The Interview/Survey

10 questions were asked of various Gorean Males: for the next few weeks we will be posting the responses to the questions. Comments from our readers are encourage. We hope you will find it informative and fascinating. We wish to thank those who have already sent in their responses, and hope the remaining will do so, soon. All responses are being posted in the order received.

1. Setting aside "Honor", what is the most important thing You have learned on IRC Gor?

Anakah:: I am not really sure what would be the "most important" its hard to say since I have learned several things from IRC Gor. One thing I have learned is that there are alot (players/gamers/wannabe's) out there. I knew there were, but not to the extent that I have seen them here on IRC.

Bannor:: Gor has taught me the true way of things. The way nature intended our gender roles to be. Coming from a rl family of strong woman, I was raised thinking that was the natural way of woman and thankfully Gor has shown me the true, delightful, submissive nature of a real woman.

BlkRbbt:: That truth is the fire in which the steel of honor is forged ... although I did not strictly learn this maxim on Gor ... it surely was proven time and again there.. On IRC our words are our only currency ... trading in that medium is all the good and bad that can come from IRC Gor.

Danath:: I have learned what I am, what I wish to be, and what I wish to have from, and in, my life.

Trajan:: One of the most important things I have learned from I.R.C. Gor is it communication medium. This has brought a few good people together that live this lifestyle and the ability that it brings people around the world with their ideas. Since this is a small group that practice this it is hard in the real world to meet like minds. Through these daily dealing of I.R.C. relationships are made and Masters and slaves find each other.

2. What has been Your most embarrassing moment?

Anakah:: Thats an easy one.... I wont give exact details but I was in a channel.. and a certain popup was launched by accident.. it was very embarrasing...

Bannor:: I dont get embarressed.

BlkRbbt:: My embarrasments are personal matters best left private... those there to witness them know what they saw ... ;)

Danath:: I think it must have been the time I was discussing with my slave the wish to tie her to a post and use her, and the message somehow managed to get into open channel instead of the message window :)

Trajan:: The most embarrassing moment that I went through was when I first entered the channel with my B.D.S.M. background and attitude. There were many rumors of Gor I have heard and how it was a game or fantasy. It showed through my actions and I soon realize a few people actually live this lifestyle and how it makes for a better lifestyle through its structure it offers.

3. What was Your first mistake on IRC Gor and how did You overcome it?

Anakah:: I would have to say, my first "big" mistake was in collaring a slave that I named enya... she was to put it bluntly.. a few cards shy of a full deck..I sold her to Theron <G>

Bannor:: I came into #silk&steel and no-one was paying me the slightest bit of attention. As anyone who knows me can tell u, I liked to be getting plenty of attention at all times. So I pretended I had just been sorely wounded in battle and in need of urgent medical attention. Pretty soon I had all the slaves in channel fussing over me. That must have pissed off the op who was in charge at the time. I remember it was DrkRider. He kicked me telling me to go to some roleplay channel and stay out of Gor. That was my first mistake. A fairly small one. The much bigger ones came later :)

BlkRbbt:: Allowing another to discipline my slave... they did it poorly and the intended lesson was lost in the pain that was wrought... as for overcoming it.. it hasn't happened since.

Danath:: That's a hard one, since there were so many. I guess my first mistake was NOT to read any of the books, and to just "follow by example". BIG mistake, and it was overcome by, yes... reading :)

Trajan:: My first mistake I made on I.R.C. was walking in and looking around for a slave to spank and to bring me a beer. The people where so friendly that they all were kind enough to point me to the web page. I was told to learned the ways. "Be Gorean or be gone." I studied the ways and sought out the books (which I have a few if people are looking for them that I have for sale.) before coming back so I would know my shit. My next day, I was corrected on my nick being LrdRajen and that there were no Lords or Sirs on Gor. So I complied and change my nick. I have had this nick as far back as way 1983 that I was known in the B.D.S.M. community. I choose my name that was given to me at birth and watched and learned from the actions of the channel. I also at this time started filtering this into my real life and the slaves that I trained.

4. Have You ever felt inadequate when dealing with a peer or slave? If Yes, How did You handle the situation?

Anakah:: I dont think I have, no.. I have felt I acted rashly at times.. and I know I have made mistakes but we all make mistakes.... I have always felt that as long as you learn from your mistakes and move on.

Bannor:: No I have never felt inadequate.

BlkRbbt:: The only "inadequacies" I can remeber addressing were my misconceptions concerning the methods of conflict resolution on Gor. Until you understand the rules your always inadequate at the game...

Danath:: Yes. Quietly :)

Trajan:: There had been times when dealing with peers that we did not see eye to eye. But I would not say it was an inadequate situation but a difference of opinions. After all, "opinions are like assholes.... we all have one." Looking at this it is easy to have a difference of opinion for if we look at the Earth bible and all the religions that have branched of it. Who is right? (shrugs)

5. If You could change one thing on IRC Gor, what would it be?

Anakah:: Another easy one.... I would make a seperate gor, maybe ' call it "PlayGORound" and stick all the gamers there....

Bannor:: I'd like to see fewer Gor channels. Thus more large, established ones. That would keep the Gorean community more closer knit, and we would know who's who better. I believe this would result in less gamers, especially amongst the slaves. More difficult to hide in a few channels where everyone knows everyone else. Also less incidences of newbies who think they know everything and collaring equally new, ignorant slaves, creating all sorts of problems and giving IRC Gor a bad name.

BlkRbbt:: The aforementioned "methods of conflict resolution" are the one thing I would seriously change on Gor... I would like to see battles fought to the blood or death of a persona using a set combat system adapted from one of the roleplaying channels and using the dicebots and mediators as the final arbitors.. that way a person who doesnt want to be coming up with a new persona every day will be a bit more restrained... it puts a price on failure and dishonesty that really isnt there as of now... and would force the Masters who enjoy calling themselves tarnsmen and warrior caste to back it up with a skill... even if it is only roleplaying combat.. such training (no matter how minor) builds character...;)

Danath:: *Smiles* I would make it mandatory that people be themselves at all times. If they find that "themselves" are not Gorean ... *shrugs*... they can go play somewhere else. Gor is not for everyone.

Trajan:: Many things could be changed on I.R.C. Gor, but the one thing I would love to see change is the lack of HONOR. The books talk about the codes and Honor is all through out the books. A person's word is everything and once it is lost it is gone forever. Trust is soon broken and people forget about their actions and hide behind a computer pointing false fingers and treading on another's honor. I have seen many people hurt and brought down with people that come here and play Gor and not Honor the codes. Marcus has a great thing he pointed out to me I will share. "Let none who are not of the Scarlet Caste know of these things. The codes are as the dust of diamonds in a hidden vault, which, exposed to the winds, will be scattered and trodden beneath the sandals of men and the hooves of the beast.....worthless forevermore."

6. Where do You feel FreeWomen are making their biggest mistake on IRC Gor?

Anakah:: I will answer this question with a quote from John Norman! THIS IS A QUOTE FROM BOOK 3 PRIEST KINGS OF GOR, PAGE 67 "Thus when she has been irritable or otherwise troubesome even a free companion may find herself at the foot of the couch looking forward to a night on the stones stripped, with neither mat nor blanket, chained to the slave ring just as lowly slave girl would be"

Bannor:: By not adhering to the roles free woman played in the books. In the books free woman wore robes of concealment and in actual fact enjoyed less freedom than slaves. On IRC Gor most free woman like to be warriors, and are almost never accompanied by a male despite hanging out in paga taverns. Im not saying these woman have to be slaves because in truth they may well be Mistresses in their heart. But then, why come to Gor...to an environment in which their presence is somewhat incongruous? That said, some of my best friends on IRC Gor are free woman and I hope none take offence at my words. After all, Im just asking :)

BlkRbbt:: Who's to say they are...

Danath:: 95% of them act like men! So very few seem to be wearing their robes and veils these days, it is pitiful. All these "Women Warriors" running about the place in their skimpy furs. It seems to me, that they "wish" the attractiveness of slavegirls, but, they probably just don't realize how unattractive they really are. There is more to an attractive female than simple skimpy dress habits.

Trajan:: The mention of Freewoman. There are so few that are true to this term and those I do not give a hard time too. For those that hide behind veils and robes, well, you're a slave hiding and need to come forth and submit. Stop hiding and waiting to find the right Master. Life is not easy and each day is another day the belly is lost and soul from its freedom. No one can force you to wear a collar it is I.R.C. and a slave has to beg for everything. If a so called Master is chasing you and telling you to take his collar it is likely he is not master and a HNG. Real Masters have too many beast to tame at his feet to force a collar.

7. 3rd person slave speech was not commonly used in the scrolls of Norman, till the later writings - Why do You feel it is beneficial to be used on IRC Gor?

Anakah:: This is a question many slaves have asked me.. my answer is simple.. to show respect.. In RL a girl can show respect by the tone of her voice, or her posture, her body movements.... here on IRC a Master can not actually see the girl... so her speaking in third person, is the means of showing respect.

Bannor:: I dont necessarily think it is. I suppose in channel its ok, for the sake of atmosphere and highlighting the difference between those who are free and those who are slave. But if I am chatting in private with a slave I prefer her to use 1st person.

BlkRbbt:: I have found that third person speech more clearly delinieates between slave and player. A true slave knows that they are owned and therefore are property.. as the only thing showing who we are in this realm is our writings (speech) it is the best way for a slave to illustrate their slavery besides direct service...

Danath:: I do not feel it is benificial.

Trajan:: Third person in the books is mention through out and is great that it is carried out to I.R.C. Since the medium lacks sight and we watch text. Through this third person the slave feels the difference in her actions through text. For she is property and owns nothing not even her name nor speech. This shows a discipline and makes her feel her submission even more for not being like the others that are Free.

8. Where do You feel Book Knowledge fits in to IRC Gor, and How is it beneficial?

Anakah:: Book knowledge is needed of course, if for no other reason than to know the diff between a Bosk and a Tarn... there are some things in the books that are rather profound if you take the time to read the books carefully.

Bannor:: Book knowledge is useful in keeping a channel, and the conversation therin authentic, thus giving the channel the right to call itself Gorean. Book knowledge is mainly useful I think to the beginner at Gor, helping him or her get by without making a total ass of themselves. To those more experienced at IRC Gor, book knowledge becomes somewhat irrelevant, to be replaced by the far more relevant IRC Gor knowledge.

BlkRbbt:: Book knowledge is only benificial in understanding the names, places and things refered to by others.. it is what gives us our common ground upon which to tread.. therefore all of us should read at least some of those writings if we are to call ourselves Gorean... the stronger ones book knowledge.. the more he/she can add to the flavor of Gor..

Danath:: It is very important to have book knowledge here on IRC Gor. These books are what "some" of us base our philosophies on. As for being benificial, book knowledge can help people "not" look like idiots by bringing Earthly ideas and customs to IRC Gor, that are nowhere to be found in the books.

Trajan:: Many ask this what about book knowledge. Book knowledge is good in giving an idea how to interact with Masters and slaves on I.R.C. Most of the information in the books are useful in real life but are not law nor should they be carried out unless you have practiced and learned with others that live this on a daily bases. I.R.C. is a good place to come and learn and understand these inner feelings that hide with in many of us. Some can be book smart, but if you lack common sense in this lifestyle people can be hurt and trust broken. Its philosophy and stories can be shared and applied to I.R.C. and our everyday life.

9. Are there any customs to IRC Gor, that You do not feel are reflective of the writings of Norman?

Anakah:: Yes, but with the medium of IRC there's not much that can be done about it, some things must be accepted on face value simply because of the limitations we are under.

Bannor:: Most of the customs that have arisen, such as slaves not saying Tal, not speaking in 1st person (which dont come from the books) have a useful purpose on IRC and the fact that such customs have been around for a long time now and still are around is evidence that they serve a useful purpose. There is no generally accepted custom I can think of that I have any major problem with.

BlkRbbt:: Gor has gone beyond Norman's writings with every word we type... we should not restrict ourselves to only that but use them as a guide...

Danath:: Where should I start? I do not necessarily disagree with these customs, but I do feel they are inaccurate: 1) Slaves kissing the rim of the goblet or bowl because it might be "poisoned". 2) Alcoves to a certain extent: If a man of Gor wished to use a slave, he did so, often publically. 3) WAY too many slaves wearing silks. Naked, and often roughly clad slaves were common in the books. 4) The length of service to get a bottle paga in a paga tavern. 5) Slaves wandering the length and breadth of IRC Gor unattended. 6) Unowned slaves. 7) Unescorted freewomen. 8) This list could get long, so I will stop :)

Trajan:: The customs that the book talk about and when applied to I.R.C. Gor at times seem to be watered down. The collar {TRJ} is a symbol that binds slave to Master. The little r, y, w, l, and other cute little things some think of distracts from this symbol. The slave is property and can say what she may or may not do. No need to protect the slave or give out protection collars. After all this is Gor and not Camelot. Collars are special and not a paper item given out freely for it represents the Master who owns the beast. The collar does not make the slave..but the Master does. The slave is only as good as her Master and through her actions with his collar demonstrates his honor. It is at stake for whatever damage it may cause along the way of her actions. Special little s.r.w.l after the collar gives her no free rights of passage. She will follow the First and Second order of a slave. Nothing less will be accepted from her.

10. Where do You feel role play is beneficial to IRC Gor?

Anakah:: WOW.. This question I am sure will get some heated debate..... but lets face facts, there is an element of what I prefer to call "Characterization" involved in IRC Gor.... if you think not, then show me a tarn, or bring me a "bota" of Ka-la-na. Its when this "Characterization" becomes more important than being with friends, enjoying the company of like minded others, that it becomes "Role Playing"

Bannor:: To keep things interesting. The endless serving, along with the odd collaring and beating make Gor somewhat dull after a while. Interspersing this with some good old fashioned roleplay can keep things very lively in a channel.

BlkRbbt:: Roleplay is beneficial to allow persons of Earth to ease into the Gorean mode... its transitional feeling helps those who must struggle to believe...

Danath:: An interesting question. The way I look at it, I do nothing on IRC Gor that I would not do "in real life". Roleplay, if Webster had a definition for the word, would probably be defined as "acting a part". I do not feel roleplay has a place on IRC Gor. There are places other than Gor where roleplay IS expected, and real feelings are set aside for the time of play, but, IRC Gor is a place where very real feelings exist. So, in my opinion, I feel roleplay is not benificial to IRC Gor.

Trajan:: Role-playing is some ways is good for adding atmosphere to I.R.C. This shows how a slave will serve her master in real life and her training he has passed to her and his expectations of her. It tells a lot of people about their actions and should reflect how they would do things in real life. If you are unable to do cartwheels then do not do them in channel. That is gaming. The other stupid stuff of the nick kills really distracts from the beauty of our lifestyle. Besides the nick you killed is not really dead and I bet it still talks....what ya know. Also the cyber rape, well, for those of you that have been cyber raped..... there is a power button on the computer, use it and you will soon find out that you are ok. Besides you can not rape the willing as many sluts will tell you.