S

L e a r n E x p e r i e n c e S h a re

2012

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS & EXPERIENCES

WARNING: THE CONTENTS OF THIS RECORD ARE FOR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY. DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY OF THE DESCRIBED ACTIONS WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING, SUPERVISION, AND/OR EQUIPMENT. MANY OF THE DESCRIBED SESSIONS INVOLVED SIGNIFICANT DANGERS AND RISKS THAT WERE CONSENSUALLY ACCEPTED BY THE PARTICIPANTS. ANY ATTEMPTS TO REPLICATE THEM ARE TAKEN AT YOUR OWN RISK.

w w w. s h i b a r i c o n . c o m

Foreword
Ropenspace is a kink- and ropecentric unconference, taking place on Friday at Shibaricon. An unconference is a participant-driven conference on a certain subject. Though this is the first time it's part of the Shibaricon program, there have been a growing number of very successful conferences in the last few years. The ones I have been involved in myself are Graydancer's GRUE's (held in cities all over the US, and recently Europe) and the Amsterdam kink conference, "The Usual Suspects". One of the things that makes an unconference such a powerful and wonderful experience is the way it connects people. Its format promotes the creation of moments and spaces in which participants can share, teach and learn. Contrary to traditional conferences, the unconference model (also known as the 'Open Spaces' model) has no fixed list of speakers and no up-front program or list of topics. The participants work together to create this program at the beginning of the day. Even though the contents, the topic and the speakers are fluid - or maybe because of it - there are a few guidelines and even a rule that structure the event. First off, the opening and closing are extremely important. Not only as part of a minimal ritual (a necessary and good thing for an otherwise fluid event): there are some practical considerations too. The opening is where the program gets created. The facilitators help with this process - but the actual contents, the topics, workshops, talks are generated and brought up by the people present. Not the audience - there is no audience. The participants. This process is simple but powerful. It promotes topics that are current and alive in the unique mix of individuals that are present at that moment. There are four guidelines for the unconference model: 1. 2. 3. 4. Whoever shows up are the right people. Don't focus on who isn't there, but on who is. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have. Unconferences are best enjoyed with an open mind to all possibilities. Whenever it starts is the right time. Don't worry about the clock. Things take as little or as much time as they need. When it's over, it's over. When a topic is discussed, move on to the next topic. "Do the work, not the time".

In addition, there is the "Law Of Two Feet". In essence, this means that if you find yourself in any situation where you are neither learning nor contributing, use your two feet, go someplace else. This is an important one: it encourages everyone to go where they feel is the best place for them (rather than hanging out somewhere out of politeness, say). The combination of these guidelines and law... it works. It encourages serendipity. And creativity. And openness. People find themselves surprised. Engaged. And touched. Given that the topics are so personal and intimate, the unconference can be a very powerful experience. For this reason, the final part of the unconference is so important. The closing circle is a simple ritual with which the conference is ended. It's a form of aftercare, of coming down together, before disbanding. To summarize: kink unconferences are awesome. At least, that is my experience. I have learned much and taught some. Met new friends and play partners - and saw new sides of old friends and lovers. So if you have never attended a kinky unconference and are coming to Shibaricon, this is your chance! :) - Ooh Spicy, one of the Facilitators of the Ropenspace

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

Table of Sessions
Kinky Science & Therapy Decorative Bondage: The Creative Process Fucking with Handsaws Brainstorming for People Who Dont Know What They Want to Do Is That All You Got? Brat Play! Basic Knots & Rope Handling for the Beginner Learn It Better, Learn It Faster Rope & Rapport: Touch, Trance, and Trust 50,000 Box Ties Playing with Yourself Rope Care for Well Used and Loved Natural Fibre Rope But It Looks Like a Mess: Aesthetics of Asymmetry Unusual Restraints & Weapons of Ass Destruction Head Bondage Headfuck - No Knots Head Kinbaku Fuck Up Safety Shears Hip Harness for Dynamic Suspension CommUNITY Building Neighborhood Style: Hey You, Get on My Lawn Upright Bondage: the Ignored Middle Ground Rope Fucking - the Spiritual and the Sensual Lessons Learned at the Historic London Japanese Rope Bondage Festival in 2011 Drawing a Kinky Line Need a Footstool? Objectification Almost Flying! The Fun of Partial Suspensions Pallet Wrap Suspensions A Cuff Tie That Is Comfortable and Cant Collapse and Is Always Easy to Untie Scratchy Rope: Texture to Tantalize & Torment! Aftercare Communication & Negotiation for Tops, Bottoms, & Everyone Else A Rope Corset Shortcuts for Long Rope: Avoiding Pulling the End Through to Speed Your Ties
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

Unique Harnesses for Men and Women Getting to the Ground: Takedowns from the Bottoms Perspective Futomomo Shibari (Frog Tie) Variation Ropebombing- Helping You Show Off Be a Better Bound Bottom Square Knots Takedowns Hair Bondage: Pretty & Functional Functional Woven Ties: Featuring Noloves Boobs! Neck Ropes: Predicaments & Including Nooses A Guided Meditation in Cuddling Kinetic Trust Fun: Dont Drop Them on Their Head! Load Releasing Hitch for Safe Suspension Can You Tie Your Shoes? OK! Lets Have a Rope Scene Kinky Tantra from Om to OOO How to Squirt Stomp: Boots, Trampling, Kicking Tying for Sleep Self Suspension Cigar Play Figuring Out Ties on Broken People Needle Predicament Bondage A Woven Version of the Drum Harness Very Serious Balloon Shibari Rope For Pain: Pressure Points, Rope Burn, and Body Limitations Orange: Making the Body Last Longer Than the Mind Mindfulness Exercise for Focus and Connection in Rope Idiot Proof Knife Play/ Rope work for Knife play Camping Knots for Kink Quick Rope Cuffs - No Knots

R O P E N S PA C E

Kinky Science & Therapy! Decorative Bondage: The Creative Process! Fucking With Handsaws! Brainstorming for People Who Dont Know What to Do! Is That All Youve Got? - Brat Play had no notes taken.! Basic Knots & Rope Handling for the Beginner:! Learn It Better, Learn It Faster had no notes taken.! Rope & Rapport: Touch, Trance & Trust - Hypnosis in Rope! 50,000 Box Ties! Playing With Yourself! Rope care for Used & Natural Fiber had no notes taken.! But It Looks Like a Mess!! Unusual Restraints & Weapons of Ass Destruction! Head Bondage: Headfuck, No Knots! Fuck (Up) Safety Shears! Hip Harness for Dynamic Suspension! Get on my Lawn - Community Building! Rope Fucking: the Spiritual & the Sensual! Lessons Learned at the Historic 2011 London Festival of the Art of Japanese Bondage and Drawing a Kinky Line had no notes taken.! Upright Bondage! Need a Footstool? Objectication! Almost Flying: The Fun of Partial Suspensions!
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

6 8 11 17 19 19 20 20 23 25 27 27 28 31 32 35 36 42 43 43 45 47
R O P E N S PA C E

Pallet Wrap Suspension! Comfy Cuff that will not capsize and is always easy to untie! Scratchy Rope - Using texture to tantalize and torment! Aftercare Communication & Negotiation for Tops, Bottoms, & Everyone Else! A Rope Corset! Shortcuts for Long Rope: Avoiding Pulling the End Through to Speed Your Ties! Unique Harnesses for Men and Women had no notes taken.! Getting to the Ground: Takedowns from the Bottoms Perspective had no notes taken.! Futomomo Shibari (Frog Tie) Variation! Ropebombing- Helping You Show Off! Square Knots had no notes taken.! Be a Better Bound Bottom! Takedowns! Hair Bondage: Pretty & Functional! Functional Woven Ties - Featuring NOLOVE's Boobs! Neck Ropes: Predicaments & Including Nooses! A Guided Meditation in Cuddling (Sadists Especially Invited!) had no notes taken.! Kinetic Trust Fun: Dont Drop Them on Their Head!! Load Releasing Hitch for Safe Suspension had no notes taken.! Can You Tie Your Shoes? OK! Lets Have a Rope Scene! Kinky Tantra from Om to OOO!

48 50 52 55 58 61 63 63 63 64 67 68 78 79 80 86 90 90 91 91 92

How to Squirt, Stomp: Boots, Trampling, Kicking, and Tying for Sleep had no notes taken.!

93
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E

Self Suspension! Cigar Play! Figuring Out Ties on Broken People had no notes taken.! Needle Predicament Bondage! A Woven Version of the Drum Harness had no notes taken.! Balloon Shibari! Rope For Pain: Pressure Points, Rope Burn, and Body Limitations had no notes taken.! Orange: Making the Body Last Longer Than the Mind Failure as Winning!

93 96 98 98 101 101 103 103

Mindfulness Exercise for Focus and Connection in Rope, Idiot Proof Knife Play/ Rope work for Knife play, Camping Knots for Kink and Quick Rope Cuffs - No Knots had no notes taken.!

105
Afterword -! The Ropenspace Facilitator Team:!

106 107

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

Kinky Science & Therapy

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

Decorative Bondage: The Creative Process

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

10

Fucking With Handsaws SESSION LEADER: Parker TIME: 12:30! ! ! ROOM/AREA:3 ! ! ! FACILITATOR:JP

NOTE TAKER: Ariana Dawnhawk!

What are you expecting this session going to be about? Penetrative sex with a saw NOTES: Crosscut saw! Abrasion, knife, fear play Lots of papercuts 2 types of saw blades: rip saw- all the teeth lined up, like a knife - DO NOT USE THIS crosscut saw - like a series of chisels- USE THIS on a tree, this would cut across the grain have to pull hard for it to cut someone "toolbox saw" handle needs to be securely attached to the blade - no wiggling good saw is about $14 Cleaning - put it in plastic and bleach it later, or cavicide wipes rst, then bleach later Can use all sides of the saw Make sure someone is secured so they don't squirm into the saw Laying the saw blade on the skin feels like a lot of tacks - pushing directly down Lightly dragging it across the skin - feels like it's cutting It's just sloughing off the top layer of skin If you push harder, you should clean the skin rst The goal is not to draw blood Cleaning the skin rst could be part of fear play With harder pressure, you can get nice welts like a very thin cane Use the side of the saw for spanking Can use the back edge of the saw for a mindfuck Hitting with back edge of saw - thuddy Nipples are good Can make papercuts too - then make them hurt more If players are okay on uid exchange, can lick the saw Fucking with the saw - Parker often does it over clothes Put saw over clit, then jiggles Slap clit with saw blade Bleach the saw when you rst get it. Parker prefers short saws for control Can put the very tip in a cunt - can cover the blade with a nger
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E 11

After abrading - soap afterwards may sting, can piss on the abrasions Electrical play with saws? Parker hasn't done it yet. Don't want to saw over places with lots of blood vessels. Vibrator on saw isn't actually that exciting. Saws aren't a weapon - no issue with law and TSA - put in checked luggage SESSION TITLE: Fucking With Handsaws SESSION LEADER: Parker; demo bottom poeticdesires TIME: ! 2:30p! 1 ! ROOM/AREA: 3 ! ! ! ! FACILITATOR: JP

NOTE TAKER: poeticdesires!

What are you expecting this session going to be about? Blade play using a handsaw. NOTES:

this is dangerous. Don't try this at home (at least not based on a limited text-only description)
- There are two types of saws ! - rip saw ! ! - blades are in a straight line, similar to a knife

- I would not say in capital letters never to use a rip saw in play, but just that I wouldn't use one, because it can so easily cut someone rather deeply. A rip saw does not offer the variety of sensations that a crosscut saw does, it's more difficult to handle, and it is far more dangerous and difficult to keep from making a deep cut
! ! - cross cut saw ! - blades are off set, A cross cut saw is like a series of chisels, or a row

of chisels, which alternate directions.

! ! - must pull hard to be able to cut something ! ! - will not unintentionally slide into skin ! ! - often sold in a tool box / as a tool box saw ! ! * DON'T buy a cheap saw. It must have a secure handle so you can have control of the blade. ! ! * Also go with a shorter blade for control. Parker used a 14in cross cut saw. - Treat your saw like any other metal toy. ! - After play, put it in a plastic bag and use a bleach solution to clean.
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E

12

! - Also could use cavicide (sp?) wipes at rst and then a more thorough cleaning in your room. - Things To Do ! - Use all sides of the saw. (pointy, fat, and backside) ! ! - pointy ! ! ! - simply holding the saw on top of the skin gives sensation of multiple pricking points without actually cutting the skin ! ! ! - run the points lightly across the skin; causes abrasions; sloughs off the top layer of the skin ! ! - at and back sides ! ! ! - both great for impact; at side is stingy, back side is thuddy ! - As a blade object, great for mindfucking. ! ! - Run the pointy end across the body, and when they are not looking ip to the back side and push harder; illusion of "sawing". ! - "fucking" with the saw ! ! - hold the blade against the clit/crotch but KEEP underwear on ! ! - vibrate but don't slide the saw - Places on the body for play ! - thighs ! - ribs/stomach ! - breasts/nipples ! ! - be wary of piercings and getting the blade caught ! - back ! - back of the neck ! - bottoms of feet - Things To Know/Remember ! - best to do this play with the person restrained ! ! - demo bottom had left leg tied ! ! - Parker also sat on demo bottom at the hips and on a leg ! ! ! - less movement means less likely to result in unintentional cuts ! - MUST negotiate uid exchange; possibility of blood from cuts - all cuts, if they occur, will be similar to paper cuts

- the amount of blood would be akin to that from a paper cut: a thin red line that will not drip blood and will quickly heal itself. Not the amount of blood one sees from play piercing or scalpel cutting. We are NOT demonstrating or endorsing doing cutting with saws.
! - avoid parts of the body with blood vessels close to the skin (tops of feet, front of neck) ! - handsaws are tools; as long as it is in your checked baggage, TSA will not hassle you - Unfortunately...
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E

13

! - the saw is not good for actual insertions - adding vibration with a toy is not a viable option; does not transfer well through the metal

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

14

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

15

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

16

Brainstorming for People Who Dont Know What to Do

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

17

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

18

Is That All Youve Got? - Brat Play had no notes taken. Basic Knots & Rope Handling for the Beginner:

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

19

Learn It Better, Learn It Faster had no notes taken. Rope & Rapport: Touch, Trance & Trust - Hypnosis in Rope

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

20

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

21

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

22

50,000 Box Ties

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

23

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

24

Playing With Yourself SESSION LEADER: Jacki_ TIME: 1pm (approx. 20 minutes)! NOTE TAKER: Ivy P.! NOTES: Talked about: - Getting over seeming awkwardness of playing with oneself - Jacki_ recommends: "Erotic Play Sheet" in Urban Tantra, B. Carrelas (sp?) - Options for playing with self, from presenter's personal experience: ! - humiliation through self-name-calling; writing dirty words or names on self ! - self-inicted body-play (self-slapping, punching) ! - using props without bodies (e.g., your own boots to lick) - Remember: "it feels silly" does not have to mean "it's not hot" - Turning the solo nature of the experience into part of the hotness - Meeting your own needs, being kink self-reliant can be empowering ! ! ROOM/AREA: 4

FACILITATOR: Lily

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

25

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

26

Rope care for Used & Natural Fiber had no notes taken. But It Looks Like a Mess! SESSION TITLE: When It Looks Like A Mess - Assymetrical Bondage SESSION LEADER: Wykd Dave TIME: 1p! ! ! ROOM/AREA: 6 ! ! ! FACILITATOR: Evan (?)

NOTE TAKER: poeticdesires!

What are you expecting this session going to be about? Sloppy rope bondage NOTES: Different people have different asethetics. There is no one specic aesthetic for a culture/country/region. Rope bondage is about a person's personal taste, personality, what the person likes. It can look messy, but still be in the proper position to not pinch nerves and work for your bondage. Akata - a form In bondage, we all work from a basic structure. What you add to the structure is your personal are. It is not about what you tie, but about how you tie it. When it comes to artistic choices, the example of Picasso was mentioned. Picasso was classically trained, yet he painted abstractly. He looked through the form. So too do we when playing with rope.

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

27

Unusual Restraints & Weapons of Ass Destruction SESSION LEADER: Master Dave TIME: 1pm! ! ! ROOM/AREA:#7 ! ! FACILITATOR: Russ

NOTE TAKER: sparrowsnhearts! !

What are you expecting this session going to be about? Toys NOTES: We looked at ropes laid and produced from many bres, interspersed with unusual toys feom Master Dave's collection. These included: - Bamboo (preferred for sexable scenes) - Hemp is less preferred (...due to friction...unless of course this is what you're after) - Mohair...very soft and friendly - Cashmere...a favourite for the ladies - Alpaca Then, more deliberatley 'uncomfortable' - Palm frond - Coconut - Yak...a couple of different types Moving on to other restraints -Suede strapping - Original slave wrist and anklecuffs/with key screw locks...the origins of the term'screw' - Real police cuffs (...wrap the wearer unless you want to create harm) German steel were presented - Spider gag. Many uses as a lead, forsuspension etc. Weapons of Ass destruction - Baleen crop - Gator crop - Anter bone - Snakeskin shaft - Bear claw shaft - Wolf - Barbed wire

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

28

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

29

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

30

Head Bondage: Headfuck, No Knots

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

31

Fuck (Up) Safety Shears SESSION LEADER: MasterSoNSo TIME: 1:30 pm (approx. 20 minutes)! ! NOTE TAKER: Ivy P.! NOTES: An opportunity for riggers to talk about and rst-hand experience using their safety cutting devices on rope. Presenter provided unconditioned hemp rope and his torso as demonstration model. Emergency situations in which one might need to cut their rope: - Bringing someone out of a suspension in a hurry - Nerve compression - Restricted bloodow - In-rope freakout Some thoughts on safety shears: - most cheap safety shears are dulled to a serious degree after a single use, especially after cutting thick or tough bers; an attendee recommends the ADC brand professional safety shears (for EMTs) which can be reused but are more expensive. (Attendee further cautions that some Ebay sellers sell knock-off and imitation ADCs, and that one should buy directly from ADC). - most safety shears are stamped with autoclaving instructions, for clean-up if exposed to body uids Some alternatives to safety shears: - gut hooks ("Gerber" and "Winchester" brands were present in various attendee's rope bags) ! these brands take standard razor blades, which can be swapped out if they dull - seatbelt cutters ! most do not have replaceable blades, and will require sharpening ! Benchmade brand items can be returned to manufacturer for sharpening - wire cutters on All Tool ! cut surprisingly well, but required two passes to get through all bers - basic pocket knife ! runs risk of injury from sharp point ! often requires sawing motion for successful cut; rope being under tension helps General thoughts:
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E

ROOM/AREA: 2 FACILITATOR: Benny

32

Rememeber: different bers cut more or less easily depending on the cutting implement and the amount of tension the rope is under. Know how YOUR ber of choice cuts with YOUR cutting tool of choice, to present unpleasant surprises.

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

33

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

34

Hip Harness for Dynamic Suspension

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

35

Get on my Lawn - Community Building SESSION LEADER: Lochai / Hammer TIME: 130! ! ! ROOM/AREA: 4 ! ! ! ! FACILITATOR:

NOTE TAKER: Liza !

What are you expecting this session going to be about? How to build a better community! NOTES: CommUNITY!! It's all about building unity within the community as a whole, where it is local, regional, nationwide or worldwide. There doesn't have to be total conformity. You can still be unique and work for the betterment of the community at large. Division: Do you divide because of a need or a want? Division should serve the needs of the community - cooperation on projects, etc. Wants are self serving (i.e. competing on dates, venues, etc) How do we all work together? Collaboration Communication Respect Inclusivity What do we do when groups die? Sometimes it's the cycle of change in interests. What happens if it leaves an unfullled need? Work cooperatively to ll the need with other area groups! Could be a good collaborative effort! How do we pump TNG and other sub groups? Work cooperatively with other area organizations. Perhaps your group is a gateway to other larger organizations. Small isn't always bad! What do we do about predators? Do we solve the problem (deal with the individual) or dance around it (take our ball and go start a splinter group)? How do we inform the community? Perhaps we talk the to individual, community leaders, or community at large. We should provide mentors for new kinksters to help avoid chickenhawking.
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E 36

Educating the community is key! If we teach people what is acceptable and what is not, we can better police ourselves against predators. We should focus on how our response to predators helps to build our community and make it stronger as opposed to how it can divide it. Community supportFind an open place to assemble. Make it your living room. Too often we share space with people and never become friends with them. Feed the need for assembly. Community Building - Get on my Yard! SESSION LEADER: Hammer & Lochai TIME: ! :30! ! 1 NOTE TAKER: ! ROOM/AREA: 4 Elf! ! ! ! FACILITATOR:

What are you expecting this session going to be about? Strategies for group creation/management NOTES: Community is coming together & sharing for community population's betterment. -Playhouse in Baltimore: Building ecosystem following expansion of access. Difculties with politics - juggler example: Newbie has just learned how to juggle 3 balls, wants to have a group and starts one, but established local group with larger skill set exists: What should they do? Do they absorb the new guy, support the new separate group, animosity, ??? Reasons for formation of multiple groups: "I want to have X" vs. "People need X" motivations; the difference between an architect who has a dream of a building and wants to buy a plot of land and a developer who sees a huge problem exists and wants to build a parking deck to resolve street congestion. Fissioning because someone didn't get needs met and creates New Thing to address those needs. Collaborative vs. competitive groups in overlapping "space" (primarily discussed common physical area, has application to other modes of commonality) - Example of religious group that went oversized for self-management and then fragmented twice, amicably, but original group is now undersize to be self-supporting. -"Is it OK for groups to die off?" Seattle environment described including turnover of groups as their mission is fullled or the need they support changes or is satised. Large number of groups/highly active
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E

37

groups; "We have an event practically every night of the month, with some group or other". -How do young/new people create vs. join existing groups so existing groups don't fade, where the old groups provide irreplaceable services? -Minneapolis example: Kinky U - lots of young-folk curiosity on campus, group is intimately linked with local TNG group; has support as University association for various events, also connects to that local TNG and other munches. ** Expression of Gateway Organizations: Orgs that exist cooperatively with others to be rst-contact point, and then help feed the other groups. Posited that TNG has this function. Discussion of how /some/ TNGs function as gateways; others act as age-segregated replacements for older existing groups. TNG: What happens when members "age out"? Discussion of "Parent Organizations" & other intergroup dynamics possible within specic regions. Toronto group expressed strong intergroup communication. ~~Predators/Dangerous Persons --Boston - Individual with repeated "please stop"s which were ignored; Issues with letter writing to the individual and intense drama of followup to letter from community leaders vs. partisans for the individual. Overall handling has "left the Boston scene broken". --Minneapolis - Person running several events had accusation brought to attention of Kinky U management, led to that person being banned from a single event space, then other persons began bringing further accusations. After a lengthy process of reviewing the accusations and descriptions of events with an authority on victim advocacy, behavior was identied as "textbook example" sexual predator activity, the communities' leaders sent an open letter explaining their view of the situation and extent of reprimand to the person-accused. There was an enormous community backlash. --Realization about need for inter community communication to enable handling of such events. Notion of "One lawn going brown" and how an overall community feels about individuals who are not handling their corner of that community to overall community standards. What is the community's obligation to address that? Soft suggestion of neighbors cooperating to resolve problem. --Discussion of teaching community members to identify what is safe behavior and what is predator-like. --San Francisco's "Wicked Grounds" - A brick & mortar coffee shop functioning as a 24/ 7 "living room" for the community to share - the "3rd place" of 1st place = home, 2nd place = work, 3rd place = "The Place You Go" l Cheers -Acts as a crossroads for organizations and their members. -Valuable to nd or make a 'home' for the collective communities to share. --Designated Greeters: Helping new people to avoid predators/"chicken hawks" & disabling them.
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E

38

-How do you choose greeters? "Would I introduce [this greeter] to my younger sister? Would I suggest to my partner that they're someone to play with?" -Suggestion that greeters not be permitted to play with new people for 2 years; devil's advocate point of "what about love at rst sight?" -Suggestion that the "would I" questions are a good vetting for individuals; positively select individuals from those who are (1) familiar with the community, to be a good resource and (2) in a stable relationship situation (single-but-not-looking, monogamously coupled, "polysaturated", etc.), and that once a person is a greeter, they step down as greeter if they do want to form a relationship with a new community member. The latter set of suggestions are intended to make being a greeter unprotable for someone looking to groom new subjects for predator behavior. -Notion of socialization training: Teaching everyone how to be good friends and not be creepy. (This spun off to another session created on the spot).

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

39

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

40

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

41

Rope Fucking: the Spiritual & the Sensual

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

42

Lessons Learned at the Historic 2011 London Festival of the Art of Japanese Bondage and Drawing a Kinky Line had no notes taken. Upright Bondage

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

43

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

44

Need a Footstool? Objectication

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

45

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

46

Almost Flying: The Fun of Partial Suspensions

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

47

Pallet Wrap Suspension

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

48

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

49

Comfy Cuff that will not capsize and is always easy to untie SESSION LEADER: Steve TIME: ! :30! ! 2 ROOM/AREA: Room 1 ! FACILITATOR: LqqkOut

NOTE TAKER: LqqkOut ! !

NOTES: This cuff is basically two opposing half hitches on a cuff. There is a similar (inverted) tie done by the Two Knotty Boys (not sure if it's on youtube or in one of their books) "Steve's Cuff" 0) Starting at the bight, pull out approx 3ft of rope 1) Lay half-hitch on top of limb 2) Wrap loop around limb and "down" through the loop 3) Wrap once more, following same path as step 2 4) Finish by tying another half hitch around the loops from 2 & 3. ! a) pull bight under wraps ! b) circle around over the wraps to complete the half hitch (see image) Comfy Cuff that will not capsize and is always easy to untie SESSION LEADER: Steve TIME: ! :30! ! 2 ROOM/AREA: Room 1 ! FACILITATOR: LqqkOut

NOTE TAKER: LqqkOut ! !

NOTES: This cuff is basically two opposing half hitches on a cuff. There is a similar (inverted) tie done by the Two Knotty Boys (not sure if it's on youtube or in one of their books) "Steve's Cuff" 0) Starting at the bight, pull out approx 3ft of rope 1) Lay half-hitch on top of limb 2) Wrap loop around limb and "down" through the loop 3) Wrap once more, following same path as step 2 4) Finish by tying another half hitch around the loops from 2 & 3. ! a) pull bight under wraps ! b) circle around over the wraps to complete the half hitch (see image)
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E 50

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

51

Scratchy Rope - Using texture to tantalize and torment SESSION LEADER: PlayswithString TIME: 2:30p! ! NOTE TAKER: ! ! ROOM/AREA:2 ! ! ! FACILITATOR: Benny

PlayswithString!

NOTES: Scratchy rope doesn't have to be mean. It can, but it can also be sensual, depending on how it is used. Some people who see it in use think it's going to be itchy or painful, but can also feel like ngernail scratches or a loofah. Kinds of rope: Coconut/coir/palm - Comes from the inner covering of a coconut. A few specialty vendors have it and the type available tends to be thinner like a heavy twine, very rough and can be natural dark brown or black. Knots are a challenge and is easier to use for wraps, comma stops or cuffs with more wraps. Manila - comes from a banana family plant. Easily found at hardware stores in several thicknesses and is scratchy without being very sharp. Can be used for box ties and all sorts of rope bondage, but not suspensions. Sisal - comes from a yucca plant. Also easily found at hardware stores in several thicknesses and has stiffer bers that can dig in and leave splinters. Can be treated like hemp to make it softer, but still scratchy. Binder/baler twine or jute twine - Found at hardware stores and can be used to tie cocoons and can be cut off when done. Yak, raw cashmere, mohair, etc - Animal bers tend to be itchier instead of scratchy. Much ber bers can give a gentler scratch. Every ber has different qualities so try them all! Uses: Box ties, regular bondage - Continues to scratch when tied, so it's a continuous sensation. Pull slowly across skin to add to sensation when tying and untying. Foot bondage - coconut is great between toes. Make bottom stand on it. Ladder ties and extensive wraps - more coverage means more sensation. Tethering - use more wraps if using thinner rope, but cuffs add an extra element if the bottom is struggling during sex or other play. Face/head wraps/gags/blindfolds - coconut rope causes drooling. Crotch ropes and nipple bondage Ways to add sensation: Tie slightly loosely so rope has room to move. Rub hands over rope after it's tied. Reposition it to move the sensation to new skin. Use chopsticks to create weaves or twist to
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E 52

tighten. If rope is tighter, it digs in more, but can't move as easily. Do not rush untying. It can be just as sensual taking it off as putting it on. Take advantage of this! Different set of sensations and different ropes can be used to create different scenes. Rope even sounds scratchy. Pull it apart slowly or rub over skin before tying to set the scene. Smell is also unique. Cautions: Do not use for suspensions. None of the scratchy rope discussed is weight-rated for a suspension and tends to be loosely twisted. May have weak spots. Most can be easily washed. Scratchy rope sheds and will leave bers everywhere and may leave splinters in skin. Tops may want to use gloves. Rope can burn or break skin if pulled too quickly. Hardware store rope may have been chemically treated with preservatives. Use caution on delicate skin and mucous membranes. When untying, place each piece of rope in its own pile or cleanup and rewrapping hanks will be difcult, especially for coconut. Rope sticks to itself like velco and can be a challenge to untangle. Rope scenes will be much slower because of the tendency to snag.

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

53

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

54

Aftercare Communication & Negotiation for Tops, Bottoms, & Everyone Else

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

55

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

56

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

57

A Rope Corset

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

58

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

59

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

60

Shortcuts for Long Rope: Avoiding Pulling the End Through to Speed Your Ties

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

61

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

62

Unique Harnesses for Men and Women had no notes taken. Getting to the Ground: Takedowns from the Bottoms Perspective had no notes taken. Futomomo Shibari (Frog Tie) Variation

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

63

Ropebombing- Helping You Show Off

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

64

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

65

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

66

Square Knots had no notes taken.

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

67

Be a Better Bound Bottom

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

68

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

69

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

70

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

71

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

72

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

73

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

74

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

75

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

76

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

77

Takedowns

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

78

Hair Bondage: Pretty & Functional

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

79

Functional Woven Ties - Featuring NOLOVE's Boobs SESSION LEADER: Ben "Dangerboy" Hart, Aeolis Est, Mailler Phong TIME: 3:30 ! ! ! ROOM/AREA: 5! ! ! ! ! ! ! FACILITATOR:

NOTE TAKER: Idaten!

What are you expecting this session going to be about? Weaves. Suspension capable ties. Single column cuff, Genes harness, Carick bends / double-coin knots. NOTES: Why Weaving? Pros: Looks good. Lies at. Even support. Gentle on body. Easy. Tightens as you weave. Solves some issues with traditional rigging. Cons: Tightens as you weave. Time consuming. Form over function. Weaves are essentially a kind of friction based tie following an over-under-over pattern. It's like textile work; you are essentially building a large piece of fabric. Single column cuff: Aeolis Est had a problem with a bottom who found single column cuffs painful on their leg for suspension. A woven cuff helped spread out the load over two loops while being esthetically pleasing. Starts with a larks head and is essentially 3 upper lines and three lower lines woven through eachother. The lift line is slipped down behind the weave. The weave helps keep the cuff from compressing and keeps the cuff spread out. You can start the weave lose since it tightens up from weaving. Gene's Harness - solves rib compression issues by spreading out more. Two 4-6 line body loops across the chest in an X. The second loop should weave through the rst. See really crappy drawing "A". A separate positioning line - it must be a separate rope locks and positions the harness in place. A side harnes variant exists. Ben ended the positioning line by forming a larks head with the bight and the end of the positioning line. By separating the ends of the larks head and folding them over the rope, it adds to the friction. Tip: Sometimes you can save a pull and do two pulls at one time. Be careful of rope burn since weaves are close to the skin, tight, and move a lot of rope. Anchor point for the lift can be either the back or under the weave in the front. For side suspension, there is a variation of the harness.
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E 80

Tension can be uneaven when weaving and is difcult to get consistant. Tip: Tie as loose as you can and you can snug it up after. Unfortunately, this involves snugging the rope through the whole weave. Double Coin Knot. Comonly constructed in an X pattern. See crappy drawing "B". Consider it a twist in the rope. You can double the twist to create 4 coins or more. Crappy drawing "C". At any point where your ropes cross you can do a double coin. This can be done vertically instead of as an X.

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

81

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

82

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

83

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

84

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

85

Neck Ropes: Predicaments & Including Nooses

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

86

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

87

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

88

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

89

A Guided Meditation in Cuddling (Sadists Especially Invited!) had no notes taken. Kinetic Trust Fun: Dont Drop Them on Their Head!

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

90

Load Releasing Hitch for Safe Suspension had no notes taken. Can You Tie Your Shoes? OK! Lets Have a Rope Scene

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

91

Kinky Tantra from Om to OOO

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

92

How to Squirt, Stomp: Boots, Trampling, Kicking, and Tying for Sleep had no notes taken. Self Suspension

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

93

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

94

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

95

Cigar Play

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

96

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

97

Figuring Out Ties on Broken People had no notes taken. Needle Predicament Bondage

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

98

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

99

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

100

A Woven Version of the Drum Harness had no notes taken. Balloon Shibari SESSION LEADER: Roughinamorato TIME: ! ! ROOM/AREA:2! PlayswithString! ! ! ! FACILITATOR:

NOTE TAKER: !

What are you expecting this session going to be about? Tying people with balloons! NOTES: Balloon shibari is Srrus Bizness. Vrrry srrus! To begin, use long balloons. Pre-stretching is important. Stretch lengthwise to make them easier to blow. It can be easier if you keep pulling on the balloon while blowing. It's not with the diaphragm, but with the mouth and you can still breathe while blowing up a balloon. (Please note most of the class couldn't blow up a balloon). Laughing makes blowing up a balloon more difcult. Be vrrry srrus. Don't tie with uninated balloons because they're like rubber bands, cut in and can cause damage. However, you can snap them at the bottom before blowing them up. If you're able to blow up a balloon, let out enough air that a few inches are uninated. This prevents premature explosions when tying. Use an overhand knot to close the balloon. (pro-tip - you can put the loop over a nipple before tightening it). To make a cuff, start with the tied end and twist the ballon a couple inches from the end. Since a balloon doesn't have a bight, twisted portions are used to make joints. Wrap the balloon around the wrist and make another twist where it will match up with the rst one. Twist the two together, and you have a cuff! To ladder up the arm, make a twist at the position of the next ladder, wrap the balloon around and join again. Use more twists to join new balloons. A posture collar can be made with one balloon. Balloons actually provide good restraint because they have a little stretch and move with the bottom without slipping. Vibrators held against balloons will transmit the vibrations and make noise. Can use needles or knives to pop balloons to make things more interesting.
S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2! R O P E N S PA C E

101

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

102

Rope For Pain: Pressure Points, Rope Burn, and Body Limitations had no notes taken. Orange: Making the Body Last Longer Than the Mind Failure as Winning

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

103

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

104

Mindfulness Exercise for Focus and Connection in Rope, Idiot Proof Knife Play/ Rope work for Knife play, Camping Knots for Kink and Quick Rope Cuffs - No Knots had no notes taken.

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

105

Afterword from Graydancer, Ropenspace Coordinator

This wasnt my idea. When Diana suggested the idea of the Ropenspace to me at the end of Shibaricon last year, I believe I sat there with my mouth open. Theres no way this could work, I thought. Then there came a follow-up thought: ...but what if it could? And thats what started a years worth of planning. We selected a team of eight facilitators, then added a ninth just to be safe. Lochai and I tried out a test Ropenspace at a different event and rened the process. We consulted Open Space experts Lisa Heft and Adrian Segar to nd out the methods that had worked with other large Open Spaces - events with hundreds of people. They told us it could be done. They told us how it had been done. And thanks to them - much, much thanks - we did it. Im a writer by trade, and yet Im nding it difcult to express just how it felt to see the Ropenspace in action. Hundreds of kinksters not just attending an event, but creating it, out of their raw passion, excited smiles and laughs and squeals and yes, tears as well. Spontaneous gatherings of minds and ideas that are continuing to ripple out into our kink communities. A team of black-shirted kinksters from all over the world, quietly and efciently holding space for all of this to happen, stepping in to help where needed, but for the most part holding back. You found people who were not prima donnas, who didnt panic, and who were willing to work, another event organizer commented to me afterwards. How did you do that? The only answer I have is: they are my friends. They - and everyone else in the Ropenspace - are my community. We created something, together, that has never been done before. I will forever be in their debt - to Diana, to my team, and to my family of kinksters - for making it possible. Thank you - G.

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

106

The Ropenspace Facilitator Team:

GRAYDANCER: Graydancer is the creator of the rope bondage podcast "the Ropecast" and a prolic writer & blogger. Based in Seattle, he has presented and performed at venues across North America and Europe and is the creator of the GRUE (Graydancer's Ropetastic Unconference Extravaganza), a grass-roots kink event held in various cities. Gray also works with Erotication, a sex-education powerhouse of Kink Academy, Passionate U, and Fearless Press. J.P. ROBICHAUD: The co-facilitator for three Toronto GRUEs, JP has also been invaluable behind-the-scenes at Shibaricon lending his professional eventmanagement and tech expertise to events such as the Cabaret. He also ties professionally at the Keyhole Sessions in Toronto and events such as Madison Young's "The Art of Restraint" in San Francisco. :LQQKOUT Lqqkout has been an active participant in GRUEs since the very rst one, and has also presented at events all over the country including Shibaricon. As a queer poly switch he has been a leader in several communities including founding the Iowa CUFFs group and the MINKY group in Minnesota. BENNY: As a queer trans submissive leather man, Benny started his service to the community in Madison WI with the MAW (TNG) group. He has expanded his teaching throughout the leather, queer, sex positive and rope community across the U.S., and has said that he uses the many GRUEs he's attended as an incubator and testing ground for new class ideas. He also served as co-host for the "Young and Kinky" podcast and is an active blogger at the "Science-Based Sex" website. OOH-SPICY: Spicy rst experienced the GRUE in Toronto. He took the concept back with him to his native Amsterdam and put on his own event, "The Usual Suspects", based on Open-Space principles. Based on the success of that event he is currently organizing a GRUE in Amsterdam as well as helping with Open Space events in London and Berlin. He is a poly switch with extensive background in mixed martial arts, rope bondage, and D/s relationships. EVAN: As a leader in the Black Rose organization for several years, Evan helped organize major events in the Washington D.C. community. He and his partner Mara have presented not only on technical rope skills from 101 level through suspension techniques but also on issues of D/s dynamics, poly relationships, mindfucks and other forms of edge-play. He is also well versed in the sex-positive political issues that face our community. After attending several GRUEs he put on the rst Open-Space event in the DC area at the Crucible with great success. DONOTGOGENTLY is a monogamous top-leaning switch who has lent her professional teaching credentials to assisting and leading many classes in rope bondage, cosplay, knife play and other kinky topics across the U.S. and Canada. Like Evan, after attending several GRUEs she decided to co-facilitate the rst one in Pittsburgh, which was the rst large-scale international kink event in the city. She is already planning the next one, while leading both the Pittsburgh Grappling Group and monitoring the Mentors Group for the area. She currently is the runner-up for Ms Pittsburgh Leather Fetish and was a contestant in International Ms Leather 2012. RUSS (TWISTED VIEW): Russ is a dominant, sadist, fetish photographer and never takes himself too seriously. He has been in the public scene for a decade and founded the Pittsburgh chapter of Rope Bite. Over the past three years he and his redheaded partner in crime, Kashmira, have been teaching classes on subjects such as electrical play, rope making and bondage hooks at local, regional and international events.

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

107

LOTUS LILY: An experienced poly switch, Lily founded the monthly rope munch in Toronto where she facilitates and teaches. Known for her expertise in self-suspension and mixed martial arts, she has worked with some of the top presenters, photographers, and riggers in the world, and presented at Shibaricon herself. MURPHY BLUE: Always prepared with a smile, a joke, and a length of rope, Murphy Blue has been bringing his kink knowledge and signature style wherever he could since the turn of the century. A self-claimed "American Rigger", Murphy tries to focus not just on the *hows* of tying, but the frequently forgotten *whys*. The interplay of people and energy through rope and gestures is something that should be passed along, and Murphy does his best to assist with that. For more information about Open Space Technology, we suggest searching WikiPedia or reading the works of Harrison Owen

S H I B A R I C O N 2 0 1 2!

R O P E N S PA C E

108