It's an interesting read and interesting point brought up in it, especially regarding HCFC. I reember seeing people discussing it on Facebook and I gotta say, not a good look for the con and the bloke who runs it. Money doesn't matter in this fandom, it's about how you enjoy it for yourself and that should be all that matters (as long as it's not to the detriment of some-one else of course). It's no-one elses business or concern on how much a suit is, who made it, how much a piece of art is, etc.

My other issue with the article that quoted the HCFC chair was the idea that where a suit is made is also important: that the only way to get a "half-decent" suit is to look to overseas makers. Excuse me? Plenty of really good Aussie makers who create absolutely amazing suits, and even costing less that the "$5000" quoted. To hear partials were also excluded from the photoshoot, shows how much of an elitist this wanker is.

On the topic of money, the other thing I have noticed is the shaming that goes on when furries spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on art, particularly ych auctions. I have even been criticised and slammed for supporting furries who do so. Yes, it is A LOT of money to spend on art and a lot of us don't have a that sort of money to throw around, so it can be a shock. Admittedly even I go "err...this is probably a bit ridiculous." But my main response is always: "it's their money, if they have it and want to spend it, who cares. As long as they're happy." It's almost a "reverse" classism when I look at the comments of such auctions, as if you should only be spending low amounts of money on art and shouldn't be paying artists what one thinks they're worth.

I have to say, it does cut both ways with people spending heaps on auctions getting slammed for spending vast amounts of cash. My view is people can spend what they like on an auction. The money goes to an artist in the fandom so it's money well spent.

I am not letting go of this HCFC drama because it is so antithetical to the furry fandom. We are a community of creators often just making our own thing at home, a grassroots type of deal. Sure I have many a fursuit crush on a Made Fur You fursuit or Mixed Candy one but I don't let it get in my head that they're the only maker's worth anything. Austraila has a thriving fursuit making scene that deserved more respect than that from an Aussie con chair.

When you open your mouth about the Aussie fursuit maker scene and just trash them it's going to have blowback. I also don't like the slimy way the article was changed after the fact to a softer take. The internet doesn't forget. It brakes my heart that people were crying about not be allowed in the group photo. It's not what this fandom should ever be about.

Exactly, that's the way I see it in the end, even if I do go "woooahhhh ok, that's a lot!" Worse ways to spend your money to be honest (e.g. drugs).

I don't think many will let it go, especially the suit makers. The head of HCFC came across as quite an uppity elitist scumbag who only cares about the attention he receives. I found it amusing on Facebook seeing his lackey's try to justify his words. As you say, plenty of excellent fursuit makers here in Australia, and even if you're not a big maker or a pro, least you're giving it a go. More than the HCFC chair can claim. And just having a name suit means nothing if you're not happy with it. When I eventually buy a suit it will be with a maker who I feel can satisfy my needs to help bring Sevren to life, whether they be well known or an underground maker.

I also noticed that the article got changed, he got onto that journalist very VERY fast about that. I find it interesting how there's be no mention of the edits, a message from him apologising or saying that the journalist got it wrong. Least this video still has the original screenshots of the article: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WNbPShxAwk. The fact that his actions at his con caused people to cry says it all to me, no-one should experience that in this fandom. I'll never consider going to HCFC if he's in charge.