The Collar. The mere sound or sight of this word stirs feelings of love, devotion, dedication and the feeling of belonging, a symbol, and a pledge. It should have a positive connotation to it but to some, it is merely a plaything, a tool to use to play with another's feelings. The Collar.

Simply put, the collar is the equivalent to a marriage. The same responsibilities in a marriage exist in the relationship involving a collar. This is a two-way street and it is enormous whether you are Master/Dom, Mistress/Domme, slave or submissive. From the Dominant one, you have the absolute responsibility inherent in your role to look out for the well being of yours. To nurture, love, cherish, educate, and train, just a few words but there are many you can put here. For the one who is slave or submissive, to be devoted, to love and to trust. The Collar.

Online is something different. The Internet has opened the lifestyle to many who had just heard or read about it. To go blindly into a lifestyle, a culture, is a dangerous thing. We tend to forget that behind the screen name, there is a living, breathing person, capable of feelings. With feelings, comes another responsibility. I will not spend my time pointing fingers, as players are abundant in the ranks of online Dominants and slaves/submissives. The prudent thing is to be careful, as the Velcro collar is alive and well online. I have seen many of my closest friends, Dominants and slaves/submissives, be hurt by those who haven't a clue. Remember always, just because one puts "Master" in front of their names does not make him one. Actions, not words, define the Man. The Collar.

Don't get me wrong, I have witnessed many relationships withstand the test of online and grow into something wonderful. There are many who have taken it real life, moved in together, and in some cases, married. It is there, it can happen. At the same time, be realistic. If things sound too good to be true, I submit, there is probably an 85% chance, it IS too good to be true. The filtering out process is where you must be patient. Do not fall blindly. Would you accept a real life proposal of marriage after only a few days? Weeks? A month? Keep it real. The Collar.

In summation, the tools are there for those who seek it. Use them. If you be Master/Mistress, keep in mind always; there is a person on the other side of the monitor. You have a responsibility to look out for that one. There is nothing more dangerous than arming one with the title of Master/Mistress who is not educated to use the title. The Collar is special; keep it that way. It is not to be taken lightly nor is it to be played with. The Collar…say it a few times. If the sound of it makes you smile, you are there. If you say it with a passing thought, time to look in the mirror. The Collar.