Retirement

[Jock123]

SO...As many Escorts of Days Past come and Go...I've seriously been thinking about what's next for me.

 

I started roughly a few Years ago and noticed In just a few short Years, The Game is Changing...DRAMTICALLY. So much so to the point is not worth It to do this Full time. If It werent for my Regulars I'd had not taken any of this seriously. They are the reason that keep me going. We're now living In an App/Text culture were people are becoming Void of any Decency or Etiquette. They cant even give You the Courtesy of speaking In Full sentences. I've had more Cancelations this year then all of my Years doing this combined. Last minute cancelations. Not only that I've found myself ciphering through the Trolls. Some escorts even posing as Clients just to....Troll.

 

 

I wish I could write this off as a Bad month...but Its becoming the norm. I Genuinely enjoy meeting people. I Genuinely enjoy the Experience I have had In the past. I'm finding that those who Hire the most, Dont even look at me as a Person anymore. I'm just another Hot body to them with a Big smile.

 

 

 

I could go on and on about my Experiences this Year(Most are in previous Posts of mine). And I've read some Escorts on here also going through the same thing. I just dont see this as a Profitable Business 5....10 Years from now for MOST of us. My Pictures are Accurate. I have ALL Positive Reviews. And still...I get trolled. Dont get me wrong I'm not a quitter...I say another Year of 2 of doing this...Just It's not Fun anymore. Again Its my Amazing Regualrs who have made this worthwhile.

 

 

I would love any Escorts or Clients Input on if they've noticed any changes In the Business.

[BaronArtz]

What city do you live/work in? One of my escort friends who moved to LA a few months ago described 'the business' there exactly as you did. Especially the trolling and the last minute cancellation part of it.

[sincitymix]

SO...As many Escorts of Days Past come and Go...I've seriously been thinking about what's next for me.

 

I started roughly a few Years ago and noticed In just a few short Years, The Game is Changing...DRAMTICALLY. So much so to the point is not worth It to do this Full time. If It werent for my Regulars I'd had not taken any of this seriously. They are the reason that keep me going. We're now living In an App/Text culture were people are becoming Void of any Decency or Etiquette. They cant even give You the Courtesy of speaking In Full sentences. I've had more Cancelations this year then all of my Years doing this combined. Last minute cancelations. Not only that I've found myself ciphering through the Trolls. Some escorts even posing as Clients just to....Troll.

 

 

I wish I could write this off as a Bad month...but Its becoming the norm. I Genuinely enjoy meeting people. I Genuinely enjoy the Experience I have had In the past. I'm finding that those who Hire the most, Dont even look at me as a Person anymore. I'm just another Hot body to them with a Big smile.

 

 

 

I could go on and on about my Experiences this Year(Most are in previous Posts of mine). And I've read some Escorts on here also going through the same thing. I just dont see this as a Profitable Business 5....10 Years from now for MOST of us. My Pictures are Accurate. I have ALL Positive Reviews. And still...I get trolled. Dont get me wrong I'm not a quitter...I say another Year of 2 of doing this...Just It's not Fun anymore. Again Its my Amazing Regualrs who have made this worthwhile.

 

 

I would love any Escorts or Clients Input on if they've noticed any changes In the Business.

 

in order to judge if your pictures are accurate.. wed have to see them.. *wink wink *

[Jock123]

What city do you live/work in? One of my escort friends who moved to LA a few months ago described 'the business' there exactly as you did. Especially the trolling and the last minute cancellation part of it.

 

Hey Baron, Id rather not say what City I'm In(I know that doesnt help) as I'm also In the Marines so like to keep my profile Discrete.

 

 

I'm sure I could meet some of You Awesome guys on here, I really wish I had the balls to "Out" myself on here.

 

 

I DO live In a Big City, Even travel to other Bigger Cities when asked. Its been D E A D. Since Rentboy shut down. I mean Horrible...

[sincitymix]

Hey Baron, Id rather not say what City I'm In(I know that doesnt help) as I'm also In the Marines so like to keep my profile Discrete.

 

 

I'm sure I could meet some of You Awesome guys on here, I really wish I had the balls to "Out" myself on here.

 

 

I DO live In a Big City, Even travel to other Bigger Cities when asked. Its been D E A D. Since Rentboy shut down. I mean Horrible...

a marine too! oh jebus give me strength

[BabyBoomer]

I'm also In the Marines

 

 

~ Boomer ~

[+ purplekow]

Here is what i would suggest. Find a poster on here to whom you would feel comfortable forwarding a headless picture and some basic information. Perhaps a poster of the bovine persuasion. Then, that poster can arrange a meeting with you and write you what is certain to be a well deserved excellent review. No pictures and only your alias in the review. That poster can then privately direct interested parties to an e mail address specifically designed for your escort information and nothing else. Discretion is a two way street and there are undoubtedly reliable and trustworthy clients on this site who would respect your privacy and show you the reliability you deserve. For many of us on this site, there is nothing we love more than a man in his uniform. except of course, a man out of his uniform.

[down_to_business]

I'm sure your reasons make sense to you, but it really goes over my head, especially since you would likely get several if not many great long term and lucrative clients from here. Hopefully, one of these days, you will change your mind and "come out of the closet", especially if the alternative is quitting something that you like doing. I think there is a lot of frustrated people interested in getting to know more about you. I imagine you could always create another top secret identity in the future to post under if you really needed to, but you could probably check with the mods on that one.

[+ SimplyAdam]

This post is endlessly validating, Jock. Thank you.

 

Some thoughts:

 

1.) In 2012 about 2/3 of SMSes I received included a name (i.e., "Are you available for a massage? Bruce"). Now less than 20% include one. They are increasingly erratic and distracted especially - yes - this past year. I'm lucky to get one answer for two asked (and most prospective clients are well-educated). The copy and paste message I send when I get a "Hi" or "U avail?" or after asking someone to call only to have it followed up with additional texted questions is:

 

"Thanks for reaching out.

 

If possible, please call me.

 

If you cannot call, out of a desire to best meet your needs, I'd appreciate knowing the following:

 

What is your name?

 

What service and time duration interests you (www.simplyadam.com/rates)?

 

What are two or three dates and time periods that work well for you?

 

Looking forward...

 

Adam"

 

Unfortunately, that message tends to scare tentative men off when all an escort, like any professional - like any human being - wants is to have their time and energy respected and to be efficient, making a connection actually happen, or knowing that it's not going to without unnecessary back and forth.

 

Living in the heart of Manhattan I could comment further on how increasingly isolated and disconnected people are becoming due to unconscious uses of technology. And how the isolationism of our times is leading people who know better in the flesh to disrespect another's very personhood when they're on the other end of a technological exchange.

 

2.) Fewer people are spending more than a minute reading ads to realize that I - and the services - I provide are multi-faceted and nuanced (I don't merely escort) and often assume the massage rate is the companionship rate after confirming they've looked at the rates page on my website. Sadly, we are simultaneously being further commoditized - and commodified - by the layout of advertising sites, who also exploit us in our time of duress.

 

3.) I moved to NYC in August of 2014. I maybe received five requests for bareback sex the first two years. I've received three in the past month. With a background in sexual health and HIV prevention, and having taught AIDS orphans in remote sub-Saharan Africa for a year, and just being a queer man who takes half a glimpse at recent history, I've been calling an antibiotic apocalypse for years - and new diseases we cannot foresee at the moment. It's alarming. All three requests were from highly educated, openly gay white men in their 50s.

 

There's more. It's a frustrating, disheartening time. But, Jock (and others), often the the answers are in the winds of change. The macrocosm beseeches a microcosmic shift. A stepping back to survey before going forward. A call to accept loss in order to greet great gain.

 

The whole world is feeling this right now. Heels get dug in the ground as consciousness assuredly - assuringly - raises.

 

Here we are. Where do we go, and how do we go at it?

 

(Synchronicity: Yesterday was Evaluate Your Life Day)

[Jock123]

Unfortunately, that message tends to scare tentative men off when all an escort, like any professional - like any human being - wants is to have their time and energy respected and to be efficient, making a connection actually happen, or knowing that it's not going to without unnecessary back and forth.

 

 

EXACTLY. Key word here...Respect.

 

 

I understand things come up. But canceling has become the new norm. Just Yesterday I had TWO cancelations...Yesterday alone(Hence my frustration). I've had more cancelations this year then all of my Years escorting combined. As I mentioned my ad/pictures are verified. My Reviews are great. So chalking It up to that being the reason...Is not the case.

 

 

Even when I do meet people...its just...Different. I've had some great encounters over the years. Maybe its because its an Election year and people are pissed, Maybe It is the App scene changing the game and how one Interacts with each other. I just know FINANCIALLY It's not worth it. At least not Full time. At least not 5-10 Years from now.

[ericwinters]

Here is what i would suggest. Find a poster on here to whom you would feel comfortable forwarding a headless picture and some basic information. Perhaps a poster of the bovine persuasion. Then, that poster can arrange a meeting with you and write you what is certain to be a well deserved excellent review. No pictures and only your alias in the review. That poster can then privately direct interested parties to an e mail address specifically designed for your escort information and nothing else. Discretion is a two way street and there are undoubtedly reliable and trustworthy clients on this site who would respect your privacy and show you the reliability you deserve. For many of us on this site, there is nothing we love more than a man in his uniform. except of course, a man out of his uniform.

 

Sounds like my old Madam skills are in need here.

[+ purplekow]

[Reluctant Daddy]

But canceling has become the new norm.

 

I'd be mortified cancelling on an escort. I was 1/2 hour late for an appointment once and felt terrible about it.

[Jock123]

I'd be mortified cancelling on an escort. I was 1/2 hour late for an appointment once and felt terrible about it.

 

THANK YOU. Its refreshing to hear their is some decency out there. I've had people book me 2 Months...yes MONTHS out In adavance and cancel the Day before we were to meet. Again I know things come up but.....

[Michael Wayne]

Jock and Adam THANKS for speaking up and telling it like it is. Sometimes I feel alone when I come on here and speak honestly about the state of the biz in 2016 ( see my thread in ask an escort section ) !!!

Not much commentary is needed due to the accuracy of the OP and of Adam but, however, let us emphasize the commentary on the APPS!!!!

They are the total ruination (along with the Dept of Homeland Security) not only of our once awesome escort biz but also of society itself! An APPle caused man to fall in the Garden and APPs are causing men to fall now. Further: social media is a social disease!!! In DC it is rampant and destructive. Guys cant walk down the street without staring at their I phone which I call their IDOL phone! MIKEY

[Epigonos]

Over the years I have come to the realization that the most trustworthy clients an escort can find are right here on this site. Most of us have been hiring for a number of years, we know the ropes and we respect and appreciated escorts. I, for example, might be interested in engaging you but I have no idea where you are located and if you are listed on rentmen. Additionally other than here I have no way of contacting you. You might consider PMing me with information about yourself.

[Reluctant Daddy]

THANK YOU. Its refreshing to hear their is some decency out there.

 

It's a simple matter of manners and courtesy. I know it sounds corny as hell, but I try to treat people that way I'd like to be treated.

[Michael Wayne]

Hey Jock it matters not if you heed the well intentioned advice you were given by the nice members who responded. The best known and hottest out escorts all over the USA are slow and have been since Rentboy died. In fact the one escort who ALWAYS came on here every time I posted about the slow state of the biz the and all the last minute CANCELLATIONS has actually QUIT the biz due to, you guessed it, no biz!!! I am not attacking this guy who always boasted about being busy but I am pointing out the irony of him washing out of the biz. Yall all know exactly who I am referring to. The same guy who always said Mikey is slow because Mikey is old. Mikey needs to "reinvent" himself. Well all I can say is that this old man is kicking ass down here in Ft. Lauderdale and biz is picking up. It will never be pre rentboy but my last ten days has been very good down here!!!! @ www.rentmen.com/magicmikeydc btw: see my achieved thread called "The cancellation carousel continues" This trend began even before rentboy died. It began with the rise of the God awful and God damned apps the OP so accurately called out.

[Michael Wayne]

archieved thread. not achieved! lol

[Hungmixedboi88]

I'm just returning to the escorting world because here in LA a few years ago while using Rentboy it was pretty lucrative and I was just doing it very part time. And before yes you get the flakes and the trolls but now returning in a full time capacity things are so very different. I have definitely noticed an insane increase in trolls and flakes and also in people requesting bb. I know it's the nature of the job to have it not be that reliable but I even had a guy message me 3 days before he was arriving in LA. Skype twice at his request, have a confirmed time and then be told 2 hours after our appointed time for our date that something came up and I totally feel like Jock like I understand that things come up but I had that happen 3 times this week and each time I've said no to other prospective clients because I like to be respectful if we've decided a place and time and then I get (metaphorically) fucked. Can be frustrating but I'm hoping to keep weeding out the trolls and find reliable people to connect with, it can be really fun as a business if you find the right people.

[Michael Wayne]

Also see my archieved thread : ''The death of common courtesy." Years ago I tried to warn this forum about all these dangers . I tried to write a balanced thread but of course most of the responses were that Mikey writes in run on sentences and does not use paragraph divisions. Mikey uses all CAPS which actually obviously offends people here. Very few commented on my actual material which has proven to be prophetic............

Now we are in the middle of it. Courtesy and manners have died!!!!!!!!!!!! Cancellations last minute without any compensation are the norm not the exception. Again thanks JOCK for speaking out!

[Michael Wayne]

thanks Hungmixedboy. I have spoken at length on here about what I call ''The bareback EPIDEMIC''.... and I chose my words very carefully. It is just that as todays thread about someone contracting hiv while on prep attests. Recklessness and carelessness characterize todays' gay world and no one can deny that. I am getting tons of "partying'' calls. "Do you party" they ask me? My answer is that SUICIDE IS NOT MY IDEA OF FUN!!!!! I've lost dozens of friends to drugs.

[jawjateck]

SO...As many Escorts of Days Past come and Go...I've seriously been thinking about what's next for me.

 

I started roughly a few Years ago and noticed In just a few short Years, The Game is Changing...DRAMTICALLY. So much so to the point is not worth It to do this Full time. If It werent for my Regulars I'd had not taken any of this seriously. They are the reason that keep me going. We're now living In an App/Text culture were people are becoming Void of any Decency or Etiquette. They cant even give You the Courtesy of speaking In Full sentences. I've had more Cancelations this year then all of my Years doing this combined. Last minute cancelations. Not only that I've found myself ciphering through the Trolls. Some escorts even posing as Clients just to....Troll.

 

 

I wish I could write this off as a Bad month...but Its becoming the norm. I Genuinely enjoy meeting people. I Genuinely enjoy the Experience I have had In the past. I'm finding that those who Hire the most, Dont even look at me as a Person anymore. I'm just another Hot body to them with a Big smile.

 

 

 

I could go on and on about my Experiences this Year(Most are in previous Posts of mine). And I've read some Escorts on here also going through the same thing. I just dont see this as a Profitable Business 5....10 Years from now for MOST of us. My Pictures are Accurate. I have ALL Positive Reviews. And still...I get trolled. Dont get me wrong I'm not a quitter...I say another Year of 2 of doing this...Just It's not Fun anymore. Again Its my Amazing Regualrs who have made this worthwhile.

 

 

I would love any Escorts or Clients Input on if they've noticed any changes In the Business.

 

C'mon jock.....gimme a chance......I'll show you the time of your life. ;);)

[EZEtoGRU]

I wonder what is behind the general decline in business for escorts? I tend to be more attracted to the stripper scene than cold calling escorts as I like to see what I am getting first (pics mean little to me....I need to see how manly and masculine they are in person). Having said that, I am hearing the same complaint from strippers (business continues to fall) in both Montreal and in Atlanta. Seems to have been an ongoing issue for several years now.

 

I'm not convinced that social media is a complete explanation. I think the cause is likely more complex. Let's be realistic, 50/60/70-something men are not going to have great success getting attractive & hot 20/30-something studs off of Grindr/Scruff/Craigslist/Tinder for free. Sure it could very occasionally happen...but no-one could count on it.

 

The US economy is decent right now. Certainly not nearly as bad as in the 2008-2010 period. I don't think cash availability is the issue. So what is going on? Well heeled gentlemen in the US are not going to take the risk of hiring some fly-by-night guy from Backpage just to save $100. That's just not going to happen in my view.

 

I wonder if people are just skipping the whole sex-4-cash scene entirely and just watching CAM4 and Chaturbate for free. Is it just easier to do that then go through the hassles of finding a decent escort? I never had an excellent experience hiring off of Rentboy.....literally never!!! My best hires are guys from strip clubs or the Sauna's in Brazil/Spain.

 

Anyway, I don't have the answers but it is a very interesting issue to consider.

[jawjateck]

SO...As many Escorts of Days Past come and Go...I've seriously been thinking about what's next for me.

 

I started roughly a few Years ago and noticed In just a few short Years, The Game is Changing...DRAMTICALLY. So much so to the point is not worth It to do this Full time. If It werent for my Regulars I'd had not taken any of this seriously. They are the reason that keep me going. We're now living In an App/Text culture were people are becoming Void of any Decency or Etiquette. They cant even give You the Courtesy of speaking In Full sentences. I've had more Cancelations this year then all of my Years doing this combined. Last minute cancelations. Not only that I've found myself ciphering through the Trolls. Some escorts even posing as Clients just to....Troll.

 

 

I wish I could write this off as a Bad month...but Its becoming the norm. I Genuinely enjoy meeting people. I Genuinely enjoy the Experience I have had In the past. I'm finding that those who Hire the most, Dont even look at me as a Person anymore. I'm just another Hot body to them with a Big smile.

 

 

 

I could go on and on about my Experiences this Year(Most are in previous Posts of mine). And I've read some Escorts on here also going through the same thing. I just dont see this as a Profitable Business 5....10 Years from now for MOST of us. My Pictures are Accurate. I have ALL Positive Reviews. And still...I get trolled. Dont get me wrong I'm not a quitter...I say another Year of 2 of doing this...Just It's not Fun anymore. Again Its my Amazing Regualrs who have made this worthwhile.

 

 

I would love any Escorts or Clients Input on if they've noticed any changes In the Business.

 

Here's my comment on the subject of "changes In the Business." Yall know that I love to scout talent, have been doing so for years, and take risks for the team. And some of you may have noticed that my blog commentary this year is less than previous years. There is a reason for this. I have hired alot less in 2016. Why? Well, it's not a lack of trying. I have expended my usual effort to engage newbies. The results have been dismal. I have been largely ignored or the replies have been so minimal as to make me yawn, but of those who have replied, I have not received one awesome, enthusiastic, interesting, coherent expression of interest all year. Ya know, the kind of response that makes you think "wow! I wanna know more! Hell yeah, let's book a date! I'm buying your plane ticket today!"

 

So, in general, I think business savvy is waning.

 

But Jock, I'm sure you would rock my world, so I'm not indicting you.....at all.