COLLAR OF CONSIDERATION

Collaring is the term commonly used by those in the D/s community to describe the
commencement of a relationship between a Dominant and a submissive. It carries the same type
of weight that a marriage ring does in it's final stage and denotes the same depth of commitment.
In recent times (since the advent of the Internet) we have seen a bastardizing of this ritual into
something casual and transient. This attack on long standing traditions should be actively fought
by educating those entering the lifestyle.

First I want to state clearly that in my opinion collaring is done only in real life, between live
people, ceremonially, joyously and celebrated. One does not get married online or on the phone
and one does not collar online or on the phone.

The first collar offered is called the 'Collar of Consideration'. This identification comes from the
Old Guard Leather community, the same source of the Safe, Sane and Consensual code. This
Collar is traditionally given at the very beginning of a potential relationship. There are many
variations on how a collar may be represented in actuality. It can be by a bracelet, waist chain,
anklet or other choice. This is sometimes determined by the situation of the submissive such as
job requirements etc. Sometimes it is dictated by the Dominant's personal taste. The traditional
or customary representation of the 'Collar of Consideration' is a leather collar in some shade of
blue. The actual shade of color is not as important as the color itself.

The Dominant by offering this collar to the submissive is expressing an interest in pursuing a
potential furthering of a relationship with that submissive beyond the range of a casual
acquaintance or even the relationship between a Top and bottom. This collar is offered seriously
and with intent. The submissive in accepting this collar from the Dominant is equally serious in
their understanding that their relationship has moved into a different stage. The existence of the
Collar of Consideration indicates to other Dominant's and submissives that the Dominant and
submissive are forming a potentially serious relationship. It's existence acts to openly present to
other Dominant's that this submissive is 'off-limits' for the duration of the 'consideration' period
and that honorable Dominant's should not pursue this submissive in any manner.

It is understood that new relationships are fragile and vulnerable to both parties involved.
Respect for new relationships is shown by adhering to the presence of collars and their
underlying meanings. The 'Collar of Consideration' does not indicate a lifelong commitment
between the Dominant and submissive but might be better considered to be similar to a
pre-engagement ring.

Should either Dominant or submissive decide after a period of time that the relationship or
connection is not to their desire then either may politely withdraw from the offer or the
acceptance with "no fault" to either side. If a submissive is uncollared then it is considered
important for that submissive to physically remove the collar and place it within the hands of the
Dominant personally. If extensive attempts have been made to do so unsuccessfully then and
only then should the submissive retain the collar. In other words the collar is the property of the
Dominant. It should be purchased, acquired or made by the Dominant, for the Dominant. Upon
the severance of the relationship it should be rightfully returned to it's owner. Objects given as
gifts to the submissive should be clearly defined as becoming the submissives property and not
expected to be returned should the relationship end. To keep the collar is considered to be
extremely disrespectful.

For any Dominant to 'actively' approach a collared submissive is considered an extreme breach
of protocol and it should be noted that such action can have serious negative impact on that
Dominant's real life reputation. The traditions of our community should be given the same honor,
dignity and respect of any other. Those that actively diminish or devalue what is precious to us
should be aware that such diminishment identifies you as being external to our community or a
parasite upon it. If you are one of those then perhaps you should return to your sorry world
where honor is nonexistent, honesty impossible to find and trust is just a word in the dictionary.