Being a novice in both camps despite my age I have found benefits and negatives in both. My first online experience was pretty disastrous because I was thrown in the deep end quite unprepared with someone who had a lot of knowledge but I think, little experience. I failed to understood the concepts involved until everything had gone pear shaped and by then it was too late to correct things. Preparation and fully researching the concepts I think is the key. If I was doing something hands on and practical I would have realised the necessary grounding was essential but I was new to the internet and failed to see the pit falls.

My few r/l experiences have proved far better but then I think I am more of a practical and safety conscious person. When I have been involved in r/l experiences, I did do a lot of research and preparation which proved invaluable, which allowed me to have rewarding experiences, if somewhat anxious at times. The internet I found invaluable for research and gaining the necessary information for my r/l experiences, more so than actually chatting to people on the scene who seemed more intent on letting me know just how good they were than imparting any information of value. Of course, who one meets is chance and I have seen r/l scenes and demonstrations that have left me impressed.

I think in BDSM, like in most activities, I would say don't over estimate your ability even if you have a good proven track record. There is always something new you can learn and always unforeseen events and circumstances waiting to be your undoing. I don't see a problem in cross referencing r/l with o/l, one has to remain vigilant and open minded to get the best out of both worlds.