How did you end up in this fandom and what makes you stay?

[Furcade]

When I think of sperglord turbofedorabeards, furries come in just a hair higher than bronies and the waifu crowd. This doesn't say so much about furries as it does about how god awful the brony fandom has become.

I'm still lost...

 

[TeenageAngst]

I'm still lost...

These guys.

 

[Troj]

Oh, you mean goons.

 

[Calemeyr]

When I think of sperglord turbofedorabeards, furries come in just a hair higher than bronies and the waifu crowd. This doesn't say so much about furries as it does about how god awful the brony fandom has become.

"sperglord turbofedorabeards" You better trademark that fast. Also fedoras only look good with 1920's/30's fashion. Or if you own a bullwhip.

Anyway, I'm wondering...why do nerds in general obsess over things for very young children? Ok, sure, digimon is cool, I admit that. I'm not going to parade around a banner with Guilmon in it. What makes people get so enthusiastic, so evangelical about MLP? Sure, it looks to be a nice show, but the fact is, a portion of the fandom is made up of the same old internet creeps who own body pillows with blushing moe girls. I don't have a problem with it being "girly." Honestly calling things girly or manly is kinda childish. What I am wondering about is why My Little Pony and not some romance series for adults, which would also normally be consumed by a female audience? I could get behind a movie about couple falling in love, as long as it doesn't involve sparkling Mormon abstinence vampires :V
I just don't get why some bronies are so...loud about their tastes. Also I think a true fan of the series wouldn't pirate it. Just sayin'.

Another reason why I guess I like the furry fandom is that it is generally free from any specific work of fiction, allowing original content and less fanfiction, perhaps. I like that. Sure there's porn, but there's porn in all fandoms, because nerds are weird that way. Furries just aren't as good with hiding it. The art from the fandom, at least from the less...er...neurotic individuals can be amazing, and the craftsmanship of some fursuits is beautiful. Now I will admit sometimes fursuiters act a little too hyper in public, and some furries yell too many memes in harsh voices at cons, but again, this is an internet fandom.

So in general, I've stayed in furry due to the original content and the creativity, despite the unavoidable internet nerd obnoxiousness, creepiness, and perversions.

 

[Furcade]

Oh, you mean goons.

"Someone hired to rough someone up, usually someone big and dumb who commits acts of violence for money"? Eh?

Seriously though, this is the kind of person referred to as an "autistic furfag"?

 

[BRN]

"Someone hired to rough someone up, usually someone big and dumb who commits acts of violence for money"? Eh?

Seriously though, this is the kind of person referred to as an "autistic furfag"?

Hi, it's Sixi, everyone's favourite pops-up-in-every-thread-and-terrifies-people-with-dicks-athon

A Sperglord is the final boss of the aspergers family, and a turbofedorabeard is a levelled up version of a fedorabeard. They have massive +3 buffs to anti-hygiene because of the massive beard and a hat they never remove.

Please refer to my custom title above my avatar.

 

[IronDog]

I've been around animals all my life and they are basically my world.

When I was nine, I drew a picture of my dog in class. The tutor liked it so much, he asked me to do his cat. I did and he had his niece paint it.

He linked me and, through extrapolation, I found the site he'd posted it øn.

Voila. Furry community discovered.

I never left.

 

[Troj]

"Someone hired to rough someone up, usually someone big and dumb who commits acts of violence for money"? Eh?

Seriously though, this is the kind of person referred to as an "autistic furfag"?

In Internet lingo, a "goon" is someone who posts on the forum SomethingAwful.

The first bit of the joke is that they often diss themselves and mercilessly mock one another for being a bunch of fat, maladjusted, anime-loving, video-game-playing, fedora-wearing, neckbeard-possessing geeks. The community has this really interesting, kinda fun, kinda sad love-hate relationship with itself, and some of the users even appear to have a love-hate relationship with themselves.

They also hate furries with the intensity of a thousand white-hot suns, and they only barely tolerate bronies.

On a different note, the larger geek culture tends to attract people on the autism spectrum, for a number of reasons. Oddly, while I've seen furries who struck me as being on the spectrum on TV shows, in documentaries, and in Internet videos, I have yet to meet any autistic furries in real life. Everybody I've interacted IRL thus far was capable of reading body language and social signals, and all that good stuff.

And now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

What makes people get so enthusiastic, so evangelical about MLP?

That's an excellent question, and I've often mulled over it myself.

I really like MLP, and when it first came out, I was really excited and pleasantly surprised to see a genuinely good show about little pink horsies, since I initially tuned in with the intention of mocking the show into the ground.

I primarily like MLP because it's warm, friendly, full of sincere joy, and devoid of cynicism, without being cloying, naive, or dumb.

I also appreciate and enjoy many of the memes, in-jokes, stories, art, and additional world-building that's sprung from the phenomenon. But, that circles back to the question, why'd it become a phenomenon?

I also like Adventure Time, Gumball, Regular Show, and tons of other programs, but I'm no more and no less evangelical about them than I am about MLP. I also haven't seen fans of those shows get as excited about them as the bronies are about MLP.

 

[Honybadgercares]

Well what got me into it, we'll of coarse because of me liking the concept of anthromorphics. Also my love for animals. And what makes me stay? Well I don't really have a choice, you other are our aren't.

 

[Troj]

Because many nerds are naturally more emotional fragile then the general population, and they were either shy or picked on a lot as children. Meaning that though most of them function as adults, deep down they are suffering emotional childhood trauma.

Well, and I think many nerds and geeks were picked on as children largely because they were more creative, more intelligent, and/or more sensitive than many of their peers. As a result, as people, they just tend to dance to a different beat, and tend to miss or misunderstand the beat most everybody else is dancing to.

When children and adults ultimately sanction those people for not keeping rhythm, you end up with hurt and trauma that can sometimes last a lifetime.

The latching onto children's properties is a socially acceptable way (at least in their social circles) to 'relive' their childhoods in a positive way that was not possible when they were actually that age.

Fascinating insight!

I tend to have profound nostalgia for the things of my childhood, just because they were fun, cool, and helped to shape my sense of humor and my sense of aesthetics, and because, like many people, I remember my childhood (somewhat rightly, somewhat wrongly) as being a "simpler time." (Of course, at the time, from a child's point of view, it wasn't simple at all--far from it!)

But, you may be right that I also like "the stuff of childhood" because I'm trying to recreate aspects of my own childhood experience, sans the crappy, scary, or traumatic stuff. I'd never thought of it that way!

The latching onto 'girl's stuff' is the way the bronies, etc., express their more sensitive emotions - as a woman I wouldn't really know, but aren't men still considered metaphorical 'faggots' if they show their feelings? Short answer for all this - in a society where emotional support is hard to find, one does what one can to cope.

Perhaps this is part of why I dig MLP, too, because while I've softened immensely over time, even as a woman, I've never been that outwardly feminine or sensitive, and when I was younger, I was downright butch. Part of that was probably my inborn nature, part of it was how I was raised, and part of it was the natural result of having to show stoicism and courage in the face of some challenges early on.

MLP certainly gives me warm-fuzzies in a way that is different from the happiness or fun I derive from other interests or hobbies. The Muppets also give me a similar warm-fuzzy feeling.

 

[tharesan.alae]

Well, I've had an affinity for animals since I was a child. I love watching animals, animal cartoons, I live with animals, etc. I'm also an artist who has an appreciation for humanity. So I put the two together and I got animal-people. My art has developed from there.

Now, I'm not sure I'll put the label 'furry' over my head, because I'm different than all of you and different from the definition of 'furry'. Fandoms seem to destroy individuality, and you lose who you are. I don't like that about them. So I think of myself as a visitor, who has a common interest in animals with you all. I'll stay as long as I find this community to be worthwhile.

 

[Riho]

I tripped and fell on my head.
The resulting concussion left me with a strange affinity toward creatures with two legs.
Slowly, through the depths of the internet, I found that my strange, addled love was shared by masses of others...
And so, I was brought deep into the depths of evil.
Yiffy F'tahgn!

 

[Toshabi]

What's with the autistic furfags thing? Do people think furries are inherently autistic or somethin'? Maybe I don't want to know...

If you're asking that, you're either...


A)New to the fandom and will eventually find out


Or


B)among that group

 

[Saybin~Iacere]

Sometimes I hate the idea of being human when you read about a school shooting or something else. I would like to think I could be something better?

 

[Calemeyr]

Sometimes I hate the idea of being human when you read about a school shooting or something else. I would like to think I could be something better?

Don't try to escape humanity due to society's ills. Rather, try to do your part to make society better.

I am fairly certain that if you wanted to be, say, a raccoon person, nothing would change. If humans were anthropomorphic creatures instead, there would still be wars, killings, and general oppression as it is the result of animal instincts being coupled with higher intelligence. In a word, selfishness and mental instability would still be present, so, yeah, this isn't a fantasy world.

 

[Magick]

I just kind of stumbled across it when I started high school, and I stay because I meet some nice and interesting furs :3 That's about it

 

[Troj]

Don't try to escape humanity due to society's ills. Rather, try to do your part to make society better.

I am fairly certain that if you wanted to be, say, a raccoon person, nothing would change. If humans were anthropomorphic creatures instead, there would still be wars, killings, and general oppression as it is the result of animal instincts being coupled with higher intelligence. In a word, selfishness and mental instability would still be present, so, yeah, this isn't a fantasy world.

Right, especially since the difference between humans and other animals is a matter of degree, rather than kind. Many of our worst habits and tendencies are just hold-overs or hand-me-downs from earlier periods in our evolution. Our large brains just allow us to be jerks in new, different, exciting ways that raccoons and angler fish could never begin to imagine.

 

[Ice Link]

I guess it probably started when I was really little, probably the same way as a few others; with Sonic the Hedgehog. Not only did that game teach me to read at extreme speeds when I was little thanks to subtitles, but it increased my love for animals tenfold. I also really liked to watch Digimon and play Pokemon, though I probably couldn't tell you the reason for the former. I always kinda liked animals more than the rest of my family did, I felt, and...well, the way some of them act toward lizards confirms that. But I'm deathly afraid of most insects, so I can hardly fault them for that. =p
Long story short, I searched "Anthrosaur" on Google one day and the rest is history...

 

[powderhound]

This is a really interesting question and I'm curious to read others responses.

I find people identify more strongly with things when they can anthropomorphize them. I take a lot of pictures of critters. I notice the pictures people seem to like the most are the ones where the animal appears to be exhibiting some human behavior that the viewer relates to. Picture of salamander from above = ‘ew, what’s that, it looks slimy and gross.’ Picture from below so it appears to be smiling = ‘Oh, he’s so cute, can you send me copy.’ It’s in our nature, so the fact that people are drawn to “furry” stuff doesn’t surprise me in the least. If you’re into biology and have to spend a lot of time studying in front of a computer, well it’s a very short walk over to the furry community. Always had an affinity for animals and as other’s have said I was into it since childhood as well, I think everyone is. That’s why such cartoons and movies are so ubiquitous. Moving into the furry community was just an extra step which I blame on the internet connection.

Once I was in, I discovered lots of other dimensions to it that held my interest. As an internet based fandom it’s an easy source of procrastination for someone who’s supposed to be studying (like right now). After lurking around for a while you get to know all the drama and before you know it the social aspects of the community suck you in.

I feel like there is also an important component of regression and escapism as well. My job is like going to war. Furry seems to provide an escape to a safe area that’s, silly, happy, fuzzy, idealized and has nothing to do with reality which is precisely why it appeals to me.

Lastly the scene is pretty fun, creative and edgy. Granted it’s still a nerd fest, but at least it’s a cooler spectacle than nerd cultures of previous generations. I can’t imagine people spinning glow sticks in a rave at a Star Trek convention. I showed my con footage to a bunch of friends they all want to get suits and go next year (although I don’t think any of them know anything at all about ‘furry’). That surprized the heck out of me. It just seems to suck people in.

 

[Em1l]

Came for the art, stayed for the drama

 

[iconmaster]

It was the fetish porn. Probably.

 

[Troj]

I find people identify more strongly with things when they can anthropomorphize them.

"In .5 miles, turn Left onto Mulberry Street."

"JESUS! I'M DOING IT, MADGE! FOR CHRIST SAKE."

"When possible, make a legal u-turn."

"DON'T JUDGE ME, YOU BITCH!"

"When possible, make a legal u-turn."

"I'LL KILL YOU!"

I notice the pictures people seem to like the most are the ones where the animal appears to be exhibiting some human behavior that the viewer relates to. Picture of salamander from above = ‘ew, what’s that, it looks slimy and gross.’ Picture from below so it appears to be smiling = ‘Oh, he’s so cute, can you send me copy.’ It’s in our nature, so the fact that people are drawn to “furry” stuff doesn’t surprise me in the least. If you’re into biology and have to spend a lot of time studying in front of a computer, well it’s a very short walk over to the furry community. Always had an affinity for animals and as other’s have said I was into it since childhood as well, I think everyone is. That’s why such cartoons and movies are so ubiquitous. Moving into the furry community was just an extra step which I blame on the internet connection.

Well said, on all counts.

Salamanders are cute even without window-dressing, in my opinion.

I feel like there is also an important component of regression and escapism as well. My job is like going to war. Furry seems to provide an escape to a safe area that’s, silly, happy, fuzzy, idealized and has nothing to do with reality which is precisely why it appeals to me.

Word.

Well, and for me, where it intersects with reality, it often does so in the places that are good and life-affirming, and that play to my strengths as an artist.

Lastly the scene is pretty fun, creative and edgy. Granted it’s still a nerd fest, but at least it’s a cooler spectacle than nerd cultures of previous generations. I can’t imagine people spinning glow sticks in a rave at a Star Trek convention.

Nope!

FurCon was not only the only convention I've been to with a dance floor, but also, the only convention I've been to where the attendees actually deserved to be on a dance floor in the first place!

(On the other hand, Trekkies probably don't have to put down layers of saran wrap in the grand ballroom...)

It also seems like furry conventions showcase and celebrate individuals' talents in ways other geek conventions don't. Other conventions might have filk circles, or panels dedicated to discussing writing or drawing, or AMV showcases, but none of the ones I've gone to have had talent shows, for example.

Fursuiters also add another dynamic. Sure, people cosplay at other conventions, but few actually get into character--and those that do are sometimes walking the razor's edge in terms of being creepy--and the interaction is just different when you can see someone's face, versus when you can't. Most standard costumes make me go, "Wow, neat costume," whereas a well-made fursuit makes my brain go, "Wow, a 6-foot-tall pink bunny!"

 

[benignBiotic]

I find people identify more strongly with things when they can anthropomorphize them. I take a lot of pictures of critters. I notice the pictures people seem to like the most are the ones where the animal appears to be exhibiting some human behavior that the viewer relates to. Picture of salamander from above = ‘ew, what’s that, it looks slimy and gross.’ Picture from below so it appears to be smiling = ‘Oh, he’s so cute, can you send me copy.’ It’s in our nature, so the fact that people are drawn to “furry” stuff doesn’t surprise me in the least.

Biophilia mang. We like what is like us. Hence why dogs are a popular pet and tarantulas aren't (even though they are awesome). It's cool relating that topic to anthropomorphic animals because by anthropomorphising them we can suddenly relate to them more. Hmmm. Interesting.

 

[Tabasco]

Now, I'm not sure I'll put the label 'furry' over my head, because I'm different than all of you and different from the definition of 'furry'. Fandoms seem to destroy individuality, and you lose who you are. I don't like that about them. So I think of myself as a visitor, who has a common interest in animals with you all. I'll stay as long as I find this community to be worthwhile.

How? Some people go nuts and start thinking they have to eat, sleep, and shit it in addition to defining themselves by it, but that's kind of an individual problem that they're taking out on what's available.

 

[Noelle Snow]

Like many here, always liked animals and anthro animals. One day while looking for things online to keep me entertained I came across the fandom. Decided I wanted to be a part of it and here I am. :3