hi im new etc

[grasper]

hey everybody im completley new and intrested in learning alot morei would appreciate if somebody would tell me anything that i need to know about furry thanks in advance! '>

[WhiteShepherd]

Welcome to our forums grasper.  Feel free to look around and talk to other users and I hope you have a good time. '>

For your question on Furry here is my take. WhiteShepherds opinion: Mmm.. best way to describe Furry is to break it down into two groups. People and Art. People who are furry generally have a liking to things related to animals (mythical or otherwise). If you know someone who loves wolves or dragons and has pictures all over their walls, that person would be considered "furry" (generic term). "Furry" artwork is related to artwork that is drawings of animals or animal "anthromorphs" (an artwork cross between human and animal). Most furry fans enjoy "anthromorphs" because it appeals to the fantasy or desire of being/seeing a morph. Know anyone who liked werewolves and thought it would be really cool to turn into one? The appeal concept here is the same. '>

There has been some good and bad press on furry in the media and web. There is some mis-information in the news and on the web about furry. Some report furry as a "sex fetish". Generally the reporter takes little research on what furry is or a cross member who wants to evoke a reaction from people/furs he or she is trying to hurt.

Most of the furry community embraces and holds in a high esteem, artwork. With this standard of art there is generally no bias against the artist for what he or she may draw (odd, gay, straight, or (what society considers) normal or not). Generally some artists will draw fantasies which include sexual depictions. Other artists choose to draw no adult material at all. The media often sees an open unbiased art collection and often finds a easy target to sensationalize.

Out of the many many furry members some do enjoy "living" their fantasy as a furry. But others do not and just enjoy the art. There is no wrong or right to either side. These two groups are just "personal opinions" on a way they wish to live. Furry art is related to animals. A "furry person" has in some way a desire, connection, or enjoyment of animal related/morphs or fantasy creatures/animals. The rest is the individuality that makes us all unique.

Hope this helps explain some of what "furry" can be.

[grasper]

wow that is alot more than i expected thanks alot. im also intrested in finding  furry irc channel (as im a frquent ircer) andany oher places where it will be easy to connect to like minded people thanks again '>

[DrakonianDanceR]

Welcome to the Furtopia forums, grasper.  Regarding your interest in Furry IRC, there was a thread here about it a while ago (here)  It's also worth looking on the channel lists of the networks you frequent.  For example, I know EsperNet has a fur channel called #furry_realm.  Though I don't like to use IRC myself, it doesn't stop me from knowing about it ]B=8)

WhiteShepherd seems to have said a lot on the topic of what he feels is furry.  I think everyone could say a lot about it, too, but I'd suggest instead of directly asking people about it, take the time to find out for yourself.  Read through the old topics on here, read other furry sites and forums.  You seem to like IRC, so go onto some furry channels, and just get a feel for what it's like.  I heard a quote once that said if you ask ten furs what is furry, you'll get eleven different answers.  I think that speaks for itself, really.

Though if you do have any specific questions on anything, then that would be more reasonable to ask, as you'd get a pretty straight-forward answer from it.  Anyhow, I wish you luck in your quest to find the meaning of furry.  Let's hope for many Python-esque jollities to happen along the way.

[Benjamin]

Heya, grasper. Welcome to the furtopia.org forums. '>
 
As for what furry is all about, well... as DDR said, there's a lot to the fandom.
The basic definition of furry is "a fandom based upon an interest in anthropomorphised animals". Pretty much anything else beyond that, such as the art, fursuiting, conventions, spirituality and so on, is all extra stuff that people have imported into the fandom from the other aspects of their respective lives. Art is a big factor in the fandom, but it's not necessarily a defining factor, since you don't need to be an artist nor an art-lover in order to be a furry fan. Many folks put more importance upon things like role-playing, spirituality, and so forth.
 
Anyways... Also as DDR had said, you're perhaps best off to figure out what furry is for yourself through your own investigations, research, and experience with the fandom. Everyone has their own take on what furry is all about, really.
 
Enjoy the board.
 
Benjamin

[Kada-Ru]

I think all above had stated quite well about furry so I will give you my introduction to Furtopia Forums instead.  '>

Welcome to our little home away from home, Grasper. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the area. There is a lot to see here besides the forums.

I'm sure if you have any questions, there are many here that may have the answer.

Don't be shy. You may post to any of the current or past topics or if you don't see anything that you are interested in you may start your own topic. There are many here that can show you how if you don't already know.

I am Kada-Ru, the pegasus and mated to the whiteshepherd that had a dream of creating this lovely place for furs to gather and enjoy themselves. WhiteShepherd and I created Furtopia over a year ago and it has expanded beyond our dreams and has become the 'home' to many a furson! Furtopia was created for all of you, whether that be as an artist (artwork, writing, or music) or for those that just pop into the forums now and then and make this their 'home'.

So, take a 'walk' around the sites and the many forum topics and enjoy your visit and hope you stay!

Also, Grasper, we have a knowledgeable staff if you have particular questions about Furtopia or it's forums.

WhiteShepherd:
Admin/Sysops/programmer etc.

Kada-Ru (me):
Webmaster

Benjamin:
Forums Administrator

Wtcher Dragon:
Technical Advice/

Chaz 'Pilot' Wolf:
Technical Advice/CGI

Jadnar:
General Support/Advice

WhiteShepherd:
Judging Music "Of the Week" Judge 1

Chaz 'Pilot' Wolf:
Judging Stories "Of the Week" Judge 2

WhiteShepherd and SonofEarth:
Judging Artwork "Of the Week" Judge 3

Right now the discussion before the staff is a new look for Furtopia. If you have any ideas you are welcome to pass it onto one of the staff members and they will bring your ideas to the staff.

To contact the staff, you can click here.

Again, enjoy your stay.

[Jadnar]

Yo-ho Grasper! Welcome to the Furtopia.org Forums!

We've been getting lots of new peeps lately. Glad to have ya aboard. ^_^

As you can see by now the Furry Fandom is actually more a fandom of opinions. Everyone is entiled to their opinions, and just about everyone is very open, and willing to talk. Its more a family then a community, it is the furry fandom. Communication is a big part of the Fandom, so don't be afraid to talk. Like I said, people are pretty open minded, and I garrentee that you won't be ridiculed.

Everyone has their own ideas on what the Furry Fandom is, how it is, and what it is like. The Exprience is both community based and a personal experince. Its great.

Again, welcome to the Board, Any and all your questions can, and most likely will be answered by those willing, and knowledgable. take advantage of the knowledge and wisdom that these people show, it'll only enrich you.

[grasper]

wow thats quite a resounding welcomeill have to think more about what furry means to me hmmmm...........

[Bear Paw]

Hey heloo and welcome too the board another person to join the fun. As too your question there too what is here add whats on the rest of the forum and you have youre ansewer.
Can seem a little overwhelming at first no?.
Well come in and make youre self at home and explore a little more.
Oh and yep even though my arms are starting to ache with all the recent bear hug's there's one here if ya want it.  '>