This document began as a set of "general guidelines" for the first-ever EHBC play party. EHBC is a kink-friendly social community in the wilds of Southwestern Ontario. In 1997, after several years of operation, they finally became brave enough to organize our first play-party. Because of the relative inexperience of a number of people in the EHBC community, they felt we might benefit from putting some simple guidelines in place for that first party. The guidelines were drawn from many sources and assumed at least a basic knowledge of BDSM practices, regardless of actual level of experience.
This information has been grouped into several categories, and for simplicity, it is assumed that most of these rules apply equally to both private play parties (which typically use their own brands of "house rules") and to public fetish nights. We would suggest that you try to learn the "house rules" of either a play party or a fetish night before you attend.
(This is the actual posting put together for the first EHBC Play Party)
EHBC is about to host its first Play Party! All the basic information about the event is available right here:
Before we go on, it's important to make one point crystal-clear: This is a private event! Unlike our munches, it is NOT open to the general public. You are welcome to bring guests (see below) but DO NOT pass this information around to other people unless they are actually planning to attend the event as your guest.
The Details
The party will take place on [date]. It will be held at [site], [address] in [city]. We have the entire top floor, and the bottom floor should not be in use that night. The doors will open at 9 pm, and they will close promptly at 10 pm. If you'll be arriving late, you MUST call to let us know. There will be a phone on-site, and the number will be announced here soon.
Needless to say, you must be of legal age to attend this event.
This will be a non-alcoholic event. No liquor will be served, nor will you be allowed to BYOB. Anyone who (in the opinion of Security) is under the influence will NOT be allowed in.
There will be pop and juice available (50 cents for pop, a buck for juice), along with free munchies (chips, pretzels, that sort of thing).
There is no "admission charge" as such, but we will be taking donations to help cover the cost of renting the building for the night, as well as the cost of the munchies. $5 is recommended, more if you can afford it. There will be chairs, but you may want to bring pillows to sit or kneel on.
There is no actual dress code for this event, but bear in mind that we're trying to create a BDSM-oriented atmosphere. When in doubt, basic black is best. Fetish-wear is welcome if you have it. Bare breasts are fine (three cheers for Gwen Jacobs!), but no exposed genitals please.
Ample changing space will be available, but you are encouraged to leave your valuables elsewhere since we have no secure storage spaces in the building.
There will be music and a sound system. If you have a favorite tape or CD, feel free to bring it along. Make sure it's clearly labeled, so we can return it to you afterwards. Also be sure to let the DJ know which songs you want to hear.
Since this is a play party, playing is encouraged. It is not in any way required! If you're shy, and just want to watch, that's perfectly okay. There will some "open" playspace and possibly some "private" playspace as well.
You MUST read the House Rules . Those rules can be thought of as the "hard limits" for the event, and they are entirely non-negotiable. When in doubt, the DM's word is final.
Who's Invited
In order to ensure the safety and privacy of everyone at the party, this event will be invitation-only. That means there will be an actual guest list that will be checked at the door. If someone is not on the guest list, they will not be allowed in.
If you're on the EHBC mailing list, then you're invited. However, please let us know that you're coming, so we can put you on the guest list. Knowing who's coming will also help us decide how much pop and munchies to buy.
If you want to bring a couple of friends, that's fine. However, you must contact us ahead of time and tell us who they are, so that we can put them on the guest list. Keep in mind that you are responsible for the behavior of anyone you bring.
If you want to bring more than just a couple of friends, that's probably okay too. However, you MUST contact us first to check.
Guests are not allowed to bring other guests. Everyone at the event must be vouched for directly by an EHBC list member. No exceptions.
If you're wondering who to bring, keep in mind that the EHBC group (unlike almost every other BDSM group around) has a high proportion of male doms. Therefore, female subs are particularly welcome. We also have a shortage of female doms, so if you know someone of that persuasion then they're definitely invited.
To put yourself or someone else on the guest list, send email to [email]. You will receive an acknowledgment within a day or two. If you don't, then send your email again.
Looking forward to seeing you on [date]!