I'm writing this journal to extend an open invitation to my watchers and their friends to join in my current PhD research. My research is a continuation and expansion of my MA research, previously published under the title Furry as Genre. My goal with this research is to add to the blossoming field of research surrounding Furry, looking at Furry as a community and Furry-fans in a non-pathologizing and non-reductive way. In order to get a better idea of what Furry is theoretically I need to sample as wide a range of furries as possible with my interviews.

My planned research will take the form of semi-structured interviews to build an ethnographic profile. Basically, I'm going to ask questions either in person or over Skype to find out what Furry is and what it means to as many of us as possible. Like Paul Hodkinson in his 2001 study, I will be providing auto-ethnographic data as well. I plan to share some of my own experiences with Furry from the last 20 years.

Why should you want to participate? Because this isn't about making us look bad or look good. This project is about us talking about who we are and what we do. It may help to dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding us as a community.

Why should you trust me? Because I'm invested in this project in every possible way. I left my home and family, I left the United States and my career and moved to Wales specifically to work with my supervisor Prof. Matt Hills at Aberystwyth University. I'm working my way through Uni and living off my savings in order to give our community the most thorough and unbiased analysis I can. Additionally, I am legally and professionally obligated at this point to be professional and ethical.

What will I be asking about? As I draw to a close on my literature review and work out the specifics of my methodology I will be able to talk more about the specifics. For the moment, I can tell you that I am not interested in personal data. I am interested in you as a Furry, not as an everyday person. Additionally, the stipulations and terms of my ethics approval (awarded and confirmed by Aberystwyth's ethics board 14/11/14) I am bound and required to allow you total anonymity and to allow you to withdraw statements or withdraw entirely up to the date of publication.

If you would like to be part of my study, if you have questions or concerns, or just want to talk to me feel free to contact me here or at my Aberystwyth University email: bns1@aber[dot]ac[dot]uk . Additional information regarding myself and my sources can be found at my university profile: http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/tfts/study.....renton-spivey/

I would also recommend checking out my colleagues and their projects, as we have some really interesting research going on! http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/tfts/study...../phd-students/