I have read this thread with both amusement and frustration and have decided to weigh in on a few points.
SP participation on the forums - As some of you may recall, I did participate in the various discussions when I was still in Montreal. I enjoyed doing so, and I was not made to feel unwelcome, or like I was intruding on a "boys club". However it was necessary for me to censor my comments for a couple of reasons. First was to protect my business. Take the political threads for example. Of course I have my own political views, but my clients may have differing views and I do not want to alienate them. So I stay out of the discussion. Also we are forbidden from posting anything that may be interpreted as self-promotion. That means I can't always discuss my likes/dislikes/service/etc. Merb is strict on this and I have had posts deleted when I thought they were acceptable. As far as commenting on reviews, we are not supposed to do so. If a SP wants to comment in a review thread she is to obtain a mod's permission first. Now the mods have been pretty relaxed about this rule, letting comments go unless things get out of hand, but the policy is there.
Reviews and ratings - I like reviews and I don't mind ratings. First reviews are like gold. They give me valuable feedback on the client's perception of the service I am offering. They can be fun, like reading a penthouse letter that I am starring in. They also boost publicity and assure future clients - they are good for business. Now sometimes reviews suck. I was attacked in my review thread basically for my age and body type, even though I fully disclose both, as do my previous reviews. Yes it hurt my feelings, but it was just one jerk and I brushed it off and didn't let it bother me. Ratings are just part of this game. I find a performance rating fair, if you give your best during a session, you should get a good rating. Like Hungry mentioned, we are rated on our performance in many areas of our life, it is part of our culture. We rate others - the doctor, restaurant, uber driver, you name it. Now the looks rating is a little trickier as it is more subjective and harder for us to control. Sure I could have a crooked nose and funny teeth and never be eligible for a perfect 10. But that also does not stop me from doing everything I can to make myself attractive. Style my hair, do my makeup, dress to the nines and I will likely get a higher score. How many times have I heard about girls showing up to a meeting in sweatpants with no makeup? Let's face it, this business is in large part about looks.
Tolerance - one thing this board lacks is tolerance of other people's opinions. Many are quick to attack others based on their opinions, or in some cases a lack of political correctness or even ignorance. Whether it is politics, race, gender issues, there is no sense of acceptance and almost a spirit of hatred when people don't think the same way. Of course I'm sure the same could be said for other message boards, and even society in general, but it would be nice if we could be a little more tolerant of each others differences and opinions and act a little more civilized.
Hope everyone is doing well in Montreal! Miss you tons!
Xoxoxo
Tianna