FetLife is meant to be the kink lifestyle version of Facebook. Many people assume it’s more like a dating site. However that was not the original purpose, which is why you can’t search for specific types. Just like anything online, FetLife is prone to trolling and people basically acting in a way they wouldn’t if they were standing in front of you. In this article I want to speak to four issues that I see on FetLife. I am positive that this article will not cover EVERY issue, however, I will cover the top four that stick out to me. Unfortunately the people that probably need to read this article are the ones that won’t, however, I’m hopeful that perhaps a few of them will happen upon these words.
The first issue is a pretty simple one: NOT READING PROFILES. Rather than sending someone a message based on their profile picture or just the fact that you know by looking at the top of their page they are the “role” that you’re looking for (aka sub, Dom, etc) look at those things as your first filter, but then keep reading. There’s a lot of important information you can find in somebody’s profile page – the first one being whether or not they have any protocol to follow or for you to follow in order to contact them. If they have someone that they are connected to – whether that person is someone they are in a D/s relationship with or someone that is protecting them – they may have certain rules about contacting other people. So if you don’t do that, you may not hear back from them. Whether or not you think you should have to contact somebody else first is beside the point.
You can also learn a lot from what they say in their “About Me” section. Perhaps the two of you have common interests, in or out of the kink scene that you can connect with them on, or it can give you some extra insight into the type of person they are. Their list of fetishes might tell you some things they may or may not enjoy, but don’t assume they’ll enjoy all of those things with YOU! You may find some common interest there as well but I don’t recommend starting with that. If you were trying to pick up on someone at, say, a vanilla event you wouldn’t start out by asking them their favorite sex position. Same thing here, you’re getting to know somebody – get to know them as a human being first. Look at the groups they are involved in – that may also give you some insight. Take a look if they have friends writing on their wall or how much activity they have had recently. This can tell you how active they are. Check out some of their writings if they have any. If they have many writings, maybe just check out the most recent ones. Again, this lends more insight into who they are and what they are about and may give you some additional information to reference when you start to message them.
I’m going to extend this etiquette rule to not only individuals but also events. Most event coordinators are perfectly happy to provide information about their event if you’re confused about something or not sure about something – they’re usually more than happy to help. However, please read the entire event page first and if there are links back to a group page that hosts the event, take a look there as well. If you have additional questions once you’ve done that then that’s the time to contact the host. People who create events put time and effort into managing those groups and event pages so that most of the information is there.
This moves me right into the second issue, which is the CUT AND PASTE MESSAGE. Don’t do that! While you might get away with this sometimes, you need to understand that many times (perhaps when you don’t get a reply and can’t fathom why) it’s because the person on the other end can tell that there is nothing personal about your message. This brings me back to why the first issue is so important. Also, if you’re messaging the same cut and paste message to multiple people – and especially when you have found those people through the friends list of the same people – those people do talk! I hear female s-types talking to one another all the time, comparing the messages they receive. So, once again, refer to issue number one -read the profile of the person you want to message and write the message accordingly.
Issue number three: FORCING A DYNAMIC. This applies to online and in person. Just because someone identifies as a babygirl, doesn’t mean you get to start referring to yourself as “Daddy”. Just because someone identifies as a Domme, doesn’t mean you should start calling them Mistress. Just because someone’s fetish list includes “dirty talk” or ” humiliation, doesn’t mean you start your message with, “How are you my dirty slut?” NO! Again, how they identify or what’s on their fetish list has NOTHING to do with you yet. Approach with respect and treat them like any other human being until (or if) the relationship progresses.
The final issue I am going to speak to is a bit more controversial; the issue of GENITALIA AS PROFILE PICS. I will give you my opinion here. If you have your genitalia as your profile pic I will make some initial assumptions. Keep in mind, just like meeting someone for the first time in person – your profile picture is your first impression. I will assume that you are only on Fet for sexual reasons and/or that is all you have to offer. I personally, don’t want to see it. If I look at your picture gallery and find pics of your junk (any gender) – well that’s on me. Still not my favorite, but much better than getting greeted with your erection or close up of your cervix every time you send me a message or pop up on my feed. On an even more personal level – as a female s-type if you are a male D-type that I may be interested in, I will be turned off by ANY pics of your package. To me personally it detracts from your confidence as a Dominant.
Now, having said all that, if you really are on Fet for mostly sexual adventures and want to attract others with the same goal, then let your privates march out in front for all to see! I am not going to not be your friend and I won’t think less of you. However, if that’s the first impression you choose, please understand when I don’t feel as badly when you are complaining about all the “unsolicited”, “aggressive”, or “creepy” messages you get.
I understand I may get some arguments over that last issue. Again, this is all my opinion. And it’s my article. So there. 😉
Feel free to add any additional FetLife etiquette issues that you have come across in the comments section below!
Jennifer Masri is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in Alternative Lifestyles for individual and relationship issues. She also teaches the BDSM 101 class series at Sanctuary LAX in Los Angeles every Monday evening. We are delighted to have her as a columnist for Kink Weekly, offering particular insight into some of the common challenges that kinky people face in their relationships and journey in the lifestyle.
Dave says
I hate when women I talk to assume I want sex.
Woo says
Every point you is done with eloquence and is 100% correct. However, I do feel like you are preaching to rhe choir.
Gary Schall says
Well said. I would gladly add additional comments, but as one of those rare few who not only reads profiles AND complete artcles, but also all the comments, there isnothing newI could add that hasn’t already been said. There are so many people out there who use ANY online site as a dating site, even places like LinkedIn. Unfortunately, as Ron White says, “You can’t fix stupid.”
MichaelZ10000 says
She writes the whole thing as a critique on the fact that, and how, men approach women on Fetlife. Yet women commit the same infractions (for want of a better word). If she really wants to see change, she should write an article encouraging women to approach – this would allow the guys who suck at it to abstain and still have hope for love or lust. What’s more is the expectation that she deserves to be hit on ‘just so’ paired with an interest in sex (which requires that someone initiate something at some point) and ignorance of the bear absence of female initiation of it: you need to be some kind of stuck up to not only want the result of an effort (sex), not put in the effort that brings it about (initiation) and want it done a very specific way. If it were anything else, she’d be told to get bent.
Jenn says
After reading your comment I went back and gave the article another read through. I actually believe I spoke to both sides on the issues – male/female as well as Dom/sub. I’m sorry if you felt offended in some way.
Neil Champion says
Love the bit about genitalia Since when do you dom people with it lol .
Very good article and voices my sentiments and thoughts throughout .
Vampgirl21 says
I agree about the genitalia there are some guys out there that are doms that’s all they show is 20 pictures of their genitals and maybe one or two decent pictures of themselves. Do they have insecurities is that why they do that , but it really turns me off. I’ve heard a lot of Subs say the same thing that if they want a picture of some guys genitals they would ask for it.
Naughtynymph68 says
I started reading the article and hearing it in a particular voice… Low and behold I get to the end and she wrote it. Jen your a blessing to Newbies.
LacyMayCD says
I am an oversexed CD exhibitionist but do occasionally or rarely meet others but I am “very, very” picky as to whom… I mostly prefer my sex life being with myself and happy to be able to share my photos on Fetlife… Been on Fetlife for about 6 months and had some crude offers but it’s not been a big problem… It’s been rather easy to let others know my interests and intentions… Funny that people ask me if I would travel just to be with them.
Mark Walton says
I am still somewhat confused when it comes to FetLife. These are my observations 1) there seems to be a lot of pro Dommes / Doms on here looking for business, 2) members can be very dismissive, even rude and arrogant, 3) lack of full face photos is concerning when it comes to discerning who is genuine and who isn’t (I am guilty of this and I am now going to post a plain photo of me with my face showing, 4) a dedicated dating site this may not be, but given the ever increasing amounts of time we spend on net it is only natural people will use social media and similar sites as an avenue to search for a partner. Given there are very few genuine sites like FetLife, it is only natural people will use the site to find a partner. In many respects it makes sense given the captive audience – there seems to be very few other places to look. That said, every day values like respect, courtesy, honesty etc still apply.
MsTrustLA says
My current pet peeve are those stupid generic Dom/sub photographs that look like bad 50 Shades bullshit. One “Dom” who messaged me had nothing but those pics and I was like WTF. I also don’t like it when Doms have a lot of pics of their subs vaginas or them penetrating their subs….seems oddly exploitative to me, abusive in a not good way.
Felix says
I guess politeness and courtesy should be a must, here like in most social networks, the idea of anonymity should not be a reason or excuse for misbehave language. But, there are all kinds of flowers in the garden of God.. just need to watch out for the few cactus. 😉
Anyhow, is a well written and explained topic. Thanks!
painandecstasy says
I’d love to have your permission to copy and paste this article to a group I belong to on Fetlife!!
kinkweekly says
Thanks for checking with us – I’ll send you an email about it.
-Dexx
AlteredEgoState says
While my imagination and fantasies can sometimes even suprise me, and just because I’m anonymously behind a k/b, that’s no excuse for me, to act like an ass-clown. I always maintain my gentleman’s approach, with a level of maturity and respect for others. I’m also not a fan of genitalia pics. Not judging, just not my thing, least not in the context of meeting people on Fet for social online friendship.
My profile is specifically me, and some of it does explain in detail what I enjoy. However I sometimes gets the distinct impression, because I do not make sexual type advances to a woman, I’m cast aside as being all show-and-no-go. I hate games on that level, especially those loaded with head-fucks. But it seems, those women who protest with extreme prejudice against MEN in general, are the one’s who play these games – then cry foul when they attract the MEN they claim they don’t want. Go figure that one out!
I think FL has positive aspects which are useful, but I also think a lot of it, least in my experience, should be taken with a grain of salt. K&P seems to drive a lot of this attraction in gaining a zillion friends. Ironically people who haven’t read your profile, who don’t really want to spare anytime getting to know you. Your just a means to an end, and hopefully the fuel that drives their posts in K&P stardom.
Faking it seems all too easy on FL. Worse, it seems those who master this RUSE, get rewarded for it!
In the end though, I visit FL for me. Sure it would be nice to find that diamond in a sea of sand, but I’ve knida lost hope in that happening. When it’s practically impossible to decipher the EGO driven BS, from the real deal.
Great post BTW…
Richard says
I would like to address the dick pic issue. You have singled out men in your statement, however there are just as many women that have pics of their tits and cunts as their profile pics. Many of these same women are the loudest complainers of the infamous dick pics. As well there is a lot of people who condemn me for not having any pics on my profile. I have no pics as I have a job sensitive issue as does my slave. But back to the issue these same complainers only have copied photos or slogans on their on pic list with no actual photos of themselves.
While there are many men doing wrong things on Fetlife, please let us not loss focus on the fact that for every wrong doing man there is a wrong doing woman as well.
Another fact that has not been addressed is the personal attacks some individual suffer when they post. As I was luck enough to receive this treatment when I posted, some of the attackers even followed me to other peoples posts and attacked me there.
kinkweekly says
Hi Richard, Thanks for the insight. I addressed the “equal opportunity” dick pic issue in this (very long) comment thread-stating that I find it distasteful when women do it to. I think a follow up article is due on this issue to cover more ground and breadth on the topic. Thanks for reading! -anniebear
tigerlily says
I think my issue with “majority” of men with Dick Pics- is that these particular men are the ones to send crude comments and messages to women and do not read profiles first. They are usually there to get “laid”. They often believe they are gods gift and not truly into kink. Where as most of the women (ok not all) have their private parts showing in-line to the kink they are into, or for instant, sub doing it for their Dom or to show what they have been up to. Again most of these women, sure there may be the exception, don’t go around harassing men with pictures of their genitalia and coming on to them without reading their profile first.
Jenn says
Hi Richard – actually if you read that portion of my article again you will notice I was actually very clear about addressing both male and female genitalia. I refer to “genitalia” as to not exclude specific gender as well as actually say in parenthesis “any gender” and refer to both dick pics and “close up of your cervix” (if I’m recalling the exact words correctly) to make it clear I am not singling out men. I am very aware of including everyone on this issue because my whole point is that I’m not a fan of anyone’s genitalia as their main profile picture.
Thank you for commenting and I hope I’ve cleared that up. 🙂
Zsadist87 says
This was an awesome article with lots of great responses….lots of them seem directed at liking or commenting on pics and/or profiles. As well as what’s uploaded in the first place… I myself don’t really comment on pics anymore for the simple fact that everyone has already said it and I don’t want to add to its repetition. Personally I feel we should be allowed to upload anything we like within reason. It says Fet is pretty much a kinksters FB, and that’s what you do on FB. I understand some content should be friends only, I have plenty of pics that are. But if it is part of our kinks we should be able to post it. I’m an anime/hentai fan and you can really only find it on the net… I don’t want to this to sound bad, but I don’t care for threats from the Fet “caretakers” saying if you don’t remove your pics we will…. Now, I’m not really on Fet to find sex partners. I wanted to find like minded people…. as far as reading everyone’s about me or profile. I agree that it’s not happening, I don’t think anybody has actually read mine…but we are given the choice to accept or reject…just sayin. This is just my opinion on some of what was covered and I do apologize if I’ve upset anyone.
JaKiWe says
Well said 🙂 How often I don’t get a Dom replying to me acting like I’m his slave and should take anything he throws at me. Only because I have “Slave” scoring high on the “BDSM-test”. This doesn’t make me a slave, and most deffinetly doesn’t make every Dom who sees fit my master. (Not for nothing I define myself as a Brat)
Also I am a bit digusted by all the dickpics and such. As if it would make me feel like wanting to contact or even meet that person only because I see him having an erection?! It only makes the person seem overconfident or insecure as if they don’t have anything else to offer
Have some style and show some respect, and you’ll see that you’ll atleast get a nice message back even if it is a message stating that I don’t see that much similarities as they apparently do. And as soon as someone starts to insult me (high degredee percentage) without us had build up a state in which it is appropriate, well.. Goodbye!
(Good article 😉 )
kinkweekly says
Thank you for reading and well said! I’ll reiterate since you brought it up that I’m neither a fan of dic pics or vagina pics. Equal opportunity for “showing too much” hahaha -anniebear
Collaredstorm says
Well, I agree with all of your points as a local community founder/leader/facillitator whatever the hell title you wish to apply. The two I really agree with are the don’t force a dynamic(if you do that where I am concerned, you’ll find yourself publicly humiliated by a slave.). It took about 6 before that stopped, but it has thankfully.
The genital pics, um…yeah…haven’t you heard you lead with your best? If that is your best(male or female) very few will be impressed.
One I wish had been added is the oldskool standby of ” Your kink is not my kink, but your kink is okay.” You will see kinks you find extreme, don’t particularly agree with, had a bad experience with, or even wish a person didn’t have because of your own desires. Just keep looking…
Don’t message me telling me how you think C.N.C. play is rape plain and simple, or how you had terrible drop that wasn’t handled properly, or how you don’t believe a woman as beautiful as myself should be treated that way and if I’d just be your mistress you’d treat me like the goddess I am. If I am grown enough to chose kink over vanilla I am damn sure grown enough to decide for myself what kinks I am into or willing to experience.
SensualVirgo says
After reading this article, I feel so much better about the fact I don’t have not one single nude/partially nude pic on my profile. For a long time I felt like I was an outcast for not flaunting my body for the whole site to see, but not anymore. I’ve learned a lot about people just by reading their profiles and writings. Thanks for the good read. happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Krystal says
Same here! You don’t need a nude pic on that site. I get so many compliments with my hair, makeup, and a nice shirt! Those kinds of pics attracts a lot of weirdos. Glad I am in good company of the no nudes club.
mrSwatsalot says
Great advice. Hope a lot of people read this. I am tired of seeing some dude’s junk as a profile pic. Real turn-off. It would be bad even if I was gay, but REALLY not good for a straight guy. And for girls who post their twat as the main part of their pic set, same applies. I love looking at nookie, but no if that is ALL there is. Personalities are key, lead with that….
Mike says
I’m in agreement with the topics, I joined to learn and friend with real people, I left fb due to the drama and rudeness from the pricks of the world, but I see it is the same no matter where we go. I have to share my profile with my wife thanks to the idiots running loose here. Don’t get me wrong, I love Fetlife, but I am sick of the pecker pics that shout out shallowness. With no depth, comes no imagination, why join a fetish site if you have nothing to offer, it clearly displays a hormone balance being off. I say go get laid from the whore on the corner, leave us that want this life alone so we may enjoy it. Thank you for this article, it was a great read.
Silje Wyn says
I expected more. That was a lame list and it wasn’t really specific to FetLife. With the exception of your comments about the fetish list, these general basics could have been applied to any social network site. I expected this to be about etiquette specific to FetLife and including some general basics. This was more of a rant than a good article on FetLife social etiquette. I’ve seen better on FetLife itself, and that isn’t saying much.
Aaliyah Love says
I hope you don’t mind me pasting a link to this article on my FL profile?
– AaliyahCuddles.
kinkweekly says
I would be honored!
-anniebear
Arian Bloodlove says
I loved reading this. It’s certainly something that needs to be said and I agree with all four points. Some people, unfortunately, simply don’t get that or just refuse to acknowledge the fact. Thank you for putting this out there.
Steven Sandler says
On the issue of dick picks… I’m curious of the opinion of the author as well as those who left comments. My Fet profile picture is and always has been a picture of just my face, there are no solo dick pics in my gallery. However, I’m very active in the scene, I’m very self-expressive, and there are several pics of me in scenes with partners where my junk is prominently visible. Some are dramatic, like the one where it’s being nailed to a board on stage at Club Anarchy. Do these constitute true dick pics, or is this just me ‘spressin’ myself? I’ve always thought of dick pics as crass and un-evolved. But I didn’t think of these other pictures in my gallery as dick pics. After reading this and the comments, now it makes me wonder.
Lori G says
Personally, nudity in scenes where a picture was taken and holding a phone to a penis and taking a picture are two very different things. One is just ‘a moment in time’, where people are nude. The other is very different – it’s a ‘come and see what I’ve got’ (or not).
Pictures of you in the nude are just that – nope, not a dick-pic.
kinkweekly says
I agree with Lori. I think the profile photo should never be of genitals but your gallery photos can be more liberal. I too have more of an appreciation for “in scene” photos as opposed to mirror selfies of boners or spread open vaginas. However, those types if pics may be in line with these peoples’ kinks….but in many cases I’d be suspect. Steven, it sounds like your photos are generally “action” shots of things that have happened to you. In that case, I think they are tasteful, fun and all good. -anniebear
Kinky-Autumn says
My biggest pet peeve on fetlife is the messages people send out about what they fantasize about doing to me the 1st meet up. For example I had one individual send me a long message about how we have never met and when I show up to his house he is going to pin me to the wall by my throat and agressively strip my clothes off. There is nothing on my profile about send me your fantasy or that I enjoy rape fantasies. As a rape victim I cannot handle these messages and I would love to break their keyboard trolling fingers. Next pet peeve is people messaging me and saying I’m in town let’s fuck, or wife doesn’t know I’m on this site let’s hook up. I’m not about to help you cheat or condone hiding anything when it comes to this lifestyle. If you’re married and you’re into things your partner isn’t but they support your need for the alternative lifestyle by all means, but don’t be a jackass and assume everyone wants your nuts or vagina. We’re kinky nympho maniacs, but we’re not desperate.
Krystal says
” If you’re married and you’re into things your partner isn’t but they support your need for the alternative lifestyle by all means, but don’t be a jackass and assume everyone wants your nuts or vagina. We’re kinky nympho maniacs, but we’re not desperate.”
THANK YOU! I have had a married men either wanting to have a threesome with their wives, giving me the sad story how their wives do not understand them, or give you this long story how they will not leave their wives (no one said to ditch your wife. You contacted me first about all that crap). That is why I do make it clear, I married men. No one is desperate. Irritating and dumb how they think that everyone wants them.
Krystal says
*That is why I make it clear, NO MARRIED MEN!
Angel says
My pet peeve is a photo gallery filled with CARTOONS (Ugh!) and jokes from the Internet and other sites and few or no photos of the person himself/herself. I could care less about seeing jokes. I also despise seeing pictures of various act of BDSM that have been downloaded from the Internet. Occasionally the owner of the profile admits that said pics are from the Internet and not of themselves and more often do not. Such profiles are a colossal waste of a viewer’s time. Both men and women are guilty of this, and I’ve seen thousands of examples of it by now. It indicates to me that the real person behind the profile is hiding and must be creepy in some way! Just my $.02!
MasterZack says
Honestly, this entire post is common sense and shouldn’t have to be posted.
Being a high-profile Master, perhaps that is why I have more manners, albeit a bit blunt in some cases such as this but I feel it is warranted.
If someone doesn’t want to use critical thinking skills – if someone doesn’t want to form an actual relationship with someone else, it will show and that it their own loss.
ozzsclan says
Finaly some one got it right well done
Toni Wright says
Well written article…thank you. And I concur re: genitalia shots!!
Ziton says
Thank you for the article I’m new to FetLife and it’s good advice. Still trying to learn how to use FetLife. A friend recommended it to me as a place to find a partner but it didn’t seem to be geared toward that. Are there any lifestyle focused sites where people can find partners that you can recommend?
I have been exploring and learning and was glad to find your website. Once I read this article I started reading a bunch of the other ones. Thanks for what you all do.
Be blessed!
kinkweekly says
Thank you for the kind words! While Fetlife is not a dating site, it can be used to located events such as munches and classes to meet people in person. If your area does not have these events, you can respectfully reach out to people on an individual basis. I think it all boils down to a respectful tone in your note. It’s fine to be honest and say that you’re new! -anniebear
singlemaltgirl says
you could try okcupid – i’ve heard that b/c they allow so many questions and you can put your kinks on there…it’s much more like a dating site for those with some kinks. of course, fetlife also lists lots of events all over including munches and that’s a good way to meet people in a safe no stress setting, too 🙂
Mistress_of_Kink says
Great article! Thank you sooo much for mentioning all of these big issues. I hate dick pics too & get soo frustrated when people message me & don’t read my profile. I think every new member should be forced to read this while setting up their account. It should be mandatory!
Excellent job here!!! Very well written too. ;-))
Jenn says
Aw thank you SO much for this amazing feedback!
Gentlemannaughty says
I completely agree. I am new to the site(1 week) and was not sure about what pics to put up or more difficult my profile which I still have not done or yet my fetish likes . I’m shy n a gentleman doesn’t help but this article helped me a lot. YES should be read beforehand. Thanks for the insight.
daddyjohny says
Great piece.
Rmcsr says
I’m enjoying Fetlife! I’m extremely happy surfing here! I wish that I could find someone to show me how to take & post pictures! I’m not tech savvy! AND I promise to NEVER post a picture of my junk!
Robert Andrews says
most site are in some way sexually oriented. this is why so many site have these terms to so called prevent people from show and tell as would be put, which i think is many site should remember there is a first amendment that allows people to do what they like in expressing them self and have many things in common with others on the site.
Renegade1963 says
After reading this, I would like to add that there are so many people that log in and create a profile that never return. If this site added a last visit line, then after we would know whether to continue with the profile or not. It is not an invasion of anyone’s privacy to list when was the last time they were on the site. If someone has not been on the site for a very long time, then it would not be worth while to continue reading and then sending a message with an expectations of getting a response. In general, it is wasting the time of the active people on this site.
69hapymealfo2 says
That’s all very cool and I respect [genuinely] but something I don’t get is why somebody puts up a profile and the only thing there is a pic of something a tree or whatever and i do get [understand ] why they don’t put up a pic of them selves, it’s being discrete like with i’m new to the site so I don’t for sure how respectable and trust worthy this site and it’s patrons are, just being careful.. But when u don’t put up anything about what your looking for or about your self, how is anyone going to know whether to msg you or not… Sorry don’t mean to ramble but something else I noticed is activity,, how do you know how resent they have been on? I’ve seen some pics and replies that say 5yrs ago and then 2yrs ago an then nothing, so is 2yrs ago the last tym they where on or do they stop by once in a wyl to check mail or what???? Puzzled
The Goblin's girl says
The reason some people post a tree or something else is varied.
First of all, FetLife is a social networking site. It is there primarily for people who already know each other in real life. Some people don’t bother with real pics because they don’t need to advertise themselves. What they are on FetLife for is to chat with their friends, read what their friends say, and stay tuned in to events in their area. Once upon a time, before the internet, there were these things called “munches” where people met. That isn’t obsolete. It’s just that now you can find out when and where munches are on FetLife instead of the classifieds. In other words, REAL kinksters aren’t usually on FetLife to meet new people, they are there to network with people they already know.
Secondly, if someone doesn’t put up anything about themselves, they probably don’t want to be contacted for the reasons mentioned above.
Third, how do you know the person isn’t a dendrophiliac?
As as for how long it has been since they were on, again, this site isn’t set up so strangers can troll how frequently people are on. It is for social networking. It is not constructed for people to meet, it is constructed for people to find munches and the profiles of people they have already met.
Jenn says
Wow! Thank you to all who have left feedback on this article! I do hope people who need to read it will. You never know how far you will reach – but even if I can influence a few people then it’s worth it!
plasticpantielover says
I dislike the ones who come on like there are ordering a fast food .
Lady Simone says
Thank you so much for taking time to write this article
sfknightking says
Fetlife mystifies me
Miss Celeste says
I’m so pleased that someone with courtesy and poise took a moment to explain these important facts. Well done and thank you
Keith M. Anderson says
Great article. Amazing it needs to be spelled out, but then again, it very obviously had to. Too bad so many have been brought up to be so uncouth and lacking in respect. Thank you for saying this so plainly.
girlcuffs says
I agree with your article on its intended view. But again to the dating site if it’s wasn’t suppose to be then cut out the classifieds. What I’m truly disappointed in is not the men but the submissive or domme women of the site being rude and less mannered than you say the men are now. So the farce of my experience is women of fetlife truly being childish. I have had to stop my friendships due to their trolling and badgering. Sadly the women’s click on there won’t let it go.
Ivyroset says
Thank you so much for this. I really hope more people read this. while I follow ALL of these rules (especially number 4), I feel like not enough people do (again, especially #4). I admire you calling this out and attempting to change this back to how it was designed to be.
kinkweekly says
Thank you for reading! May we forever strive to improve relations on Fet, haha 🙂 -anniebear
dreamer51 says
cool
Russ C says
All Well said. I come to the site looking for friends and more. Reading a person’s profile is how I make the choice of weather to ask for friendship or not. FetLife is an excellent site, and there are a lot of wonderful people here. But it is an online thing, so you are going to get a fair share of good and bad people.
KinkyKitty39 says
Amen sister! Well said. I agree with you 100%!
It’s not that hard to read a persons profile & we all know what each other’s anatomy looks like… Save for gallery pics; NOT main profile pic. That’s just plain offensive!
kinkweekly says
Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed it!
-anniebear
Debra says
I agree I’ve had guys to contact me in every picture they have on there on his site AR naked I find it offensive and disgusting I’d rather move on to someone else. But I’ll tell you they don’t give up very easy. I don’t mind someone with her a guy with their shirt off butt pants on give us a little imagination so once we do get together we can you got the idea
Stillsubgirl says
Hmmm, I just had tech support tell my that Fetlife is not for me just because I asked if there was any search feature beyond the area I live. He said that it isn’t a dating site… well, I am not even interested in dating and just wanted to see if there were people in my area with similar interests. Otherwise, from reading this article I have no idea why he said that. I did start off with some graphic details of my sexual life in a few groups, but I also talked about other things, and after all the site is based on sexual preferences.
DoubleZ says
I agree, spankos are one example of folks who want to meet and get to know each other, without necessarily looking for dating or sex opportunities. In fact, the vast majority of us play non-sexually for the most part. So the ability to search by fetish within certain geographic areas is not the same as expecting it to be a dating site.
The_Goblins_girl says
I actually take issue with the blanket statement that FetLife is “based on sexual preferences.” Yes, the Leather Community is about Leather Sex, but I believe this focus on BDSM equalling sexual exploration and sexual preference is to some extent a misnomer. BDSM for many people is not about sex at all. Many people engage in SM or D/s for that experience in and of itself, and do not mix it with sex. Many have entirely replaced sex in their lives with SM. This is not SexualPreferenceLife, this is FetLife, and it is for fetishists, not sex.
That said, the ability to search people on FetLife is unnecessary for two reasons: Groups and Events. If you want to find people who have similar interests as you, join some Fet groups that match your interests. Most major metropolitan areas have their own groups for specific interests. Showing up to munches to meet people is helpful also because munch leaders often know who to talk to in a community if you are interested in a particular fetish. It also helps you to learn about people who are different from you. Who knows, maybe that spanko girlfriend you have also likes needle play, and meeting people at a munch will help you find others interested in teaching you needles that much faster.
charlie says
have to agree after useing that site
FitLilSlut says
I would add two other things. People who just serially “like” pictures/blogs rather then commenting on them. Nobody is paid for the content, it’s nice to get some feedback.
I’m also disappointed by profiles that are full of pictures taken from other sites.
Whaledriver says
While I’ll “like” photos I find attractive, I rarely if ever comment. Why not?
At times, I find a majority of comments made by other people have already expressed my thoughts of a particular photo. In some cases, my initial response to a photo may be very primal in nature, but I don’t wish to be coarse. Other times — and this is most often the case — I don’t feel that saying anything at all for to do so, I wouldn’t feel like much of a gentleman.
MedicLeo says
I generally ‘like’ pictures for three reasons – firstly to share the image with my partner, and other friends who get notified, either because it’s of interest to me, or I think it may be of interest to them. Secondly, as an encouragement to either (or both) the photographer and model(s). Thirdly, I like to promote truly kink images – I’m always astonished when someone comes to a kink site and posts two hundred bathroom mirror head shots, many almost identical, without any hint of kink, unless Narcissism is a kink now. I’ll comment rarely – either a funny comment, or something relevant to the image. I won’t react with lewd descriptions what I want to do to the model. Just today, I liked a beautiful portrait of a model displaying nipple piercings. Despite it being obvious from the profile that the model was lesbian, and had no interest in sexual contacts with males, almost all the comments were from men wanting to lick, suck, bite and others things. Simply displaying hormone driven ignorance!
bgirl33 says
THANK YOU for this! I do hope that the people who need this the most do read it, but some often live in denial. Just treating people like people is the biggest tip of all. Because it’s BDSM, people get so weird so fast.
Slaves Advocate AKA RebelGent says
SlavesAdvocate AKA Rebel Gent says: It is always expected that one has learned etiquette in their day to day social interactions. There’s no mystery to what is proper etiquette and what is not. Doms should take notes: your status as Doms doesn’t give you carte blanche to treat women in BDSM any way different than your mothers or sisters. Common Sense. Dems should note that treating a woman slave properly doesn’t mean you’re a wuss, namby pamby, etc. What it shows your partner (if you have one) you are aware of what’s expected in ordinary vanilla meetings. It allows the woman/partner to relax when interacting with a Dom for the first time. Slaves are risking a lot when they decide to submit. female slaves have host of reasons why they submit from the sublime for example (a bit of tap & tickle to hardcore BDSM if somewhat consensual Hard part is for Doms to control their libido and testosterone.
gentleneeds says
These points above are also true equally valid for traditional dating sites as well!
gentleneeds says
These points above are also equally valid for traditional dating sites as well!