D/s Public Protocol

from Rusty Haway from http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Master_slave_relationships/

When going out to your favorite social club or visiting a new club for the first time, it is important to know how to treat Dominants and submissives. The magic word we are referring to is "protocol." Everyone possesses some type of club protocol. Each group will have their own personalities and rituals.

You will find D/s protocol will vary from club to club and region to region. If you are in the top 20%, then below is protocol to which you might want to subscribe. If you follow these few simple rules of protocol, you will be able to interact at any BDSM, D/s or leather event across the country.

Seven rules of protocol a Dominant should follow:

1. Only shake hands with another Dominant.
2. You should nod to the submissive once the Dominant has recognized him.
3. Don't touch anything, including toys, that don't belong to you. If you need to touch something, always get the owner's permission.
4. Always concede to the senior Dominant. Seniority is based on length of membership in the club, not length of time in the lifestyle.
5. Never mention another club or individual by name when discussing another club or individual.
6. There is never any wrong in asking, but be polite -- and let "no" mean "no!"
7. The host should be the first person you say "hello" to and the last person you say "goodbye" to. Everyone else you greet and say goodbye to before you say goodbye to the host.

Six rules of protocol a submissive should follow:

1. Stand one step back from your Dominant, either to the left or to the right, depending on your Dominant's preference.
2. Never let your Dominant serve himself.
3. If another Dominant approaches you, be polite. If you have specific instructions, let them know. If they still persist, either direct them to your Dominant or find your Dominant.
4. Always concede to the senior submissive. Seniority is based on length of membership in the club, not the lifestyle.
5. Never mention another club or individual by name when discussing another club or individual.
6. Do not touch anything that does not belong to your Dominant.