*reads..pondering* ID & i met online at a personal site for people seeking bdsm partners. we chatted on yahoo for a while..progressed to phone calls...and since both of us were unattached at the time, we were able to connect in person. and at that time, we decided to remain together. i, personally, started out with my bdsm journey online, although i wasn't an online collared submissive..simply because i wanted..needed more. i did, however, learn a lot, which i feel prepared me for my real life relationship. online vs. real time? whatever floats anyone's boat. i think none of us should judge..either way. what works for some..doesn't for others. and vice versa. i think a submissive heart is just that. online or rt. the nuances are different, most assuredly...real life offers its own situations and problems that differ from the online issues and dilemmas. not that one is better or worse than the other....different never meant wrong.

having said that..i'd like to say this...do what you are gonna do. if anyone thinks your online submission is bullshit...why...do you care? your private life has no bearing on anyone elses life. the opinions of others can be heeded or tossed away depending on the validity of them TO YOU. i think..."think i said"..that a lot of us come to these boards seeking information, ideas, support, guidance, a connection to others with similar interests, problem shooting etc. for friendship..real or online only. i have, however, seen a lot of judging going on. judging is fine....we all have to judge what is valid for ourselves...but *pardon me here* for a bunch of alternative lifestylers to judge each others kinks, preferences, likes and dislikes is just wrong. on ten different levels..its wrong. 'live and let live' *shrugs* if someone asks for help, advice or guidance, as the topic of this thread has...the person making the request certainly has the prerogative of discarding any advice that does not suit their needs.

opinions are like assholes. we all got 'em. and for the record..they all stink LOL

so to sum up my ramblings...Talia...online submissives vs real life submissives...same game..different venue.