BDSM Library Poll

[catalina_francisco]

Following a few inquiries from posters about the library, and suggestions for various threads/topics to be added, it has come to our attention there has not been any recent additions since mid 2005 and some topics not covered adequately for some. I have spoken with our librarian and she is happy to begin updating again, but felt there had been some resentment on the board toward referring people to the library and thus whether everyone saw it as useful to continue...hence this poll to let you have your say as to whether posters wish it to remain, grow, or otherwise. We appreciate any input or suggestions people may have.

Catalina & Marquis

 

[JMohegan]

I used the Library recently because I wanted to make a positive point about D/s relationships involving extensive rituals, and was hoping to find a Lit example of the same.

The Library is well organized, and I found exactly what I was looking for very quickly - a thread called "Rituals and Positions" with very detailed posts by Shadowsdream.

While browsing in the Library, I noticed many external links that would be helpful to those seeking information.

I voted: Yes, the library should continue and be updated regularly.


On the subject of referring people to the library, I tend to look at Lit as a giant virtual munch. I assume that people come here primarily because they want to talk to others about lifestyle issues, instead of just reading about them. Hence my opinion on polite vs. rude when it comes to referrals:

Helpful: "I don't know the answer to your question, but others might. In the meantime, the information here [insert link to appropriate Library section] might be of interest to you."

Obnoxious: "That's already been discussed ad nauseam on this board. Go read about it in the Library at the top of the page."

 

[neonflux]

The library was one of my most important resources when I began to explore all of this formally. I have since referred a number of people to it. Please maintain it. Neon

 

[Arrete]

As a new member, I would like to say that I emphatically support the library collection. It has been extremely informative, and it helps those of us who do not have a long history on the boards find information/input on specific topics. It is a great place to start before becoming more involved in the discussions, and (from what I can tell) the topics are frequently referenced and linked in active posts.

 

[Rox_shybutcurious]

I also am new to the boards and have found the library to be a great source of information. I've read through it several times as different questions have arisen. I think it should definitely be maintained.

Rox.

 

[NemoAlia]

Yes, yes yes! Keep it going! And if s'lara wants help, I'd be happy to get back into it.

 

[Daddyslilpet]

I'm of the mind that I honestly don't care one way or the other as long as people aren't obnoxious about pointing people to the thing. If someone posts something you really don't want to answer then by all means just don't answer, why go in with a rude post telling them the topic has been done to death now go search the liabrary for your answers?

That's not the reason it was created in the first place. It was to be a quick reference tool for people to go to, not to stop people from posting their questions.

Ok I'm off my soapbox. There's my answer. If it's done as a reference tool the way it was intended I'm all for it, otherwise scrap the darn thing. ~shrugs~

 

[angel_girl]

The library is such a great resource. I've spent time (lots and lots of time) reading there and I appreciate the referrals I've been given to help me find specific answers. Please continue updating.

~Angel

 

[BiBunny]

I'm all for continuing the library and updating it.

 

[chris9]

I found the library a great help in starting my journey of self-knowlegde, giving me topics I would not have thought about by myself.
And it's not as there's a reference to the library in every single thread with a topic already talked about. I remember when I asked about punishment, I was given a link to the library, but a discussion happened in the thread I had started never-the-less. If I answer, I try to not only do the 'go to the library', but if I give my opinion, any advice, whatever I might add it. And I think it's better to add a link to the library to a thread by (most of the time) a newbie that's asking the same question again than not having anybody answering.
So I'm all for continuing it. And since there have been some thread that I believe should be in the library, updating seems like a good idea.

If there's help needed, please let me know since I have a little free time at present.

 

[NemoAlia]

If it's done as a reference tool the way it was intended I'm all for it, otherwise scrap the darn thing. ~shrugs~

No, we can't scrap the darn thing! Too many hours of careful work gone to waste! At the very least, leave it as it is. We don't scrap tangible libraries because people misuse them as homeless shelters, free day care, or emotional punching bags -- why would we throw out all the effort that's gone into this one just because of a couple of rude folks?

 

[catalina_francisco]

No, we can't scrap the darn thing! Too many hours of careful work gone to waste! At the very least, leave it as it is. We don't scrap tangible libraries because people misuse them as homeless shelters, free day care, or emotional punching bags -- why would we throw out all the effort that's gone into this one just because of a couple of rude folks?

I have to agree. I don't see it as fair to disband the library in retaliation for the way some people have used it to avoid answering a question presented here. I have on occasion seen a new thread as I was about to head out the door and instead of leaving the person sitting without anything, referred them to the library until I or someone else gets back to answering them directly.

As you say, too many people have put a lot of time and effort (all voluntary) into making the library the useful resource it is today, yourself included. Posters have also contributed indirectly by starting threads or contributing to existing ones. I don't just see it as a resource in terms of information on BDSM, but also historical in presenting threads from the beginning to recent times, showing the growth and change of ideas that have occurred through greater exploration, sharing and understanding, and the people who made that possible. I remember times past when it was downright inflammatory to introduce topics such as bestiality, scat, etc., and now if mentioned there is usually no fuss and even some discussion and sharing of real facts and information around those previously 'off limits' topics.

I am pleased people are at this point showing support for the continuation of the library and all it has to offer. After all, it is not a library of resources from other places, but mostly constructed from our own views, experiences, opinions, and lives.

Catalina

 

[Marquis]

This certainly seems to be a no brainer.

I think all we're left with at this point is figuring out a way to ensure that the library is updated regularly.

 

[poppy1963]

I like the Library, too...and whether it is updated or not...I will never be able to get through all I want in there as it is!

 

[submissiveknight]

Many a times in the morning(before work) I will go to the library and pull up a topic that Mistress and I encounterd either the night before or recently! It's a great way for Us to get other peoples views on topics that relate to Us. It really helps to get others incites, kind of like picking at other peoples brains without ever having to ask a question, on topics that interest us. I'll just leave the links on Her messenger for whenever She gets around to viewing them during the day. It really is a great tool to have. As far as referring inviduals to the library on topics, "Tact is the best way to advice anything," but that just from my southern hospitality point of view. I don't feel myself(at least w/o permission lol) that I'm accomplished enough at posting on lit as of yet to be referring inviduals to the library, after all I'm just a VIRGIN!!!!!!

 

[serijules]

I used the Library recently because I wanted to make a positive point about D/s relationships involving extensive rituals, and was hoping to find a Lit example of the same.

The Library is well organized, and I found exactly what I was looking for very quickly - a thread called "Rituals and Positions" with very detailed posts by Shadowsdream.

While browsing in the Library, I noticed many external links that would be helpful to those seeking information.

I voted: Yes, the library should continue and be updated regularly.


On the subject of referring people to the library, I tend to look at Lit as a giant virtual munch. I assume that people come here primarily because they want to talk to others about lifestyle issues, instead of just reading about them. Hence my opinion on polite vs. rude when it comes to referrals:

Helpful: "I don't know the answer to your question, but others might. In the meantime, the information here [insert link to appropriate Library section] might be of interest to you."

Obnoxious: "That's already been discussed ad nauseam on this board. Go read about it in the Library at the top of the page."

What he said

Exactly how I feel.

 

[s_red830]

I absolutely love the library. Then again, I have a thing for anything that contains vast amounts of carefully organized information.

But please, please keep it going. Great source not only for me, but for friends of mine who are newbies as well.

 

[FurryFury]

I love libraries. I love ours. I would support it continuing and growing.

Fury

 

[BeachGurl2]

I found the library to be extremely helpful to me when I first came here searching for information. And I refer new people to it all the time - not because their questions have been asked before, but because it's such a great place. But I'm such a geek about researching things that interest me, it would only be natural that I'd head to the library and refer others there, too.

I voted keep it and continue updating it.

 

[saw_man1]

I have availed myself of the library’s resources on more than one occasion. As we have grown and evolved so should it.

I'm sure that more than a few of us have some offering we would like to have considered for inclusion.

Perhaps you have seen my monograph on the man from Nantucket.

 

[Moonlit]

I have not posted much, as of yet, but I have spent a fair amount of time reading through the library and I have learned much from it.

I think it would be a shame if it were to be gotten rid of... but it would be wonderful to see it updated more regularly.

 

[Aeroil]

I've never used it.

 

[Daddyslilpet]

No, we can't scrap the darn thing! Too many hours of careful work gone to waste! At the very least, leave it as it is. We don't scrap tangible libraries because people misuse them as homeless shelters, free day care, or emotional punching bags -- why would we throw out all the effort that's gone into this one just because of a couple of rude folks?

Whoa, I didn't mean it like that. Sorry I know you put in a lot of hard work on the project. Forget I said anything.

 

[catalina_francisco]

Bump..

 

[Marquis]

Bump..

For what purpose exactly?

I think what needs to be done is rather clear.