As you may have noticed the web sites were down for a bit and then a bit on the odd side once they did come back. This is the result of a move to a new server, the new machine should be able to handle things a little better, and it seems to be running faster.

However... The new server did not get along with my blog software, so I moved my blog entries to a new software. The comments made on the old blog entries have been retained as a backup by me, but I have not made the effort to copy them to the new system.

One of the first things I do whenever I load a new PC is to make sure only to load what I need, the less overload on a system, the better it runs. Knowing which products I want to make sure to load is important, as it allows me to get what needs to be on there dealt with first.

So, here is the basic software I make sure to download:

• Avast - Antivirus
• Firefox - Web browser
• uTorrent - Distributed downloading client
• ffdshow - Codecs for playing video
• Media Player Classic - Streamlined video/audio player
• Foxit reader - View PDFs, much faster than Adobe's viewer
• Open Office - Word processing, spread sheet, etc
• Format Factory - Convert files from one format to another
• 7zip - Multiple format archive program

It may seem like a lot, but those program cover 99% of what we use a PC for, no need to spend money, and all are good solid programs.

Well, fetlife is doing it again. Sign up for some great gifts.

http://fetlife.com/sit_on_santas_lap

Etiquette is a set of expected behaviors, the rules of how we interact if you will. The lifestyle as it is today has lost touch with protocol and etiquette, and this is causing quite a bit of friction in the lifestyle.

It's not really the fault of just the new folks either. With the influx of new people into the lifestyle and a lack of any sort of education or mentoring system in place, many new people are simply unaware of what good form is.

There is no "universal" protocol or etiquette, there are some common points that will help overall though.

• "What happens in vegas..." - Tempting as it may be, you should not discuss that great scene you and John had at the local play party without the permission of everyone involved, that would be You, John, and whoever hosted the party. While some people are open about their activities, some still prefer to keep certain things private.
• "If it ain't yours..." - Don't touch it, this applies to people as well as toys, while some people will be completely cool with you fondling their flogger, others might get a bit miffed, so ask permission. This goes double for people, a slap on the ass might seem a good idea, but if the ass you are slapping is not yours, that is assault and battery if someone decides to press charges.
• Nilla exposure - Don't go playing, or talking about involved BDSM techniques around the nillas, it screws with everyone's future enjoyment of that location. Don't show off toys, flog someone, whatever around the nillas. This applies to munches, outside of any event, etc. Keep it private.
• Don't "out" people - This means, don't use their real name within a BDSM group unless they say it is ok, and don't use their "scene" name in a nilla setting. It should go without saying to not discuss someone's BDSM life in their nilla life, or their nilla life in their BDSM life. Some people like their privacy.
• "It's pray not prey" - Don't pounce on the new people, give them a chance to breath and get used to things before you try to molest them. The key in "informed" consent, if they are new, they are not informed.
• "Quiet down" - Don't interrupt someone who is playing, either by being in their space or by talking loudly, if you don't know how loud your voice is, don't talk.
• "Cleanliness is next to..." - Clean up after yourself, your not a child, no one wants to have to deal with your body fluids or used candy wrappers.

Hopefully these will give people a slightly better idea of how to behave like adults, remember actions become habits if you perform them often enough.