Working on a new class

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LadyPact -> Working on a new class (2/1/2011 2:47:25 PM)
I'm hoping the title is at least somewhat self explanatory. I'm currently working on a new class that is specifically for dungeon monitors. I've had experience in being a DM in a few locations over the years, but this is the first time that I am formally teaching on the subject. I already have certain key points that I want to present in the class. (Thank you, Master Dave.) At the same time, I'd like to get a wide variety of opinions on a few things. What do you expect from DMs in a public play space? What kind of training do you hope that they have? What points would you like to see covered in training a DM?

MaxsGirl -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 2:49:13 PM)
Basic first aid and CPR would be nice, just in case. I'm guessing you can't do that, though.

LadyPact -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 2:51:14 PM)
Don't bet so quickly. You forget that I have a medic/licensed nurse in My collar. [;)] Edited to add, I'm actually planning on dedicating some time to basic first aid.

MaxsGirl -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 2:54:34 PM)
Ah, I didn't realize that. In that case, I would definitely recommend that you train DMs in those skills. Depending on how public this dungeon is, it might also be good for them to know some basic self defense and restraint skills.

FukinTroll -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 2:55:00 PM)
Body language; identifying the point that a limit has been reached. However, I am sure those that you play with are well versed, I have seen some folks that just get out of hand way too fast. SLURP!

Madame4a -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 3:09:35 PM)
Most if not all of the DMs I've encountered usually have the basic first aid and/or CPR training. In any case.. in answer to your question... I'd like DMs like I like service.. silent and anticipatory.. and a positive impact on my life... I try really hard to NOT play in formally DM'd space. I'm forever running afoul of DMs if I'm away from home.. doing things I do here but don't seem to go over well other places -- mind you, I've never broken any dungeon's rules and I always check before I play in a space I'm unfamiliar with. So.. I'd suggest that I'd like to see experienced people as DMs... that's probably hard as I realize its usually volunteers that DM.

VaguelyCurious -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 4:03:50 PM)
Aside from first aid that's already been mentioned: quote: ORIGINAL: LadyPact What do you expect from DMs in a public play space? That they maintain a balance between the rights of voyeurs and the rights of players. I get that it's public and I can't stop people from clustering to watch, but I don't want anyone standing close enough that they're in danger of being hit by my backswing, and I want DMs to be keeping an eye on that - DMs who are willing to herd cats around for me make me very very happy. Visibility. I want them to be easily identifiable from across the room, and more than anything that's a posture thing - I shouldn't need to see their badge to know they're DM-ing. (Normally I don't have to - I guess they're self-selecting in that people who aren't comfortable with authority don't tend to volunteer. But one or two times I haven't been sure, and it's really useful to just be able to glance around the room and be able to pick out exactly who I need to speak with.) Approachability. I've had friends be upset with things they've seen while watching others, and it's great if they can go up and talk to the DM about it. But that involves the DM not being massively stern and intimidating.

allthatjaz -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 4:45:58 PM)
Hi LadyPact. I have worked as a DM in various clubs including Torture Garden which is a nightmare to DM and I have also trained my own DMs for Hades but LadyPact, I am not going to tell you how to suck eggs [:)] Just make sure these guys/women have very clear objectives. I agree about the first aiders. I always had at least 2 and they had it printed on their badge. I think badges are important because they help people identify. There is nothing clever about a badge but it does help them assert their authority when necessary. If most people went in to stop a scene they would be told to get lost in no uncertain terms. A badge helps identify the DM and as such protect him. Discretion. There is nothing worse than a DM with a big ego and some people only want to DM because it gives them authority. I avoid clubs that have the 'KING PIN' type DM's and just wish they would have a word with themselves. In my opinion a DM's should be invisible until needed. I think the best DMs are known and respected members of the scene. They understand about RACK, they are not judgmental and they understand what is safe and what isn't. Friendly and helpful. Most of the clubs in London have friendly and helpful DM's but I have been to a few out in the sticks where they walk around looking very stern all night. If the club is quiet then I think its nice if a DM can show newcomers round. That recently happened to us in a club and it was a very pleasant start to the evening.

DarkSteven -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 4:51:17 PM)
How to take control, ideally with quiet authority. If a clueless Dom feels that the sub's safewording shows she's a wimp and keeps going... How to recognize impaired people. How much clearance floggers and whips need.

LadyPact -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 4:52:56 PM)
Just so you folks know, I love it when you confirm the things I already have in My head. Please, keep the suggestions coming. My thanks.

JohnWarren -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 4:53:51 PM)
The most important quality in DMs is also the hardest to teach: diplomacy. I'd rather have an inexperienced DM on the floor who had the sense to call me on the tough ones than some sort of living legend in his own mind, regardless of his other skills. What I'd recommend is a lot of role play inculcating in the DMs is that they HAVE THE AUTHORITY. People who recognize they really are in charge are less likely to react stupidly to some idiot mouthing off. Also, they realize they can speak softly because they really do have the big stick in the room. Dick measuring most often takes place among those unsure of how their dicks measure up. Let your DMs know that you will back them up and they have the organization's authority behind them and they will be cooler and calmer in rough times. Role play also is valuable in spotting those who are addicted to the bullying approach so they can be quietly transferred to janitorial duties.

VaguelyCurious -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 5:05:05 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: allthatjaz In my opinion a DM's should be invisible until needed. See, I disagree. I want to know who and where they are, so that if something goes wrong I can find them, instead of waiting for them to find me. I think they shouldn't interfere unless needed, but I would much rather they were visible.

hausboy -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 5:27:04 PM)
Great thread, LadyPact. I was a DM at several spaces, and here's a few things that came to mind: 1. Knowing the weight/stress limitations of the equipment. There were plenty of times where we had equipment break because the weightload was either too much or improperly loaded. I'm not being glib or funny here--no one got injured, so we were fortunate. But if you know the limits of what the equipment can hold, you can tactfully direct them to a different piece of equipment that might serve them better. 2. Knowing how every piece of equipment works. I can't tell you how many times I was asked : How does this work? Fortunately....I had been given an in-service ahead of time. 3. Decorum and etiquette: knowing how to interrupt a scene....without interrupting a scene. It's sort of like teaching bedside manner, it's a lost art. There are many discrete and sensitive ways to let the top/Domme/Dom know that they are doing something against the rules/unsafe/etc. without bringing any attention to them (saving them from embarrassment) and not alerting their bottom/sub to the issue (which could be not only embarrassing, but cause the bottom/sub some anxiety/be distracted, esp. if they are a new couple) The best DM's I knew could do it so discretely and quietly, you'd be watching the whole scene and never anything was wrong. It also applies to being able to tell folks nearby who aren't playing to shut the hell up....in a manner both respectful and proper. 4. Knots How to tie them properly....and untie them quickly. Many new tops won't often admit to not knowing this skill--but it is something that occasionally a DM would be asked to assist. And knowing how and when to just cut the damn thing off and worry about the pissed off top later. Every DM should have a good knife for such purpose. I also ALWAYS carried two types of handcuff keys--single lock and double lock. Once in a blue moon, an embarrassed top would come to me and whisper in my ear that they lost their handcuff key. 5. This isn't a skill--but I'll toss this in under the category of my two cents: at one party space, the DM's wore armbands similar to MPs in the military. They fit in with the motif, and made us easy to spot when needed. 6. The responsibility Especially when working a night when there aren't many regulars and lots of novices/new people-- the DM's job is a responsible one--socializing should come after the shift, and only stop to watch the hot scene if you know there's nothing else going on you need to keep an eye on. Roving through the dungeon so that anyone can find you when they need you, and you can keep tabs on what's happening.

Madame4a -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 5:47:26 PM)
mm... just an FR... and I don't ever play anywhere there is alcohol... but there are places like that.. .but I'd suggest that DMs never drink or alter their states of mind in any way.. I do remember once when my club had DM responsibilities and one of our members was fall down drunk.. ugh.. not good

SimplyMichael -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 8:05:09 PM)
LadyPact, Since you are just south of SF, there is an entire association dedicated to DMs there, http://www.dungeonmonitors.com/ but it has kind of died out as most of the dungeons in the bay area have closed down. PantherProwls taking it over and trying to revitalize it and there is an entire group on Fetlife dedicated to the subject. Teaching them that their real job is which is being a valet to facilitate those doing scenes not cops to police play would be a massive improvement. It would also keep the petty control freaks and power hungry who tend to populate the ranks of DMs from finding it so attractive.

LadyPact -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 8:08:51 PM)
Thanks, Micahel. I've still got Panther's number around here somewhere. If nothing else, I can give him a shout on YIM. I appreciate the resource.

hausboy -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 8:13:27 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: SimplyMichael LadyPact, Since you are just south of SF, there is an entire association dedicated to DMs there, http://www.dungeonmonitors.com/ but it has kind of died out as most of the dungeons in the bay area have closed down. PantherProwls taking it over and trying to revitalize it and there is an entire group on Fetlife dedicated to the subject. Teaching them that their real job is which is being a valet to facilitate those doing scenes not cops to police play would be a massive improvement. It would also keep the petty control freaks and power hungry who tend to populate the ranks of DMs from finding it so attractive. My friend had a great way of picking DM's. Anyone who approached him and said: "I want to be the DM!".....he gave them a job. At check-in. Or the kitchen. Or clean-up. edited for typo. sorry.

LadyPact -> RE: Working on a new class (2/1/2011 8:18:38 PM)
I'm a little stricter than that, hausboy. One thing that I am asking that anyone who is going to DM at events go through the same training. I want them to have basic first aid and learn the art of control of the play space without being obtrusive unless necessary. A fine line to walk, but I'd like to see it happen.

allthatjaz -> RE: Working on a new class (2/2/2011 1:22:41 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: VaguelyCurious quote: ORIGINAL: allthatjaz In my opinion a DM's should be invisible until needed. See, I disagree. I want to know who and where they are, so that if something goes wrong I can find them, instead of waiting for them to find me. I think they shouldn't interfere unless needed, but I would much rather they were visible. Invisible until needed doesn't mean you can't find one when you need one. What it means is they are not poncing around the floor wielding a big stick. It means they are quietly and inobstructively watching the floor. You said you don't like badges and prefer body language. If you had an emergency on your hands do you really have time to look around for a certain type of body language? DMs in the UK at least have many things to look out for from dangerous play to people dealing drugs or stealing something out of a womans bag whilst she's out there on the floor. A badge shows a presence of security as well as someone who is approachable if needed. The biggest problem with not being able to find a DM when needed is when a club doesn't employ enough DM's. During the time of me running a club I only ever got compliments about our friendly, discreet but easily approachable DM's.

VaguelyCurious -> RE: Working on a new class (2/2/2011 2:54:06 AM)
It's not that I don't like badges - it's that often you can spot a DM without checking for a badge, and that would be a really great skill to teach - you can't always see a badge across the room. Badges are still very useful, but people tend not to need a class in how to wear a badge [8D]

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