Hi Jade,
I can only tell you from my current online experience. Being online can become very powerful and yes, very hard because as the relationship progresses you really desire to be face to face with your Master and you can't.
How to tell if they are real or really for you? My Master spent several months just getting to know me and letting me get to know Him. He always encourages my growth and learning, He is always open to questions. It took several months before we even discussed Him wanting to own me and whether or not i was ready for that step.

About the training: At first i wasn't completely honest to Him or myself. Sometimes i would feel like i didn't want to do a task so i told him i did it when i didn't. After a while i started to feel guilty and admitted my wrong doings......he was very patient and understood but also asked if i really wanted to be here and if i did that needed to change. Now i do everything he asks and yes i send pics. That also took a long time and he was also patient with that. We chat via webcam and he always prefers me nude when we do so. It has been almost a year and nude is comfortable now. Some day we talk about meeting and i hope that come true but if it has to be this way for now.......so be it.

I guess what i'm saying is you will know.........and if He/She is patient and promotes your growth.........and listens........that will probably be the one for you. I hope this helps.