#valuable perspective

[reposted from my Twitter thread, December 23, 2020.]

I was recently asked if (as someone who's been around Furry fandom for decades) I had any advice to give to young furries (as Furry fandom keeps growing and our age demographics keep trending younger).

This dovetailed with another comment about how younger furries (or folks new to the fandom) sometimes make missteps—not out of malicious intent, but simply not knowing any better. Everyone was a newbie once, after all. So after some pondering, I have a more verbose response:

If you're new to Furry fandom and worried about what people will think, in my experience how people react to furries always says more about them than it does about furries.

Popularity is overrated. Do what you enjoy instead of worrying about likes and retweets and follower count. Find your own niche.

Clout is simply another name for Imaginary Internet Points. That and two bucks will get you a coffee at Dunkin Donuts.

Furry fandom is what you make it, and the fandom you build depends on who and what you support. Surround yourself with good furries, and be one yourself.

Don't tolerate racism, transphobia, sexism, &c. in your social circle. Speak out against it, because ignoring it doesn't make it go away.

Nobody likes awful people. Don't be one. If you support awful people, then you will end up attracting more awful people. This is a hard downward spiral to break out of once it starts, and it's not pretty. Don't let it start.

Every few [years/months/weeks], someone will propose an alternative to Furry fandom with a new name for whatever reason. It's a terrible idea that folks keep slapping a fresh coat of paint on. Avoid it. We've seen it before, and it always end up an embarrassing disaster.

Fursuits can be expensive. Artwork can be expensive. Tip people who create things for you.

Conventions can also be expensive. Budget accordingly. Tip housekeeping and restaurant staff.

If you don't know anyone at a convention, volunteering is a good way to meet new people.

A costume is not consent. Don't harass or molest fursuiters. No, seriously; it's not cool or funny.

Furry fandom continues to be an amazing and creative community that has repeatedly shown itself to be a force for Good. No matter where your path within the fandom leads, use your powers for Good.

In conclusion:

Them: "Change is incremental!"

It amazes me that I've had to argue with people that The Nazis Were The Bad Guys.

We’ve gone from

1996: People think Nazis are bad, m’kay?

2006: People dress up as Nazis to be “ironic” and “edgy.”

2016: People don’t see a problem with Nazis.

I’ve been involved in the fandom for more than two decades, but for perspective, I want to share some things people have said during that time:

“Furry fandom will never get good press.”

“I don’t think a Furry convention can grow much bigger than 2,500 people.”

“Furry fandom is doomed.”