Escort Of The Year-Once again Off The List. Why?

[Rod Hagen]

Every year this time I have to ask myself, and apparently anyone else who will click this thread, what One (or Two) things am I doing wrong? I simply don't make the list anymore. I think the last time I was even mentioned was, maybe, 2007?

 

On this site I have 80 positive escort reviews (Fraudulent reviews 81 and 82 were removed) and something like 10 or 15 on the other site.

 

I have 27 positive reviews on Masseur Finder and 50 positive reviews on Massagem4m.

 

Only one Message Center member who's met me has ever had anything negative to say in the message center about the experience and that was many years ago.

 

I don't travel any longer, but although many on the "Escorts Of The Year" lists are famous for traveling, many are also most famous in their local markets.

 

I was out for a couple months this year due to an injury, but that doesn't explain my not making the list the other most recent years.

 

And, finally, long ago, I gave up blowing up at people in this forum. But most definitely not given up blowing in general :-)

 

Theories, suggestions? Because, I'm kind of at a loss. Why it bothers me, I have no idea. More insecure than I thought I was I guess.

[MiamiLooker]

Every year this time I have to ask myself, and apparently anyone else who will click this thread, what One (or Two) things am I doing wrong? I simply don't make the list anymore. I think the last time I was even mentioned was, maybe, 2007?

 

On this site I have 80 positive escort reviews (Fraudulent reviews 81 and 82 were removed) and something like 10 or 15 on the other site.

 

I have 27 positive reviews on Masseur Finder and 50 positive reviews on Massagem4m.

 

Only one Message Center member who's met me has ever had anything negative to say in the message center about the experience and that was many years ago.

 

I don't travel any longer, but although many on the "Escorts Of The Year" lists are famous for traveling, many are also most famous in their local markets.

 

I was out for a couple months this year due to an injury, but that doesn't explain my not making the list the other most recent years.

 

And, finally, long ago, I gave up blowing up at people in this forum. But most definitely not given up blowing in general :-)

 

Theories, suggestions? Because, I'm kind of at a loss. Why it bothers me, I have no idea. More insecure than I thought I was I guess.

 

How is the escort of the year determined? If it’s heavily weighted by votes and/or discussions from the forum, then if your clients don’t participate in the forum, either as posters or readers (hasn’t it been noted that something like 90% of guests on Daddy’s site only go to the review section and not the forum?), then you’re already at a huge disadvantage.

[Guest countryboywny]

Ultimately, it's Daddy's decision. However, my impression is that he takes a lot of things in account including how well an escort is spoken of on this board, the voting totals, etc. I've heard of you Rod, but not being anywhere close to you and the fact that you don't travel I don't keep up on your reviews which may be true with many here. Have you ever met Daddy or attended the PS event? Take pride in your work, Rod and accept the compliments of your clients, for that is truly the best honor.

[Bart]

Dear Rod

First I suspect the people you service fantastically I am sure, no longer care or read the forum. It is something you should ask your clients. I don't know that this is a bad thing. I know your ego is bruised but your best gage is how is your business doing.

The forum attendance has changed dramatically over the past 5 years. While I am a staunch supporter of Andrew justice all I can do is shrug shoulders over the selection process. But I have never met Tristan so who knows the question is how much does it really help. A dear friend former winner suggests minimal and sometimes the bad, a bullseye on your back is not the easiest to deal with.

 

That said I would love to meet you someday and I am sure you would be at the top of my list. I wished you traveled but I understand your choice. I may have options in future to visit so I can only hope I am one of the people voting for you for 2013.

[Steven_Draker]

Rod, I wouldn't worry so much if my name doesn't make a certain list or 'clicking' contest. But to be honest, I've been in your shoes, and can understand your frustration. As a matter of fact this year my name was mentioned only once or twice by "newbie votes" whatever that means ...

 

On a different note I was once named "Escort of the Year" when the title was actually based on traffic that broke the software program designed to support the reviews. That was long before the nomination and the EOY contest exist in their current form.

 

You're a veteran, Rod with many credentials and confirmed skills while this vote is putting some light on the "new faces". When something bothers me I always take a deep breath and count to three, then I take a step back and look at the bigger picture. There always would be someone younger, sexier, taller, more muscular or well-endowed than me who would make the list. I am happy for them, congratulate them and focus on the things I do best ...

[CHIberia]

Don't know why you're being insecure. Escort of the year or not... you're hot!

[seeker630]

The Forums are a very small pond, and likely most of your clients are unfamiliar with it.

 

Those positive reviews carry a lot more weight & significance, IMO, than the voting here.

 

It would be interesting to solicit votes from the review site, but it would probably be too easy to stuff the ballot box - unless you used survey software that tracked IP addresses.

[MiamiLooker]

Even though I don’t personally find the title meaningful, I would think a lot of potential clients would be more inclined to hire by an ad that states the provider was “Escort of the Year”; moreso, than an ad that just says “check out all my positive reviews.”

[Rod Hagen]

I appreciate all the responses and of course the compliments :-)

 

Ok, so I guess, so I guess, I just want some credit for those of us who've done this escorting thing for a LONG time without ever once having a meltdown. Without ever being known for "not returning calls/emails" or "flaking" or being "hard to get a hold of." I've been a consistently well reviewed and performing escort, who's never been anything less than 100% professional and ludicrously affectionate, I've never "crashed" or retired and come back, or treated anyone badly. There are other escorts like me, like Kessler, Draker, Vincenzo, who've been at it for over a dozen years and have never been the subject of "How come XXXX never returns calls/emails" or "does anyone else have a problem with XXXX flaking" threads.

 

But I look at these lists, and while nobody can deny their hotness, many of the nominees/winners/what-have-yous are INFAMOUS for being flakes, for dropping out and back into the business as regularly as changing shirts, for being indiscreet and obnoxious on their blogs.

 

Where's the recognition, in Daddy's Process, for constancy and longevity? Is it really all, as one Private Message suggests, about newness? That can't be the case, because although nearly nobody's been at it for as long as I have, several of the nominees/winners/what-have-yous have been at it for nearly 10 years, even though they often drop out and/or disappear. Even though AJ IRons and other really good winners do porn, it can't all, or even largely, be about porn. DaveSF doesn't do porn, and he's HUGE. Same goes for Roman. And many others.

 

I've never raised my rates. Ever. In 13+ years of escorting, and 10 years of massage.

 

I did go to a Hoo dinner at Numbers once, but couldn't find the table in the few free minutes I had.

 

If the big one hits, and Palm Springs becomes Coastal, maybe then I'll visit.

 

But considering how many reviews I have on this website, I have to imagine that there are, in fact, many of my former clients who frequent this board, this message center.

 

I am at a loss.

[Xander]

Rod, I think you're absolutely beautiful and that's all that matters.

[+ azdr0710]

I don't think this is something to get too worked up over, Rod....you have a peerless reputation and can construct a proper sentence.....nothing more is needed

[ErieBear]

Rod, I think you have to bottom to be considered for escort of the year. just kidding - trying to make you smile.

[RexAll]

Rod--I've always wanted to meet you--and except for the fact that you don't bottom and you don't travel or do overnights we would have met a long time ago. I can't even blame you for not wanting to bottom--I mean I don't want to either.

 

Rex

[East2West]

End Of The Year-Once again Off The List. Why?

 

Rod:

 

I read your post with great interest and understood what you were saying from a personal and professional level. Being in corporate sales the majority of my professional life, it’s a great feeling to have my work acknowledged not only by sales results/awards but also for preparation, execution and follow-up. But honestly, the latter three are less frequently acknowledged perhaps like the constancy and longevity you mention in your post. It doesn’t mean they’re not important or that you don’t excel in what you do; it just meant those two items may not have been factored in as part of the equation by the voter.

 

Even though I may not always be the recipient of a higher profile sales award or acknowledgement, my clients often let me know how much they like working with me. Based on the review stats you listed, it sounds like you have a positive impact with those you meet, are incredibly sexy (not a trait I have), and people truly enjoy their time with you.

 

In your post you loosely reference the year 2007. Using 2007 as a marker, how has your marketing changed in the last five years? Same website format? Same information? What are you doing to reach a wider, newer market through (rapidly) emerging technology and social media? Can we follow you @RodsRod? Do you have a blog for fun sex topics (sorry, I couldn’t think of a better phrase) and pics that are of interest to you that you could post on an occasional basis? I personally like blogs that cover topics of interests in my life and especially like when an escort has a blog. It’s a great vehicle for people to get to know you. I ask these rhetorically as I am in a place where I’m learning to tweet, potentially blog, and up my activity on FB. Two years ago I would have said I’ll never do any of the three.

 

Sorry for the lengthy reply…you had a great post to which I could relate.

[+ deej]

But considering how many reviews I have on this website, I have to imagine that there are, in fact, many of my former clients who frequent this board, this message center.

 

I am at a loss.

 

I've been telling Daddy for years (and Hooboy before him) that he should drop the whole EOtY thing. It leaves high quality escorts such as yourself wondering just as you are now.

 

But do note that review tonnage doesn't enter into the equation. It did one year (as Steven mentioned) but only because Daddy got a late start on it and a handful of escorts tipped over the 100 review mark in the same week and broke the review posting software. Since that year, it has been mostly (but not solely) voted on here in the forum.

 

Are your happy clients here and participating? Maybe. Although the odds aren't in your favor. It isn't a Lotto-type long shot, but if you have a client who submits reviews (already a long shot in clients), there's a 1-in-10 chance (at best) he even knows this forum exists.

 

It could also be that you just have clients who value being with you more than they value bragging about being with you. That's actually far more valuable than winning any silly pageant.

[bigvalboy]

Are your happy clients here and participating? Maybe. Although the odds aren't in your favor. It isn't a Lotto-type long shot, but if you have a client who submits reviews (already a long shot in clients), there's a 1-in-10 chance (at best) he even knows this forum exists.

 

It could also be that you just have clients who value being with you more than they value bragging about being with you. That's actually far more valuable than winning any silly pageant.

 

All wise words...you have nothing to worry about Rod.

[Kevin Slater]

I've been telling Daddy for years (and Hooboy before him) that he should drop the whole EOtY thing.

 

+1

 

Kevin Slater

[+ purplekow]

Rod I feel your pain.

 

i was in charge of a teaching program in which many professionals had interaction with students. At the end of the academic year, there was a tradition of naming a teacher of the year. For the eight years I was in charge of the program, i was spending more time involved in teaching than any other 5 people combined. Each year, I took my name out of consideration for Teacher of the Year consideration. In eight years, I never received a single vote. Despite my taking my name out of consideration, it still hit a sore spot that not a single person bothered to put my name down. I know it was ridiculous, but even the best developed ego has its Achilles heel.

 

In some ways, you have taken your name out of consideration. Most of those named are either travellers or big fish in a very little pond. Since your are not a traveller and LA is not a little pond, you are at a distinct disadvantage. My advice? Lick your wounds and keep going. Better yet, let me lick them for you.

And if you ever change your mind about bottoming, I have frequent flyer miles and a ballot for Escort of the Year and I will be on the next flight out.

[Epigonos]

Another thing to consider regarding your question Rod is that you don't post face shots. I think I'm correct, though I wouldn't bet on it, all Escorts of the Year show their face.

[Steven_Draker]

I think I'm correct, though I wouldn't bet on it, all Escorts of the Year show their face.

 

That's a criterion for being selected as coverboy du jour

[Phil_musc]

Anyone who is "ludicrously affectionate" I want to meet! Are you sure you won't travel?

 

Then too, perhaps we should demand a recount of the votes.

[Decatur Guy]

My guess would be it's a combination of what others have mentioned -- your particular clients might not visit this forum (which would seem to be a big disadvantage); not traveling; and not showing your face (although some others on the long list don't show their face, I think. Not sure). There could not have been many of us voting in this thing at all -- what, maybe 50 to 70 posters? My go-to guy in Atlanta made the list the past three years only because of me. He doesn't participate in the forum, doesn't care about it. I don't think any of his other clients do either. He's content traveling his circuit and fuckin' the hell out of his regulars. I just simply happen to like him and happen go here -- so bam, he's on the list.

 

You'd definitely be on my want-to-hire list if you traveled or lived somewhere besides the L.A. area: Of the major cities I would like to visit to combine in a sightseeing and hiring an escort trip, L.A. falls below New York, Chicago, Miami/Fort Lauderdale and San Francisco.

 

If you lived in Atlanta or visited here, you would have already fucked me silly.

 

As for the recognition thing, I do feel your pain. In my field of work, I also feel overlooked. I'm a hard worker with a good work ethic, consistent, liked and respected by my peers. All of which goes unnoticed by the management and bestowers of pats-on-the-back in favor of flashy people who accomplish little. But they sure as hell seem to remember me when something needs to be done.

[unsub2O17]

Hi Rod,

 

I found my first male escort through M4RN. HE recommended that I read his reviews on Daddys (before) hiring him. I visited Daddys and haven't left since. I voted for him for EOY (my only vote though far from my only escort experience), and he was included in the "top of someone's list" this year. I don't doubt for a moment that you're at the top of many, many clients' lists. I mean you've survived and thrived for years in a very competitive market and on your terms. Isn't that the important thing?

[Rod Hagen]

All of you are so kind. Thank you Thank You. You've made me feel SO much better.

 

On this site, I could become more popular with an entertaining Tumblr, by posting face photos that are more flattering than the ones I tried back in 2002(?), participate in the threads again, but in a more controlled, respectful manner. And Travel; I can't meet everyone from Los Angeles. And I can't meet everyone period. Three of those changes I'm unwilling to make, and so, I have no ground to bitch from.

 

Hoo/Daddy is a small pond, that is true. We've all swum in that pond for so long it SEEMS big, but it's one of many: blogs, Rentboy, Review-sites, tumblr, PORN, parties.

 

Outside of this site I have to remember that most of the escorting world is outside of this site. In truth, most of the escorting world is, I think, inexplicably, on Rentboy. Clearly, my clients are happy. Clearly, I'm happy. That's what matters.

 

Thank you again everyone.

[unsub2O17]

Another quick thought. Rod, you're "HARDLY" a tortoise, but he did win the race!