I haven't read every post in this thread but I don't have to do that to see the good this is capable of performing. When I first became a Dom (in 1984) there was no Internet and it was all very underground. The people in this lifestyle were almost all very genuine, and the essence of dominance was about protection, management and responsible decision making. It wasn't about trying to fool someone into bed, or about trying it out for the hell of it until you got bored. The Internet has revolutionised this lifestyle but one outcome has been that the proportion of genuine people involved (especially males) has dropped remarkably. I've been visiting this site for a long time on and off but only registered today. This site appears so far to be a sanctuary for those who want to be in this lifestyle for the best and most meaningful reasons. The fact that this particular thread is needed is regrettable but a well established fact of life these days. The fact that this thread is so well attended and thoughtful is a tribute to those participating.