Figleaf's Real Adult Sex

After researching the practice of collaring in BDSM, and coming up with, um, idiosyncratic results, Kink In Exile offers…

5 easy things to think about when doing research (kinky or otherwise):

1. Check your sources — how do you know what you know? Is your data coming from the CIA, a research institution, or the kid who lives on your floor? Is the article you are reading peer reviewed?
2. Check multiple sources — are you getting different numbers from different sources? Do your sources have different agendas?
3. Check publication dates — there was a time when the sun went around the earth and all the best scientists of the day would have told you so. Make sure your information is up to date; this is especially vital with medical information.
4. Fact or opinion? — Fact: collaring is a known practice in BDSM communities. Opinion: Collaring ceremonies are only valid between people who play really really hard. (Oh, and I will support my fact by saying that the many articles written on the subject and posted to BDSM community boards are indicative of a shared experience or in-group behavior.)

1. Validity based on what — Does the article provide data from a well-known source, or peer reviewed study, or does it ask you to believe what it says is true because it’s Tradition?

She said it.

Good advice in any context. It’s really helpful when dealing with previously suppressed, othered, or otherwise voiceless communities. Even when you’re part of the community yourself, but, obviously, especially helpful when you’re not.