WebProNews

Internet gave the power to independents to present themselves in any manner they see fit, advertise, screen clients and have complete control over what they are doing. I seriously doubt that escorts of pre-internet era had similar options and most likely had to rely on agencies.

With agencies or a strict referral system, a woman had a much more limited exposure to potential clients reducing her choices. Now, she can pick and choose if she wants to. The ease of transitioning in and out of sex work has also increased - unlike one of the previous posters, most women I know are educated, ambitious and pursue day-time careers, using sex work as a side only. If you post photos with a cropped out face and don't share much personal info on the site, chances that somebody in your other life may recognize you are minimal. I don't know if this result could be accomplished without open advertising and search engine optimization. 

It also gave us voice. There is a number of sex work rights organizations, blogs and places for intelligent and educational commentary. A tool to fight for social change and acceptance, a way to organize and communicate. And that, I suppose, may appear blatant to those with no familiarity with our world.