Protocol

Is it the Sub's responsibilty to approach or petition a dominant? or Does a submissive wait to be approached by a dominant?

It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move. I feel that every situation is very different. I have been approached many times by dominants while I was collared, . and only recently while single. After being part of the group for awhile, it is easy to see who is interested in who, and that makes it easier to read personalities. Once a mutual interest has been shown it is up to the submissive to offer services and wait for a signal of acceptance.
It is the submissive's responsibility to wait until approached; if it is a collared submissive then it is up to the dominant to go to the submissive's dominant first to get their permission to go to the submissive. An uncollared submissive should wait for the dominant to ask them.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move, because something can happen that would be detrimental to the receiver, in such a way he or she may never forgive or return for more, which could hurt the rest of the group. They both have to understand what each other wants, which is consensual respect for each other and for the group.
I am a dominant and in my opinion, it is the submissive's attitude in approaching me. If they are polite, gracious and humble with their requests, I will consider them, but first require a private meeting to determine compatibility and other factors. If they are rude and arrogant, I punt them aside!
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move. From what my experience has taught me, most dominant aren't overly psychic - how else would one know I'm interested? Once I let him/her know I'm interested, it's time for patience... if he responds, great - if not, oh well!
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move. I feel this way because it is a submissive's desire to be of service, therefore if a submissive sees a dominant they would like to serve, they should approach the dominant quietly and discretely, and, with respect request the priviledge of serving them.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move. If a submissive is available and interested, they need to:
1. Approach the dominants and voice this.
2. Offer to the dominants their submission and or service.
3. Apply to the dominants, due to the fact that many dominants have criteria for selection.
4. When a dominant takes on a new submissive there is a lot of work and they need to know if the submissive is worth the effort.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move. I don't like being approached. I want to choose who I wish to be dominated by, ask if they are approached and then negotiate.
Unless you are at a function where protocol is part of the intrinsic nature of the group, then common sense should prevail and each situation should be treated in the same manner as for any other social gathering; think before you speak or act. Stock rules may work (and be quite appropriate) for regimented groups such as Leathermen, but, in the rest of the world every social interaction is unique and our actions should be appropriate to the people involved.
There are shy dominants and bold submissives, gregarious tops and timid bottoms; you can't apply one rule to all of them that will cover all situations.
It is the submissive's responsibility to wait until approached, because a submissive who makes the first move isn't being submissive!
Both. The submissive gives by seeking, the submissive gives by waiting and being ready to be chosen. Now, in this life I took and chose my slave; she was unaware of my noticing her. When I apporached her, various real life concerns required certain responses... Bottom line is; one is or is not ready, willing and able to submit.
Both, it depends on the submissive and dominant. Personally, I would wait until some interest was shown, then I may or may not petition/approach the dominant. It's a flirtation, a dance, and it depends on both parties - it makes me feel submissive to be approached but if approached and I was not interested I woul have no problem expressing that.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move, because a submissive's desire is to be of service and to serve a dominant; therefore, if a submissive sees a dominant they would like to serve, they should approach the dominant quietly, discretely and with respect request the privilege of serving them.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move, because I don't like being approached. I want to choose who I wish to be dominated by, ask if they are interested, and then negotiate.
It is the submissive's responsibility to wait until approached, because often the submissives are more shy (in my opinion) and woul end up never playing if they were required to make the first move.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move, because of the entertainment value! If the master is approached by a submissive on their knees, naked with enticing danglin bits use to hold my addmitedly short attention. Besides, if you approach me I may avoid a slap in the face or worse!
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move because it is the submissive that is placed in harms way - they risk the most; but, it should be noted that the first move could be as simple as weaing a sign, sticker or scarf that shows that they are available for negotiations.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move because they could otherwise wait in vain indefinately.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move. As an independant submissive, it is your responsibility to put the message out that you are available to the dominants you are interested in or have an affinity towards. Personally, I am more subtle than to approach boldly, but would make it known that I was interested, then step back and wait.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move. Before negotiations for anything can begin, the dominant must earn the respect and trust of the submissive. By making the first move, the submissive shows the dominant that the required respect and trust has been earned. Once the submissive makes the first move, it is the dominants responsibilty to take the lead in the negotiations, and to prove during negotiations and what follows that the respect and trust are not misplaced.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move because I find it more amusing to have the submissive crawling around on their hands and knees kissing my boots and begging for my attentions.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move and then wait until approached. As a dom, I love to approach. As a dom, I am gratified to be approached. In any relationship dance, two people dance. Both people have preferences, which need to be expressed. If both are lucky enough to find a match, what a dance ensues!
It is the responsibility of both, it depends on the submissive and the dominant. Personally, I would wait until some interest was shown, then I may or may not petition/approach the dominant. It's a flirtatious dance, and it dependss on both parties. It makes me feel submissive to be approached, but if appraoched and not interested, I would not have a problem expressing that.
It is the submissive's responsibility to make the first move. Initially, I feel that it is for the sub to show interest in the dominant by offering service and trying to please the dominant. Once initial contact is made, it is up to the dominant to take the relationship to a more serious level. If the dominant wishes the submissive in their collar, it is up to them to offer, not up to the submissive to beg or ask for it. It is however, up to the submissive to show the dominant by their obedience and servitude that they wish to be collared.
I don't think it is fair to assign rigid roles. Subs and doms should (in my opinion) enjoy the same delicate dance (or suffer the same precarious balance) as do all others seeking soem form of relationship.
There is no generally recognized protocol, so people with opposite viewpoints would never get together. This is just the first step of negotiation anyway, and since negotiation does or at least should occur before play, it is irrelevant who initiates that negotiation.