BDSM comes out of the dating closetNews

Recently launched for a niche market of educated, intelligent people, Dark Side of the Moon is the UK's first ever kink-friendly introduction consultancy. Offering all the personalised services of a traditional matchmaking agency with a features-rich website and full online support, it's specifically aimed at those who are looking for a kinky life partner or occasional play friend.

Behind the company is Claire Mansfield, professional dominatrix and author of 'Dominatrix: The Making of Mistress Chloe', published by Headline last year and now in paperback. Mansfield has appeared in many magazines and on TV and radio shows as a BDSM (bondage, domination, submission, masochism) spokeswoman, and is committed to dispelling the myths and misinformation that surround it as well as bringing together those who practice it.
"There are so many introduction agencies catering for the erotic rank-and-file, but none who specialise in bringing together consenting adults interested in BDSM and fetishes. I'm a romantic and that's my mission."

Neither interested in nor impressed by the cheap "contact" services already available, she wanted to launch an agency that was upmarket, classy and approachable.
"Our clients are responsible adults. They might be male, female or transgendered, gay, straight or bisexual, dominant or submissive, married or single, but they're all imaginative, adventurous, kinky people. We're pansexual, non-discriminatory, and can help anyone interested in finding a consensual BDSM or alternative lifestyle partner".

Dark Side of the Moon holds regular Play Parties and social events at which members meet in comfortable, safe surroundings. Confidentiality and discretion are a given.
"To safeguard the confidentiality of our clients, no cameras or video equipment are permitted at our events, and all our members have to sign a confidentiality agreement before joining".

Mansfield is serious about tackling the more sensationalist portrayal of kink in the media as well as how the "vanilla" community perceive it.
"Although BDSM and fetish imagery is being used more than ever in the mainstream media, some still believe it involves coercion and non-consensual behaviour. Nothing could be further from the truth, but we still have some way to go before we lay that one to rest. Only the most benighted still consider homosexuality a perversion, and someone who's kinky comes by their sexuality as naturally as someone who's gay or straight. It's time there was a kink-friendly alternative to the matchmaking services already available."

For more information about Dark Side of the Moon, please email info@darksideintroductions.com, or visit http://www.darksideintroductions.com

 
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Re: BDSM comes out of the dating closet#1

It would be nice to see an effective dating agency get started in the UK - however I have a few concerns about how this company operates that people may want to consider:

1. Proof of ID
The company requires proof of ID of all members - they argue this is so that all members are genuine - a nice idea - in reality I think it's extremely risky giving the levels of ID they require to an organisation that is new and totally unknown - It is no small concern that they would be the holders of a list of named BDSM practitioners which could easily be misused (by design or by accident / poor security)

I did actually write to them about this and they didnt bother to reply or to discuss it - which was hardly likely to inspire confidence.

I'm sure there are other less risky ways of verifying someone is 'genuine' that doesnt involve forwarding copies of written ID.

2. This is slightly less serious but still a little unsettling. Dark Desires has been 'trolling' members of bondage.com to 'sell' their services. While I don't think this is a hanging crime, it's certainly poor netiquette - someone else who recieved their mail described it as spam.

Cat

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