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My Place in the Fandom
13 years ago
General
I don't know how many people here find themselves asking about their place in the furry fandom and whether or not they belong in it. But recently, this has been weighing in on my mind.
You see, because of work circumstances (I need the money!), I need to curtail my regular convention-going and other furry activities like commissioning and such. It sucks that it has to be this way, but real life trumps furry life, as much as I sometimes like to believe it to be otherwise.
I have to wonder, though...do I still have a place in the fandom? If I were to bow out for some time (out of financial or mental necessity) and decide to come back, would I still be welcome? Would I even remember how to get along in the fandom? And, possibly the most disturbing question of all...did I ever have a place in the fandom to begin with? The more I think about it...the less I like the answer that's becoming clearer.
Now, I hope this doesn't come across as some emo, whiny, "I'M LEAVING THE FANDOM FOREVAH!!!1!" kind of post. I'd full-well expect one of you yay-hoos to say in response, "Great, see you next week!" :-P I also know myself enough to know that I tend to over-think these things if given enough time to do so, and I'll always assume the worst. Whether I'm right or wrong at the time is immaterial to me...the conclusion I build up to will be the same. I recognize that. But at the same time, I'm wondering if my line of thinking is unreasonable, or unnecessary...or if I'm the only one in the fandom asking these questions.
This is kind of confusing to me...I'm not sure what to make of it all yet.
You see, because of work circumstances (I need the money!), I need to curtail my regular convention-going and other furry activities like commissioning and such. It sucks that it has to be this way, but real life trumps furry life, as much as I sometimes like to believe it to be otherwise.
I have to wonder, though...do I still have a place in the fandom? If I were to bow out for some time (out of financial or mental necessity) and decide to come back, would I still be welcome? Would I even remember how to get along in the fandom? And, possibly the most disturbing question of all...did I ever have a place in the fandom to begin with? The more I think about it...the less I like the answer that's becoming clearer.
Now, I hope this doesn't come across as some emo, whiny, "I'M LEAVING THE FANDOM FOREVAH!!!1!" kind of post. I'd full-well expect one of you yay-hoos to say in response, "Great, see you next week!" :-P I also know myself enough to know that I tend to over-think these things if given enough time to do so, and I'll always assume the worst. Whether I'm right or wrong at the time is immaterial to me...the conclusion I build up to will be the same. I recognize that. But at the same time, I'm wondering if my line of thinking is unreasonable, or unnecessary...or if I'm the only one in the fandom asking these questions.
This is kind of confusing to me...I'm not sure what to make of it all yet.
If I contemplated every stage I went thru and wrote it down, it would be huge.
We move thru life in fits and spurts. Things come, things go. Dont sweat it if you fall out
The thing is we move forward, and thats all we can do.
We're just steppin' back ta give them their moment in the sun... hell some/most'a the critters my age BREAK if we try ta keep actin' like we did 10, 15 an even 20 years ago!
Not ta say I don't still 'party' with the young'uns... but that m'more inclined ta sit back an let THEM do most'a the actual physical partyin' an just enjoy lookin' at them... an takin' on the roles of furry teachers an advisors ta help try an keep them from makin' some'a the mistakes we may've made...
Shoot dude there'll ALWAYS be a place in furridom fer anyone no matter how old they get or how much real life may take'em away... you'll always have a place ta come back to! *hugsya* {:)
I can't speak for you about your place in the fandom but there's those of us that would definitely miss your presence. I for one have always noticed your willingness to help out at conventions and such and very selflessly at that.