I don't think that just because an Indy hires a booking assistant, she becomes less of an Indy. In fact, I think this will help her business. Instead of answering the phone all the time, she's generating revenue. So what if she pays someone 15 or 20 bucks an hour to answer her texts and emails. It's also happened that I initially contacted booking assistants and spoke with the escort hours later when she had time. I don't really think of that as a big deal. I usually don't even speak with an escort before I meet her, except by email or text, so I don't think it's a huge problem. Can it be the booking assistant pretending to be her? I suppose, but with an Indy, if it's really important for me to speak with her over the phone, she'll get back to me. Also, I would say an Indy is someone who doesn't have to split a % of their business with an agency or a booker. The booker is mererly hired help. Now, I know at least one booker who works for 8 or 10 ladies, so she probably does pretty well for herself, but I still think she's an assistant and not an owner...