Initially my education in BDSM came from real life people who were involved in the local scene where I live. I had been interested in BDSM for a long time and a mutual friend of my wife and I had gotten involved with this particular group of people. We were both BDSM virgins at the time and unfortunately we were given a lot of eroneous information and "instruction" by people we were a little in awe of at the time. One thing led to another and we withdrew from the scene, very disillusioned and my wife basically swore off the whole BDSM thing. Whilst I was disillusioned I knew I needed it in my life.

This led to much angst and several times we came close to divorcing. Eventually I found this place (The Library) and have found it to be one of the premier forums on the net for learning about the lifestyle. In fact I have learnt more here than I ever expected to. I have made mistakes along the way as many of you can attest to but as I am fond of saying "my friends know me and like me anyway." And that in itself has been a big learning curve.

The BDSM lifestyle is very much a journey of self discovery no matter if you are a Dom or a sub and education is a big part of that. I think patience and persistence along that journey in relation to education is vital if you are to reach your true potential. The education process is as much a practical exercise as it is a book or internet exercise and there is no substitute for experience. Finding someone who is willing to let you learn of course is the key in that respect.

I have been blessed to have lily as my girl and she has taught me so much, she has the patience of a saint and the persistence of a terrier.

The bottom line for me is knowledge is power. I see education in whatever form for whatever reason as vital to achieving the freedom and expertise required to better fulfill our chosen role in the lifestyle.