As a lot of basic BDSM activities seem to be impossible in an online relationship -- namely all those, including sex, that involve some kind of physical contact or presence -- I would be interested to know what exactly an online relationship involves.

I have a very vague concept of subs being made to do things and provide proof of actual completion, but how do you take a picture of yourself being slutty in a shopping mall? How can you prove that you have not had a forbidden orgasm? Even webcams can't make anything 100% sure.

Another question is: are online relationships substitutes for (or first steps towards) RL relationships? Or do they constitute a special 'category' of BDSM relationships in its own right?

Thanks for any reply.

Cheers