Recap: MBS Sunday Brunch for May 29

My apologies for Blogger's weirdness on Saturday. I guess they took a long weekend as well. Thank you to everyone who persevered.

Anyhow, our topic this week was favorite (and least favorite) media for spanking content. Here are your thoughts.

Michelle Carlyle: My reply is all of the above. And of course, I am partial to spanking fiction. I can't imagine why.

Six of the Best: The audio portion would not be of interest to me. All of those others are “Go.”

Anon: I enjoy written real life accounts the most.

Bree: I enjoy pictorial sets the most only because I do not have enough time for the others. Phots are quick and they get the job done. I feel like I get a quick emotional wallop and feelings I never knew I had are brought to the surface often leaving me to ponder the why, when, where and what about those feelings.

I would like to consume more written real life stories, but there's not enough time. (sigh)

I think audio podcasts are most helpful to people who are learning about adult consensual spanking. They are actually helpful regardless of one's experience. It has helped me tremendously. It was there when I needed to be set straight or reassured a few times.

I would be most likely to create and share semi-biographical spanking stories. Fictional stories have to come from some part of you, so for me, that part is real. Real life spanking stories sometimes have to be spruced up a bit in my opinion. I think no one totally remembers every little detail before, during or after being spanked. You have to also be inside the head of the other characters to make a good story. Semi-biographical spanking stories, as I like to call them, would be my forte. I am working on a book right now. I don't know whether I will have the time to do this. Maybe I can work on this when have writer's block for the other story. I might try that.

Then there are spanking blogs. What about spanking blogs? They seem so time consuming and too much of a responsibility to me. If I could do it without having to worry about answering people or worrying about snakes in the grass, maybe I would do it. I'm not sure. Maybe sometime in the future. Who knows?

I love all of the other items on the list, but I like being spanked in person the best. Nothing can replace that.

Bree, had I included real life spankings in the list, we probably wouldn't have much to discuss. :D

Mockingbird: I guess I prefer the written word. I love real life accounts and fictional stories. However, I also enjoy the artsy kind of bondage/spanking photos.

Lea: I love reading blogs and real life accounts as well as fictional stories. It's always interesting to hear another take on things.

I don't watch videos or look at pictures much. I've never listened to a podcast before. I'm not sure where to even find one.

I don't know that any one thing is more helpful to people who are learning, but I've learned a lot from reading stories on blogs spanking forums.

As for creating and sharing with others, you won't be seeing any pictures or videos of me. I prefer real life as well as fictional stories. I've shared a few on my blog already.

Prefectdt: I vote for audio podcasts.

I would like to do more reading, but I have limited time to spend at a computer. This reduces my ability to commit to much screen literary indulgence.

I've been a fan of the spoken word since I discovered BBC radio four as a child. Being a bit of an outdoorsy type, it is convenient to put some podcasts on my MP3 player and listen to them when I am out and about doing other things. The Masochist does some very good interviews.

The downside is the time gap between the time when podcasts become available and my opportunity to listen. It is a bit pointless to leave comments for the podcasters by then. I do hope that podcasters are not put off by the lack of reaction to their work.

Daisy: Written real life accounts are my absolute favourite. Fictional stories would come second, but I prefer the ones which COULD be real life. In other words, I can fantasise about them actually happening. I find stories that could not be real (e.g., those that are way out or ridiculous or gratuitous and make no sense), just irritate me! Instead of enjoying reading, my mind picks holes in the content!

Similarly, I like full length videos to be believable. One that particularly sticks in my mind as an amazing video is Pixie in "The Anxiety of the Girl Waiting." I don't like to see intimate parts on show or excessive force/marks/bruising. Fussy wotsit, aren't I? Regarding short video vignettes, I look at YouTube occasionally, but these videos also have to follow my strict codes above(!) or I switch them off feeling more annoyed than inspired!

Pictorial sets don't really do it for me, unless they are very tastefully done. Artwork can be sometimes great, but again, I like the tasteful ones that leave most to the imagination... and the cute, fun ones. Ronnie always finds great artwork, as does Hermione!

Audio podcasts have to be last on my list as I have never experienced these!

Velvet: I enjoy short real life accounts and stories. I also love erotic art and pictures. We are all individuals, so I think it's important for there to be a variety of genres out there. Personally, long wordy blogs lose my interest fast unless they are very well written. My blog is generally real life events and erotic black and white photos, but I try to steer away from being overly graphic.

Joeyred: Velvet's blog is a great example of what I find most enjoyable. I like real life events told brilliantly and illustrated with art gallery quality erotic photos.

What I find least enjoyable are spanking videos, except those of Zelle demonstrating London Tanner products.

To learn about spanking, I find this blog and Lea's Corner to be excellent sources of information. For example, Lea's blog post on safe words was exceptionally well done. Zelle's blog is also very informative and often so hilarious.

Fortunately, there are a wide variety of blog styles and intelligent and clever bloggers. Thanks to all of you.

KayLynn/ExMoWife: Time is a commodity that I lack these days! But I love blogs and need the wisdom/commiseration. Next is fiction with complex characters and plots. Evoking artwork is great (Deviant Art is a great venue). My least favorite are the videos. Most lack complexity (likely due to production cash – I'm taking up collections, anyone? ;) Thanks for tip on podcasts. Any "graphica" loses me.

Here's hoping you have an improved weather Bonnie! Head south, the sun misses you.

Thanks, KayLynn. Our weather is getting better, albeit slowly.

Raven Red: Artwork gets a definitely yes from me. There are lots of creative and talented people out there who can portray in an image more than what words can.

I have listened to a couple audio podcasts and found them enjoyable. However, I am not the biggest fan.

I definitely love fictional stories. A Voice in the Corner and Michelle Carlyle's blogs are some of my favourite visiting places. I most definitely love written real life accounts as well.

I am not really a fan of full length videos, nor do I enjoy them. Most of the time, they seem like the same thing over and over. I prefer short video vignettes.

If the photography is good, pictorial sets are a definite yes.

To the share and create question, I am very honest in my blog about what happens to me, my emotions etc. I love using images and even did try once or twice to write some fiction.

As for video clips, eh, some serious consideration has been given to that...(GRIN)

Hermione: From the available choices, I most enjoy written real-life accounts, with fiction a close second. I also like artwork like cartoons and sketches.

I would like to read more real-life accounts by my favourite blogger.

For me, the least effective are audio podcasts and videos. When a blogger I visit regularly does one, for a special reason or on an occasional basis, then I will listen or watch. But as a general rule, I avoid them. They are time-consuming to download, and because of limited privacy, I have to keep the sound turned off on my computer most of the time. Pictorial sets are of no interest to me when they are the only means of communication on a blog.

As for choosing a useful learning tool, that would be depend upon the learning style of the audience. It might be any of the methods mentioned, depending on personal preference. For beginners, some of the videos and pictures might be too extreme or frightening.

Personally, I am most likely to create real-life accounts and the odd piece of fiction because writing is the medium with which I am comfortable.

Our Bottoms Burn: I enjoy all forms. The medium is not what makes it for me, it's the content. Some creative types merge two or more media to make excellent presentations.

What makes it special for me is when it's personalized. We have all seen spanked bottoms. I like to know a little about them.

I just watched the audio clip of Zelle. It's very cute and more than audio.

This couple is new to me. They share things about themselves in addition to some tasteful pictures.

I am waiting for Tarantino's spanking movie.

Jack: I'm only interested in videos. Unfortunately very little realistic stuff is being produced. They all use the same fake hairbrush!

Jane: I love real life stories. I remember first discovering My Bottom Smarts, and after I figured out how the whole blog thing worked (archives, etc.), eagerly reading all of the real life stories! Occasionally, when Bonnie drops a hint that another may be coming up, that makes me happy.

Thank you, Jane! I'll do my best to follow though on those hints.

Season: Real life accounts and fictional stories top the list for me. Reading draws me in and I can really feel the experience of it all - physically, emotionally, mentally, and sometimes even spiritually.

Even in the vanilla world, I always enjoy the book better than the movie. :-)

Ronnie: For me, it's the written word, reading about real accounts followed by fictional stories. I do like tasteful artwork.

My least favorite are audio podcasts and videos.

Rootsdown: I'm especially fond of erotic artwork blogs and I like real life accounts also. These are the blogs I read frequently. I think that if one is limited to online learning, the best way to learn about spanking is a combination of all of these types. However, when it comes to learning kinky skills, I have a preference for having a workshop at a kink event. It's an experiential way of learning and that usually is the best way.

Uncle Nick: What I like the most are interviews that I conduct. I love to record a real girl talking about a real experience, like this one that I did just the other day and then ran on my blog.

In second place would be the newspaper reports that I turn up from time to time.

Pink: I'm a fan of real-life accounts, delivered in a short, concise (yet eloquent) manner. There are so many blogs that I count as "favorites" and I have limited reading time with my full-time job and other responsibilities.

I wish I had more time to read spanking fiction. I very rarely read lengthy stories online. If I am reading anything of length, it's a book that is non-spanking related ('cuz a girl has to have balance).

I do like videos, if they are realistic and not too harsh. I don't enjoy excessive humiliation or marks in videos.

I am a visual person, so I love photos and artwork. I spend a lot of time looking for photos to use on my blog and have a huge collection on my computer. We joke that I'm a pornographer, but most of the photos are tasteful (some are super raunchy for days when I need more dirt).

As far as video vignettes and audio, I typically don't watch or listen to these. I would much rather leave it to my imagination.

I sometimes wish I had a clone that could spend all day online reading, watching, and listening. Until we get that technology, though, I unfortunately must be selective.

Bonnie: I have a T-shirt that reads, “Word Nerd.” That about covers it. The written word is my medium of choice. I can appreciate any of the other media if the content and presentation are tasteful, but it's words that light my lamp.

For the newcomers, I agree with Greenwoman. Different people learn in different ways. To be effective in our educational efforts, we must strive to reach each reader. In many cases, that means using all of the media available to us.

Thanks, everyone, for joining our brunch discussion!

MBS Spanko Brunch #280

Hello again, and welcome to our weekly gathering. Here in the US, it's the long Memorial Day weekend and the traditional start of summer (never mind that it's 46F and still raining at our house!). I hope all of your backyard barbecues, family picnics, parades, and outdoor spanking plans are a wonderful success.

This week, our topic was suggested by Beth. She wonders about people's thoughts regarding different spanking media.

There are more types of spanking-oriented content today than ever before:

                Artwork
                Audio podcasts
                Fictional stories
                Full length videos
                Pictorial sets
                Short video vignettes
                Written real life accounts

Of these choices, which do you most enjoy? Which would you like to consume more frequently. Which is the least effective for you? Which do you think is most helpful to people who are learning about adult consensual spanking? Which would you be most likely to create and share with others

To join our discussion, please enter your responses as a comment below. Once everyone has had their chance to speak, I will post an edited summary.

In with the New: Tall Grass Edition

If you love spanking-oriented blogs and bloggers as much as I do, you'll really appreciate this fine collection. I hope you'll stop in and leave a friendly comment.

Antoinette's Spanking Erotica

Joan Defers

LDD Lifestyle

Life, the Universe, and Spanking: Tales of an Uber Brat

Lil Girl Punishment

Margaret Davis

Needing Spanks

Nik Zula Spanking Art

Raven Red's Dreams Photoblog

Sexy Sub Cowgirl

Spanking Court Blog

Spanking Kisa

Stricthouse

Surrender to Submission

To these new members of our community, I bid you welcome. If you would like some blogging tips and suggestions, try these. In any case, we're very glad you're here!

Ask Bonnie

Our friend, Six of the Best, raised a question during our most recent brunch. It was off-topic, so I chose not to address it during that discussion. But it is an interesting question.

Are we in a golden age of spanking blogs? [Are we] at the zenith of such blogs, or do we have a lot further to go?

I don't know that my crystal ball works any better than anyone else's. Without question, the richness, variety, and quantity of today's spanking blogs is greater than at any time in the past. But the future is a different question. It's fun to speculate, so let's give it a shot

Scenario One: Blogs lessen in importance as other media take part of their audience. This is analogous to the fate of spanking forums. Ten years ago, they were numerous and teeming with activity. Many forums still exist today, but they have become more specialized and in some cases, less frequently updated. Could blogging be largely replaced by video journals, Twitter, or something we haven't yet seen? I think history tells us not to discount the possibility. Probability: 25%

Scenario Two: Spanking blogs become so numerous that their audiences and the community in general become fragmented. This is sort of a “satellite TV” future where there are so many blogs that few can collect a critical mass of readers. In this scenario, individual blogs become a victim of the collective success. Thomas advanced the theory that readership is already down for precisely this reason. Probability: 15%

Scenario Three: Spanking blogs continue to grow in number and diversity, but at a rate that is close to the growth of overall readership. This is perhaps the ideal outcome. Readership grows as people, emboldened by supportive blog posts, begin to explore their long hidden spanking desires. We get more blogs, more content, and more readers. Probability: 15%

Scenario Four: The population of blogs continues to grow until readership reaches a saturation point. In this case, we assume that the number of potential readers is relatively fixed and at some time in the near future, most of the people who are inclined to read or author spanking blogs will have done so. At that point, a steady state will be achieved and the number of blogs will become fairly constant. Probability: 20%

Scenario Five: A relatively small number of very popular (possibly commercial) blogs will capture the majority of the readers. Second tier blogs will tend to disappear or be relegated to niches that are not otherwise served. Probability: 10%

Scenario Six: Rampant censorship, both corporate and government-sponsored, drives away many of the best spanking blogs and bloggers. This is, to me, the worst possible outcome. But it's not impossible. Probability: 10%

Scenario Seven: Adult spanking gains mainstream acceptance to the point where blogs are no longer as necessary. There's a reason why we choose to discuss this topic online behind mostly anonymous personas. If the reason disappeared, logic dictates that the blogs would as well. Probability: 5%

So let's tally up our probabilities. Scenarios one, two, six and seven support the hypothesis that overall readership will decline in the future. They total 55%.

Scenarios three and four suggest additional growth. They constitute 35%.

Scenario five, at ten percent, doesn't necessary imply growth or decline, just a redistribution of readers. But I wouldn't consider such an arrangement to be a golden age in any sense.

Based upon these numbers, I am inclined to say, “Yes, Six, this may be a golden age of spanking blogs.”

What do you think?

Recap: MBS Sunday Brunch for May 22

Our question of the week was as follows.

It has been one week since you last spanked or were spanked, what are your feelings?

1. I'm thrilled that I spanked/got spanked just a week ago!
2. I'm proud that I've made it through an entire week without needing to spank/be spanked
3. I'm glad because that last week's spanking was horrible for both of us
4. I'm confused because I thought we would be spanking more often
5. I'm disappointed because I miss our spankings
6. I'm anxious because we've had no stress relief
7. I'm apathetic because we haven't had our motivational sessions
8. I'm unhappy because we didn't get what we need to function as a couple
9. I feel none of these because this schedule is normal for us
10. I feel something else...

Here are your responses.

Sara: I think I will go with 8. I'm unhappy because we didn't get what we need to function as a couple.

We have a whole lot of work stress and family stress going on all at once, and while I think (?) I was spanked maybe four or five days ago, there's no spanking able to happen for the next few days. It's become such an important tool for connection for us, and it's hard when we can't do what we need to.

I hope YOU get what you need soon!

Six of the Best: If I don't spank a naughty lady on the bare bottom once a week, I feel my week was a loss. But I try my best to double the pleasure the following week. This jumps my sexual erotic pleasure greatly.

Hedone: Up until the last ten days or so, I was not getting regular spankings. I craved them. My partner wanted to spank me badly but our situation, timing, and commitments left us no time. I would go for two or three weeks without a spanking. So I will answer based on those feelings. Now I get a spanking two or three times a week. KinkyGent would like to spank me daily.

My answer is 8. I'm unhappy because we didn't get what we need to function as a couple.

Steel Rose: Work, life and other commitments have interfered with spanking. This isn't the end of the world, because I'm learning that DD is so much more than spanking when a few words from him brings obedience. But still, I would say I'm a 6. I'm anxious because we've had no stress relief.

Nick: 9. Our schedule is varied, but a week between spankings for the girl is about a minimum. The last time was Thursday. The next time I see her will be Thursday. The girl is worth waiting for. I just need to find a way for the pain to last all week. :)

Rogue: For me, it's a combination of 6) anxious because I've had no stress relief which leaves us both 8) unhappy we didn't get to function as a couple.

Velvet: It's a combination of 5 and 9 for me. 9 applies because we rarely see each other more than once a week and spanking may not be in the cards when we do meet as we enjoy lots of other fun things too. 5 applies because although it's normal for us to be apart, I still feel disappointed as I love the physical contact. I miss both him and the spanking.

Uncle Nick: I would probably feel pleased that I had a quiet week without madam being her usual provocative self.

Raven Red: It's number 10 for me.
I had a paddling last week - and I fear the paddle the most. So I am relieved that it is over. Because it is attached to a diet, I am already panicking about not making my target this week. I truly do not want to be paddled again soon.

Hermione: I would say 9. This schedule is normal for us, and also 1 because I'm thrilled that I got spanked just a week ago. I'm looking forward to the next one which will happen very soon.

Anon #1: It's about time for another spanking! :)

S.N.M.: Well, that certainly made my week. Let's see if we can try for at least twice over the next seven days.

Just a Girl: Although this schedule is rather normal for us, it makes me pout and we try to get together more often. When it is a week or more, I am a combination of 5) disappointed and pouty, 6) because I feel lost without his physical control and 8) because we connect so well.

I'm heading into another period of drought that may last more than a week and I'm already anxious. Boo!

Daisy: I am afraid its 9 and 10 for me. We are still living in different countries, so 9 is the one. As a result, I also feel disconnected, lonely, sad, and adrift. But I hang onto the hope that it will not be too much longer... within another year?

Jean Marie: #11 I feel something else - intense grief for the unexpected death of my dear lover. He spanks me almost every night as a prelude to sex. If I have a late after-school activity, and we can't squeeze in a brief tanning and a quickie, we make up for it the next night with a barn-burner of a session. I'm a lucky, happy girl who is convinced that sitting comfortably is vastly over-rated.

JM, our hearts go out to you in your time of loss. May the search you now begin lead to peace and closure.

Lea: 1. I'm thrilled that I got spanked just a week ago! 5. I'm disappointed because I miss our spankings. And this week I'm really feeling 6. I'm anxious because we've had no stress relief.

Mockingbird: It's definitely 6. I get very anxious and moody if I go a whole week without my husband spanking me. It's a huge stress relief for him too.

Anne: 6, definitely 6. I find I need the stress relief that a spanking gives both of us. I asked him last night when he thought he might spank me again, but he was very non-comittal. :-(

Make Mine Red: It would mostly be #5 "I'm disappointed because I miss our spankings" for me. That definitely sums it up. I like two to three a week, so once a week is disappointing and I definitely miss it!

Bree: Number 1 for me.

Anon #2: I would worry that my partner found another woman to spank! So when I next saw her, I would have to confront the bitch.

Ronnie: It would be a combination of number 5 and 8 for me.

Pink: Mine is a combination of 1 and 9. I'm thrilled that I was spanked just a week ago, but also that it's normal for us. I won't ever take my relationship for granted. I always feel fortunate to have been spanked, and look forward to the time that D and I can be together. Would I like it more? Of course! But it's just not possible, with our distance and schedules.

Prefectdt: I have to go with number 1. Spankings do not happen that often for me. Four times in a year is pretty average. More than that and I am a very happy bunny indeed. One week is not all that long and usually I have played hard enough to still feel a few twinges when I sit after only one week, which is nice.

Michelle Carlyle: 5) I waaaannnnnaaa be spanked! Where is he? Actually, I was on vacation with my cousin, he's been working hard and playing hard. But not fucking me hard. BUMMER. Soon, hopefully, and definitely something to look forward to. Yay! Sex and spanking in my future! (wish is was NOW)

Anon #3: I totally miss it when I don't get my spanking so I'll go with #5. Having my bare bottom over his knee and feeling the much needed discipline is what I crave. The long lasting twinges that go on all evening are even better. Reminds me why I was over his knee in the first place.

Bonnie: Sometimes I forget that my dear husband, Randy, reads this blog. He decided that my answer should be changed to #11 – Not applicable. And so it is...

Thanks for joining us again. I hope to see you all next weekend!

MBS Spanko Brunch #279

Happy weekend! It's been a long week for Randy and me and this respite is most welcome. For reasons that have nothing to do with kink, I have not been spanked in over a week. That makes me sad. Our question this week deals with similar situations.

It has been one week since you last spanked or were spanked, what are your feelings?

1. I'm thrilled that I spanked/got spanked just a week ago!
2. I'm proud that I've made it through an entire week without needing to spank/be spanked
3. I'm glad because that last week's spanking was horrible for both of us
4. I'm confused because I thought we would be spanking more often
5. I'm disappointed because I miss our spankings
6. I'm anxious because we've had no stress relief
7. I'm apathetic because we haven't had our motivational sessions
8. I'm unhappy because we didn't get what we need to function as a couple
9. I feel none of these because this schedule is normal for us
10. I feel something else...

Please tell us how you would feel by entering your thoughts in a comment. Once everybody has shared their answers, I will post an edited summary.

Recap: MBS Sunday Brunch for May 15

Our question of the week concerned the single most appealing aspect of adult spanking. Here are your responses.

On Her Knee: The closeness that I feel to My Fine Lady cannot be equaled in any other fashion. It just doesn't get any better.

Six of the Best: For me, the most important part is spanking a naughty woman's bare bottom. The other enjoyable aspect is the way she is dressed. I love seeing her wearing a pair of Directoire knickers, such that when they are pulled down, her naked rear end is encased in a garter belt and stockings.

Mockingbird: I love knowing that I won't scare him away if I get in a argumentative or impatient (i.e. bitchy) mood as I have with other people in my life. It doesn't turn into a huge argument like in my other relationships. He will just tell me to bend over and spank me to correct my behavior.

Raven Red: There are so many moments, but if I am honest with myself, I think it is that moment when I am pulled over his lap - that split second when I realise that I am under his control. There is nothing else I can do or say, that will ever reduce that moment.

Michelle Carlyle: It's all sexual for me, baby. Aside from all the trappings and set-up, I love the actual spanking. I love the way it feels and the way my body responds to a good whacking. I love coming from being spanked. I love the whole thing!

Little Monkey: Plain and simple, it's the sensation. My bottom is every bit as sensitive to touch as any of my other parts. Soft gentle touch, hard harsh touch, it all does it for me. A big warm solid hand (or any other part for that matter) and the smooth hot skin of my bottom, they were made for each other, Baybee!

Hermione: This is a deceptively simple question, and not easily answered. I think that the best thing about it is actually realizing my deepest desire and having my fantasies come to life. It is the time when the part of me that I must keep hidden from the rest of the world is set free. I feel safe and secure sharing my secret self with the man who spanks and loves me.

Prefectdt: Guiltily I have to admit it is the high of subspace and/or the endorphin rush. Oh well, it is better than being a heroine addict I suppose.

Sara: I think the very best part is the emotional connection that spanking creates between us.

S.N.M.: I'll parrot some of the others and say that my favorite part of spanking is the spanking itself. The physical sensations, hormonal surges, and emotional gratification all form one inseparable unit.

Lea: There isn't just one thing I can pick. The power exchange is high on the list though. The feeling of someone else being in charge, being able to submit, allowing me to get that emotional release. To echo what Sara wrote, the connection I feel with the spanker is also important.

Velvet: For me, it is the impact, the tingle, and the sting. I just love that feeling, and the longer it lasts the better...

DD: I agree with Hermione on the deceptively simple question...

I enjoy the anticipation and trepidation of an imminent spanking. I love the endorphin/adrenaline rush during a spanking, although I may not like self same spanking very much. I adore the knowledge that I am completely loved that comes afterward.

Uncle Nick: I enjoy taking a fully grown woman and reducing her to the level of a naughty little girl in her own mind!

Xantu: It is the quick, simple communication, the message that he is in control, in charge and I need to remember that.

Nick: I like the red hand prints, the cries and having easy of access.

Emily Winters: Choose one? How could I possibly choose one? It's absolutely impossible. There's control, pain, closeness, and the sexy sex afterward. These questions are getting too hard. I think I need to start eating elsewhere at the weekend! Ha ha

Curtis: I favor arousal and emotional connection. The first happens often. The second is more rare, but it geometrically increases the satisfaction.

She: I love the closeness it brings. If it doesn't achieve some sort of amazing mutual connection/feeling, then it wasn't worthwhile for me. I want to feel closer to the spanker after the spanking ends.

Anon: I love the role reversal! I am the bossier person normally, so having him get the upper hand, literally, is sexy and fun -- for both of us.

Our Bottoms Burn: We love reconnecting with each other in a most sexual way.

Pink: I prefer the steamy, hot sex afterward. Although I enjoy sex without spanking, it is incomparable after a nice bottom roasting.

Of course, this simplifies things quite a lot. I'm cutting out the anticipation, the relinquishing of control, the sensations, and skipping right to the end. But if it didn't turn me on, I wouldn't do any of it.

Michael: While there is a disciplinary element to our relationship, one of my favorite aspects of spanking Season is the sexiness and sensuality of our encounters. There is so much more involved - control, submission, emotions, psychology, to name a few - but a major part of spanking for us is the eroticism.

Jane: I love lying across his lap, feeling his dominance. There's also the vaguely sore bottom that reminds me of our connection when we're apart.

Ronnie: I'd say for me it's the closeness and the reconnecting that spanking brings.

Jean Marie & Keiter: We agree with Emily that it simply cannot be broken down, much less reduced to just one primary aspect. From the anticipation beforehand to the pillow talk after make-up sex following, we LOVE it ALL!

Dr. Ken: It's hard to say. There's an appeal to all aspects. I guess I go with the feeling of control, of taking charge of a naughty lady and turning her over my knee for a well-deserved bottom warming. I also like knowing that she trusts me enough to do this.

Daisy: I love the confirmation that I am loved, that I am answerable to him, that I must submit, that I must obey, that he finds me sexy, and that he WANTS to help me communicate more effectively. Oh, but mostly, it's that deep, determined, no-nonsense, sexy voice that conveys all these things.

Bonnie: My answer echos Sara and several others. A good spanking with all the trimmings leaves both us of feeling very connected. It strengthens and renews the bond between us as nothing else can.

Thank you all for your great answers!

MBS Spanko Brunch #278

Hello again, my friends. Our question this week is very simple and, at least for me, very difficult.

What one aspect of adult spanking do you find most appealing and why?

As always, you are invited to participate in our discussion by entering your response in the form of a comment below. Eventually, I will collect everyone's answers and publish an edited summary post.

In with the New: Rising River Edition

Here for your reading pleasure is another fine collection of relatively young spanking-oriented blogs.

Caned Photoblog

Discovering Alice

Hard Palm Spankings

Heather 1

Kytten's Corner

Love Honor and Obey

More Than It Hurts Me Photoblog

My Journey into a D/s Marriage

Red Bottomed Redhead

Some Favourites Photoblog

Sugar Refined

Tail Tales

Tales of Naughtiness Photoblog

To Shock the Unsuspecting

To these new members of our community, I bid you welcome. If you would like some blogging tips and suggestions, try these. In any case, we're very glad you're here!

Recap: MBS Sunday Brunch for May 8

I hope everyone had a lovely Mothers' Day and did something thoughtful for the mothers in your life (if you didn't, it's not too late for partial credit). Our question this week dealt with specific moments when you realized that spanking would be a permanent part of your life. Here are your responses.

Xantu: It was during a blow-up, an argument early in our dynamic. I got angry and declared that I was not ever going to let him spank me again and that all this silliness was finished once and for all. My Master, being a man that never turned away from a challenge, proceeded to demonstrated how very wrong I was.

Because what I crave most from spanking is feeling his strength and determination more than the actual pain or physical sensation, that was when it clicked. I knew I could never live without his domination.

OnHerKnee: Sorta...

After my very vanilla twenty year marriage, I decided that I would never again settle for a 'vanilla' relationship. Specifically, I would not hide my kinky side or secret thoughts. They had been suppressed by comments like, “that’s disgusting” or, “How could anyone ever do those things?”

My first post separation date netted my first ever BJ, and while it was happening she reached up and pinched and twisted my nipples. Suddenly, I became very aware of the connection between pain and pleasure and all of those thoughts that had never before had answers or fulfillment.

Kady: I definitely had one. We began our spanking mostly in a slightly erotic way, to make JJ more comfortable with the idea. Then, during my first punishment spanking, which wasn't all that bad, the closeness I felt to him was unbelievable. I wanted it to always be a part of our relationship.

There came a time when I wondered whether I had pushed JJ into something he didn't really want, and that it was only for me. I bravely gave him the freedom to back out of our spanking relationship. He was appalled and very dominantly told me it was here to stay! I never felt so loved and in my heart, I knew we were in this for the remainder of our lives. I am still amazed at what a spanking of any kind does for my heart, and I'm glad it's something we both want, and that it's HERE TO STAY!

Uncle Nick: Nope, I never had an epiphany, as spanking has always been a normal part of male-female relations to me. The first time I put a girl over my knee was when the pair of us were fifteen and I haven't stopped since.

JW: For me, it came through reading erotica. I was drawn over and over to stories that involved spanking, particularly the ones defined as domestic discipline. When research revealed to me that this was a real lifestyle that others engaged in and just not fantasy, I knew that I wanted it with my husband. I wanted it desperately. I was terrified that he would reject it because he was such a quiet and gentle person. But he didn't. I knew for certain that I never wanted to turn back when he took a belt to my behind when I was out of control. It returned serenity to my soul. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't want to go back either.

Doris: Thanks for asking my question! I'm another person who always thought and dreamed about being spanked. My Rubicon moment really didn't have much to do with spanking, except in my head. When I was in middle school there was a boy named Jack who was always in trouble. He was paddled at school often and didn't care who knew about it. I was a good girl so I never even saw a paddle, but I wondered what it would be like.

One day, Jack was standing right behind me in the lunch line. As we moved our trays forward, he took an extra step and in the process, bumped the back of my skirt with his hand. I was a young teenager and a bit naïve, but I never believed for a moment that was a mistake. He felt my butt.

The realization that this guy who was so familiar with corporal punishment was taking an interest in my butt shot through me like a bolt of lightning. I blushed, but I didn't tell him to stop. In the years that followed, my fantasies were filled with visions of being spanked by Jack or maybe alongside him. We didn't discuss what happened and he never did it again, but that day my spanking interest became permanently linked into all my sexual desires.

Welcome, Doris!

Six of the Best: As a school-boy in England, I had an urge to spank one of my female teachers. I wanted to bend her over her desk, raise her dress, take down her knickers, and cane her bare bottom. I would give her six of the best strokes on her naked rear end.

Hermione: I've had two. The first was when my husband introduced spanking into our lovemaking. I wrote a post about that wonderful night. The second occurred after a lengthy hiatus. We reconnected and I realized that spanking was something that I loved and craved. That story was told here on MBS.

Alice: Spanking as a fantasy has been there for a very long time, but spanking for real has only just come into my life. So what I am experiencing now is not so much an epiphany as a "coming home," and it is a warm and wonderful feeling.

Lea: I don't think there was one particular moment or experience that made the light bulb go o.n It's something I've always had on my mind to varying degrees. There are memories that stand out to me, like in elementary school when we read The Whipping Boy. I have quite a dog eared copy of that book even now. Also, there was a time when I was at a friend's house and her father spanked her while I was waiting outside and hearing the whole thing. That's a vivid memory.

As an adult, spanking has only been in practice in my life for about two years. Things are constantly evolving. It's been a fun ride so far.

Make Mine Red: Well, I'm not sure. Spanking has always turned me on, even when I was way too young to know what "turned on" was. It started when I was about 4 yrs old and my Mother made good on the promise to give me a spanking I'd never forget. She spanked my wet, bare butt really hard with the belt. I remember crying, screaming, and trying to squirm away. But there was nowhere to go. She just kept spanking me and at some point turned the belt around and used the buckle end. Then I remember the red welts shaped like the belt, each hole & even the buckle as well as the heat of it.

I dreaded and hated being spanked as a child, but thinking about it has always had the same effect on me ~arousal. So for most of my life I fantasized about it, but kept it to myself. It was about two years ago when our sex life had become less than exciting that I just blurted it out one night. I thought I would like it if he spanked me. Maybe that was my epiphany? I don't know, but I'm sure glad I finally shared that fantasy!

David: For me, it was the first time I felt the clothes brush bristle side on my bottom. It made me sit up and pay attention.

Michael: Spanking has always been imprinted on my DNA, so while there was no Rubicon moment per se. However, there was a moment of confirmation the first time I spanked a girl when in my early teens. It was an affirmation that this was me and it was OK to be this way and it was the way I was always going to be. I did not synthesize it in those words, but it was something I felt in my gut. It was a true validation.

Season: I was born with the spanko gene and had a lot of the usual experiences others have written about on their blogs. As a child, I recall getting that funny feeling whenever there was a spanking on a cartoon or TV show, hoping my fascination didn't show on my face, looking up the word "spanking" in the dictionary, and re-reading mentions of spanking in books, like Little House in The Big Woods, Caddie Woodlawn, etc. As I grew and matured, I gradually became aware of the connection between spanking and feeling aroused. I think if there was a Rubicon moment for me, it might have been when I was 15 or 16. I was babysitting and after the kids were in bed, I looked through the bookshelves and found "Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex But Were Afraid To Ask." Somewhere in there, it talked about spanking being part of foreplay for some people -- a light bulb went on. Aha! I am not the only one! And it DOES have a connection to sex. At the same time, I was learning what sex actually was, too (through reading about it, not having it -- that would wait for a couple of more years). Alas, getting a spanking would wait a couple of decades. But I'm making up for lost time now!

Curtis: I've known since second grade when a beautiful teacher picked up a classmate, put him over one knee and gave him a birthday spanking, which I felt in certain places. I did everything Season did in spades (it was an era when spanking was very prevalent and very much approved, so there was material everywhere -- in the family, other families, in school, in comics, in movies, in books, in dictionaries, etc.). I started playing in the seventh grade and knew I wasn't alone in the eighth. The only question was, of course, was how to play out my desires. I believed that what I was into was untoward. I wondered how to maintain my little secret. But I used every opportunity to engage.

My one sadness was the nearly fifteen year hiatus because of an ex-wife who played spanking games in courtship, the five years we lived together and for two years when we were married. Then she announced she didn't like it, but by that time, we had a child. When he was nearly college age, I connected again, divorced, and for the past six years, I have been engaged in spanking. I know now that a vanilla relationship is not for me.

Respecting Mistress: I've always been fascinated by corporal punishment, but my first 'moment' came when reading a story called 'The Flogging of Helene' in a Fiesta magazine that a friend brought to the house when I was off school with a leg injury. Although it was fiction, and it was M/f (and I was most definitely into F/m), I realised for the first time that other people had a similar fascination. I was fifteen at the time...

My second moment came when Mistress attempted to cane me the first time and fell on the floor in a fit of giggles. That one moment convinced me what I already known for some time - we had the makings of one hell of a relationship!

Prefectdt: No, there was never a Rubicon moment (at least I never remember crossing a small stream with thousands of Roman soldiers, in order to conquer Rome). Spanking has always been there as long back as my memory goes.

Emily Winters: A Rubicon moment is actually perfectly fitting for me, especially when you consider that I may as well be married to Caesar! The first time Nigel ever spanked me, he said, “Like it or not, get used to it.” Yep. I willingly stepped right into the stream and have been fording it ever since. Thank goodness! What worlds we've conquered! Vini, vidi, vici!

R: My Rubicon moment was the last hiding I ever got at school back in the 80's. I got twelve with the strap from my assistant headmistress and it was then that I knew. I've blogged about it at length. Ever since, well, I just knew.

Bonnie: Like so many others in our community, I was always interested in spankings, be they mine or others. In my early years, I wondered whether this obsession was sick or weird and mostly kept these thoughts to myself. I later experimented with boyfriends, but found little satisfaction. They didn't understand. When Randy and I finally got around to spanking, we clicked immediately. I wanted him in my life and spankings were (and are) an integral part of our relationship. If I have one eureka moment, finding my spanko soulmate was it.

Thanks, everyone, for sharing your experiences at the Rubicon!

MBS Spanko Brunch #277

As we leap into the beautiful month of May, couples' minds drift quite naturally toward birds, bees, and, well, spankings. Our question this week comes from a long time lurker and new friend named Doris.

Did you have a Rubicon moment where you knew definitively for the first time that spanking was, is, and probably always will be a part of your life? If so, was there a specific event that led you to this conclusion or was it the culmination of experiences over time? If you had that Rubicon moment, how did your life change afterward?

I invite you to share your thoughts regarding this week's question. It's quite easy. Just enter your response in the form of a comment below. As soon as everyone has voiced their opinions, I will post an edited summary.

Interview at Blossom and Thorn

I was recently interviewed by Season and Michael over at Blossom and Thorn. I think it turned out quite well. Thanks to both of you for a fun conversation!

Recap: MBS Sunday Brunch for May 1

Our question this week dealt with the definition of the word, “Spanko.” Here are your thoughts.

Hermione: A spanko is someone who derives sexual pleasure from the act of spanking. It may include giving spankings, receiving them, seeing them, reading about them, other spanking-related activities, or all of the above.

Uncle Nick: I don't like the term, but then again I don't like being called a dom or a top because that suggests that I am akin to an actor playing a role and I am not. That caveat aside, a spanko is a chap who upends women when they need taking in hand. Next question please!

James: Hermione said it perfectly. There's nothing else to say. I guess it's the same for males as females. We all have that common bond. Great question, great answer!

On Her Knee: Hermione describes it well. The only thing I would add is that a spanko is someone who's brain runs to different, interesting and possibly wild tangents when we hear the word 'spanking.' We consider it to be far more than what one sports team gave to another with a lopsided score.

morningstar: A spanko, for me, is someone who enjoys receiving a spanking on occasion. To be truthful, until I started to look for definitions, I didn't realize there were "spankos" in the world.

I guess (in my warped mind) a spanko enjoys an over the knee spanking and nothing more (in the way of pain, I mean).

Jean Marie: Hermoine said it concisely for me. I hope no one has to feel isolated and alone in this fetish anymore, as I once did before discovering this community. Go spankos!

Xantu: There's not a lot to add. This is not a term I use often... Spankable, spankish, spankisms, spanktastic, spanker, spankee... We need to create a whole new lexicon.

Six of the Best: I agree with Hermoine 100% percent.

Ronnie: I can't really add anything. Hermione said it perfectly for me.

Daisy: Yup. Hermione answered it pretty comprehensively! Though I don't compartmentalise what we do by giving it a name. I feel that I am just an ordinary, normal person, not a "spanko."

I actually don't consider spanking to be a fetish or anything like that. It is just an activity/way of life that brings a couple closer and more intimate with each other, and strengthens the bond of trust and communication. What's kinky about that?

Raven Red: Oh, that would be me! Hermione basically got it all down. However, typical me, I even found the "formal" definition on Wikipedia (GRIN):

Spankos - Erotic spanking is the act of spanking another person for the sexual arousal or gratification of either or both parties.

or

Spanko - A person with a fetish for spanking, usually but not exclusively sexual.

Prefectdt: As a (mostly) non-sexual player, I have to disagree that it always has to be about sexual pleasure (OK, I'll admit that I'm in it for the endorphins). I think that my definition goes like this.

A Spanko is anyone who derives any sort of pleasure from giving or receiving spankings or other sorts of corporal punishment between consenting adults.

Lea: I agree with Prefectdt. It's certainly not always sexual.

Michelle Carlyle: I'm deferring to Hermione.

Spanking Desire: I think I would define 'spanko' as someone who is into spanking, whether it be pleasurable or disciplinary.

Michael: Hermione and Prefectdt sum it up best. It is pleasure and fulfillment which satisfies physical, emotional or psychological needs in combinations unique to each individual.

Kingspan: Bonnie, I'm beyond flattered that you chose to use my question for your brunch topic.

Last week's question called to mind two women I dated long before I'd heard the word "spanko" (or the word internet, for that matter). "Sally" hated pain, but loved the idea of spankings. The quickest way to arouse her was to tell her how naughty she'd been and how I was going to have to punish her, or make up a story about someone else who needed a spanking. Foreplay often found her across my knee, pretending she was getting the hiding of her life while I gave her "spanks" that wouldn't hurt a fly. "Jane" was very physical, and liked an enthusiastic bite, pinch or very hard slap on the behind, but any suggestion of discipline or spanking squicked her completely.

Sally didn't enjoy having her bottom slapped. Jane did. Sally was a spanko. Jane wasn't. I had fun with both of them, however you categorize it. The biggest sex organ really is the brain.

Poppy: A spanko is someone whose heart beats faster when they hear the word "spanking" and somewhere mixed in with the excitement is anticipation.

Bonnie: I realize that many people don't like the word spanko. We did an entire brunch once dedicated to that topic. But I like it. It's a versatile word. Spanko can be a noun (she is a spanko) or an adjective (I love spanko blogs). It's generic enough to cover those who spank for sport, those who spank for discipline, and everyone in between

But what does it mean? Here's my take:

Spanko (n) – A person who is interested in and/or involved with consensual adult spanking.

Spanko (adj) – Relating to an interest in and/or involvement with consensual adult spanking.

Thank you, Kingspan, for contributing this question. Thanks to everyone else for adding your definitions.