I have a post brewing about this, but I thought I would stall on finishing it first ask you, trusted readers, to give me your opinion.
There are communities in Second Life dedicated to female domination. I would like to hear from you what your overall view of it is (in the broadest possible strokes!).
Hot: It’s great (for whatever reason)
Not: It’s stupid (for whatever reason)
WTF?: I have no idea what you are asking me…
BDSM in Second Life – Hot, Not or WTF?
[Survey closed]
As always, I would love to hear what you think, so comment away if you want to add some explanation of why you think the way you do.
21 comments
Fern,
I voted no, not because i have anything intrinsically against virtual communities and if it were to actually lead some people to move from virtual to real life then maybe it could be a good thing. However, to me it is no different from a comic, fun to read (or play in the case of virtual worlds), maybe inspirational but nothing like the real thing. Or maybe i'm just being cranky?
p
x
p: “Or maybe i'm just being cranky?”
No, not at all (are you cranky?!). I am going to keep my opinion to myself while the poll is going on, but I do appreciate you explaining your thoughts.
Ferns
Ferns,
No, not normally cranky, well not unless tickled!
p
x
Ms Ferns,
I voted “not,” because physical presence changes everything. However, I'm sure it's better than nothing.
Respectfully,
Étienne
I had to think about this one a bit as I am of two minds on the subject. On the one hand, the online BDSM community provided me an introduction to the Lifestyle. I learned about concepts and made at least one friend who I still communicate with in real life.
At the same time, It also can produce powerful emotions that, while real, are not based on reality. I don't think that online BDSM really “counts” as real experience. It is more of a shadow of the real thing.
I would like to have seen a forth choice such as “Sort of, it has limited value”, I ultiumately voted no.
By the way. I AM being cranky this morning.
my vote: WTF, because I honestly don't know what you're getting at.
I mean, there's communities on everything everywhere on the web. I bet there are femdom-groups in world of warcraft, aion, even counterstrike. so … um … doesn't come as a surprise and doesn't really touch me or anything. I'd rather go out and meet like-minded people in real life than talk to someone's alter ego in second life.
I agree with Slapshot that it would have limited value. But my vote was 'WTF?' because, you know. I'm not into SL on any level.
– Disco
Voted WTF because SL hurts my head. I love the idea. I dig the sandbox aspects of it and its ties to SciFi.
I hate their execution. Maybe it's better now, but when I attempted playing (twice! With friends!) I couldn't get into it and it tried to eat my computer with its crap stability.
Online communities have a way of bringing groups of people together who would otherwise possibly never meet, and allow them to take things from there as far as they would muteually wish.
The Femdom scene in SL, In my experience, Is just that. A great place to meet people and learn in a safe, fun environment.
Taken for what it is, Fun, It is great to be involved in, but as all virtual worlds, It has it's limitations.
I voted Hot, because I have enjoyed being a part of it, And intend to continue to do so.
Thanks for the comments so far… I am enjoying hearing some of the reasons, but am not planning to respond to them individually.
I'm hoping more folks will vote so we get some bigger numbers… For the shy people, no need to comment, just quietly click an option…
Ferns
“For the shy people, no need to comment, just quietly click an option…”
Hey, if you're going to start giving advice to us shy people then at least be comprehensive! What if we get confused about the question? What if our answer is different to other peoples' and we look conspicuous? Can we start off with Fourth or Fifth Life and then work our way up to Second?
Really, this is going to be much easier if you come around to all our homes, show us how to do it properly and then leave detailed instructions for what we should do with the rest of our day/week/year/lives.
Anonymous: “What if we get confused about the question? What if our answer is different to other peoples' and we look conspicuous? Can we start off with Fourth or Fifth Life and then work our way up to Second?”
laugh* I keep telling you, dear funny Anonymous, that I can't act on my crush until you un-anonymise yourself… So, spill all, and then I will be happy to come to your house, hide in the closet, with torture devices and evil intent and…ummm… help you with the survey… yeah, that's it… the survey…
We can then discuss what you get to do for the rest of your life. I'll be kind, promise.
Ferns
I voted for the idea.
I think people should take responsibility for the the direction of their lives. That being said, sometimes a taste is just what is needed to send someone in a new direction.
I can only say if I ran across something new and intriguing, I would be researching the hell out of it immediately.
As far as what a Domme's personality should or shouldn't reflect, that is unique to each person.
I can be VERY aggressive depending on the circumstances, but for the most part I am fairly easygoing. I am usually considered submissive by people who don't know me. Until my temper is aroused…then people tend to move quickly in the other direction.
By the way, Congratulations on your award. I found your site through Male Submission Art. Beautiful picture of your boy in ropes.
@Sassy
“That being said, sometimes a taste is just what is needed to send someone in a new direction.”
That is what happened in my case. I was a submissive for someone I met online. Up until then, I had never even considered D/s. Although I have not carried it over into real life yet, it has become a definite point of interest and something I will try when I am ready.
This is fun, I really love hearing from you! Thanks everyone.
Sassy: “I found your site through Male Submission Art. Beautiful picture of your boy in ropes.”
Thank you for giving me an excuse to go looking at it again and linking to it again and then looking at it again and etc… *swoon*
Ferns
I voted hot although it's not the best description of how I feel about it. I just think the more avenues one has the opportunity to use to explore the better. I myself am not a techy person, No facebook, no myspace, Not even an IM set up, hence the anonymous status here but hey someone who can't quite put to words but is good at the second life or gaming might find thier way, answers or simply just some harmless fun there.
I only voted WTF since I tried to down load SL and for some reason it would not work on my lap top (it needs a flying lesson out of my window). So cant really comment on what goes on in there prefer having personal contact I suppose but on the other hand it could give contact between Mistress's/Masters,subs and slaves.
ID
I too hit the WTF, as I've never been on SL. While on-line communities have their benefits, I just find them very limiting. But then I'm a tactile person, so when I can't see or touch it just doesn't do much for me.
Has your Opinion of SL Changed ?