The House Boy, whether he is carrying out duties and chores or enjoying recreation or downtime, shall not disturb any house guest with conversation nor distraction except as permitted by protocol, and the right of every visitor to passively engage in Silent Observation of the House Boy shall not be infringed until and unless the guest chooses to interact through spoken word or action which invites or requires a House Boy response.

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The House Boy is required to respect the right of visitors to enjoy their stay without unnecessary disturbance, while still completing his own duties and chores according to protocol. Guests visit to enjoy social or professional interactions with the Master — and sometimes to attend home events like pool parties and barbecues — and not for the primary purpose of voyeurism. Still, there may be times where the House Boy is temporarily left unattended in the presence of a guest while the Master tends to an important task on the other side of the house or property, or runs a short errand, or needs to speak on an extended telephone call. During these times, guests are politely invited to make themselves “at home” and are given access to entertainment devices and outdoor spaces like the pool and backyard. 

During those times, it is the responsibility of the House Boy to continue with his assigned tasks and chores, unless a guest summons assistance or chooses to request refreshments or begin a conversation with the House Boy. Chores that would be disruptive to the home environment and comfort of the guest — like the use of a noisy vacuum cleaner — may be postponed or time-swapped with another duty or chore. A House Boy who happens to be on his Recreation Time or who has completed all pending duties and chores should continue with whatever activity he was doing prior to the Master’s exit, and should not attempt to interact with a guest who chooses to remain silent or otherwise not interact. 

In the example photo, the House Boy has been given permission on a warm fall afternoon to enjoy some free time sunbathing on the back porch, when the Master’s visit with a friend happens to be interrupted by a lengthy telephone call from a business associate. The Master breaks from the call long enough to suggest to the guest that she watch some television or enjoy the view outside, and the visitor steps onto the outdoor porch for some fresh air. After seating herself, the guest decides that the view of the House Boy is more enjoyable than that of the landscape, and she slides around to face the sunbathing House Boy, remaining silent as she takes in the view. Every guest has the Basic Right To Observe And Comment (See below, Rule #191) so no rules have been broken, and this guest has simply chosen to observe but not exercise her right to comment. As long as the Master remains busy or away, the House Boy should continue sunning himself and must not speak to or unnecessarily distract her Silent Observation of the scenery, even though his naked body happens to be the scenery she has chosen to enjoy. The protocol does allow the House Boy to respond to any conversation if she chooses to engage or to stop sunbathing when his designated recreation time comes to an end or when tending to another necessary duty or chore, like Applying Sunscreen Or Skin Protectant (See below, Rule #36). 

Visitors to the Master’s home are permitted to supervise the House Boy during any activity, and the Master appreciates the assistance of guests who are kind enough to report issues that appear to be unsafe or violations of protocol. The Master’s friends and colleagues hail from a wide variety of backgrounds and lifestyles and include creative people like painters, sculptors, biologists, and health care professionals whose Silent Observation is made from these unique perspectives. The Master does not attempt to ‘crawl into the mind’ of his guests to question their thoughts and motives, and the House Boy is equally prohibited from disrespecting a visitor by improperly questioning his or her reasons for Silent Observation. Violation may result in punishment up to a Level Two Spanking.

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Rule 297A-B — Silent Observation
Previously: Rule 297-B — Silent Observation 
Classified: XIV - Temporary and Co-Masters