. Idk if the number of “available now” ads matters too. Fridays used to always be guaranteed bookings. Not so much around here. Then one of my supposed to be a regular got the other day 🤦🏾‍♂️ And I wasn’t gaslighting myself when I said what I said what I said in a couple other another threads. These guys can be ruthless. Am I an escort or MMF fighter? Nobody should be being mean or disrespectful on the phone. And after that: I decided to just go ahead and put my top shelf price back up to $300. Because it’s like, $25-50 difference is what? In the long run, that’s just going to get me $25-50 less than what I need.