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submitted by IWishIWasATurnip
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submitted by Horsefur
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submitted by fek_
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submitted by Virtualization_Freak
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[Papabear Note: Thank you to everyone who wrote to me in the last couple months since my love Yogi's passing. I appreciate all your support. Hugs.]

Papabear,

I've gone to Megaplex Con for the past two years, but I am too nervous to achieve one of the main reasons I go, which is to meet new people. So what I am asking is this: Do you have any tips on approaching and meeting people?
 
Kitra
 
* * *
 
Dear Kitra,
 
Indeed, I do. Going to a furcon or other convention is a great way to meet new people because you know you are surrounded by attendees who share your interests, making it easier to relate to them. Even so, we can be nervous about striking up a conversation. Here are some things you can do:
 
Good Ideas

• Start off with a compliment. This is a marvelous way to break the ice. Don’t fake it, though. It works best when you’re sincere. For example, if you see someone with an awesome tattoo or hairstyle, just walk up to them and say, “Wow! I really like what you’ve done with your hair!” That is sure to elicit a smile and at least a “Thank you” and you can go from there.
• Ask a question. This is kind of similar to the above with a different spin. For example, you see some people standing in front of the room where they are holding a Horse SIG (species interest group) and they are dressed in a way that indicates they are going to go inside. You can say something like, “Are you going to the horse SIG? I haven’t been to one before. What do you like the most about horses?” And so on....
• Let others talk. One thing that makes people nervous about meeting new friends is they think they have to do all the talking. Actually, the opposite is true. You’re trying to get to know them so let them talk. Ask them questions about their interests and their lives and let them chat about themselves. This takes a lot of pressure off of you. Just remember to pay attention to what they say and don’t zone out LOL.
• Play a game. One thing about furcons is there is lots of game play going on. See if you can join in on a videogame, card game, or board game. Naturally, you’ll need to talk about the game as you participate, and this can lead to other topics of conversation.
• Make eye contact. When you look someone in the eye it shows you are interested in them and who they are as a person. Obviously, don’t stare at a woman’s chest, don’t examine the bulge in a guy’s pants, but also don’t look away from them because that indicates you aren’t interested in what they are saying.
• Pace your speech. This means don’t talk really fast, an indication of nervousness. Take a breath and speak in a clear, relaxed tone.
• Body language. Don’t cross your arms, tap your foot, pace around. These things indicate you’re impatient or unreceptive. Keep your body language loose and relaxed, but, at least initially, avoid overly friendly gestures (no groping LOL, and don’t hug at first unless invited to [furries can be overly huggy for some people]).
• Don’t forget to introduce yourself! I almost forgot this one haha. Remember to say who you are. It’s okay to start off with just your furry name, and if things get friendly use your real name, too.

 
Things to Avoid

• Politics and religion. While these can be really cool topics, especially at a furcon, it is not advisable to talk about them in the early stages, especially. Find out who people are first before broaching such sensitive topics.
• Don’t get too personal. Again, when first meeting someone, you don’t want to bring up something that could be a sore spot. Any topic that might have to deal with money, family, or health issues should be avoided, at least in the beginning.
• Don’t judge. If someone says something you find really offensive or don’t agree with, now’s not the time for confrontation. Check out the below tips....

 
How to Get Out of It

• Potty break. If things aren’t going well, you can bow out by simply saying you have to relieve yourself. I used this with my father-in-law when he starts going on and on about stories I’ve heard before.
• Appointment. Announce that you have a forum you wish to attend or some other scheduled event.
• Don’t say you have to meet friends. If you say, “Well, I told some friends I would meet them now, so I need to go” you might get the uncomfortable response that your “new friend” wants to come with you, which is hard to get out of if you don’t like them.

 
The Next Step

• If you DO like them, invite them to come with you to a forum, meet, or other activity.
• Don’t invite them to your room. This could get awkward fast, especially if they get the wrong idea.
• Exchange numbers. A nice way to text or phone and keep in touch. You can also exchange things such as your Skype or Facebook contact information.
• Make definite plans. Don’t end with a vague, “Well, catch up with you later” (unless you don’t intend to). Make something more definite, such as, “Hey, let’s go to dinner. I’ll meet you in the lobby at 6.”

Some of the best friendships can be formed at a con. Relax, be yourself, and allow yourself to learn about other people and you’ll be fine.
 
Hugs,
Papabear

Helloy, everyone! Name's Shep, and as my flair shows presently, I've been a deer for a considerable amount of time. However, recently decided to shake things up and change my sona to a Scolipede (first time Pokefur).

Anyway, sorry for the flavor text. I'd like to get a flair done of his headshot, taken preferably from his main ref sheet (which has been edited for SFWitude).

submitted by Shepettan_Pride
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submitted by DakotaTheWolf
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submitted by Wolfscopez
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submitted by TIGit
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Furclubbing: “A repeat/regular nightclub event by furries for furries.”  It’s a New Thing that’s been spreading since the late 2000’s.  This kind of dance party is independent from cons.  This builds on the growth of cons, and takes things farther.

It’s more ambitious than events that happen once, house parties, or informal meets.  Those can stay inner-focused for friends who already know each other.   This brings partnership with venues that aren’t hotels, and new supportive interest in the kind of events they host.  It crosses a line to public space.  A stranger may walk in off the street to discover their new favorite thing.  It encourages new blood, and crossover to other scenes. It makes subculture thrive. It’s a movement!

See the list of parties at The Furclub survey.  Any party that gives a Q&A will get a featured article.

Featured here is FurNightATX, a new event focused towards the Furry Fandom in Austin Texas.  It was shared by MC/organizer Haven, with extra-professional outreach (I love publicizing tips that come that way).  I asked if FurNightATX was affiliated with the irregular Austin Furry Dance series organized by Whines – they’re friendly but the events aren’t connected. That’s an interesting sign of independent activity.  Haven shares more:

FurNightATX (2016) ____________________  

• Website: www.furnightatx.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FurNightATX
• Twitter: @furnightatx and @havenfusky

Who: 

Haven T. Fusky is founder and MC.  Edgewise Gryphon is the DJ, we’ll also have guest performers at different events.  @DarrohHuskers is our first guest DJ.  Check his MFF set.

What:

It is a club event that will feature a variety show, guest performers and DJs. There is a $5-$10 suggested donation with 50% of all donations going to a local animal organization.

When: 

Our first event is January 23rd, 2016. After that we hope to have it monthly.

Where: 

It will be held at Bout Time 2 in Austin Texas. There are restaurants and hotels located in the direct vicinity for those wishing to travel in. It is our hope to get all Texas furs in for a fun night here in Austin.

How it’s organized:

Haven has been working behind the scenes on other events (namely an LGBT Focused geek/gaming convention called HavenCon). Several fur friends had expressed an interest in a club night. So, Haven sat down and started working on it!

(HavenCon is a larger happening with “3 days of gaming and geek activities” – see him featured as the con’s mascot on the flyer.)

Vibe: 

We will definitely know this better after our first event. But it should be friendly and open. It is a 21+ event so we’re free to explore things. There should be a good mix of suiters and non-suiters alike!

Promotion: 

Promotion right now mainly consists of word of mouth and some FB advertising. Please visit our website and follow us on social media.

Reactions so far: 

The venue, BT2 is very excited to have us. Haven spent some time there bouncing around and talking with people and then dancing. Everyone had a great time interacting with him and so when we came up with the idea they agreed almost immediately.

Business details: 

Costs are minimal at this time, but as we grow and look to bring in more outside entertainment that may change. We will be looking into merchandise to sale to help support the event as well as the local animal organizations.

Good story about attending? Video or pics?  (Not yet, but I’m excited to see them when they happen!)

I've been a furry for a while, but never really done anything to portray it, and I'm wayyyy too shy to wear a tail, paws, or even s fursuit in public, but I'd like to ;w;

Any shyer suiters here that know how to get around that? x3

submitted by TrilithideMachina
[link] [10 comments]

I've always enjoyed good furry art but I've never really had a furry 'sona. I'm looking for some people to maybe talk to on kik who can help me figure a few things out. I've been on a furry chat before but I was always using my same human avatar as ever.

How did you all pick your 'sonas?

Was it easy for you to decide species?

If I don't have a furry 'sona, am I not a furry?

And lastly, if anyone wants to pm me and maybe discuss things in private, I'd appreciate it. I'm more comfortable around girls/women just because that's what most of my friends are anyway.

I hope you all can help me figure out what the he'll I'm doing. _^

submitted by The_unsure_furry
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Hi guys! i'm new around here, i don't know how exacly how this works. I just want to let you know that im open to commission.

http://s6.postimg.org/v4zxqc5gx/Commissions_are_open.jpg

If you like my art you can send me a note at FA https://www.furaffinity.net/user/donnero/

Thanks :3

submitted by Donnerofurry
[link] [2 comments]

The snow was coming down in its sheets, covering the entirety of the park in a glistening white frost. When the sun came, kids came out in their warm hats and coats, making snowmen. A furry brought a frisbee and was tossing it around with his friends.

A dark blue and white sergal in his black jacket walked into the grounds, his hands in his pocket from the cold. Cecil had his earphones in, listening to some rock music, as he pondered over the proposition he had just received.

”So why don’t you come over to my place with my friends?” Ally, a purple owl, had asked him. He had replied with an I don’t know and left the classroom. They had been sitting together in that computer design class for the last couple months and if anyone was as close to a friend for Cecil, it was Abby. She always treated him nice.

The sergal reached a bench, brushed off the wet snow and sat down, looking around but not really paying much attention.

Should I go? It’d be nice to have more friends.

But they won’t like you when they meet you. You’re too depressing and you’re not that amazing or special. Hell, why would they care about you?

But how can I make myself better for them then?

You can’t. You’re going to be like this forever. A lonely sergal that nobody likes or finds worth in being your friend. Face it, it’s not worth going to the party. Why go in the first place?

Well, Ally invited me. That’s gotta be something.

That means nothing, you barely know her and she barely knows you.

Yeah, I guess you’re right. Why should I bother to go anyway.?

A soccer ball rolled to his feet. A small feline kid lookig to be around ten followed it. He picked up the ball and noticed the sergal.

“Sorry sir.” The kid shifted his feet nervously, then he recognized the look on Cecil’s face. “Why are you so sad?”

“Because I can’t make friends.” Cecil replied, taking an earphone out to talk to this kid.

“Why?”

“I just can’t. Nobody can like me.”

“Has anyone told you that?”

The sergal thought, then shook his head. “Haven’t met many people.”

“Then try to. If you want anybody to tell you that, make friends,” The kid ran back to the field with his ball as Cecil sat there, thinking.

Thanks for reading! This is a preview to a long story I'm working on currently and will post in a month or so hopefully.

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