Posting as Exhibitionism?

[_Necrosomantic_]

Anonymity tends to bring out the best and worst in people, something about being able to say anything on your mind or express an opinion unapologetically without fear of exposure/personal ridicule certainly makes for interesting conversation.

So by definition it could be considered a form of exhibitionism, if one found even the slightest thrill in it. Though I tend to believe this isn't the case for most, but rather an exercise in purging things we keep bottled up. Keeping yourself to yourself is poison and in some small way I believe this helps, though sometimes it can reinforce bad habits or stubborn thoughts depending on how you choose to handle others responses.

I wish I could claim to have purely altruistic intentions when I passionately respond to something, but the reality is my reasoning usually tends to be more base. I certainly do like helping others who are having a tough go of it, but sometimes I find that my involvement is being fueled by narcissism due to relating closely to a situation or problem that mirrors something I'VE gone through. So I'm really just talking about myself to someone instead of about them. That's when you need to step back and ask yourself what you're really doing, trying to help someone out or trying to make yourself feel better about your own situation?

This I can say though cascadiabound, you are a great poster that has valid things to say and does contribute, regardless of the time it takes to form those thoughts. You were kind to someone when they had just joined for no reason and without asking for anything in return, and that says a lot about you as a person.

 

[cascadiabound]

This I can say though cascadiabound, you are a great poster that has valid things to say and does contribute, regardless of the time it takes to form those thoughts. You were kind to someone when they had just joined for no reason and without asking for anything in return, and that says a lot about you as a person.

You are too kind.
Thank you for bumping this thread while also adding such worthwhile and interesting comments to the topic.
I find quite a bit of what you say resonates with me.
cb

 

[ZanzibarWest]

I don't see it as exhibitionism as that requires someone to be aware of the initial response. I could expose myself and my thoughts and my personality but the response will always be tempered: there is very little chance of getting that little initial shock of honesty that exhibitionism has because the time between the initial viewing and the response isn't a honest split-second but something that goes through a few seconds/minutes of mental rewriting before expressing.

It would be like if I turned a corner and saw a very attractive woman there completely naked as opposed to seeing a naked picture in a post. In reality, my response would be sudden and honest: I would examine her body before the fear of me being seen as checking her out would kick in, making me blush and keep eye contact to be polite. With a post, we can expose more but by doing so have ten times the amount of time to formulate and put into words what we think and take it all in. I hope I'm making sense.

 

[_Necrosomantic_]

You are too kind.
Thank you for bumping this thread while also adding such worthwhile and interesting comments to the topic.
I find quite a bit of what you say resonates with me.
cb

No thanks needed ( but always nice to hear, I won't lie ), the subject you brought up is interesting and certainly warrants thought. Often, in this world, a lot of people get caught up in the physical aspects of this or that lifestyle, resulting in only starting conversations/asking for advice about those things. Personally, It's always been far more engaging for me on an emotional and psychological level. Breaking someone and getting them to surrender to you utterly takes much more than belts and sensory dep masks ( though, those certainly help ).

It would be like if I turned a corner and saw a very attractive woman there completely naked as opposed to seeing a naked picture in a post. In reality, my response would be sudden and honest: I would examine her body before the fear of me being seen as checking her out would kick in, making me blush and keep eye contact to be polite. With a post, we can expose more but by doing so have ten times the amount of time to formulate and put into words what we think and take it all in. I hope I'm making sense.

You are making perfect sense.

In my limited experience, exhibitionists tend to expose themselves for the thrill not for the reaction ( that's just icing on the cake ). The idea of being seen while exposed, and the anticipation leading up are key. This usually requires some form of planning because they don't want to get arrested/assaulted/etc. ( for some, just being outside is enough, no audience needed ) and that's not to mention the amount of fantasizing that takes place beforehand. So, using these things I've mentioned as an example, it's not impossible for someone to get some form of thrill from posting anonymously on a board regardless of how much planning/thinking they put into it.

I'm not telling you you're wrong, just playing devil's advocate for conversation's sake.

Hell, for all we know, that quote was simply rhetoric the poster thought sounded cool. But that's not very fun now is it.

 

[NOIRTRASH]

As a rule EXHIBITION results in legal and social problems, I had flasher clients years ago, the guys who exposed their charms. But much of what we call EXHIBITION is simply natural social signaling, and no different from good grooming and attractive attire. Signalling is a safe way to suggest...more, without being a bald invitation to more. Its a socially acceptable...maybe. Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it!!!!!

 

[cascadiabound]

Hell, for all we know, that quote was simply rhetoric the poster thought sounded cool. But that's not very fun now is it.

I have wondered this actually, as when I first started this thread, I very much anticipated the user I borrowed the quote from to chime in at some point. Sadly he didn't, and I haven't seen him around lately. So I really have no idea.

 

[_Necrosomantic_]

I have wondered this actually, as when I first started this thread, I very much anticipated the user I borrowed the quote from to chime in at some point. Sadly he didn't, and I haven't seen him around lately. So I really have no idea.

It'd be nice to hear their reasoning behind it, but it's no longer really the point. You read something that struck a chord with you on some level, and were compelled to explore that. Often, that's far more valuable than what inspired you, regardless of it's own worth. Don't second guess your own sagacity

 

[KinkyHusband1968]

It's not exhibitionism for me. When I read these boards and post, it's the connection and assurance that I'm not the only one who has these feelings. It's nice to share and read others experiences and know that they can relate to you and vice versa

I agree. It's part of why I like the Lit boards. Not everyone is like this, but generally it's very friendly and accepting and it's good to know others have similar desires and feelings. Plus it's just fun to share experiences and hear about others' experiences.

 

[Farawyn]

I do both.
I like the connections I've made, especially on this board.
I do love the banter, which I see more as the exhibitionism: show me what you got, and all that.

 

[cascadiabound]

It'd be nice to hear their reasoning behind it, but it's no longer really the point. You read something that struck a chord with you on some level, and were compelled to explore that. Often, that's far more valuable than what inspired you, regardless of it's own worth. Don't second guess your own sagacity

Thank you. I think you are right about this. And I agree that the topic has clearly been worth airing.