Introduction
This letter was originally written for BDSM life stylers and Goreans who were seeking to take their online meetings to real life, but this information is also valuable for any who are online looking for companionship in real life. This article is not meant to contain all of the knowledge needed to be safe. This, in the security business, is called risk management. We apply the basic principles of risk management knowing full well that not all contingency plans will meet all the requirements necessary to be safe but they can cut down or eliminate some of the risk. Having a basic safety plan in many instances can mean the difference between life and death. I will try to be the devil’s advocate here and point out the gains and losses for both parties involved. Not all the information will apply to you or your country. If it seems that I am being a bit of an alarmist or overly paranoid, remember I get paid to be paranoid and while there are many wonderful people on the net there are some real predators as well. Remember, Information and Knowledge are your best allies! Do some reading and research and be sure you know all the facts and are prepared!
Part One - Be smart Online:
The Internet is NOT anonymous and you CAN be found if you’re not careful about the information you put in your profile or host on the web. This is not meant to scare you away, just a simple fact of life… just because you may not be computer literate or educated; do not assume the other person is ignorant! Your IP, unless it changes because you’re on server that rotates them every time you log on, is static and can be traced to your general neighbourhood. Which means…
There Are Things to avoid or at the very least be aware of: 1. Sending e-mail to strangers … it has your IP attached to it, even Hotmail. 2. Posting on forum boards where the owner may give your IP info to someone else. 3. Hosting Web pages that contain lots of personal information. This includes ICQ and msn profiles, etc. The more details you have up, the easier you are to find. 4. What you say in public rooms, including announcing your e-mail or personal information. You never know who is listening and some times people can come in later and get the information.
Things to do:
1. Use Online services that strip off your IP info. If you’re not sure, check the privacy statements or ask those around you who know … services like msn and collareme.com etc, are good starts. Use their internal mail and Don’t use a Name which can be found easily. I.e. you use Cindy as your nickname and have cindyhotmail, yahoo etc…especially avoid it if it is the nickname you use in real life and it’s uncommon. Unfortunately, many sites require you to list, roughly, where you live. Imagine if you live in Edmonton and go by Bina or Cat (short for Sabrina, Sabina etc). While it seems remote, odds are someone will know someone and so on and bang… you’re found ... not to mention the embarrassment you might face if a co-worker finds you or your mom etc… if your not out of the closet.
2. Use a different e-mail and message service for your dating activities. If you have to cut and run, you don’t lose your friends as well.
3. Be careful with what you host online. The www means anyone can find you if they know where to look. For example, putting a picture up on your Shaw site can be found on Google by selecting ‘search images’ and knowing your name or portion of it… Bang, they now know what you look like etc…
Part Two - Be smart about who where when and how to meet!
Be sure you have checked each other out. Police Record check ups (PRC) are cheap records of where they live … driver’s number, telephone number and place of work, make of car and plate number and state or province etc Passport numbers. If you have not developed a level of trust to share basic information, you can find mediators - trustees, lawyers and other 3rd parties with professional standing. In reality, if you have not developed some level of trust you should not meet period! Or at least meet in public with support of friends family extra in attendance such as munches and or areas where there are security and trust worthy people… Do not leave this safe zone and …
If you do decide to meet 1. Always have an escape plan. 2. Always have two big brutes who know where you are or three sisters with 911 in their speed dial… if you live alone, how long will it be before someone notices you missing??? … it’s always a good idea to have a life line, someone who can watch out for you 24/7 and will notice if you’re missing and call someone… they must know you and your family well enough to make the right calls at the right time. Have safe check in words with them and have preset check in times on a date or home visit. 3. Always have set check in times and safe words and someone who can tell on the phone when you’re compromised and will just show up unannounced and will take action without reservation. 4. Always have random check ups - in person is always better. Camera phones are our friends, in this case a picture IS worth a thousand words. 5. Always Meet In Public Places or better yet with friends. Chapters books is a good example and they usually have security near by as well. Park where you can be seen by the public and heard if in trouble! 6. Use of safe words and codes are good on the phone to indicate your status. It is even better, if you’re compromised, to have ones that don’t require long phrases or replies or that you can respond in simple yes and no’s. Your safety person should know you well enough to ask you questions, judge your replies, and know that you’re ok. Change the codes if meeting in public with similar people. Your lifeline also needs to be 100% reliable. 7. Do not deviate from the plan or decide to move to private surroundings.
There is a ton of info on the net about this part, so do some reading!
Part Three - The next step - Home visits and weekends:
Yeah, you have heard it a hundred times - practice safe positive sex… that means getting tested for STD … it’s your life in your hands and people do some really dumb things … most places offer free testing and birth control methods 3 months is the general safe window and there is no such thing as 100 percent safe. If you test clean for three months you’re in the clear but that does not save you from future exposure! There are many other concerns including a clean bill of health from a doctor… is your loved one on meds, do they have drinking issues etc. No one’s perfect but, again, limit your risk where possible!
1. That lifeline of yours…friend is the key…make sure they know where you are and check in often. 2. Pack extra condoms and other necessary supplies… read the latest information on safe sex on several web sites and be sure to follow their advice, even if you’re not planning for sex. “Be Prepared”! 3. Make sure you have good communication with your partner and that expectations and intentions have been communicated clearly and concisely. In advance, this means talking and being heard as well as listening. The topics of sex, birth control and unplanned pregnancy should be discussed well in advance of any planned activities, even if it is just dinner at home. Be clear about that and what other boundaries or limits may be in effect. 4. No means No and if things do not stop, get out … even if it’s your own home. 911 is your best friend! Lock your self in the car and hit speed dial … make sure you know your neighbours. They can be of help in emergencies.
Do not fall for !!! I am clean … I don’t use protection…I’m allergic… it’s not needed etc … I have to have it…you’re a tease…you owe me…it’s expected after…dates… Don’t do it to keep them in your life or for fear of losing them… Don’t go to events or parties without knowing the hosts or the guest!!! Don’t drink or take any drugs … fastest way to be compromised … Don’t pose for web cameras or allow your self to be photographed … you’d be amazed how many spiteful people are out there or who hide the dam things in the room… Watch out for the Honeymoon period - the time where they seem perfect in every way…do all the right things…say all the right words… etc. This list could go on for pages.
Again there are many good resources on the web, follow them…
This next section is more for alternative life styles but some parts may be of interest to others as well …
Part Four - BDSM and other alternative Life styles advice:
You get what you pay for and what you choose… take a minute to look at ads on collareme.com The term Master here or Dom, may like wise refer to feminine forms… and of course these ideas apply towards slaves as well.
You will note several important features are miss from most ads, which any sub with 2 cents and 1/4 of a brain would look for in a home, or Master, should they be considering 24/7 or even just a weekend fling. Now, bear in mind I have been doing security for almost 20 years with a group of roughnecks, and basically it’s like this: what guarantee has been made for your safe return to and from… and who has control to make sure that the agreements are held to. In many many many cases not even this basic consideration is given and what promises are made are held in control of the Dom… or there friends and not a professional or agree upon 3rd party.
Follow the above advice in parts One Two and Three plus:
For god’s sake, any Master who does not put up a performance bond and let you have 24/7 call out or internet access to your life line is bad bad bad bad news - drop em like the trash they are and run!
This also applies to any who expect instant 24/7 obedience and compliance… if they order you to reveal your codes and expose confidences from others or remove your outside support mechanism, look out… this is not to say that a certain amount of trust and compliance is expected … Caveat Emptor (let the buyer beware) Simply beware! And drop them.
If you are looking for bad Bart who will treat you like a doormat and abuse the hell out of you they are easy to find. If you’re looking for more than that, then develop the skills to screen your applicants. Be sure you know what you want and do not want and be clear about it. Spend the time and money to be sure you are getting what you want.
What is the cost of professional services? Well, out side of a few dollars from your supposed Master - you remember, the one that swears he does not live with mom and makes 35k a year - not all that much, especially if they are keeping you at home. It is not unreasonable that they provide, not only proof of their ability to support you but also provide a security net in case things go wrong. Arranging professional services is cheap, easy and secure, including performance bond, live in contract and assurity funds in trust, as well as insurances of long term planning. Arranged marriages cost anywhere from 15K up and often include travel to other countries and the wedding also offers some legal avenues of recourse. Hopping on a greyhound bus and moving to no-where-ville is just a bad idea.
Cost of travel - Out side of the obvious expense of gas and food, is the cost of a return ticket. One that can be left some where in case of emergency… don’t cash it in no matter what. Now, if you have a mom/dad who is open 24/7 or welfare with $400 monthly rent and damage deposit, you’re set. If not, you better be banking enough for at least 2 to 4 months living expenses ... in other words have a way to get out and be safe. Travel insurance can protect you from unforeseen medical expenses. There are lots of options including returning home if you are in a foreign country. The benefit to both parties is that for a few dollars no one is trapped or obligated. You both can get out at anytime. Trust accounts and contracts can be set up for very little expense and offer peace of mind.
Things to think about: 1. Medical expenses and Insurance (travel insurance is cheap for the first year)… 2. Long term cost of not being employed, job skills, RRSP and pension amounts, credit rating… 3. Maintenance of cost of living, auto, phone, credit debts, hobbies… 4. Cost to resettle if you have to leave… 5. Check up from outside to ensure you’re safe and sound… 6. What happens if Master cannot work or dies suddenly… 7. How well have you looked into your Master’s/slave’s life… 8. Have you limited your financial risk and obligations… 9. Have you discussed or settled issues about children … 10. Have you clearly defined hard and soft limits… 11. Have you discussed issues about public image and public conduct…
***Words of caution***
Not legal advice but things to watch and think about. While it is easy to rip each other off in these matters, it’s a cheap alternative to other options when it comes to some basic expenses up front.
* Live in /work and slave contracts are a tricky proposition because, depending on your state, several liabilities may come into play: 1- Are you considered legally married 2- Are you legally bound to provide housing wages or benefits 3- Do you have some record of proof if you end up in court over bruises or what might otherwise be seen by the vanilla world as abuse or punishment 4- Will any of it have any weight in the eyes of the law or in public opinion 5- Can you afford the public perception of your life style…are you at risk of being blackmailed etc… 6- Do you keep old records of expenses and cost involved and who pays what where and when … who pays when and where often determines dependence, co-dependence and or partnerships … which has a huge impact in law.
*FME (family maintained and enforcement) and court orders can either ruin people’s lives or save them. In reality it is best not to rely upon strangers making decisions on your behalf. Plan ahead. *Cost of legal advice… varies but many places offer cheap consultation and articling. There are also several online sites with good information and help columns. Legal aid and support are abundant in most countries. *Cost of insurance… less then $200 a year for travel. Medical varies state to state and can be very expensive. *Cost of professional Investigation - that depends on your Master/slave. If they produce PRC, passport and driver’s license, 3 references - 2 of which are family, one of which is work, it will take like 1.5 hours to investigate them and no more than 3 hours, which comes to about $60. *Cost of phone check up and e-mails and online video cameras - about $200.00 a year.
The real question is - what’s your life worth???
If it sounds too good to be true, or your Dom just loves you so much…as they say in the movies - Show me the money … heck even the Goreans have gotten a bit wiser with registered slave numbers... something else to think about.
Part 5 Children
In reply to your question:
Do not meet at your home ever... especially where kids are involved however I understand eventually you may want to bring Mr. right home for dating or play purposes this is again where some common sense falls in place such as a history check up PRC and such I Know the US is getting much better about these issues working with youth and such and I suggest you use what ever mechanism are availed to you to check up on a persons background. It will not be 100 percent but at least you have taken what precautions were reasonable and available to you.
Here are some tips to think about:
Most assaults to children sexual or physical are done by people they know and or Trust!
Limit the authority others have on them "Just Say No!"
Limit the access others have to them
Limit the risk and exposures
1> Most assaults to children sexual or physical are done by people they know and or Trust!
Is your child street proofed there are many programs out there to help you for almost any age. These programs deal with drugs and alcohol violence and sex and are aimed for different ages.
Just because you choose to live a life style do not exposes your children to its risk they look to you as a role model and for security and safety as a parent it is your job to provide them with such. Make every effort to talk to them and explain what is going on and allow them to be safe and secure in their environment. They may be in danger from family and friends as well people in their inner circle that can betray and harm them. Talk about issues of personal safety including religious beliefs and personal self esteem and trust. Most predators use manipulation like guilt, trust, religion, scare tactics, bribery, coercion and peer pressure all aspect of trust and confidence games…
2> Limit the authority others have on them "Just Say No!"
Do your children know and understand the boundaries of what others authority is on them … School, caregivers, Family friends, what to do when alone what to do in a crowd
Logical and natural consequences of doing what is asked of them
What is the logical consequence of not doing your home work?
What are the natural consequences?
When is it alright to not follow others orders and request if so when and how …
Does your child know when to say no and make sure no is the final answer.
Does your child know you will love them no matter what they do wrong or right and that you trust and support them no matter what?
3> Limit the access others have to them
Have you limited the contact Mr. Right may have with your child?
Children are most at risk because they are often left to their own defences and others care for long and short periods of time which exposes them to a huge host of problems. Many of the assaults and abuses occur at home in private and often with family and friends who could have helped near by. This should be alarming and I hope you realize just how easy it is for other to abuses your children. With that being said do all you can to protect them from others!
a> Does your Child have a safety lock on personal door to room access to phone to call for help (locked doors with keys on room also works cell phones are our friend)
b> Is your child depend on Mr Right for rides shelter food attention
c> Do you use safe words when some one strange picks them up or gives them instructions when your not their (this is where cell phones are so great … 24/7 communication)
d> Is Mr Right left in charge of your children with out supervision? Does he have experience?
e>Does your child have a safe alternative home to go to?
f> does your child have some one they can rely upon 24/7 for care and love?
4> Limit the risk and exposures
Children quick respond to their environment when it changes and may have limited expressive language “sad glad mad happy” syndrome you need to speak to them and coax out what is going on in side them. They will often tell you what they think if they feel it is safe to do so… be careful in the communications you send them if they feel they have no say or must agree to make you happy you’re not likely to get an honest answer. Like wise they are more likely to misbehave or act differently then to out right tell you what the problem is. If they are not safe they will shut down or seek safety if possible else where. Know your children and beware of any changes… ask them what they think of MR RIGHT…and make sure they know what options are open to them.
It is often believed that it is only daughters which are at risk this is plainly false every child suffers these risks.
DATERS DILEMMA: One of the biggest issues to face is when where and how to tell MR Right you have two beautiful blond 8 year old twins girls… who really need a daddy… because one your advertising it out right may surly attract the wrong type of person and not disclosing the fact cuts your credibility latter or waste a lot of time if the other is not interested in having kids in the relationship or moving on to some one with less personal baggage…. Thus the dilemma …
Again I can only stress that it is your job to protect your children and it is my humble Opinion that your kids should not be part of your dating scheme in any way … If they are truly Mr Right or Ms. Right then the rest can be worked out once a real foundation of a relationship is formed with you first and them second.
While I have used Mr right in this document it applies to anyone being brought in to the home including other children young and old grandparents extra girlfriends extra extra…
Again this document is just the tip of the ice burg do some reading and research and play safe.
Final thoughts:
One of the advantages to online is that it offers an endless amount of cheap, low or no cost chatting. Take the time to really get to know each other. If they or you are in a rush, I have to be suspect of the real intention. Despite the belief all slaves and all Masters are not the same, a goodness of fit makes for a happier union … I wish you well in your search for happiness.
Colt Security Services... you know, the ones your parents hire when you have been missing for 2 years and presumed dead ... guess what, they’re usually right.
Revised 2005/June |