quote:

ORIGINAL: KindLadyGrey

You know, it's strange. . .I'm fairly well socially networked in my local kink community. I know a lot people and they know me, or if they don't we're just one degree of separation apart and it's only a matter of time before we meet. The point being that I am not even remotely private about my kink.

But I don't do a lot of public playing at all. I've been to a few munches, I go to lots of social events with my kinky friends, and I do occasionally play a little bit at these events.

But I've never spent much time at the clubs, or been on a retreat, or gone to a convention. I've always wanted to do more of these things, they were just never a priority.

Most of my learning has been done in private with different kinky partners into different kinky stuff. I've just started seeing a boy who is into sensory deprivation. I can't wait to explore it, because it's not something in my usual repertoire. Whatever happens with said boy, I'll have learned something new from him.

Would attending a workshop on the topic be cool? Absolutely. Is it the best way for me to learn? Not really. I'm a one on one learner; that applies across the board, not just to BDSM.

But this thread really makes me want to get out and strut my stuff in public more. I've got some cute boys to show off. . . ;)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jayxkes

I owe public play alot!
My girlfriend, (later my wife), wasn't interested in BDSM at all and was cool with me playing elsewhere as long as it didn't harm 'us'.  Then along came an event I wanted to attend that was couples only and the sub I was with couldn't make it.  Kes agreed to come along so that I could go,  'as long as she didn't have to do anything'.  The event included chatting, some demos and a chnace to try things out.
To cut a long story short,  she discovered how good and fun BDSM could be and very soon after became my sub too.  13 years on and we're doing great.

I've learned an incredible amount from being at fet clubs etc.,  met some fantastic friends and we've had an immense amount of pleasure that we wouldn't have had if we'd stayed private.  As we became known, we were able to try the things that do not work for the other.  We have a good circle of friends who help us and whom we help.  In just one evening I taught someone how to use floggers from sensual up, (rather than just hard), and learned how to use a single tail.

Perhaps more importantly,  I've seen new things or techniques that I've found interesting, but which I'd never have thought about otherwise.

In fairness, it does look like we are very lucky in the quality of clubs we attend.  At least going by what has been written in other threads.

quote:

ORIGINAL: sistermargaret

Public play is all i've ever known until just recently. Being the cautious type i always felt way safer in the public arena.

i still favor that over private play for excitement and learning.