It’s not as bleak as the guy in post #7 makes it out to be. For those of us who have been in the hobby for decades, it’s easy to remember how easy things were once we had it figured out, and since it is harder now than during those golden years (and in this case, I don’t think it is just “good old days syndrome”), we tend to look at the negatives and forget the positives that still exist. I fall victim to that as well, tbh.
But if we go waaaay back to the days before internet boards and verification sites existed, it really was tough. I won’t digress from the topic so much to describe what it was like to be a newbie in those days, but if I put myself back there I can really relate to what the newbies today are experiencing.
So I will focus on what we still have despite the setbacks of the last half-dozen years. You still have sites like this one, oh2 and a few others. Spend time on those boards, do your research, and see the ladies here and there who have good reputations. They may not be everything you want them to be, but the best of them will provide references which will help you get verified on sites like oh2 and p411. Post reviews on this site and get Premium Access (or pay for it). There is a wealth of information not available to you as a Registered Member, and information is still power.
This hobby is expensive. It was expensive when all of us started. Many of us are fortunate to be able to afford it better than when we were young. If budgeting is a concern, see women less frequently, or mix in a few FBSM sessions with the GFE meetups that many guys prefer. One of the other guys here who started about the same time I did (late 80s) still commiserates with me about how much we loved the studios that offered FBSM and happy endings, with no other services offered, but performed by attractive young women who were really good at their jobs. In my late middle age I am finding my way back to those kinds of experiences.
Yes, the hobby is full of women who are hustlers, liars and openly disdainful of their clients. That was true 30 years ago, before there were internet boards where you could compare notes and have some hope of avoiding them, and is still the case today. Shake off the bad experiences and get back out there. If you are diligent, disciplined, gentlemanly and fair, you will soon find many more of your experiences are positive than negative.
Oh, one more thing: Brush your teeth and wash your ass. The ladies will appreciate it.