FWIW, its unlikely that PunterNet will be shut down, at least in the short term. US First Amendment protections largely cover US-based websites that fall afoul of overseas censorship laws. There would only be a case if a site like PunterNet was attacked under US law, and considering that California already has the notorious SFRedbook, it seems unlikely that PunterNet could be closed unless there is an across-the-board ban on review sites, and such a ban would be unlikely to survive a First Amendment challenge in court.

I see that you generally take a positive view of review sites, but I know from reading other sex worker blogs that opinion of them from providers is pretty much mixed. Unfortunately, there is a subset of bad clients who will expressly use the threat of a bad review to try and get extras. On the other hand, I see the role as positive, overall – unfortunately, some advertisers misrepresent (fake pictures, etc) and some rip-off artists pose as sex workers. Given that reality, review boards are essential for connecting clients with sex workers who are who they say they are and actually provide what they advertise. I think by helping both parties make the right connections, such sites actually head off a lot of bad situations before they start.

I’ve heard that escorts have a few review sites of their own concerning punters, or at least “bad call” warnings that are shared. I don’t know how many or how extensive such sites are, but I think there is just as much need for them.

This especially: “Degrading? Why is it? Because you (Harriet) would find it degrading to have sex for money? Well you’d better not do it then eh? I, on the other hand, do not find it degrading at all. So don’t pass your feelings, morals and ideals off as mine. Ok?”

Except one thing:

“Commodification? Making up new words are we? ”

The word “commodification” has been around for several years and is in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Harman is certainly silencing, damaging, moralising and a disgrace to the women’s movement, but she is not (as yet) guilty of perpetrating Bush-isms.

[Language nerd slinks away again]

“I’m from the government and I’m here to help you. So take my help, hussy!” Is Britain, like the US, cursed with having no political party without its head up its ass?

Pillocks. Good word that, I have others, they are rude

I throw my hands up in despair every time I hear about escorts “being for sale”. Last time I checked I’ve never bought anyone (although I’ve just had another scout around in all my cupboards in case one or two were stashed there – no luck I’m afraid).

The thing that really makes me angry though is that pillocks like Harmen and Bindel will drive the sex trade further underground and make it more dangerous for those that choose to work in it and increase the number of girls that are brought into it against their will.

Please keep up the lobbying
Thank you
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