I know it's always safer (to avoid scams and LE) to just ignore Backpage and stick to the reviewed, but sometimes gems are found out there other than on sites like this one.
I recently stumbled into one of these gems in the San Antonio Backpage. Ordinarily, I would write a review, but she knew about this site and specifically requested that I not review her. She has her reasons...and she acknowledges the pros/cons of staying away from sites like ours.
The only reason for this post is that occassionaly there are threads debating whether sites like Backpage are worth the risks. I'm here to tell you that gems are out there; and for me, the risks is worth it.
My ATF got her start on craigslist in Austin. She posted about two weeks of ads on craigslist, was discovered to be a tremendous GFE and came on to the aspd site for about one month before going UTR for several years, and then eventually retiring two years ago. I still miss her. I just bring her up to show that others get their start on these types of sites, and many eventually "discover" sites like this, join, and then decide it's not for them (for various reasons) and leave to go UTR!
My advice when you find a craigslist, Backpage ad that attracts you and there are no reviews on the provider is to do your research. Use the tineye site, google etc to reduce your risk. It's still a risk. My recent discovery knew about tineye. She didn't want to post pics of herself, but through lots of personal research, found pics of someone who resembled her very closely, but that tineye hadn't found. I just say this to point out that even careful research isn't total foolproof.
All I can say is that other provider resources like Backpage can most definitely prove to be a gold mine. I have found myself what I really believe to be one of the best providers I've ever found in San Antonio.
Please don't pm or ask who she is, because I will not pass on that information to honor her request. The only reason for this post is to state IMO that Backpage is worth the risks...just minimize that risk through research. It's not as safe as eccie, TER, OTB, etc...but the reward can be well worth the risk.
To Backpage or not....
