Hi guys.  I didn't mean to throw a monkey wrench into everyone's plans. I owed Maddy a bit of attention with the whip, and it was clear she should be branded as well.  But I'm feeling like given the various competing goals I'm trying to write to, I've sort of painted myself into a corner. My apologies if I've dragged anyone else in there with me. I'm open to suggestions on particulars anyone thinks are important for de-cornering.<br/><br/>Is keeping Maddy still up on the pedestal still critical as a long-term goal? If so, is whipping and branding her going to be compatible with that?  Maybe if I understand you guys correctly, the only problem was doing it in front of the other two girls, and by doing it on her feet which took her too far too fast?  My thought was she would definitely get the whipping in the other room, and the branding would be something she would have to earn for herself by giving us everything or we'd give it to her friends instead.  Given that, perhaps the cigarette was unneeded and a problem. I'd be happy to rewrite that scene without it if it will correct this problem.<br/><br/>I'm interested in others' opinions here, so whatever I end up writing won't make it any worse, and is compatible with the group's overall goals.  I have to confess to having trouble keeping track of Jonesy vs. Frank and their proprietary interests and what affects that, and that may contribute to the problems with my recent post.<br/><br/>If I'm overreacting, feel free to tell me to shut up and write and I'll just bumble my way through the mess, and leave you guys to sift through the wreckage wrought by my keyboard.