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This illustration is reprinted with permission
editor@thebrc.net
http://www.thebrc.net/
Sensuous Sadie: With so many websites catering to BDSM interests,
what motivated you to start the BDSM Resource Center? What are your
goals for the next few years for BRC?
CC: "Wow Sadie, do you always start out with such ‘easy’
questions?"
"There were several reasons for starting the BDSM Resource Center.
My lifestyle interests go back to primordial time - ahh that would be
BEFORE the internet offered such an array of information and
misinformation. Finding someone here and there that shared similar
interests or could also share information was haphazard at best, at
worst almost non-existent."
"What I found on the net as opposed to 'reality' and I’m using
that term lightly, was a vast difference in perception of what BDSM had
to offer outside of on-line role-play without clue to reality, cyber sex
with a kink. BDSM, in my opinion offers those that choose to walk the
'high road' something very special. Don’t get me wrong I am not saying
there isn’t a place for those things or that they are right or wrong.
I simply felt the need for a larger representation of a more factual
nature representing a larger interest base. My opinion is that there is
no such thing as too much good information. With the support of friends
and wonderfully generous people from within our community the BRC began
to collect and archive articles to share."
Sadie: What are some of the special things your website offers?
CC: "Well, there are some things I’d like to at least THINK
of as special things! Our webmaster is responsible for the
BRC’s BDSM lifestyle questionnaire that can be e-mailed. We have also
addressed one of my pet peeves on the BRC. Have you ever gone to a
website from a link that you KNOW has just what you want only to
discover the ‘wonderful message’ site not found or something
similar? If you have you know the frustration that those wonderful
messages can bring. First and foremost all content is hosted on site
rather than just a link to another site. Yes, that does mean we house a
lot of information but it also means that the article that you are
looking for is going to be there.
"Additionally we respect the authors of the material and seek and
receive permission to host their material. We feel that 'consent'
extends to ethics outside of the dungeon walls. That means occasionally
an author will not allow us to host their material. While we feel that
there cannot BE too much good information it needs to be there with
permission of the author. The more an author is read, the more exposure
of their beliefs and the contribution to the community at large. However
not everyone holds the same viewpoint. It may be wishful thinking on my
part but perhaps one day they will change their mind and submit some of
their pieces for site publication. Thank you Sadie for sharing the same
view regarding dissemination of knowledge and sharing your wonderful
views and wit! (Please note that Sensuous Sadie has a weekly column on
the BRC some of which are BRC exclusives or first run articles!)"
Sadie: How often is the content updated?
CC: "With the occasional holiday or other ‘act of god’ the
site is updated on a weekly basis. Our conscientious webmaster, Jonathan
of www.jobeni.com is responsible for taking all the information
and getting it out there."
Sadie: What kind of writing are you looking for?
CC: "The goal for article content is to represent the widest
possible spectrum of lifestyle interests. With that in mind I will say
we still have a long way to go. I would love to see more contributions
that represent a larger base, i.e. gay, lesbian, bi, Gorean, BBW,
transgender/transsexual as well as various fetishes and anyone else
I’ve inadvertently missed. Submissions of articles would be welcome
and I ask that they be addressed to: editor@thebrc.net with
'Article Submission' in the title. If an article is accepted for web
publication the author is notified. We hope to add a lifestyle erotica
section in the near future and submissions are also being accepted for
that category."
Sadie: What are some of the writing or content problems you see with
material that's submitted to the BRC?
CC: "The BRC Mission, as a lifestyle resource center, is to
provide good/reliable lifestyle information to all those looking to
explore and/or expand their knowledge. With that in mind we are pretty
open to all submissions that deal with the various aspects of lifestyle
with the exception of straight porn.
"We feel that there are more than enough porn sites readily
available for those wishing it so we keep to the educational aspects for
article submission. As far as the actual writing style of the articles,
while many may not be literary masterpieces, many come from the heart of
real life experiences and for that reason we are more open to accepting
those for inclusion in the archives as well."
Sadie: Any pet peeves?
CC: "OH YES! It is internet related of course. I will read most any
article voraciously, regardless of style, unless it is lengthy and
includes an over abundance of 'cyberese.' You know, that
‘wonderfully’ inventive, fractured typing that challenges boggles my
mind. Perish the thought that a poor 'nilla' should stumble across that
and wonder what caused apparently marginally intelligent people to
forsake basic English and communication skills. I simply find it to
difficult to read. I won’t even go into the waste of keystrokes that
could potentially lead to a government grant as to why people interested
in BDSM and users of the internet are more subject to carpal tunnel
syndrome than the rest of the general population and possible creation
of a new class eligible for disability benefits!"
Sadie: The BRC was the first organization to give Gloria Brame an
award. Can you tell me a little bit about how this came to be?
CC: "A couple of years ago Gloria Brame was kind enough to consent
to an interview prior to a presentation that she was giving at the
Sanctuary of a Dark Angel in Atlanta. We covered a lot of ground
including the lack of opportunities there were for lifestyle related
education. Gloria has been ever vigilant in sharing with the community.
She has given of herself over and over again, as have many other of our
community leaders we look to have done, and continues to do. December 8,
2001 the BDSM Resource Center’s awarded it’s first 'Inspiration
Award' to her. It was a plaque that represented the appreciation that we
have for her and others like her that take the time to share so much
with so many. http://www.thebrc.net/images/news/award2001.jpg (At
this time the 2002 recipient has not yet been selected.) I couldn’t
have been more surprised when she shared that she had never had a plaque
awarded to her before.
"One of the top ten books that people often recommend to read when
you are 'just getting started' is Different Loving. Her work was, in the
eyes of many, a forerunner for those that followed. Now here was Gloria
Brame, the author of Different Loving, going to share some of her time,
sit down and let me interview her. I was tickled. Have you ever looked
around you and wondered what why some people were doing in the
lifestyle? All they did was to complain and looked as though it was so
much of a distasteful job. One of the other things that Gloria said that
day was, 'If you are not having fun, what is the point?' She made me
laugh and remind myself not to take myself or even the lifestyle so
seriously that I cease to enjoy it."
Sadie: You have met a number of scene personalities. Anything to
dish?
CC: "Let’s just say I have met a number of them. That
doesn’t exactly qualify me as an intimate. I have been lucky enough to
travel a bit and attend events across the country giving me access to
sitting in on presentations."
Sadie: Who has been the most interesting person you have met?
CC: "Oh dear! That would be letting the cat out of the bag
wouldn’t it? To mention one and leave out the others seems to be
courting political disaster! I think Sadie, I’ll respectfully have to
decline to name one."
Sadie: Who surprised you the most?
CC: "I think I will venture out on a limb on this one and say
Guy Baldwin. I have been to several of his presentations around the
country and was delighted in what he shared as well as his
approachability. He was kind enough to spend a good deal of time with me
on two occasions and I found some of his insights enlightening as well
as surprising even if he DID give me a good natured hard time for living
in the Atlanta area!"
Sadie: Relative to the national BDSM scene, how would you
characterize the Atlanta scene?
CC: "I don’t feel I can adequately comment on the national
scene as I am only a visitor when I travel. We aren’t California but
when you consider that we are in the heart of the Bible Belt, I will say
with regard to the Atlanta scene, that there is virtually something for
everyone regardless of orientation. Locally there is educational and
play opportunities for the novice as well as the very experienced, and
edge players."
Sadie: What are some of the special groups or activities available
there?
CC: "Two of the main public dungeons are the Sanctuary of a Dark
Angel run by Master Doug Harris and PEP Atlanta run by Lady D and
Mistress K. Our community is very fortunate to have access to both of
these facilities. There are many other groups that meet at both the
Sanctuary and PEP or standalone. Often groups or members of groups from
Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina and Alabama will find their way
here.
There are several events each year of varying sizes and interests
including educational, play events and contests, an example but not
exclusive would be South East Leather Fest, and Olympus. Various
group/play opportunities offer men, women, and pansexual nights and
education. Across the board interest is TRIBE that is an educational
outreach that goes out and does presentations and demonstrations,
Interrogations Atlanta, Formal Protocol as well as a number of
others."
Sadie: What are some of your particular interests in the BDSM genre?
CC: "If I ran the circus? I’d really want to tattoo a quote on
everyone’s head that says: 'you are personally responsible for your
own safety.' I have seen incredible situations where very intelligent
people appear to throw out every bit of common sense that they have.
It’s not much of a leap to figure out that I feel that education is
something that I hold near and dear to me. I feel a great deal of
empathy for those that have been abused in the name of the 'lifestyle'
whether that is male/female or dominant or submissive. I would like to
see a national listing that offers safe haven to both men and women,
regardless of sexual orientation, that are in situations that nobody
should have to live with."
Sadie: Anything unusual about your approach?
CC: "I suppose that being doggedly patient and persistent in
continuing use the opportunities that arises to share the positive
things about the lifestyle with ‘nillas’ and ‘newbies.' With the
latter I go straight for the soapbox and preach safety, personal
responsibility, safe calls and education. Put then that is hardly
'unusual' is it?"
Sadie: What kinds of relationships are you pursuing at the moment?
CC: "Oh amusing! You want to know ALL my secrets? Just between
us I’ll share. I suspect that you may have heard of the 'rarest human
on earth'? It would be a heterosexual, straight, white male over 40 …
okay I’ll admit that is a far cry from accurate but I fit the other
end of that spectrum being a heterosexual, straight, no WAIT – kinky,
white female over forty. IF someone has just got to wrap their mind
around a label then I identify with being a Sado/masochistic personality
who delights in exquisite service, with a penchant for electric toys and
gizmos, (gifts welcome), divine floggers, and adores foot service. So
where do I slide in a personal ad here for a my garden slave, house man
and handy man?? Petitions currently being accepted."
Sadie: Do you take a spiritual approach to your play?
CC: "In some of it yes. Other times I can enjoy free-spirited out
and out fun without a thought of the spiritual aspects. I guess I need
to get back on track here to the spiritual side. That means so many
things to so many people. Yes, there is that something mystical,
a spark that lights up, when two people happen to find that
quintessential essence."
Sadie: What techniques do you use to get yourself and your submissive
there?
CC: "I would like to say it is as easy as finding a formula and
presto, change-o you have it. There are several things that influence
who and what I am and how I look at life. It is those
things that shape how that very special connection is made. I believe in
many ways, everyone has to make their own road, each step of the way, as
their journey unfolds before them."
Sadie: Being a Dominant, you are a whip "virgin." Can you
explain?
CC: "Oh you DO make me smile with that! It is delightful to be
reminded that even at this stage of my antiquity there are still some
vistas uncharted!"
Sadie: What are your feelings about the idea that every Dominant
should also sometimes switch, if only to have a well rounded experience?
CC: "Ohhhhh there’s that word 'switch.' I will say that for
me personally I think that if one’s forte is S/m then by all means it
is good to taste what it is that one gives out. It is like talking about
a fine wine that has never been uncorked. Appreciation comes by not only
opening it or it’s delicate or hearty bouquet, but also the pleasure
it brings to the palate as it is consumed. I don’t think however that
a dominant can taste the wine in the same way as a submissive so
something is missing from the equation. Yet it does afford the
opportunity to be more aware of at least the tactile sensations."
Sadie: Your hobby is painting dungeons. When you first told me this,
I thought you meant painting pictures of dungeons, but in fact you do
murals. How did you get into this unusual hobby?
CC: "Well actually art had been a hobby as well as part of my
career. Recently I 'quit my day job' to pursue painting murals and doing
faux finishes as a full time career not withstanding the fact that I
have been painting for over 20 years. I have had the opportunity to do
some murals that include castle/dungeon motifs. What better job could I
ask than one where I can put heart and soul into something that is so
'close to home?'"
Sadie: What are the most popular murals that you do?
CC: "Would you believe children’s fantasy rooms? My personal
favorites however are ones reflect adult fantasy."
Sadie: Are there samples on line?
CC: "Please don’t get me started on all those years of lost
pictures! The website will continue to be updated with new pieces
between jobs."
Sadie: What range of prices can people expect?
CC: "There are so many factors it is almost impossible to say.
Think size, design, complexity, time, materials toss those all in a hat
and after mulling that over I get to come up with what I think is a fair
price for giving someone something totally theirs, special and unique.
I’ve done mural and or faux finishes that have been done in a day and
those that have taken 3-4 weeks with dollar ranges from a few hundred to
one that is insured for over $10,000. I think I should chuckle here and
say thanks for the great advertisement! Yes, I do 'have brush will
travel!"
Sadie: What are some of the ethical challenges that you face as
editor?
CC: "Again, the BDSM Resource Center compiles articles and
information from those that have spent a great deal of time and
effort in creating their work. The content that is contained within the
BRC is there because of the generosity of those writers. Each and
everyone of them has consented to their work(s) being placed there or
have so stipulated that their work(s) may be used without seeking
permission as long as their guidelines are used and they are given
credit. I have contacted some authors and they have declined permission,
as is their right, and their articles do not appear regardless of how
much I would like it to be included."
"As far as content I have often find myself in a delicate balance
of including things that do not reflect my views or slant on morality.
There is the challenge of being unbiased enough to feature and archive
things that I feel would be a benefit others with a different views.
Some things are that are on the site are not the representation of SSC
but they are very good 'bad examples' from which people can learn.
Everything on the site does not represent my personal views. The site is
not about me. It is about sharing information with a community, with a
new generation, as they seek out what I have already found. I feel
fortunate and find it my honor and my privilege to do so. The BRC is my
mission of my heart."
Sadie: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
CC: "Every generation builds a foundation on which the next one
is built. I would like to leave with a thought that very much reflects
how I feel about life, living and the lifestyle. That is: 'learning from
the past, living in the present, looking to the future as we reach out
and teach.' If we as individuals can learn from things past, live each
day that we are in and can share our knowledge and ideas for the future,
well then I have great hopes for it.
"Thank you very much!"
Sadie: Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sensuous
Sadie is the author of It's Not
About the Whip: Love, Sex, and Spirituality in the BDSM Scene (http://www.trafford.com/robots/03-0551.html).
She is the founder and leader (1999 - 2001) of
Rose
&
Thorn
,
Vermont
's first BDSM group.
Comments, compliments and complaints, as well as requests for reprinting
can be addressed to her at SensuousSadie@aol.com
or visit her website at www.sensuoussadie.com. Sadie believes the universe is abundant, and that sharing information
freely is part of this abundance, so she allows reprints of her writing
in most venues.
Copyright
2003 Sadie Sez Publications
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