Education... where is it these days?

[StormKat]

How can we educate others who are coming into the lifestyle, a lifestyle that may be completely alien to them, by throwing the most profound concepts at the youngsters all at once. We often leave them more confused than when they started.

I think you may be both generalizing & patronizing newcomers to this site with your statement. First, many of them are not "youngsters" at all but older adults looking for new experiences or answers to questions. Second, they are adults, who should all be capable of - and responsible for - making their own decisions. There are many confusing things in BDSM, both for the new and for those with experience. But in many cases, those things cannot be directly taught by another; seeking information, followed by a lot of introspection, may be a better approach for true understanding.

How can we be satisfied explaining simply that there is a difference between a submissive and a slave, and leave it at that?

I don't view that as a simple distinction at all - and it's a very individual definition. Everyone must determine for himself or herself where they fall within the submission/dominance spectrum. It's not something that can be imposed from outside but is a reflection of the individual's nature. It's also not a static phenomenon, changing over time, with the situation, or with one's partners.

It is time to introduce the newcomers to the basics FIRST, before we throw them into the deeper waters. We in the online community are being watched by the true Old-Schoolers out there, and as such, if we want their participation, we cannot allow ourselves to be found wanting or we will remain alone.

What do you propose are "the basics" newcomers should be taught? Who will determine what the curriculum will contain? There is no one right way within BDSM - whose opinion will be elevated to the level of fact that all newcomers must learn? Also, these "true old-schoolers" you refer to that will judge us & find us wanting - why does their opinion matter? If they do things differently, that is certainly their right. But it doesn't impose any obligation on the behavior of others who choose to learn differently.

I personally would find it confining to be told there is a single set of lessons to be learned or rules to be followed. I am an individual, an adult with my own opinions, who formed my understanding of BDSM by engaging various people & integrating different points of view into my own personal philosophy. It may not be right for everyone but it works well for me. Why shouldn't other newcomers ask questions, be presented with information & come to their own conclusions without having to follow a prescribed course of study?