The Leatherman's Protocol Handbook is not only about some of my personal journey since 1968, when I was collared to Master in "Old Guard" days, but also the changes that have occurred through the decades since then. A lot of our "Old Guard" leather history is documented in this book. It contains the protocols, positions, hand signals, and defines the differences between rituals, etiquette, and protocols. Included in the book are copies of ceremonies such as the gauntlet ceremony, various collaring ceremonies and the ultimate cover ceremony of Jeffrey Alan Payne, IML 2009. This book is not meant to be the bible of protocols but the documented history of my life with the "Old Guard" protocols that I personally can attest to through my journey. It will define the various leather titles and how they were achieved during those early days in "Old Guard". Much of this book has never been written about but only talked and fantasized about. Now, here is the documentation of what I lived for all to learn from. It tells of the hierarchy that once existed among the leather organizations. I discuss how to train a boy and how the "Old Guard" shows respect even to today's title holders and events. It also explains many of the military to leather protocols and compares them so all can understand how and why they existed. Since those early days of leather many things have changed. We lost so much of our history due to the HIV, HEP C and the Crystal Meth eras. For the first time we now have it all in one place with references to those early days by someone who has survived to write about it. Learn the three "S"s of leather life and watch how it will change your life forever!
About the Author: Master John has been actively involved with the BDSM Lifestyle for over 45 years. He started serving Master Richard in true Old Guard ways in the Castro in the early 70's.

Master John was Honorary Member of the Year 2008 by the SFLBC. He was a principle in Daddy's Closet located in Wilton Manors, Fl. and hosts the website: www.DungeonAcademy.com. He was the publisher and editor of the Leather Link, a publication of leather events and stories etc., in the Ft Lauderdale area. He is a past member of the Florida NLA, Ft Lauderdale, Fl. He is a past sponsor of the ILSb (International Leather Sir boy) contest regionally and in 2009 and 2010 was a feature presenter and educator for ILSb in San Francisco.

Actively involved in educating our community through Mr. S, LeatherWerks, SFLBC, Leather University, Mens Academy, ILSb, and S.P.I.C.E., his educational focus embraces both gay and pansexual lifestyles. He is a voting member and contributor to the Leather Archives. He is an experienced judge at many contests globally. Master John co-chairs Leather Title Holders Sunday at the M.C.C. Sunshine Cathedral annually in Ft. Lauderdale. He is involved in charity work at Tuesday's Angels, Center One, The Leather Masked Ball, Lighthouse for the Blind, Care Resources, The Children with Aids Network and a contributor to Hearing From the Heart/Sharon St Cyr Fund. In 2010, he became Master Boo to Jeffrey Payne, IML 2009 and Lamalani, IMSL 2009. Over the past five years, he has attended and presented at more than 200 events.