I just don't like the idea of any kind of beating for punishment, but then, I'm not crazy about pain. It just seems like it can get out of hand too easily. Because of that, I'd have to say that if a Dom/me was planning to use any kind of spanking as a punishment, I'd prefer to see it done by hand, because that way, he/she feels it, too.

Personally, if I'm getting spanked, I'd rather it be by hand. I'll tolerate the belt, but not as much as I can the hand. By hand is far more likely to get me excited.