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ORIGINAL: CaptR

But have I reached a level of responsible relationship management where both of us get exactly what we need in all areas we share? Yes, with the participation, dedication and cooperation of my submissive, I am Master.

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ORIGINAL: CaptR

I proclaim to be a Master but of what or to who?

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ORIGINAL: CaptR

I proclaim to be a Master but of what or to who?
To me, when someone uses the term Master it suggests they have honed their craft to it's professional pinnacle. They are beyond being just "proficient" with their knowledge and ability in their chosen field, lifestyle, vocation, hobby, etc. However it's an ambiguous term when applied to BDSM. What have I mastered? Certainly the use of most of our toys, implements of pain and pleasure. I've mastered the ties in the rope arts we enjoy using most frequently but am only proficient in others. I have researched and studied safety then used those guidelines in every aspect of this lifestyle but have I mastered everything at my disposal in our inventory? The honest answer is I have not, I'm proficient and do not cause harm with their use though. As to who ... Well, myself first and foremost. In all controllable aspects of my life I've mastered them to the best of my ability. Are all areas of my life perfect? By no means but they are managed. Am I Master to her? The short answer is yes. For the explanation as to why is a question best answered in her words. I'm afraid my answer might lack humility :). In summation am I a two fisted flogger wielding, electro wizard whose knowledge of Shibari can awe crowds in public display? Oh hell no (and I envy their talent). But have I reached a level of responsible relationship management where both of us get exactly what we need in all areas we share? Yes, with the participation, dedication and cooperation of my submissive, I am Master.

quote:

ORIGINAL: CaptR

I proclaim to be a Master but of what or to who?
To me, when someone uses the term Master it suggests they have honed their craft to it's professional pinnacle. They are beyond being just "proficient" with their knowledge and ability in their chosen field, lifestyle, vocation, hobby, etc. However it's an ambiguous term when applied to BDSM. What have I mastered? Certainly the use of most of our toys, implements of pain and pleasure. I've mastered the ties in the rope arts we enjoy using most frequently but am only proficient in others. I have researched and studied safety then used those guidelines in every aspect of this lifestyle but have I mastered everything at my disposal in our inventory? The honest answer is I have not, I'm proficient and do not cause harm with their use though. As to who ... Well, myself first and foremost. In all controllable aspects of my life I've mastered them to the best of my ability. Are all areas of my life perfect? By no means but they are managed. Am I Master to her? The short answer is yes. For the explanation as to why is a question best answered in her words. I'm afraid my answer might lack humility :). In summation am I a two fisted flogger wielding, electro wizard whose knowledge of Shibari can awe crowds in public display? Oh hell no (and I envy their talent). But have I reached a level of responsible relationship management where both of us get exactly what we need in all areas we share? Yes, with the participation, dedication and cooperation of my submissive, I am Master.

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ORIGINAL: CaptR

I will say your understanding of the English language might benefit from one as well. Try looking up "rhetorical."

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But hey listen, no hard feelings huh? We're all here to learn from one another.

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ORIGINAL: MrRodgers
<snip>
Now as for a so-called master of people, he first requires another person such as a slave or he masters nobody and would be therefore...not a master.

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ORIGINAL: CaptR

You've missed the point of the entire post. Which is ok, a couple of responders understood and I'm thankful for that. My intent was to start a discussion whatever response I received be it inflammatory or constructive. You seem to be having trouble with the definition of rhetorical though. It's a question that doesn't require an answer. It's meant to encourage discussion. I'll concede your point regarding bdsm. I could have used another example. But to suggest there is no skill involved is a statement I can't agree with.There are skills utilized in bondage, skills employed in delivering discipline, skill is a necessity if you're a responsible sadist and so on. Skill is practiced or should be in all lifestyles. Even "people skills" qualify. As for my description of masters in trade you backed that up. Master and journeyman are accepted in industry as having the same meaning. They have reached the pinnacle of expertise in their respective fields. Addressing now the "Master of people." Again you are saying the same thing I allude to in my original post. You're nothing to anybody except yourself until somebody (In this case my submissive) says you are. We're not that far apart on any of this except the meaning of rhetorical , people skills and the ability to maintain a healthy helpful attitude. Oh, there are no paragraphs because I'm on my phone and I find it tedious to maintain proper prose. My apologies.

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ORIGINAL: CaptR

You've missed the point of the entire post. Which is ok, a couple of responders understood and I'm thankful for that. My intent was to start a discussion whatever response I received be it inflammatory or constructive. You seem to be having trouble with the definition of rhetorical though. It's a question that doesn't require an answer. It's meant to encourage discussion. I'll concede your point regarding bdsm. I could have used another example. But to suggest there is no skill involved is a statement I can't agree with.There are skills utilized in bondage, skills employed in delivering discipline, skill is a necessity if you're a responsible sadist and so on. Skill is practiced or should be in all lifestyles. Even "people skills" qualify. As for my description of masters in trade you backed that up. Master and journeyman are accepted in industry as having the same meaning. They have reached the pinnacle of expertise in their respective fields. Addressing now the "Master of people." Again you are saying the same thing I allude to in my original post. You're nothing to anybody except yourself until somebody (In this case my submissive) says you are. We're not that far apart on any of this except the meaning of rhetorical , people skills and the ability to maintain a healthy helpful attitude. Oh, there are no paragraphs because I'm on my phone and I find it tedious to maintain proper prose. My apologies.

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ORIGINAL: BitYakin

if a person has had a slave who considered him "master" and that relationship lasts several years, then ends, does he cease to be a "master"?