Actually T76, I did a similar research project for a women's study class recruiting here using my usual handle, and while it was tough, I did get it passed by the ethics committee (you should not assume it would not have been passed). By the way this is for a class in research methods in Sociology.
This project is a follow up project based on the initial research project I did last year. It was discussed with my prof and it was decided that my old project can be used as a springboard for this one. Yes he knows I am an active SP and that I am 'known" on the boards. I went through all this with him, as did all of the students who were doing active research on people whether by simple observation or by interview/survey.
In the past when unknown people have come here looking for interviewees, the overwhelming response is ""Why should we trust you?" "How do I know you are no LE or something?"
Those who did answer were strictly out call indy clients who are operating within the law as much as possible with virtually no info from incall clients who would be admitting to breaking the law. (I know this because every time when someone comes here looking to do research, I contact the researcher.) I also know that I already got a better response rate than they did.
By not hiding behind a fake handle, I am taking advantage of my reputation here to access some otherwise very difficult to reach people and information.
In the case of client research, there is no way to guarantee representativeness: It is a sample with unknown characteristics. Single time clients or very infrequent clients are unlikely to volunteer, or even be on these boards. Moreover, there is no way to know if those who avoid answering are different from those who volunteer to participate.
The survey will examine a self-selected sample consisting only of men with Internet access, who visit the Montreal erotic review boards. It would have been nice to post newspaper ads for example but due to time and money constraints, it is not feasible to post ads elsewhere to access a greater range of men who have paid for sexual services.
As for neutrality, if you have examined any existing research in the area then you know neutrality simply does not exist. It can be feigned, but it is still there and it is easy to spot.
This is a BA level research. As for publishing, to start with there will not be enough interviews done to make any statistical info relevant. This project is to learn research methods in sociology, it was never meant to be published, however those who are participating are welcome to a copy of the finished paper.
Ronnie,
Naughtylady