Well, I've been at it for 16 years, which makes me a moderately experienced
beekeeper by Conrad's standards, but I think his response was pretty darned
experienced.
The most important things to work bees barehanded in my opinion are:
 
  1. Pay attention and be gentle.
  2. Don't panic.
  3. Replace queens with proven gentle stock when needed.
 
Michael
 
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Speaking from inexperience, since I've only tried keeping bees for
4 years, I can say that I do not recommend wearing gloves except
maybe for the greenest of beginners...