I will engage in punishment such as separation, ignoring, etc. when angry as if nothing else it will help me calm down to have a bit of quiet/space. But engaging in more active punishment whether verbal or physical runs a serious risk of crossing the line into abuse, and is almost certainly going to teach a sub the wrong lesson if it teaches anything at all.

For me the goal isn't to have someone who is obeying me because she is afraid of me flying off the handle and beating her/screaming at her. The mere idea of that turns my stomach. I'd rather be able to have a calm conversation (ok...give a calm lecture) about what the problem is, what punishment is going to be assigned, and how she can work to do better in the future. That way I know my punishment is enforcing the right thing *shrug*

.02