RC, another excellent question! I love having you around these forums!

I've been thinking a lot about my assorted play party experiences and I find myself having a hard time coming up with a "formula" that distinguishes the good ones from the not-so-good ones. One thing that does seem to be true at the play parties I've enjoyed, and less true at the one's where I've felt -- oh -- less engaged, is that at the "good ones" a wide range of sexualities has clearly been accepted. I also like best the parties where the rules are clearly posted and where respect is evident in people's interactions with each other (e.g., where I don't get touched without first being asked, and where I see lots of appreciative and respectful voyeurs instead of energy vampires).

I know this sounds vague. I think I'll step out a minute and let others jump in. I'm sure I'll be back!

So, what does make a good play party?