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There are two types of rules, protocols or structure books on the market today: those that promote a single way to do things, often called “the one true way” by those denigrating them, and those which offer a specific example while walking the reader through the mind of the creator. Manual Creation: Defining the Structure of an M/s Household by Machele Kindle (Master Fire) is in the second category of these books.
In 8 chapters, Machele Kindle, better known as Master Fire, gives us insights into how she has set up and runs her own M/s household. Most of the chapters have subsections that deal with a particular issue. Each of these gives her own reasoning behind her expectations, a set of introspection activities for both masters and slaves, and finally a copy of the relevant part of her household manual.
Chapter 1 lays out the intended audience and the goals for this book. Primarily, those interested in master-slave or Ds relationships might find it useful. Given that the difference between sub and slave, master and dominant is often more a matter of personal taste than actual roles, expectations or limits, I think it is good to include both categories here.
Kindle has three goals for this book: first, to help readers figure out what they want from their own M/s relationships, and second, to help readers understand themselves better. Frankly I think these two goals are interchangeable; how can we truly know what we want until we understand ourselves? Finally she hopes her readers will understand that these processes are actually ongoing, requiring flexibility and further reflection. Chapter 2 is really an expansion of the third goal by talking about the development of the manual and the individuals supporting it.
The next four chapters detail the various topics covered in Kindle’s manual. Chapter 3 covers the basic concepts of contracts, biography, application, collars and tokens, deal breakers, and hierarchies in the household. This is a manual created by the potential master, so all of the sections are from the top’s perspective. However, I agree with Kindle that anyone considering serving another needs to get as much information as possible before making that decision. I strongly recommend that future slaves read these sections and consider all the thought that goes into setting up a household.
Chapter 4 is the bulk of the book because it deals with the actual day-to-day living requirements for someone in the House of Fire. Several things seem repetitive here, but when we are setting up structures to live with I think repetition is helpful, and it certainly clarifies what is important to individual masters and their households.
Similar to the previous chapter, chapter 5 lays out what the potential master has to offer those who enter her house. By wording things slightly differently the feeling is one of an extended résumé like one might offer to a prospective employer. Some of you may bristle at the idea that the dominant is being interviewed as much as the submissive is, but I thoroughly agree with Kindle that it is best for the top to be clear about what they can and will offer in return for service.
Chapter 6 is an explanation of some closing statements that can help conclude your household manual. My own household structure is based on my training manual, which does not include such a closing statement. I’m not sure how I feel about the idea, but this short chapter did get me to think about it. Chapter 7 is really just one page, encouraging the reader to start writing down what they want and start the process of their own manual creation.
Chapter 8 is really just the manual in its full form without commentary from Kindle. It felt a bit redundant, given the citation of sections in the preceding chapters. However, many readers may want to see what a household manual looks like, so for them this is a good addition. I liked that at the end of each page there was a space for both potential master and slave to note that they have read and discussed the manual. Too often people jump into their relationships without fully understanding what is expected from each partner; this leads to hurt feelings and greater difficulties later on.
The five appendices that conclude the book are greater details about some matters in the manual, such as presentation forms, lists of other sources the reader might want to consult, and some quotations from books or articles Kindle has found inspiration from. As always, be aware that online references can and do change quickly.
Kindle does a good job of letting us inside her mind as she walks us through her only household manual. The introspection activities at the end of each section are well placed and ask helpful questions. Her overwhelmingly positive and realistic approach is refreshing in a world where too many people try to tell others how they must live their own lives. The best way for your relationship to work is a way that makes it beneficial for everyone involved. |
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