Written Etiquette

In his most recent journal entry, My slave 457 was concerned about the etiquette that we use in this bdsm world we've created.  he was unhappy about the way that personal pronouns are capitalised (or not) in order to signify status, and how clumsy some constructions look when on the printed page, and indeed, when trying to fit them in sentences.  he had tried other ways of indicating respect, but English does not really have the grammatical structure for that any more.

I remember being taught as a child that God is always spelt with a capital "G" because it demonstrates respect.  I also remember learning that the ultimate in respect was not to write God fully, but to write G-d, essentially the English form of YHWH, for much the same reason.  Similarly, "Him" and "His" was used to denote things that the Supreme Being (yes, I'm having fun, now) had or did, and so on.

So I think that there is a precedent for the use of majuscules when writing the first letter of pronouns, and I think it is a convention that should be followed, in much the same way that I think that a slave should demonstrate his humility by avoiding capitalising the personal pronoun.  These actions very much become acts of affirmation, because they are done consciously.

When a slave writes his Master's name with a capital "M", the word takes on a very distinct meaning, personal to the relationship that exists between that slave and his master.  

Not all masters agree.  Jack Rinella, for example, is one. 

Where I think that it is unnecessary is when the writing becomes lopsided, eg writing "W/we" or "U/us".  I find such syntax ungainly because it interferes with the fluidity of the sentence, and instead of the eye recognising the whole pattern of each word, it is just irritated instead.   In this, as in most things, I think that one should be pragmatic.  I think that Masters should use the capitalisation with flair, and slaves capitalise references to their Masters where appropriate; they should also eschew the use of the capital "i" in recognition of their status.

In the early stages of obedience training I usually require slaves to go without underwear,  mainly to emphasise the difference between free men who can dress as they please, and slaves - who can't.  I find that trainee slaves' minds are concentrated on their status by the feel of sometimes rough cloth next to their more sensitive parts, especially if erections and precum or that last drop at the urinal are brought into the equation.  The dynamic is the same: being different to everyone else demonstrates that you, the slave, have surrendered control and are therefore not quite the same as those free people.

So that is why I prefer to use the convention.  Just as I prefer My slave to do so, too.

Just for the record, these days I deliberately write the deity as plain and simple "god, for much the same reasons.

The Path is Open, But Not Clear

I have been considering making this an open blog for some time now, and so have finally done so.  I am pleased to see that I have been getting some new readers, so to ye, welcome.

457 locked in chastity today

In keeping with the journey theme, I have used the analogy of the path as the title to this blog.  Anyone who has walked barefooted across stony ground will know how gingerly sometimes one must walk, and how painfully the odd pebble catches the sole.  The similarity to My journey is of course intentional, but a path is a path, and one must travel it no matter how tired nor painful it might be.

At the moment I am lucky to have found a helper along that path, My slave 457 whom I am going to collar this weekend.  You will be able to glimpse the times when he walks slightly behind and to the right of Me on this path.

Google Latitude

I have been using Google Latitude to keep an eye on My boi 457's movements.  I think it is a very important part of the control of a boi that the Master is able to see what His boi is doing, and because I lack an iPhone at the moment, I have been keeping track of 457 using My computer.

he was unable to keep to the daily scheduled evening reporting times over the last two nights due to prior commitments, and so he suggested using the tracker.  I have enjoyed it very much, and must say that it is very satisfying to watch his movements around the university city.

I first came across the concept of tracking in subdiscourse's blog, and am very glad to see how effective a tool it is.

his formal collaring and start of the Training Contract is now in seven days time.

457 in chastity

For some time now, I have been chatting to a slave in the South East.  Matters have progressed to a point where this boi is under consideration and is due to visit in the very near future.  he is currently locked up and will remain so until he arrives, when he might cum.

he is doing very well, and I am currently the focus of the moments of his waking and his sleeping, which is as it should be.  he is demonstrating obedience to My will, and has started his journal - which he is using exactly as I intended it to work.

I am very happy with My boi 457, and I am looking forward to his stay.

457

457 and I have been chatting since last year, and although we'd planned to meet, things got in the way.  Since then, the communications have been revived, and there has been a meeting of minds.  he has agreed to visit over  27 March for a few days, and has essentially accepted a training contract, to be formalised when he visits.  he has been incorporating elements of control into his daily life, and is now reporting every morning and is locked in chastity.  he is a student at a university, and is older at almost 30 - which I am beginning to think is a good age for a slave, mainly due to the life experience and desire to realise dreams.

Rules for living have been agreed, and so the daily practice of voluntary servitude is being incorporated into this boi's life.  I have decided to mark his Contract with a PA.  

So far, this boi and I seem to have much in common.

Second Time Around

How long did the boi I gave a second chance to last?  One day.  Goodbye for good, 598.

Master Jonathan's Rules for slave 598

Master Jonathan’s Rules for slave 968-596-598

1. Application:

1.1 The purpose of this document is to set out the rules the slave must follow in order to remain in voluntary servitude to the Master.

1.2 These Rules apply whether or not the slave is in the physical presence of the Master.

1.3 These Rules are binding on both Master and slave.

1.4 Definitions:

1.              “Master” in the text below refers to Master Jonathan, or any other person nominated by him.

2.              “Master’s Home” refers to any place resided in by the Master, which shall include the Master’s permanent home, any temporary accommodation, or the home of the slave when the Master visits.

3.              “slave” refers to matt, slave 968-596-598.

4.              “Marking” refers to any tattoo, piercing or other modification that the Master causes to be made on the slave to symbolise his ownership.

5.              “Correction” is guidance for the slave or any action taken by the Master to prevent a slave transgressing these Rules.  Such action could be mild corporal punishment.

6.              “Punishment” is the action the Master takes when correction is not substantial enough.  Punishment may take the form of the infliction of corporal punishment, and/or the withdrawal of privileges.

2. General:

2.1 The slave matt shall be known by the abbreviation 598 from this point on.  The slave’s name and number will be used interchangeably by his Master. 

2.2 The slave’s primary focus is to please his Master at all times.  The slave will live his life according to the following precepts while he is in voluntary servitude to the Master:

·           Obedience

·           Trust

·           Loyalty

·           Honesty

·           Openness

·           Humility

2.3 The slave will live in accordance with the wishes and desires of his Master, who has the best interests of the slave at heart.

2.4 The slave will set a good example for other slaves and submissives at all times, and never bring the reputation of his Master into disrepute by any action or inaction.

2.4 The slave will be obedient to the will of his Master at all times.

2.5 The slave will serve a probationary period of three months during which time he will serve his Master in person for a minimum of three weekends.

2.6 The slave will be marked once he enters into a Contract of Ownership with the Master.

2.7 The slave will be circumcised at the discretion of his Master.

3.0 Dress:

3.1 The slave’s dress is entirely at his Master’s discretion.  The slave, when in the vanilla world, will dress appropriately.

3.2 The slave’s head will be shaved and kept to a Number One crop, and his genital area will be kept free of hair at all times.  The head-shaving rule may be relaxed to allow the slave to feel more comfortable at work, but this is a privilege - which can be withdrawn at any time.  The slave will keep his hair short.

3.3 When at his own home, the slave will wear a uniform which will be decided for him by his Master.  The slave will change from his vanilla dress to his slave dress immediately on arriving home.

3.4 When at his Master’s home, the slave will be naked and collared, or dressed at his Master’s discretion if nudity is impracticable.

3.5 When not at work nor at his Master’s home, the slave will dress in a manner appropriate to his activity but will do so in as plain a fashion as possible.

3.6 Underwear will not be worn at any time without the express written permission of his Master.

3.7 A chastity device and/or a butt plug will be worn at his Master’s instruction.

3.8 The slave will wear a visible symbol of his status.  This could be an eternity collar when permanently owned, or more discreetly, an ID tag, or a tag of ownership worn around his neck.

3.8 The slave’s uniform is listed in Annex I of these Rules.

4.0 Protocols:

4.1 The degrees of protocol differ, appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

4.2 High Protocol applies when the slave is in the presence of other Masters and a degree of strict formality is required.

4.3 Normal Protocol applies when the slave is in his Master’s presence in a bdsm setting.

4.4 Low Protocol applies is when the slave is his Master’s presence in the vanilla world.

4.5 Protocols are defined in Annex II of these Rules.

5.0 Daily Life:

5.1 When away from his Master:

1.              The slave will make contact once a day, usually when awake.  This contact will be by text message.

2.              The slave will keep a daily diary on his blog, so that his Master knows what the slave is doing at all times.

3.              The slave will be available to chat at any time, either by phone or by arrangement online.  The slave will be ready online at 2200 every weeknight unless excused by his Master beforehand.

4.              The slave will have a working webcam, and will, for the purposes of the online discussion with his Master, be considered to be in the presence of his Master, and be naked and collared.

5.              The slave will complete whatever tasks his Master sets, and will do so happily and willingly.

5.2 When in the Master’s home:

1.              The slave will be dressed appropriately.

2.              The slave will not use the toilet without permission.

3.              The slave will not use any item of furniture without permission.

4.              The slave will sleep when and where directed, usually at the foot of his Master’s bed.

5.              The slave will eat from a bowl, on the floor, after he has served his Master.

6.              The slave will rise before the Master, and will present his Master with freshly-brewed coffee, on his knees.

7.              The slave will do all tasks as directed by his Master.

8.              The slave will be used for the sexual gratification of his Master or any guest or resident.

9.              The slave will cook, clean, care for and make his Master comfortable.

10.          The slave will spend time in reflection and education at the discretion of, and as directed by his Master.

11.          The slave will accept his Master’s judgment in all matters, and be guided and directed by him.

12.          The slave will perform all tasks willingly and accept all punishments and corrections willingly and in the right spirit and be grateful for the attention of his Master.

5.3 Additionally, at all other times:

1.              The slave surrenders himself totally to his Master; he is not permitted to serve any other Master(s) or any other person without the express written permission of his Master.

2.              The slave is bound to obey every decision of his Master.

3.              The slave will not close the toilet door when he uses the toilet, except when using a public lavatory.

4.              The slave will not use the toilet seat; he will always  sit down and he will always use the toilet bowl, except when using a public lavatory.

5.              The slave will keep himself clean and hygienic at all times.

6.              The slave is in training for a Total Power Exchange relationship, and as such will :

·      Initially provide a full account of his financial situation which is to include assets, salary, savings and debts (including credit card) for his Master’s information;

·      Make up and work to an agreed budget and provide his Master an accounting of his monthly expenditure every month;

·      The slave will, once fully and permanently owned, surrender control of all financial matters to his Master who will keep these in trust for the slave;

·      Set up a savings plan to provide for any change in future status, eg termination of service.

7.              The slave will use his salary for his daily living expenses, and he will seek the permission of his Master to buy any item extraneous to his daily living of any description.

8.              The slave will continue in his current employment, and it is desirous that he remains employed for the foreseeable future, whether full or part time.  It is the desire of his Master that the slave remains and develops in the vanilla world, subject to the wishes of his Master.

9.              The slave will relocate at the discretion of his Master.

10.          The slave will not orgasm without the express consent of his Master.

11.          The slave will not waste his cum; he will eat it together with his Master’s cum and/or piss.

12.          The slave is not permitted to touch his genitals, arse, nipples except for the purpose of cleaning and/or shaving, except as directed by his Master.

13.          The slave will be kept in bondage and be used safely, sensibly and rationally in bdsm scenarios by his Master.

14.          The slave will not be subject to, nor take part in any illegal activity.

15.          The slave willingly agrees to being owned by his Master.

6.0 Responsibilities of the Master:

6.1 The Master will care for, protect, guide, teach and train the slave.

6.2 The Master will provide the structure for the slave to live as a slave, in voluntary servitude.

6.3 The Master will set aside time for the slave to discuss his progress, and to air any difficulties or problems or grievances that the slave might have.

6.4 The Master will manage the life and assets of the slave in trust for him.  The assets and property of the slave remain his; the Master will keep these in trust and exercise control over them in discussion and agreement with the slave.  It is not the intention of the Master to take or possess any of the slave’s property at any time during the Ownership Period.  It is important for the slave that he surrenders control to the Master, but the Master agrees not to abuse that control.

6.5 The Master can terminate the servitude of the slave at any time.

6.6 The Master accepts the service of the slave, and has the right to own and/use more than one slave/submissive at any time.

6.7 The Master is agreeable to discussion, but his decision is always final.

6.8 The Master has the right to change these Rules at any time, subject to discussion and agreement of the slave.

7.0 Discipline:

7.1 Only the Master has the right to discipline the slave.

7.2 The Master will be just and fair, according to these Rules.

7.3 The slave will accept the corrections and/or punishment willingly in the knowledge that the Master is right, and that the slave has done wrong, according to these Rules.

7.4 Punishment and/or correction, once applied, “wipes the slate clean”.

7.5 Punishment and/or correction will be applied as promptly as practicable, or will be applied at a predetermined date and time, set by the Master.

7.6 Punishment/correction will be appropriate to the infraction.