I think I, as many others, have a special preference for the idea of being spanked with a hand, first and foremost. I think it has to do with the skin-on-skin contact between the spanker and the spankee. The idea of being over someone's knee is also very nice. I think people might find it more comforting and safe? I dunno.
I don't have any actual experience with being spanked, myself, but have my favourite position and implements and scenarios in my mind.
For me it is a turn off if spankings are cruel. So even though I write about spankings that are technically non-consensual (and only in fiction!), there is an element of love in there. I like reading about tops who care about the person they spank and who give them proper aftercare.