quote:

ORIGINAL: OmegaG

I look at what people post as guidlines that are extended by people who have a genuine wish to protect others from harm as much as possible.

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So, sure there are going to be those that will take all the threads, compile a book
and memorize it.  But I think most will keep what resonates with them and toss out what doesn't.

quote:

ORIGINAL: BoiJen


If the idea is not to put them in over their heads then explain things to them...don't tell them this is too much for you. I know plenty of people who did blood play and cuttings and needles and breath play on their first scenes. I teach a singletail class called "5 minutes to singletails"...teach the top how to use their toys...not be afraid of them. Teach the bottom how to communicate during a scene rather than to be in utter fear because if they say something something else might go horribly wrong!

quote:

ORIGINAL: toservez
What I am the most disappointed in though is we often just love to believe all newbies are idiots and cannot possibly have common sense and are able to process multiple pieces of information for themselves. That they cannot figure out what works for them, what risks they are willing to take and how to go about minimalizing those risks.

quote:

ORIGINAL: DiurnalVampire

quote:

ORIGINAL: toservez
What I am the most disappointed in though is we often just love to believe all newbies are idiots and cannot possibly have common sense and are able to process multiple pieces of information for themselves. That they cannot figure out what works for them, what risks they are willing to take and how to go about minimalizing those risks.

I have always taken the "what every newbie should know" posts as direct responses to the tons of newbie horror stories that we see posted. Not every newbie is an idiot, but the vast majority that find their way to the forums after their first disasterous attempt asking "why me?" are the ones we see. Thos are the ones who CANNOT figure out what works for them, obviously, and who CANNOT process the informaton and keep themselves safe. You dont hear nearly as many brag stories about first expereinces that went amazingly well. People love to lament the negative, and when we see so much negative and so little positive, people assume there really is more negative and write these little helpful hints to try and lessen them.  Problem is, the vast majority of the newbies getting involved in those risky stupid things arent reading the boards anyway. If they were, there are a ton of places they can see what should and shouldnt be done to keep yourself safe, so the all in one place lists dont benefit their target audiences anyhow.

DV