When performing a review session, it is a moment in time when you look back over things and see how the training is progressing. It is meant as a time for both you and the slave, to examine the training, seeing if things need to be changed, what needs to be worked more on, and what needs to be worked less. It is almost like a report card for a slave, analyzing the training, how things are going, and what needs to be changed. The review sessions should be short, and only every so often.
- The following is a list of things to take into consideration when developing your own method of revieiwing.
- A review is meant to make your life easier, not harder. Keep it as simple as possible, only including those things you’ve expected and will expect of the slave.
- Use reviews only 2-4 times per year, unless you are comfortable with the time they take to perform.
- If you use a form, tell the slave what the it should include and instruct her to design it and bring it to you for editing.
- Set a time limit for the actual review (i.e. one hour) and facilitate the process so that it doesn’t exceed the prescribed time.
- This is not a “workplace” type of review. The slave should understand that nothing is “up for discussion.” Her grievances should not be discussed while reviewing her performance, unless you choose to give her that privilege. It should not, however, be something she expects at this time.
Here are some steps to consider during the review session. Choose a time for review when you will not be interrupted.
- If necessary, the slave should be given an appropriate amount of time to ‘center’ herself, through meditation, silence, isolation or another means that allows her to reflect on the nature and tenets of the relationship
- The slave should bring a copy of her last review and her punishment log as well as any other papers you require (journals, financial records and receipts, notepaper, etc.)
- The slave should be given limited opportunity to talk, and should keep any responses short, respectful and accurate.\
- Do not punish the slave for poor performance at this time. Simply review. Punishments may be prescribed if truly necessary, but they should not be the focus of the review.
- If slave interrupts or makes excuses, gag her until the review is over. Remind her that the review is for her benefit as a slave. She should make every attempt to simply listen.
- Be honest. Try to find the slave’s areas of strength and focus on them as much as on her weaknesses.
- Everyone needs improvement. Emphasize to your slave that “needing improvement” does not (necessarily) mean she isn’t accomplishing your goals for her. Do not coddle her, however. Remember that most slaves find the structure of this kind of review comforting, and many are honored that you care enough about them to make the effort.
- If your situation allows for it, the slave should post her current review form in a place she will see it daily (near her sleeping area, on the refrigerator.)
- Make it clear to the slave that you will continue to monitor her performance, and will insist on results.
How to Proceed:
- The slave should prepare the area for review, i.e. locks doors, turns off tv, makes sure Master has drink, paper, etc. handy so that review doesn’t have to be interrupted once it begins.
- The slave should ‘present’ for review clean, naked, made-up if possible.
- The slave brings rule list, punishment log, guidelines, paper & pencil or anything else Master determines to be necessary or advantageous.
- The slave begins by kneeling up, reading complete rule list &/or guidelines.
- The slave offers ‘confession’ to Master. Confession applies both to rules and to other things slave needs to reveal to Master to remain completely honest and to make the review effective.
- At this point, the slave can be extended the privilege of sitting back on her heels, so that she can focus on her Master’s words.
- The Master reviews by listing and commenting on general areas (some examples below)
- The Master shares review “rtings” with slave in more specific areas (some examples below)
- The slave thanks her Master for review, His concern for her, etc., and if Master issues any corrections at that time, the slave prepares herself for immediate punishment. (with the understanding that all punishment may not be taken care of immediately)
Discipline: The Master should not be put “on the spot” by being expected to issue reprimands for confessional items. The Master should, however, have an idea of how slave has responded during the three months before review and if any immediate correction is needed as a result of her actions. The slave should expect correction for all acts contrary to Master’s orders and wishes, but the Master does not have to issue them at the time.
Examples of General Areas of comment:
- The slave’s strengths (minimum of three)
- The slave’s weaknesses
- Areas of visible improvement (if any)
- Things the slave needs to improve before next review.
Examples of Specific Areas of comment:
- Obedience
- Efficiency
- Loyalty
- Dedication
- Enthusiasm
- Household upkeep
- Need for punishment
- Demeanor
- Attendance
- Finances
- Voice/tone
- Posture/grace
- Public behavior
- Hygiene
- Sexual performance