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Dom, Top, Master - 1/8/2009 4:16:02 PM

Shadowspnk

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I keep seeing the terms Dom, Top, and Master interchanged quite a bit. I would like some input as to what some of you define them as.

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RE: Dom, Top, Master - 1/8/2009 4:24:20 PM

DarkSteven

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A Top is someone who plays in a scene, flogging, spanking, tying up, etc.

A Dom is someone who is in control both in and out of scening.

A Master is a Dom who has earned significant respect in the local community.

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RE: Dom, Top, Master - 1/8/2009 4:26:33 PM

Surata

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I use the "teacher" definition of master when I call someone by that term, and I've only ever used it twice in my entire life. I use "top" to define the role of physical dominator in a certain scenario/scenarios, and "dom" to define who is the overall leader in a D/s relationship.

< Message edited by Surata -- 1/8/2009 4:27:54 PM >

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RE: Dom, Top, Master - 1/8/2009 4:27:39 PM

littlewonder

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For me they are not interchangeable and all have specific definitions and dynamics.

Top: one who likes to do the beating/tying up. There's usually no d/s involved and it's about the physical acts themselves.

Master: one who is the boss, the leader, the dominant personality in a Master/slave relationship. He makes the decisions. He takes control over all.

Dom: one who takes on the dominant role in a dom/sub relationship. This differs from an M/s in that the dom does not have complete control since the sub is still left to make her own choices in when she wishes to submit.

Like I said these are my definitions and views. Others may and will vary on theirs. I don't concern myself with theirs.

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RE: Dom, Top, Master - 1/8/2009 4:30:36 PM

LuckyAlbatross

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It's only relevant to distinguish between the terms when you're deciphering

a) play dynamics vs relationship dynamics

b) the specific meaning of those terms themselves

Otherwise, using them interchangeable is no problem at all unless people want to get snooty about it.

Also of course remember that one person can be all of those terms and more.

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RE: Dom, Top, Master - 1/8/2009 4:32:33 PM

RedMagic1

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I use "dominant" and "submissive" to refer to long-term mental orientation: who is in charge of the relationship overall. "Top" and "bottom," for me, refer to specific activities -- whose ass is getting kissed, and whose is getting paddled. I identify as dominant, because I have goals in life that no relationship will sway me from. In bed? C'mon, baby, let's have fun!

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RE: Dom, Top, Master - 1/8/2009 5:17:09 PM

IronBear

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Whilst I do use Dom/Domme when thinking of D/s dynamics I also use Dominant generically for all Dominants including Masters/Mistresses. Ergo Master/Mistress is a subset of Dominant

When I have a mentor or a Teacher I do refer to them as either Sensei (formally) or casually as Master/Mistress Yoda and occasionally as Obiwan

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RE: Dom, Top, Master - 1/8/2009 6:19:23 PM

Shadowspnk

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Thank you all for your responses. They all seem to fit the definitions I have had and used myself. I think too many don't know them. Especially all the "dominates" that have ads on here.

(in reply to IronBear)

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RE: Dom, Top, Master - 1/8/2009 11:35:17 PM

MasterFireMaam

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Top: giver of physical BDSM sensations.
Dom: controller of the relationship in a mental capacity.
Master: Leader, guide, teacher, guru of relationship that is, in my mind, spiritually designated.

None is "better" than the other.

Master Fire

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RE: Dom, Top, Master - 1/9/2009 3:37:04 PM

BitaTruble

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Shadowspnk

I keep seeing the terms Dom, Top, and Master interchanged quite a bit. I would like some input as to what some of you define them as.

How I define: Top - a co-conspirator in B/D and/or SM scenes. Dominant - One who dominates. A personality trait that may or may not reflect an alternative orientation. There are many vanillas who are dominant by nature. Master - the title (either given or self-proclaimed) of one who weilds power in a specific alternative lifestyle. Most masters are also dominant.

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RE: Dom, Top, Master - 1/9/2009 6:25:04 PM

Usako

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I see dominant and master/mistress as the same thing. Some people seem to use master to be " better" than a dominant but meh; all the things they say a master/mistress is a dominant can be too and visa versa. As for top/bottom, someone who likes to play with the BDSM but doesn't want it 24/7 or in a relationship, or doesn't want to be the top/bottom in their relationship; like, a dominant in a relationship who likes to bottom and be spanked.

< Message edited by Usako -- 1/9/2009 6:26:53 PM >

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RE: Dom, Top, Master - 1/9/2009 7:02:00 PM

mc1234

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quote:

ORIGINAL: littlewonder

For me they are not interchangeable and all have specific definitions and dynamics.

Top: one who likes to do the beating/tying up. There's usually no d/s involved and it's about the physical acts themselves.

Master: one who is the boss, the leader, the dominant personality in a Master/slave relationship. He makes the decisions. He takes control over all.

Dom: one who takes on the dominant role in a dom/sub relationship. This differs from an M/s in that the dom does not have complete control since the sub is still left to make her own choices in when she wishes to submit.

Like I said these are my definitions and views. Others may and will vary on theirs. I don't concern myself with theirs.

Ditto. Thanks, littlewonder.