http://www.aol.com
Use America Online software to sign on to America Online. Go to People Connection/Member Rooms/Le Chateau

It's possible to spend hours in this chat area without ever realizing that the room is populated by those interested in the power exchange relationships of Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, and erotic sadomasochism (BDSM). Often, it seems much more like a number of friends just enjoying being together. Which, in fact, it is. Conversations about BDSM more often happen in the background of private messages. None the less, it's the common interest that brings them together. Newcomers with serious interest are always welcome but those coming to electronically gawk or look for hot chats are likely to get the cold shoulder instead. Regulars often hold off-line get-togethers and on-line educational events. - E.L.

subject matter: sexuality

regional affiliation: North America, Europe

format: chat The AOL BDSM community also frequents bulletin boards on alternate sexuality in the A.C.L.U. area on relationships/dominance and submission in the Personal Empowerment Network forum.

language: English

cost:

15 hours free, $9.95 per month (includes 5 free hours), $2.95 per hour after that. On December 1, 1996, AOL will be available for $19.95 per month for unlimited usage.