If you haven't been to Fetlife yet, you should give it a whirl. It's sort of a Facebook for the BDSM community. A lot of groups and a lot of folks willing to dish out advice. You may also find some local groups etc., if and when you're ready to venture out into the kinky world.

That being said, here are some basic pointers.

1. Talk a lot during your play. The dominant should be sure to pay attention to whoever is in the submissive role, check in regularly and make sure they're enjoying themselves.

2. Be sure you have a safeword. "Red" is the industry standard and it means stop. Some also use Red, yellow and green -- as in "stop," "okay, that's just about enough" and "keep going with that."

3. Restraints and blindfolds are a great way to start. Also, try out some household items for fun. Wooden spoons and spatulas can make great spanking toys. Clothespins can make great nipple clamps (and can be used almost anywhere), though they are too painful for some. Ice cubes, candle wax (white candle wax is usually less hot).

4. Talk a lot before too. Make sure you both know what each of you is curious about trying and that you clearly express any limits that you might have beforehand. After that, the dominant should feel relative free reign to be in control of anything that happens within those limits. For example, he may like the idea of humiliation and name calling, but you may not. Or vice versa.

5. Have fun with it. The whole idea is to explore and enjoy yourselves. So just let go and roll with it.

6. And most importantly, don't forget that your mind is the greatest tool any dominant has. Teasing, building anticipation and delivering the unexpected are your friends.