Furry Lifestyle

[Milkyway64]

Trekkies and D&D are fairly poor examples due to the lack of content and casual fans. To explain why I will use an example of a free to play MMO, I will have to pull stats out of my arse but you will get the idea. In a F2P MMO, only a small number (lets say 5%) of players pay for anything. However, in order for those paying fans to have a fun game to spend money on, the game needs a larger number of players. This is where the casual freeloaders come in. 95% of the world is just casual fans, but there exsistence gives the other 5% stuff to interact with.

With no new trek show, the MMO has no quests. With D&D, your maxium die hard-ness is limited to the weakest member of the group. eg. I would play board games once a week, but I can never get enough players that often. That's like the MMO only having the 5% of paying members.

With furry, or even TF2/Call of Duty clans, you have the dedicated clan members who have plenty of single player or casual players to fight against in between clan games. Most furries are not lifestylers, but it's the casual members that give the lifestylers something to feed off.

A friend of mine runs the Britfur club house in SL. He is passionate furry. He spends (again, guessing stats for sake of argument) 12 hours a day in the clubhouse. Most people only pop in for an hour or 2, but there is about 50 of those people so he always has someone to talk to in there.

My point is, D&D doesn't have that because you need the full party in order to play, and for trek there is nothing left to talk about so the casuals aren't around. I'd guess LQ is like Football in that there is always a tourniment going on somewhere?

Oh hey, this post is actually pretty well thought out and has nice points. Niiice. <3

Anyhow, I'm bowing out of this particular argument. I'll be back to say my piece on any further discussion you guys go over. Particularly, I'd like it best if any furries (particularly those who consider themselves in the lifestyle) to define it and give their thoughts on what's already been covered.

["User"]

And yeah, I -sorta- do. Maybe it's not so much a vendetta as it is that my favorite furry related thing to do is troll other furries.

You sir, need to get your priorities straight as a member of the fandom. Take up drawing, buy overpriced anthro "art", go to a convention and have "fun" with other furries! Get harassed and pressured by other furries at said cons to buy a deck of furoticon cards or other adult material. (like I was at Midwest furfest). I mean...these things are far more furry than just trolling your own kind.

I mean, I troll other furries as well, if only for some of their extreme polarization and unwillingness to do anything that's either not furry related OR willing to do activies only with their furry brethren (because they have no IRL non-furry friends) like our friend you mentioned earlier.

So far as the LQ thing goes with me, yes it's more than a hobby (at least to me) and it's been that way for several years now. However, I don't openly obsess about it and act like it's the only thing in my life. I mean...I do other non-"nerdy" things like drink, socialize in bars, meet new people and, on a couple of occasions in my past had a quick fling with females who also played competitive LQ.

All this being said, I don't consider laser tag a lifestyle. Just my two cents. :)

[Fang O'Donnell]

I don't know to much about the subject but when xort related the furry to smash I finely realized that maybe your friend in question and you just have different interest (like everyone else) and though he pushes a little far for your taste it's something that holds his interest. because in this example I would be your friend because I absolutely love SSB tourneys and talk about them with my friends way more than I probably sould but once I watch, play, or even hear a word that sounds close to smash I start to ramble on about my 'interest' in it undoubtibly annoying my friends just because they don't, or refuse to see how much SSBB tourneys (in your friends case 'furry') means to me. like maybe you have an interest another friend doesn't understand and he complains how annoying it is. but... I don't know just some thoughts based on what I read I could be wrong

[ARWINGCOMMANDER 3987]

First off, I really like anthro versions of non-human animals. Secondly Milky, your favorite activity as a furry is to "troll" other furries? Next thing you know you'll be saying that while the furry lifestyle isn't a valid one the trolling lifestyle is. The trolling lifestyle is one of the closest things on the internet to real life felonies. You don't normally see furries raiding second life sites, launching DDOS attacks or saying random racist sh@# as if it's some kind of sick joke. How is that lifestyle any better than that of people who gather in convention halls dressed as anthros, draw anthros, pretend they're non-human animals, and say "yiff" instead of "sex"? Furthermore, another definition I just found of lifestyle is "A style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group.". Why else do you think I talk so much about Power Rangers and eagerly anticipate any new episodes of the show, while on the side listening to music from the show and incorporating Power Rangers into a Star Fox fanfic? Is that invalid? I may do weird things like pregnancy role plays on deviantART, or make remixes of music from old video games, but that doesn't make me insane does it?

[Milkyway64]

First off, I really like anthro versions of non-human animals. Secondly Milky, your favorite activity as a furry is to "troll" other furries? Next thing you know you'll be saying that while the furry lifestyle isn't a valid one the trolling lifestyle is.

Trolling is a lifestyle now? Since when? That's awesome!

The trolling lifestyle is one of the closest things on the internet to real life felonies. You don't normally see furries raiding second life sites, launching DDOS attacks or saying random racist sh@# as if it's some kind of sick joke.

Um, actually, YOU DO. Here's a news flash, being a furry does not exclude you from being a jack ass, and as a matter of fact, a lot of furries ARE. Furries do raid Second life sites, launch DDOS attacks and say random racist crap because A. they are one of the most easily butthurt minorities I have ever seen and B. there are a good number of furries on /b, not to mention all the attacks and revenge plot dramas that pop up on popular furry journalling sites like DA and such that pop up all over the place. This isn't even taking into account that I just admitted to being both myself, proving the unholy combination exists without any further explanation, and on top of all that I don't bother messing with SL sites, launch DDOS nukes, or actively act racist toward my own fucking kind, so your assumptions go right out the window.

Peaceful Zen monks the fur folk are not.

How is that lifestyle any better than that of people who gather in convention halls dressed as anthros, draw anthros, pretend they're non-human animals, and say "yiff" instead of "sex"?

How is the reverse true for that matter? In the same way that the very idea of being furry is squicky for some people and the defining factor of who you hang out with for others, trolling can be either hilarious and bring a ton of laughs to many or, well, send certain people into defensive, not all that well thought out rants about why I'm such a bad person. Opinions and differing stances, bro, as a furry myself I tend to think that most furry lingo and excessive roleplay, especially in a real life setting, is pretty stupid.

Furthermore, another definition I just found of lifestyle is "A style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group.". Why else do you think I talk so much about Power Rangers and eagerly anticipate any new episodes of the show, while on the side listening to music from the show and incorporating Power Rangers into a Star Fox fanfic? Is that invalid?

It's not invalid, but it gets old real quick and not to mention some things crossing over (PR and SF in this case) just doesn't work without being a parody that constantly makes fun of how dumb it's own premise is.

I may do weird things like pregnancy role plays on deviantART, or make remixes of music from old video games, but that doesn't make me insane does it?

Depends on who you ask and the context you give, but no, it doesn't make you "insane." Weird as hell, maybe, but the same happens when you find physical attraction to cartoon animals. Just gotta deal with it.

[Xortberg]

Only have a few points to nitpick here

Trolling is a lifestyle now? Since when? That's awesome!

Duuuh. Didn't I just get done telling you how anything could qualify as a lifestyle?

It's not invalid, but it gets old real quick and not to mention some things crossing over (PR and SF in this case) just doesn't work without being a parody that constantly makes fun of how dumb it's own premise is.

Saying that it has to be a parody is a bit presumptuous. It's not outside of the realm of possibility to make a good serious PR and SF crossover, it would just take some wicked writing to pull off.

[Rogue Fox]

I mentioned myself how practically anything could be considered a lifestyle if everything else is thrown out the window.

Let's look at WOW. If you spend just every moment that is not devoted to essential things like eating, sleeping, or working playing WOW, then it's a lifestyle. You are taking a game and choosing to forgoe all other activities.

Same goes with furries.

I consider myself a furry but not a furry lifestyler because I like doing a number of other activities that are non-furry.

[ARWINGCOMMANDER 3987]

Only have a few points to nitpick here

Duuuh. Didn't I just get done telling you how anything could qualify as a lifestyle?

Saying that it has to be a parody is a bit presumptuous. It's not outside of the realm of possibility to make a good serious PR and SF crossover, it would just take some wicked writing to pull off.

A BIT presumptuous? That's like saying Honda cars are the only TRUE cars physically.

[Fang O'Donnell]

A BIT presumptuous? That's like saying Honda cars are the only TRUE cars physically.

HAH!!!

[StarFoxfan-FUR_ever]

You see, I'm a furry, as most of you already know. I'll defend both sides of the arguement here.

Like others have said, the furry community is just another group of people who share a common interest. Fursuiting is a form of expression in this case, as is furry artwork (the non-controversial ones anyway), as is furry-lingo (as you put it, milky). I can very easily use a lot of the same arguements Milky used against the rap community in real life and their false sence of toughness and power.

In both these cases, anyone could just point out the obvious negative aspects and make use of propaganda, cliches, etc... However, as Milky said before about Furries not being the kindest group of people in the world, I can very easily say that even though rappers are a negative influence (...and other things) to the young generation, it ISN'T necessarily that ALL of them are that way. (Though, keep in mind, I don't exactly view them in a bright light)

Let's look at Milky's side of the arguement. It's true that people take things to an extreme in completely unnecessary ways. I'll sum his side of the arguement up in a few words. There is a time and place for everything. Some people are more "emotionally fragile" than others and don't take jokes very well. Those people can be over-critical of just about everything they find inappropriate. However, they do have a point in saying that there is a certain point where everything can be taken too far.

So, Milky's friend is an example of someone that takes things too far. That does not mean that every furry acts this way. So, one day I would like to own a fursuit, a fox to be exact. Regardless, this doesn't give me the right to go around in public expressing myself (by way of wearing fox ears and a tail) even though I am well aware of how certain people may feel uncomfortable. It's basically the concept of "common courtesy" and also treating others the way you want to be treated.

As for the whole "alienation of non-furry friends"...what can you do about that? Choosing who you are friends with is the same as making everyday decisions in life. Actually, it's part of that. If someone feels more comfortable around certain people for whatever reason, more power to them for not dealing with people they preffer not to speak to. For Milky's friend, this person takes it way too far. I would recommend forcing this person to hang out with people by planning a meet-up with non-furry friends, yet not telling this specific friend who you are hanging out with. In fact, make it look like a coincidence that you met up, as to avoid getting this friend angry.

NVM...that was more than a few words...sorry about that.

[Sabre]

A couple of issues with that otherwise well thought out post.

Rappers have a negative reputation for a reason. Steriotypes exsist for a reason. It's a generalization based on what people see. Charvers have a reputation for being trouble makers because most of them cause trouble. As such it's better to assume a charver is going to cause trouble. The problem is that it can become a case of confirmation bias or self forfilling prophecy.

In the case of furries, the steriotype is not based on what most do, rather is based on a CSI episode that highlighted the minority. Then the self forfilling prophecy kicks in, furries = kinky sex group. Kinky sex fans flock to furry and cast out the none kinky people.

As for the "common courtesy" argument for self censorship. Others don't show such restraint. There is basicly an unwriten list of acceptable and unacceptable targets. I've ranted in the past about public displays of affection. I also don't like buskers. They get a free pass. Cosplayers and football costumes strips are also common, but furries are unacceptable? Tough. I don't wear a tail myself, but if I wanted to I would. I'd stop wearing if they showed the same "common courtesy".

[Milkyway64]

Good two last posts, but I have something to say about this:

In the case of furries, the steriotype is not based on what most do, rather is based on a CSI episode that highlighted the minority. Then the self forfilling prophecy kicks in, furries = kinky sex group. Kinky sex fans flock to furry and cast out the none kinky people.

I've never seen the episode in question, and I STILL think it's right. I've been all over the place, and I can say with a degree of confidence that "kinky sex group" is a pretty accurate stereotype. Sure, they may not be sex zombies, but in an environment with eachother, shame and modesty goes right the hell out the window. The stereotype holds true because it's somewhat rare to find a single furry somewhere because most of the time, you'd never be able to tell unless they are that pompous. So that means that when one spots a furry, he or she is seeing them in their natural habitat I.E. furaffinity or a 4chan thread or other such popular furry gathering spots, and thus they see them actively enforcing the stereotype that they are a kinky sex group with a perpetually active sex drive dry humping each other.

So yeah, CSI made it's episode under a stereotype that turns out to be mostly true. Not every furry rocks out with their cock out, but enough do to pin the behavior as standard furry fare.

[Wes]

["User"]

I attended a session titled "Furries in the Media" when I was at Midwest Furfest featuring Uncle Kage and 2, the Ranting Gryphon. Basically they talked about all their experiences with the media, the media in general and their perspective on furries, and what has made the fandom "popular" via the media. Of course, the CSI episode comes to mind, but before that was the infamous Vanity Fair article where 2 basically told us he was completely taken out of context and the media can more or less write anything they want about you, even things that you have never said "off the record" (btw, off the record means zlitch when dealing with interviews) and you can't sue them for lying or what not because the burden of proof would be on you to prove them wrong (which is impossible if it's off the record). Case in point, furries and media do not mix - although I'm sure we all already knew that.

I've never seen the episode in question, and I STILL think it's right. I've been all over the place, and I can say with a degree of confidence that "kinky sex group" is a pretty accurate stereotype. Sure, they may not be sex zombies, but in an environment with eachother, shame and modesty goes right the hell out the window. The stereotype holds true because it's somewhat rare to find a single furry somewhere because most of the time, you'd never be able to tell unless they are that pompous. So that means that when one spots a furry, he or she is seeing them in their natural habitat I.E. furaffinity or a 4chan thread or other such popular furry gathering spots, and thus they see them actively enforcing the stereotype that they are a kinky sex group with a perpetually active sex drive dry humping each other.

So yeah, CSI made it's episode under a stereotype that turns out to be mostly true. Not every furry rocks out with their cock out, but enough do to pin the behavior as standard furry fare.

You've got it bang on, having been to the world's third largest furry con for 4 days and seeing the type of stuff that goes on there it's quite obvious as Milky already stated that sex is more or less a selling point for most everything. Any type of attitude towards sex is openly accepted and then really isn't any solid modesty or positive morals from the majority of people in attention. Of course, morals are subjective but...from a traditional POV I think you get what I mean. . The convention floor itself is strictly rated PG with mature areas blocked off but if I'm an adult there I would feel uncomfortable with seeing kids at the hotel when one of these is in progress. There is a reason why there is no "good" reason to attend a fur con when you're not 18+ because you won't be able to do a lot of stuff there. It's a sex soaked culture the fandom is. Shame that 20 years ago this wasn't the case.

And lol at the FoXXX :)

[Sabre]

I attended a session titled "Furries in the Media" when I was at Midwest Furfest featuring Uncle Kage and 2, the Ranting Gryphon. Basically they talked about all their experiences with the media, the media in general and their perspective on furries, and what has made the fandom "popular" via the media. Of course, the CSI episode comes to mind, but before that was the infamous Vanity Fair article where 2 basically told us he was completely taken out of context and the media can more or less write anything they want about you, even things that you have never said "off the record" (btw, off the record means zlitch when dealing with interviews) and you can't sue them for lying or what not because the burden of proof would be on you to prove them wrong (which is impossible if it's off the record). Case in point, furries and media do not mix - although I'm sure we all already knew that.

You've got it bang on, having been to the world's third largest furry con for 4 days and seeing the type of stuff that goes on there it's quite obvious as Milky already stated that sex is more or less a selling point for most everything. Any type of attitude towards sex is openly accepted and then really isn't any solid modesty or positive morals from the majority of people in attention. Of course, morals are subjective but...from a traditional POV I think you get what I mean. . The convention floor itself is strictly rated PG with mature areas blocked off but if I'm an adult there I would feel uncomfortable with seeing kids at the hotel when one of these is in progress. There is a reason why there is no "good" reason to attend a fur con when you're not 18+ because you won't be able to do a lot of stuff there. It's a sex soaked culture the fandom is. Shame that 20 years ago this wasn't the case.

And lol at the FoXXX

It depends on the venue. My experience of it was as a gay sex club. Since then some meets haven't had any mention of smut at all.

[Steve]

Reminds me to that "YOU DONT UNDERSTAND BRITNEY" dude/gal....just in a furry version I guess?

[Milkyway64]

30 seconds in and I've already raged. Listening to the rest anyhow.

...I suddenly stopped raging, now that it's over. It's as Steve says, and it's a GREAT example of what I'm talking about. Nothing he said had any backing or strong argument behind it, he just ran his entitled mouth thinking it'd actually do anything for his (and the rest of the furries who share his) case.

[Wes]

Also, lurking FA's forum gives you a very good insight on the fandom.

["User"]

Also, lurking FA's forum gives you a very good insight on the fandom.

It's better if you have an account though, because then you can see mature content as well, which make up like....80% of the "art" there. :?

[Rogue Fox]

On the topic of the self fulfilling prophecy of the fandom, we all hear about the stereotypes.

The question is: what is to be done?

The answer is simple.

Promote the positive aspects of the fandom: the art, stories, fursuits, conventions. Don't even mention the other stuff. If you do mention the less tame stuff, you are just continuing to spread the stereotype which allows more people with strange fetishes to enter into the fandom. And around we go.

I'm a furry who is not into the creepy side of things. Therefore, I focus on what I know: good quality art and stories.

[Wes]

It's better if you have an account though, because then you can see mature content as well, which make up like....80% of the "art" there.

>Creates FA account

>Searches "fox"

>List order by popularity

>Picture of male fox with a lit dynamite stick up his ass

>mfw

[Milkyway64]

I'm a furry who is not into the creepy side of things. Therefore, I focus on what I know: good quality art and stories.

Wouldn't this really make you a fan of good stories and art, then? Why does it have to feature anthropomorphic animals?

[Xortberg]

Wouldn't this really make you a fan of good stories and art, then? Why does it have to feature anthropomorphic animals?

Because anthros appeal to him? Really, this isn't even an argument. According to his post, Rogue Fox is a fan of good stories and art featuring anthropomorphic animals. I really don't understand how you can expect anyone to expand on that, since it's basically as simple as it gets unless you're willing to dig into the psychological aspect of it and find the reason said anthros appeal to him.

[Steve]

30 seconds in and I've already raged. Listening to the rest anyhow.

...I suddenly stopped raging, now that it's over. It's as Steve says, and it's a GREAT example of what I'm talking about. Nothing he said had any backing or strong argument behind it, he just ran his entitled mouth thinking it'd actually do anything for his (and the rest of the furries who share his) case.

Something I found interesting, his dad (person behind him on the video) stays there and listens the whooooole time, makes you wonder that stories about furries "coming out" have good endings with their families, too. Unless of course, his dad is a furry himself xD.

[Milkyway64]

I really don't understand how you can expect anyone to expand on that, since it's basically as simple as it gets unless you're willing to dig into the psychological aspect of it and find the reason said anthros appeal to him.

That's basically what I'm asking. I wanna find out why anthro stories and art specifically appeal to him rather than "just" good stories and art. Reason for this is, I want to find out what about them can be promoted while ditching the negative stereotypes. Don't forget that stereotypes are born for a reason, and that not all art and stories featuring anthros are furry works.