S.M.A.R.T. Rules

by Aramock Nanuck

June 2002

The following was an adaptation of a standard approach to rule design for the fetish community.

S pecific M easurable A ttainable R ealistic T imely

Specific

A rule has a much greater likelihood of being complied with than one subject to interpretation. To set a specific rule, you must answer the six “W” questions:

Who: Is involved?
What: Is to (or NOT) be done?
Where: Does this occur?
When: Is it to be started/finished?
Why: Is this required?
Which: Punishments WOULD be applied for non-compliance?

Example:

A general rule would be to maintain your shape. However, a specific rule would be, “You will exercise 20 minutes of callisthenics on the front patio each morning before 7 am to maintain your physical appearance; failure to do so will result in a diet consisting only of staples, which excludes sweets and treats.”

Measurable

Establish concrete criteria for measuring adherence to each ruleset. Critical to this is some method of observing or recording the execution of instructions. If a scoring (demerit points) mechanism is in place, then an additional and tangible punishment must be applied when the demerit limits are exceeded. Additionally, a process must be in place for a person to reclaim or remove demerits.

To determine if your rule is measurable, ask questions such as

How will it be regulated and observed?
How will it be recorded?
How will an authority figure (dominant) know when it a rule is accomplished or defaulted?

Attainable

Unless your goal is to punish, then the adherence to the rules continuously must be attainable. Rules are designed to develop positive skills and habits while inhibiting practices or habits that are deemed contrary to the dominant wishes. The formulation of rules must be such that the submissive can adhere to them. Failure to do so will result in the submissive not meeting the model of expectations.

Rules should start simple and be added to as they become regularly adopted. Training a submissive to respond should not overwhelm them. Adherence should never be out of reach, but rather fully attainable to help build a positive self-image. They should pressure them as new ones are added to force the submissive to stretch themselves to maintain a standard. Coupling attainment with a value assessment of the dominant promotes the traits and personality that please their owner.

Realistic

A realistic rule must define a state or activity which is either possible to complete or avoid. A rule based on difficult tasks is feasible, as long as it remains attainable. It is up to the dominant to determine if the submissive can follow the instruction to be realistic. Some of the hardest jobs ever accomplished seem easy simply because they were a labour of love.

Timely

Rules must fit within the daily routine of a submissive and not span more than one day. The assignment of time to complete a task must be measurable and reasonable in relation to the responsibility set before the submitter. The defined mandate must be attainable within the time allotted and measured regularly.