In my opinion anyone involved online should behave as closely as possible to the way they would behave were it face-to-face. Certainly the emotional and mental aspects of our lifestyle apply equally in either case, therefore the responsibilities of an online Dom are more-or-less exactly the same as in any other type of relationship.

So of course I agree with the type of responsibilities that Austerius mentioned. I'll add my own list of Dom's responsibilities, which hopefully are reasonably complete, but I am always looking to learn what else I should be doing. I compiled this list after studying what others have to say so cannot take credit for originality! I'm sure you'll be able to find a similar list elsewhere, and it is always advisable to obtain additional opinions. This is a brief-ish summary (I'm not attempting to write a how-to!!!):

- Set an example by being polite and respectful to others, and ensuring the sub is taught to do the same.
- Demonstrating discipline by remaining controlled and in control of situations, e.g. never being drunk or drugged in a scene. If you get even slightly angry stop any scene immediately and go cool off. (Although I think it is acceptable to show empathic emotion when your partner is upset, for example).
- Be as honest as possible, including admitting ignorance and/or failure - as you expect the same from your sub anything less than this is hypocritical. (I added a note "except don't tell a sub that she is ugly"!).
- Take and show responsibility for your own actions - look to correct mistakes and improve instead of making excuses, for example.
- Teach that respect need to be earnt and never expected, and that a sub is equally entitled to respect (although some who crave extreme humiliation may prefer to be spat on rather than respected I would still say this applies).
- As a Dom you should take responsibility for satisfying the needs, desires, and wants of both of you, which means you must learn your sub's feelings. Also to ensure that no limits are breached. (I have a note to myself not to make it evident if/when doing something for a sub rather than for me!).
- Make sure that the gift of submission is freely and willingly given and can be freely withdrawn. (Although having read a discussion (maybe on this site) about the ethics applicable when a D/s relationship splits, I would opine that for example if an online Dom is paying for their sub's internet connection it would be ethical to terminate that funding if the sub withdrew submission).
- During and after a scene the Dom takes responsibility for the wellbeing (physical and emotional) of a sub. This includes making sure everyone knows the safeword(s) and/or equivalents, and praise/comfort afterwards.
- Ensure that the sub understands the important bdsm lifestyle concepts, including all aspects of the SSC mantra; what constitutes abuse; what a submissive's rights are; etc.
- Encourage the sub to investigate other sources of bdsm information, including opinions which may differ from yours, and especially where your knowledge is lacking.

Finally, as many subs go online to learn or try to experience what they may want to happen in real life, I make it my responsibility (if necessary) to train/teach/advise on things like how to find a matching bdsm partner; safety when meeting someone; what to expect/anticipate that I could not do online; etc.

And as I have only recently started training an online sub myself, this thread has been useful in making me remember what my responsibilities are/will be. Thank you.

Lots of luv VV.