The SCENESubmissions 2002 Archives

~ Alison Tyler, "Blue Sky Sideways" (story from Bondage: An Anthology of Passionate Restraint)

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SCENEsubmissions

*Previously the Rose & Thorn Weekly NEWZ

Sunday, March 10^th 2002

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FEATURED ARTICLES IN THIS STEAMING ISSUE:

Sadie's Prime Directives For Snagging The Domme (Or Dom) Of Your Dreams - By Sensuous Sadie

SCENEprofiles Interview With Lord Esox, Leader Of Vermont's New Group - The Vermont Society Of Kink

Awareness - Poem by SweeterBabyGirl

Poetry Compilation Request

Wicked Weekend Review - By Ed of White Mountain Different Strokes

Pearls of Burlington, VT Erotica Night March 16th

BDSM Website Of The Week - Recommended By Our Readers

ADMINISTRIVIA

About the Editor: Sensuous Sadie (and how to reach me!)

What's Going On Around New England in BDSM? Our Regional Events List.

Contact Information For Rose & Thorn

Visit the Erotic Power Exchange Dominion for steamy stories, sexy poetry, spicy humor & scandalous quotes

How To Get Off Or On The Mailing List, Newsletter Policy etc.

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SADIE'S PRIME DIRECTIVES FOR SNAGGING THE DOMME (OR DOM) OF YOUR DREAMS

By Sensuous Sadie

BurlVTSub@AOL.com

Every few days I get an e-mail from some submissive guy asking me to be his Domme. More times than not, I know little or nothing about him, and he knows nothing about me. Maybe it's because my signature says "Mistress when it's convenient," but maybe not. I never know quite how to respond to requests like this - they seem so off the wall that there isn't really any reasonable response. Then again, maybe there is. Here are some tips to help you identify if the Dominant you are talking to would be a good match for you. I wrote this from a Domme perspective, but these things are just as relevant if you are a gal looking for a male Dom, or some other permutation. Of course, (disclaimer here), these things are not carved in stone. These comments come from my experiences, and those of the female dominants I know.

IS SHE AVAILABLE?

Find out if the Domme of your dreams is looking for a submissive. You'd be surprised at the number of people who proposition me without even checking if I'm otherwise involved. Some people have open relationships with their partners. Some don't. Some have totally committed 24/7 relationships. Some only do casual play, or public play. Some are looking for love and "dating." There are so many more flavors of relationships in the BDSM scene, so it's twice as important to find out this person's availability status.

If she is involved with someone, approach her as the dominant partner first, while keeping the submissive partner in the loop. If they both switch, approach them together. The key thing is to keep all communication honest and above board. Ask if the couple plays with other people. 90% of the BDSM couples I know do. However, couples who have only been together a short time often haven't yet negotiated whether and how they will play with other people. Be careful in approaching couples - jealousy and other issues come up just as often with BDSM couples as they do with vanilla couples - maybe more often because of the "ownership" issues common in BDSM relationships. (As a Domme, I am incredibly possessive). If things look like they aren't completely above board, or are getting messy - get out of the situation. Getting involved with one person who is part of a couple that's having problems is an invitation for drama.

NO LAUNDRY LISTS

Don't give her a big long list of what you want her to do for you. Just like in life, she may be thinking "What's in it for me?" The real question may be "What do you have to offer her?" If you don't have anything to offer, it's unlikely she'll accept your proposition. Because women are in a minority in the BDSM community, we usually have many more choices than the typical guy. So if you are male, you will want to make a special effort to impress the lady of your desires. This being said, if you have good social skills and an engaging personality you will not have trouble finding friends in the community. Some Doms I know are not particularly good looking or successful in traditional terms, but have had great success because of their willingness to get to know a variety of women, not just a narrow subsection of one race, size, or other specialty.

ACT WITH RESPECT.

If you aren't respectful now, she knows darn well you won't be later. For example, a sub I was seeing stood me up on our first date. If he had called and apologized profusely and made a big effort to make it up to me, I would have forgiven him. But his apology was pretty half-assed, and I am not going to bother with someone who won't make an effort to please me.

KNOW THYSELF

There are a hundred styles of submissive and dominant. If you don't know what flavor you are, and what you want, you'll end up with something that's not a good fit. (also known as: "if you don't know where you are going, you won't know when you get there.") Before you approach this person, you will want to have a good idea of who you are and what you want. This doesn't mean that you have to have it all figured out, only that you have spent some time in reflection about yourself. Once you know what you want, speak freely with the person you are interested in.

One good way to learn about what makes you tick is to write down your fantasies. Choose ones that express your interests, and approach your limits. My friend Master Jon said this "Many novices have thanked me for asking them to write, even if they don't actually click with me. It's all about communication, self knowledge, and growth."

Another good thing to do is to complete the interests questionnaire in the book Screw the Roses, Send Me The Thorns - The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism. (Molly Devon, Phillip Miller, William Granzig). This list includes just about every BDSM topic on the planet, and will help you identify your "No" list as well as what you are looking for.

Another good point a friend made to me was that even though there were less women in the scene, there are loosely equal numbers of heterosexual men and women who are looking for a committed relationship. There are more men around, but many of those men are only looking to play. If it is only experience you are looking for, then I'd encourage you to try a "professional" Domme in the meantime.

HOW TO CHOOSE A DOMME

Many male submissives tell me that they are so desperate that they will take any Domme who will have them. This attitude, while understandable, is not attractive to a Domme, not to mention can be foolish in terms of getting involved with people who are not a good match for you. Most people want to be wanted for their special gifts, not just because they are female, are a Domme, and have a heartbeat. Just like relationships in the vanilla world, BDSM relationships are complex and require interaction on both superficial and deep levels. You will want to find out about her interests and orientation, and make sure that her goals are in alignment with yours. What is her basic philosophy and attitudes about D/s? You will have a more fulfilling relationship with someone who is stable, centered, and developed in their styles. This doesn't mean Dominants don't also grow and develop, but a firm foundation of core philosophies is an indication of a Dominant who has experienced enough to have a handle on who they are. Any Dominant who can't say, "I believe D/s is.... (fill in the blank)" is a Dominant who doesn't know much about themselves.

One of the big issues is whether or not your Domme likes to teach; some do and some don't. (I'm of the latter type). If you are a novice submissive and you don't know what you like, finding one of the teaching persuasion is a good way to discover yourself. Many Dominants are not concerned about the experience level of their submissives, and in fact enjoy opening them up to new experiences. So your ability and openness to trying new things is paramount.

What kind of submission is she interested in? Some Dominants want to be serviced (including sexual fulfillment); some get their pleasure from reducing a submissive to a quivering state of erotic sensation, and some do both or something else entirely. How does she see the D/s relationship developing? What are her expectations for the submissive? This last question is particularly helpful, and will reveal a lot about what kind of Dominant she is.

AND LASTLY, BE YOURSELF

Be honest about what you want and what you are looking for. If all communications are up front and in the open, you will have a better chance of succeeding in your next relationship. Good luck!

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Sensuous Sadie is the founder of Rose & Thorn, Vermont's BDSM group. She also edits SCENEsubmissions, a free e-newsletter that goes to over 600 readers throughout New England and beyond. Comments, compliments and complaints, as well as requests for reprinting can be addressed to her at BurlVTSub@aol.com. Sadie believes that the universe is abundant, and that sharing information freely is part of this abundance, so she allows reprints of her writing in most venues.

Copyright October, 2001

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SCENEprofiles Interview WITH LORD ESOX, LEADER OF VERMONT'S NEW GROUP - THE VERMONT SOCIETY OF KINK

SPECIAL NOTE: After 2.5 years of Rose & Thorn being the only BDSM group in town, Lord Esox has started a new and complimentary group - Vermont Society of Kink. This includes an active listserv as well as monthly soirees at Henry's Pub in Burlington, Vermont.

For more details: lord_esox@yahoo.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/invite/VTSocietyofKink

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SENSUOUS SADIE: YOU HAVE BEEN AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF ROSE & THORN FOR SEVERAL YEARS. ALTHOUGH YOU ARE STILL A MEMBER OF R&T, WHAT WAS IT THAT ENCOURAGED YOU TO START ANOTHER GROUP?

LORD ESOX: Options. Its always good to have options. I felt that there might be some people who did not care for the screening process that one has to go through to go to a Rose and Thorn event (though I will admit that there are many who feel safer at an R&T event because of this). You have to agree that for someone starting out, not sure of themselves and their interest in the lifestyle, going to a stranger's house to meet a group of people you don't know can be very intimidating.

SS: HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE THE VSK SOIREES?

LE: Well, after only one, I can only characterize so much. A lot of fun is a great start. It struck me that almost everyone made sure to go around and introduce themselves to all the attendees. The pub provides a great atmosphere and terrific food and drink at a reasonable price. I got a very friendly feeling from everyone there and I was really excited to see people enjoying themselves.

SS: I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU PATTERNED THEM AFTER APEX OF ALBANY, NY. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THEM THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO BRING TO VERMONT?

LE: Well, first off- when is a munch not a munch? When it's a Soiree! Thanks to Sir Ron and mayafire for that line and their help and guidance with the Soiree. I really learned how to set up a fun gathering for the Vermont community from APeX. What kind of place to look for and how to set it up. I really owe a debt of gratitude to APeX for their generous help.

SS: WHAT DOES VSK OFFER TO THE COMMUNITY THAT IS SPECIAL AND UNIQUE?

LE: I think a "munch" style gathering is great for folks who are not comfortable going to someone's home as well as to allow the rest of us kinksters a means of getting together where we are not necessarily in Dom/me or sub headspace, in a more vanilla setting. I think it gives us a way to get to know one another better as people instead of as Masters or Mistresses or slaves or whatever. After all we are all just people underneath our leather, pvc or latex. Also, not everyone wants to dress up to go to an event all the time, though I love to have the opportunity to do so.

SS: HOW IS WHAT YOU OFFER COMPLIMENTARY TO ROSE & THORN'S OFFERINGS?

LE: Well, we give people a chance to meet others in the lifestyle or with similar interests in a completely non-threatening atmosphere. For someone just exploring the kinky side of themselves, walking into a room full of leather clad Dominants, cross dressers and assorted other kinksters (who we all know and love) can be a rather overwhelming experience. The Soiree gives "newbies" an opportunity to meet others in a friendly vanilla atmosphere and I think would give a bit of a comfort level to them before attending a more private affair. Again, its all about options and letting people come in at their own pace.

SS: WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN STARTING A NEW GROUP?

LE: The hordes of rabid interviewers. LOL. In reality, trying to not take everything too seriously or too personally. Another thing that I have found difficult is to get people to get involved - at least at first. The first month or so on the listserv I felt like I was pulling teeth to try to get people to post, but we seem to have gotten past that nicely.

SS: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE MAIN GOAL OF THE VSK LISTSERV?

LE: To give the Vermont and surrounding communities a way to communicate easily with one another. We are a very far flung community in a state with a small population. Many of us are in the Burlington area, but there are a lot of people in outlying areas that cannot always attend events around Burlington as much as they would like. It also gives those people a way to keep in touch with things that are going on, and a way to share thoughts and ideas.

SS: AS MODERATOR OF THE LISTSERV, YOU SOMETIMES HAVE TO TAKE A VERY HARD

LINE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO MODERATING THIS GROUP?

LE: Well, I have taken a bit of a safety-first approach. I try to check out who has joined the group and get a sense of who is out there and what they are about. There have been a few times where I have been a little too reactionary and dictatorial in my approach, but I think for the most part the majority of members have been very supportive of how I have been running things. I have certainly changed that approach, I do my best to learn from my mistakes and better myself as a person and as moderator of the group.

SS: HOW HAS THE PROCESS OF CREATING VSK CHANGED YOU PERSONALLY?

LE: It has certainly made me think a lot more about a lot of issues and how people react to what you have to say. As a leader of a BDSM group you really set yourself up as a lightning rod. As much as you might want to, you cannot please everyone all of the time. I have made some mistakes already and I will again in the future, I am only human. These mistakes and disagreements have been aired to me in public and private and have made me look into myself a lot. I do like being questioned from time to time. For me it's a lot like writing a really good paper- the original draft get critiqued and torn apart and the next draft is better and stronger. Unlike a paper however, personal growth is a constant thing, not something you have a final due date for.

SS: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT LEADERSHIP, ABOUT COMMUNITY, AND ABOUT BDSM?

LE: I have learned to have a thicker skin and not let things get to me. I have learned that sometimes the best response is no response at all. I have learned that no matter what people will always surprise you for good or ill. It's a fun process, a little nerve wracking at times. There are a lot of very strong personalities in the BDSM community and with that there will always be people butting heads over different issues. Sometimes its best to just take a step back and wait until the dust settles. A lot of conflicts do tend to resolve themselves. Perhaps one of the most important things that I have learned is that we all need to agree to disagree.

I have learned a lot about the local community and the politics involved in it. It's a young community that is very energetic but lacks experience. We are growing and changing constantly. It is a very friendly and enthusiastic community with much to offer.

SS: MANY OF US KNOW YOU FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL LEATHER PRODUCTS, INCLUDING FLOGGERS AND OTHER ITEMS. WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN MAKING CUSTOM LEATHER GOODS?

I am really a do-it-yourself kinda guy. I have always been very good with My hands- especially doing detail work. When I first got interested in BDSM I looked at the prices of some of the leather products and I was blown away by how expensive things were. After reading a couple of books and looking at some web sites I realized I could make a lot of this stuff myself. So with that I got my first piece of leather and out came some floggers and cuffs and a few other odds and ends. It just grew from there. I love having the ability to look at a toy online or in a store and then go home and make it myself. I am a very creative person and this gives me yet another outlet for that creativity.

SS: YOU'VE TOLD ME THAT YOU HAVE AN INCREDIBLE "TOY BOX." WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE INTERESTING AND UNUSUAL ITEMS THAT YOU OWN?

LE: (BIG grin!!) Lets see. My latest and greatest addition to my toy box is a four foot single tail (technically, a four foot 12 plait signal whip handmade by Axel). I feel like I was destined to own and use one of these fabulous tools. They are really alive and have their own personality. They need a lot of practice to use properly but there is magic in them if you can capture the beast so to speak.

I have recently gotten a couple of swords that I quite enjoy. I bet that most people never thought that a four and a half foot claymore could be used as a vibrator or as a way to spank someone. I also have gotten some interesting outfits that I really don't want to talk to much about- I would rather get raw reactions to them when people see them for the first time.

Some of the toys that I enjoy using most are simple little things that I find here and there. My fish scaler is one of those. Just a pressed piece of metal with so many different sensations that it can provide, and a real bargain at 99 cents. I love going into stores like Wal-Mart and Price Chopper with a kinky mindset. There are so many "pervertables" out there.

SS: FOR THOSE READERS WHO MIGHT NOT BE UP ON THEIR LATIN, THE ESOX OF YOUR NAME IS RELATED TO YOUR LOVE OF FISH. IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR LIFESTYLE IN FISHING INTERSECT WITH YOUR LIFESTYLE IN BDSM?

LE: Esox is the genus name for the northern pike, pickerel and musky family. These are a group of freshwater predators- sometimes referred to as "water wolves." My personal "totem animal" is the muskellunge. Its one of the largest freshwater predators in North America and is one of my favorite fish to hunt. I will spend many hours in a canoe chasing muskies with a fly rod and over the course of a year I may catch less than ten, but those ten fish will be memorable. For me even seeing a musky makes for a great day. Fishing for muskies and other species has taught me a lot about patience and enjoying the chase as much as landing the fish which can be translated in BDSM terms as enjoying the journey as much as the destination. Sometimes fishing is not about catching fish its about being out there, enjoying the environment that you are in and the company you are with.

Fly fishing to me is a very spiritual thing. It allows me to put everything into perspective. It gives me time to reflect on a lot of things, to laugh at myself and to learn more about the world that most of us have no idea that exists below the surface of the water. I have had some of my greatest revelations when I was fishing as well as some of the dumbest things I have ever done (never try to stand in a canoe when you are only 10 feet away from a crocodile - big mistake).

There are two aspects of my life when I feel most alive - when I am standing in a stream or in my canoe with a big fish on the end of my line and the other is when someone has entrusted their submission to me. It may seem that these two things have very little in common, but there are some similarities. When you are playing a large fish or sceneing with a sub, your senses are heightened, your thoughts and energy are focussed on one thing. There is that moment of truth in both things- when the fish is brought to hand or the submissive is on the verge of an earth shattering orgasm or deep in subspace. Of course there are many differences - I do try not to cuddle with many fish after having played them.

SS: PLEASE TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND IN BDSM: HOW YOU GOT INTERESTED IN THIS, WHAT YOUR SPECIAL INTERESTS ARE, AND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IN A SUBMISSIVE.

LE: My interest was sparked by a personals ad I responded to online which just clicked with me. That spark quickly turned into a small fire then into the furnace that I feel inside me now. I have set out to learn all that I can about the lifestyle from books, online and others in the lifestyle. I have sought out experiences and made some of the best friends I ever have. I have not been involved in BDSM all that long, just a little over two years. In that time I have gone through some of the most magical changes that I have ever experienced. Its like much of my life has prepared me for who I am today. Life is a constant state of evolution: I was once told that I was a mutant by a palm reader. I took that as a compliment since mutants in the natural world allow evolution to happen.

My interests are many and varied. There are a lot of things that I enjoy a great deal most especially flogging and sensual play but if I tried to list all the things that I am interested in I would end up writing forever. I do love the mindphuck, letting the "evil" side of me well out into a scene, and cuddling with a woman who I have lead on an incredible voyage. To me that is the best part- basking in the glow of a submissive coming out of subspace, taking care of and comforting her. That is the essence of BDSM to me.

I am looking for someone who is real. An intelligent young woman with an open mind that shares many of my vanilla interests. I want a strong woman who is willing to give herself up to me in the bedroom but be equals much of the time. I don't currently want a 24/7 relationship- though there will be times that will be fun to experience together. I want someone I can enjoy life with both within the Scene and out on the water. I know what I want and I won't settle for anything less. I do know that the chase will be a long one when I find her, but patience and persistence will rule the day.

SS: WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND HOPES FOR THE FUTURE OF VSK?

LE: Simple - to better and strengthen the Vermont BDSM community.

SS: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

LE: I have been adding two plus two for years! LOL For what its worth, I have one of the most corny senses of humor that any one has ever been afflicted with. I guess that's a note of caution.

SS: THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

LE: It's a pleasure.

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If you enjoyed this interview, read more SCENEprofiles with BDSM personalities on Sadie's website at www.epedominion.net/sensuoussadie

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AWARENESS

By SweeterBabyGirl

SweeterBabyGirl@aol.com

I am sitting here at the keyboard

My bosoms bound bralike in hot pink parachute cord.

I also have two rubber bands around the base of each bosom.

My breasts feel heavy and full and with each keyboard strike

My arms brush against the tight fullness of the soft tender skin.

There are light red marks on me from the tight rubber bands.

I just looked...

It is amazing…

To see those there.

Like small tattoos marking me for my Master who is yet to come...

My nipples are hard and pressing against the material of my soft T-shirt.

Each movement of my fingers on the keyboard increases my awareness

Of the tight bindings that hold me.

My cunt is tingly and I know that it is wet without me even touching.

Oh it is lovely to be a woman in this awareness state.

I am feminine, sensual, and ready for the man/master

I love to take me farther.

I can feel his mouth on mine,

His tongue probing between my lips.

I can feel his strength and the command he demands as he touches me.

I could do nothing else but submit

To a man of such character and strength.

He lifts my head and gazes into my eyes,

And sees the window to my soul.

My desires, my dreams, my heart.

Does he realize that he has the power

To bring me to a level where all he has to do

Is gaze at me in a certain way

And I will cum for him?

Does he know that he can take me

To places that no one else can?

Is he the least bit aware

Of the power

He renders just standing there

Being the male that he is?

Love me Master,

Take the gift I have to offer you.

I offer you my mouth,

I offer you my cunt,

I offer you my ass,

I offer you everything I have--

To be used

And taken by you

As you see fit.

As YOU desire.

I will be all that you want me to be.

All that you ever dreamed is possible

I want to be.

For that is the gift I have for you.

The gift of my surrender.

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POETRY COMPILATION

I am putting together a compilation of writings about what submission feels like. I'm looking for one or two sentence descriptions that will be put together in one big poem. I'd appreciate if any of you who would like to contribute will send me a little something that expresses how you feel.

I plan to put them all together in a collage and publish them in SCENEsubmissions as well as on the Erotic Power Exchange Dominion Reading Room poetry area.

Names and e-mail addresses will be listed at the end as a group (with your permission).

Please send your poetic thoughts to BurlVTSub@aol.com and please include the little copyright permission form below with your responses.

Thank you so much!

~ Sensuous Sadie

COPYRIGHT PERMISSION FORM

I give SCENEsubmissions Newsletter permission to reprint my writing in the newsletter as well as on the Erotic Power Exchange Dominion website 's Reading Room (www.epedominion.com/library).

What name do you want listed with your writing? Check one:

____ Scene name (first name only): __________________

____ No name

What e-mail address do you want listed:

____ e-mail address on this e-mail

____ other e-mail address: _____________________

____ No e-mail address

THANK YOU!

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Review of Wicked Weekend

By Ed, Leader of White Mountains Different Strokes

e-mail: wmds@valley.net

website: http://wmdifferentstrokes.com

listserv: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wmds

Here is a review of the Wicked Weekend, that was sponsored by the ALU group of Lewiston, Maine this past weekend - for which they hope will be the first of many.

I felt this was something in between a play party that one would have in a private home, and going to a larger, commercial BDSM club in MA, RI or CT. For someone who does not have play space of their own, may not have friends who can host a play party - and would like to have a chance to use more types of equipment than normal but is leery of traveling far aways to an impersonal place - this may be your cup of tea.

The location chosen was a campsite in the Ossipee region of east-central New Hampshire this time. 38 people attended, several who knew each other, but some who didn't know many people. It went from 1 PM on Saturday to 1 PM on Sunday, $75 covered Saturday dinner, a 10 PM snack, Sunday breakfast and lots of soda, coffee and munchies throughout, plus lodging in a dormitory-like facility.

The main dungeon was in a cabin with lots of equipment (stocks, spanking benches, crosses, racks, etc.) and a dungeon master to keep an eye on things. But the lounge area certainly had people sitting and talking throughout the 24 hour cycle, and as with any good function, no one had to participate at all. And before long, most people got to know several total strangers much better by the time we had to leave. It was comfortable throughout, and the location near Ossipee Lake was pretty. There was another group on the other end of this camp......a...er, .....Lutheran Retreat for kids....but no problem, they didn't know we were anything else besides a social group. (Which we were)!

The ALU group is talking about having a second one as early as May. Their website is located at: http://www.geocities.com/aluorg/index1.html and I can certainly recommend them.

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PEARL'S EROTICA NIGHT SATURAY MARCH 16TH

Burlington's Premier Bar and Dance Club is located in the heart of Burlington, just minutes from downtown hotels and attractions. 135 Pearl offers dancing downstairs to some of the areas top DJ's and an intimate lounge/bar upstairs.

DATE: Saturday March 16^th

TIME: 9 PM

COST: $6.00

ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Little Martin at 10 PM, go go dancing & shadow dancing all night, featuring TANTRIC at 11:30 PM, Fetish Fashion Show at Midnight, Contest at 1 AM

Location: 135 Pearl Street, Burlington, VT 05401

http://www.135pearl.com

21 and over only

DIRECTIONS: From Interstate 89 take Burlington exit 14w. This puts you on Williston Road which becomes Main Street. Go in to Burlington, past the University of Vermont, down the hill toward Lake Champlain. When you get to the bottom of the hill you will see Union Station right in front of you. Turn right at the light. This is Battery Street. Go past the Radisson Hotel on your right then turn right at the second light past the hotel. This is Pearl Street. Go up three blocks, we're on the right hand side. Phone 802-863-2343

COMMENTS FROM GUESTS: "This is another chance to socialize in a dom/sub, bondage, sexual fantasy atmosphere that is safe and non-judgmental. The clientele is obviously more queer oriented (queer meant as an empowering word) however last year there were a number of straight couples dressed in an obvious bdsm fashion."

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BDSM WEBSITE OF THE WEEK - RECOMMENDED BY OUR READERS

Vermont Society of Kink Listserv (and Happy Birthday Esox!)

http://groups.yahoo.com/invite/VTSocietyofKink

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ADMINISTRIVIA

ABOUT OUR EDITOR - SENSUOUS SADIE

I'm Sensuous Sadie - editor and all around diva of this publication. I am the founder of our local BDSM group Rose & Thorn, and developed this newsletter as an events announcement forum for R&T. Over time, readers started sending me columns, poems, humor and quotes and it grew into something more. I have a passion for information dissemination and this is one way I express that passion. Of course it's also fun to have a platform for my own BDSM column series - The Art Of BDSM.

When I stepped down from leadership of R&T in January of 2002, we decided to detach this newsletter because it had developed into something much larger than a local rag. We now have over 600 readers in New England mostly, and some beyond. So, we'll be focusing more on a New England perspective, although I'll probably always give a bit of preference to my cohorts here in our snowy Green Mountains. I hope you will consider contributing to this newsletter and building the larger BDSM community.

You can reach me at BurlVTSub@aol.com or visit my website (and see a steamy photo of me) at www.epedominion.net/sensuoussadie

REGIONAL VT & NEW ENGLAND BDSM EVENT & ANNOUNCEMENT LIST

Check out the list anytime at my website: www.epedominion.net/sensuoussadie

It includes:

BDSM Groups in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Montreal/Canada, and New England general

One Time BDSM Events

General BDSM Announcements and Invitations

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR ROSE & THORN OF VERMONT

www.epedominion.com/rosethorn/

VTRoseThorn@Yahoo.com

VISIT THE EROTIC POWER EXCHANGE DOMINION READING ROOM FOR STEAMY STORIES, SEXY POETRY, SPICY HUMOR & SCANDALOUS QUOTES

PLUS free BDSM newsletters and columns from BDSM community leaders. EPE Dominion is the generous host of my website as well as many other BDSM groups including ApeX of Albany and Rose & Thorn.

www.epedominion.com/library

QUIT YER BITCHIN - SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!

Send them to me! I LOVE letters reaming me out for my views. I'll print your comments in all their unedited glory and let the community castigate you for your inability to write a complete sentence. I also welcome thoughtful ramblings about whatever BDSM topic you fancy. Send them to BurlVTSub@aol.com

WANT TO BE OFF THE MAILING LIST?

Just let me know, and off you'll be. No hard feelings. Write to BurlVTSub@aol.com

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PUBLISHING POLICY

Articles must be BDSM related

Non Fiction only (except for poetry and humor). This is an educational forum.

We must have copyright permission to reprint articles.

We will not edit your work so please make sure it is proofread. Please note if I can use your name and e-mail address so readers can respond to you directly.

We will treat you with courtesy and respect and we expect the same. Do not expect us to run your information if you are acting like a jerk.

We only run listings for established BDSM groups that are in alignment with our values. We do not list private play parties.

If you have a concern about the newsletter, please write us about it and include suggestions for fixing the problem. Insults with no corresponding suggestions will not be responded to. For example - one reader accused the newsletter of being "CyberDomme." That may or may not be true, as many of the writers are indeed women, but it did not suggest any solutions (such as this male writer offering to write some articles.)