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Get Your Art, Comic, Story, or Poetry Published
General | Posted 14 years agoIt's that time of year when we are searching for submissions for our con book. We are looking for any written or visual art which fits our theme of Fables & Furry Tails!
Fancy your fursona as Robin Hood? Send us the picture! Want to write about what really happened during "happily ever after"? We'd love to see it! Or, perhaps, the romantic in you wishes to compose a love sonnet to the long-haired lemur in the tower? We will make sure the message gets delivered!
All submissions must be appropriate for all ages and must be related to the con theme Fables & Furry Tales. You grant Morphicon the right to print your work in the con book and/or online, but you retain ownership. We cannot guarantee we'll be able to include everything but we'll do our best to try.
If you'd like to participate, please contact publicity[at]morphicon.org for more information (file formats, size, etc) and we'll get back to you ASAP. We look forward to hearing from you!
Fancy your fursona as Robin Hood? Send us the picture! Want to write about what really happened during "happily ever after"? We'd love to see it! Or, perhaps, the romantic in you wishes to compose a love sonnet to the long-haired lemur in the tower? We will make sure the message gets delivered!
All submissions must be appropriate for all ages and must be related to the con theme Fables & Furry Tales. You grant Morphicon the right to print your work in the con book and/or online, but you retain ownership. We cannot guarantee we'll be able to include everything but we'll do our best to try.
If you'd like to participate, please contact publicity[at]morphicon.org for more information (file formats, size, etc) and we'll get back to you ASAP. We look forward to hearing from you!
Yew Manor by Heavy Horse - Chapter Two
General | Posted 14 years agoThe next exciting installment of Yew Manor by Heavy Horse has been uploaded to https://www.Morphicon.org and all we can say is it keeps...getting...better! And don't worry if you missed the first chapter - it's still waiting for you on the website as well.
Yew Manor by Heavy Horse - Chapter One
General | Posted 14 years agoFor those of you who are interested in a good read, Heavy Horse, one of this year's Guests of Honor, has written the first part of his story for Morphicon. It's been published at https://www.Morphicon.org and it waiting for you to take a look!
While you're there, if you haven't already, stop by and save a couple bucks by registering early!
While you're there, if you haven't already, stop by and save a couple bucks by registering early!
Morphicon Miscellanea - January 2012
General | Posted 14 years agoThe Sky is Falling!
Finally, winter has come to Ohio (for a few days at least)! If you had the nerve to venture outside your den anytime during the past, oh, month or so, you might well believe we simply skipped a season. Frizzy fur and perpetual dampness gave almost a sense of spring and, therefore, thoughts of Morphicon only being a few months away. Alas, it was not to be.
This has not stopped your staff from holding regular meetings, however, and we promise you the best is yet to come. That said, if you have any comments, thoughts, ideas, or recommendations, feel free to e-mail them to publicity[at]morphicon.org and we will make sure they get directed to the correct fur. We can't promise everything will be acted upon but it will be looked at...or devoured.
2011 Recap
The Annual Free Picnic was, once again, an overwhelming success. A cold and grey morning turned into a rather nice day of fun and relaxation. Many badminton racquets were broken and enough noms for sixty was eaten, even though our count was in the mid-forties. Some date scheduling will be required for next year but the picnic will happen again. We appreciate and thank each of you who were able to attend!
Likewise, Morphicon did have a presence in the Woollybear Parade in Vermilion. While we would have liked to have had more fursuits we, nonetheless, appreciate those who did show up and Alkaline for getting the group organized. We are working on creating a furmeet before and/or after the parade to encourage more participation. If you are interested in helping please drop us a line.
And, finally, please join me in giving a thumb-to-the-nose to 2011. Unless you were one of the few lucky ones (congratulations if you are), I believe we can all be happy to put the year behind us. Of course we are now entering an election year so...meh. Unless you’re election commercial junkie (come to our Pinata Popping Panel, if so) you probably can't wait for 12-20-2012 on the Mayan calendar to come soon enough. All the better reason to come and relax at the last possible Morphicon in human history!
Come and Join the Masquerade
Morphicon provides several great opportunities to show off your fursuit, whether it's partial or full, paw-made or purchased. There will be a competitive Masquerade that will be judged by experienced costumers and awards will be given for both construction and performance in 4 categories: Juvenile, Novice (beginner), Journeyman (intermediate), and Master. There are also awards for the Best in Show and the Best Use of Con Theme. The awards themselves will be in keeping with the con theme and will be good souvenirs.
If you made your fursuit yourself, you can wear or bring it to Pre-Judging and be eligible for the construction awards. You can then show off your suit on stage during the Masquerade performance and be eligible for more awards. If you purchased or borrowed your suit, or just don't want to be judged for construction, please show off on stage anyway because you're still eligible for the performance and "Best" awards. All acts should be 2 minutes or less. If you don't have an act or your own music, we have thousands of songs for you to dance to on stage. Be forewarned -- you never know what the soundman will pick, so it's better to plan your own!
Then on Saturday afternoon, there will be a fursuit parade through the convention space. The line-up will start in the Morrison room and end on the patio with a group picture. Parts of the route will go outside; however, if it's raining, the route will be shortened to stay inside. (Wet suits are a bad thing!) There will be many opportunities along the route for picture-taking, including Factory Square, the main stage, and the Patio.
If you have any questions or would like to help in any way, such as being a Masquerade judge or fursuit wrangler, please email Masquerade@Morphicon.org.
Registration Now Open!!!
It's finally happened! A holiday wish has been answered and our web-kitty (Jewel) has allowed us to open registration! Beat the rush and register now so you can save $10 on all donation levels! It is also the only way you can register to be a Hypertrophe and surround yourself with all the benefits of that exalted status!
Click on 'Registration' and enter the required information. Payment will be handled through PayPal and all its available means. You can also fill out and mail the registration form on the back of the Morphicon 2012 flyer, if you received one with your annual dead-tree newsletter or picked one up a convention, and mail a check or money-order to the address listed. Hurry, though! Deadline to receive your discount expires February 29th, 2012!
Free Money for Morphicon...and Volunteering Opportunities
The sad fact is 2011 strained many monetary resources and your humble servants understand what you may be going through. Because of this we have resisted the urge to raise the prices of our registration levels and have left them the same as last year. We would also like to help you save money in 2013. Any volunteering you perform at Morphicon earns you discounts on the following year’s registration. Volunteering can be anything from guarding a door to a panel to hosting a panel itself. We always have positions available and would love to welcome you to our team. If you would like to donate some of your time, please send an e-mail to the Gopher Wrangler. We will get back to you!
Submissions, Submissions! Our Con Book for Your Submissions!
One and all, it's once again time your supplicating Publicity fox comes around asking you for your artistic donations. Our con book is always great but, at times, lacks the input of our fellow con-goers. We cannot begin to express how much we would love to have your art, written or drawn, to show off to everyone! The only things we ask is that your works be approved for general audiences (we do have furs of all ages) and appropriate for the 2012 theme of Fables and Furry Tails. Questions about donating your art can be address to publications@morphicon.org.
Panels, Panels Every Where
Morphicon is known for its breadth of programming and is something we take great pride in. It is always our intention to make Morphicon a fun and entertaining con to attend. To that end, we ask you to please let us know if there are panels you would like to see included in 2012. We will have our ubiquitous art, crafting, and writing panels, but we know there may be something we have missed. If you have suggestion, or would like to host a panel yourself or with a friend, please let us know at programming[at]morphicon.org and we will ensure your suggestion or offer is sent to the correct track head.
Finally, winter has come to Ohio (for a few days at least)! If you had the nerve to venture outside your den anytime during the past, oh, month or so, you might well believe we simply skipped a season. Frizzy fur and perpetual dampness gave almost a sense of spring and, therefore, thoughts of Morphicon only being a few months away. Alas, it was not to be.
This has not stopped your staff from holding regular meetings, however, and we promise you the best is yet to come. That said, if you have any comments, thoughts, ideas, or recommendations, feel free to e-mail them to publicity[at]morphicon.org and we will make sure they get directed to the correct fur. We can't promise everything will be acted upon but it will be looked at...or devoured.
2011 Recap
The Annual Free Picnic was, once again, an overwhelming success. A cold and grey morning turned into a rather nice day of fun and relaxation. Many badminton racquets were broken and enough noms for sixty was eaten, even though our count was in the mid-forties. Some date scheduling will be required for next year but the picnic will happen again. We appreciate and thank each of you who were able to attend!
Likewise, Morphicon did have a presence in the Woollybear Parade in Vermilion. While we would have liked to have had more fursuits we, nonetheless, appreciate those who did show up and Alkaline for getting the group organized. We are working on creating a furmeet before and/or after the parade to encourage more participation. If you are interested in helping please drop us a line.
And, finally, please join me in giving a thumb-to-the-nose to 2011. Unless you were one of the few lucky ones (congratulations if you are), I believe we can all be happy to put the year behind us. Of course we are now entering an election year so...meh. Unless you’re election commercial junkie (come to our Pinata Popping Panel, if so) you probably can't wait for 12-20-2012 on the Mayan calendar to come soon enough. All the better reason to come and relax at the last possible Morphicon in human history!
Come and Join the Masquerade
Morphicon provides several great opportunities to show off your fursuit, whether it's partial or full, paw-made or purchased. There will be a competitive Masquerade that will be judged by experienced costumers and awards will be given for both construction and performance in 4 categories: Juvenile, Novice (beginner), Journeyman (intermediate), and Master. There are also awards for the Best in Show and the Best Use of Con Theme. The awards themselves will be in keeping with the con theme and will be good souvenirs.
If you made your fursuit yourself, you can wear or bring it to Pre-Judging and be eligible for the construction awards. You can then show off your suit on stage during the Masquerade performance and be eligible for more awards. If you purchased or borrowed your suit, or just don't want to be judged for construction, please show off on stage anyway because you're still eligible for the performance and "Best" awards. All acts should be 2 minutes or less. If you don't have an act or your own music, we have thousands of songs for you to dance to on stage. Be forewarned -- you never know what the soundman will pick, so it's better to plan your own!
Then on Saturday afternoon, there will be a fursuit parade through the convention space. The line-up will start in the Morrison room and end on the patio with a group picture. Parts of the route will go outside; however, if it's raining, the route will be shortened to stay inside. (Wet suits are a bad thing!) There will be many opportunities along the route for picture-taking, including Factory Square, the main stage, and the Patio.
If you have any questions or would like to help in any way, such as being a Masquerade judge or fursuit wrangler, please email Masquerade@Morphicon.org.
Registration Now Open!!!
It's finally happened! A holiday wish has been answered and our web-kitty (Jewel) has allowed us to open registration! Beat the rush and register now so you can save $10 on all donation levels! It is also the only way you can register to be a Hypertrophe and surround yourself with all the benefits of that exalted status!
Click on 'Registration' and enter the required information. Payment will be handled through PayPal and all its available means. You can also fill out and mail the registration form on the back of the Morphicon 2012 flyer, if you received one with your annual dead-tree newsletter or picked one up a convention, and mail a check or money-order to the address listed. Hurry, though! Deadline to receive your discount expires February 29th, 2012!
Free Money for Morphicon...and Volunteering Opportunities
The sad fact is 2011 strained many monetary resources and your humble servants understand what you may be going through. Because of this we have resisted the urge to raise the prices of our registration levels and have left them the same as last year. We would also like to help you save money in 2013. Any volunteering you perform at Morphicon earns you discounts on the following year’s registration. Volunteering can be anything from guarding a door to a panel to hosting a panel itself. We always have positions available and would love to welcome you to our team. If you would like to donate some of your time, please send an e-mail to the Gopher Wrangler. We will get back to you!
Submissions, Submissions! Our Con Book for Your Submissions!
One and all, it's once again time your supplicating Publicity fox comes around asking you for your artistic donations. Our con book is always great but, at times, lacks the input of our fellow con-goers. We cannot begin to express how much we would love to have your art, written or drawn, to show off to everyone! The only things we ask is that your works be approved for general audiences (we do have furs of all ages) and appropriate for the 2012 theme of Fables and Furry Tails. Questions about donating your art can be address to publications@morphicon.org.
Panels, Panels Every Where
Morphicon is known for its breadth of programming and is something we take great pride in. It is always our intention to make Morphicon a fun and entertaining con to attend. To that end, we ask you to please let us know if there are panels you would like to see included in 2012. We will have our ubiquitous art, crafting, and writing panels, but we know there may be something we have missed. If you have suggestion, or would like to host a panel yourself or with a friend, please let us know at programming[at]morphicon.org and we will ensure your suggestion or offer is sent to the correct track head.
Check Your Mailbox & Con-goers Wanted!
General | Posted 14 years ago It has been a while since our last newsletter, but for those of you who attended Morphicon last year, you will be receiving your annual printed newsletter in the mail with the 2012 Fables & Furry-Tails flyer, and the first chapter of a wonderful story written by Heavy Horse, one of our GoH's this year. For those of you who were unable to attend, we will be updating the website with the same information this weekend (to allow time for the USPS to do its job) and posting the newsletter itself at our various media outlets (FA included).
Also, since mailing out the newsletters, we've found we have attendees from everywhere. We would like to encourage this diversity and would love your help in doing so. If you are going to a con and would be willing to place Morphicon at the proper locations (as specified by that particular con) we would love to hear from you. Flyers can be printed ahead of time and snail-mailed to you or we can send you a copy of the current flyer suitable for printing. If interested, please note us here or send an e-mail to publicity[at]morphicon.org. You will receive our undying gratitude in exchange.
Also, since mailing out the newsletters, we've found we have attendees from everywhere. We would like to encourage this diversity and would love your help in doing so. If you are going to a con and would be willing to place Morphicon at the proper locations (as specified by that particular con) we would love to hear from you. Flyers can be printed ahead of time and snail-mailed to you or we can send you a copy of the current flyer suitable for printing. If interested, please note us here or send an e-mail to publicity[at]morphicon.org. You will receive our undying gratitude in exchange.
Happy Thanksgiving!
General | Posted 14 years ago From our staff to you, we, at Morphicon, wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. May your turkeys be succulent, your tofurkey edible, and the time spent with friends and family enjoyable!
Calling All 'Suiters - Woollybear Parade!
General | Posted 14 years agoIf you're looking for possibly one last hurrah for the year, grab your fursuit and come participate in Woollybear Parade in Vermilion, Ohio on October 9th! The parade route is approximately one mile long and we would love to have you there to participate in the Morphicon entry. Full-suits and partials are preferred but we won't turn away anyone with ears or a tail. The only thing we ask if you have fun at one of the last events of the year! Come meet fellow furs and make a few friends. Those interested can contact Vidaroke, to whom we're very grateful, at xdarkfangx[at]gmail.com. More information on the festival can be found at http://www.vermilionohio.com. Hope to see you there!
** UPDATE ** We received the information for the parade in the mail today. Parade assembly will begin at 10a on Liberty Ave, just before Decatur. Our lineup number is 157. The actual parade will start at 1:30p. Please contact Vidaroke with meetup questions!
** UPDATE ** We received the information for the parade in the mail today. Parade assembly will begin at 10a on Liberty Ave, just before Decatur. Our lineup number is 157. The actual parade will start at 1:30p. Please contact Vidaroke with meetup questions!
See You All Tomorrow!
General | Posted 14 years agoThe food is bought and items gathered for the Morphicon Annual FREE Picnic scheduled for tomorrow at Sharon Woods Metro Park. We've accounted for everyone on the list and added a bit more for those last minute furs. Burgers and hotdogs will be on the grill around 11a and we'll have pleanty of noms before, during, and after. Come join us if you're free - the picnic is rain or shine. Send any last minute questions to publicity@morphicon.org. See you there!
Final Picnic Call for One and All
General | Posted 14 years agoWith a week to go until the Morphicon Annual FREE Picnic we are making one last push to get everyone signed up. We have a rat and a fox scheduled to do the shopping later in the week and we want to make sure you're included in our list. Please take a few minutes if you're planning to attend so we can ensure there are enough eats for you. You do not need to register with the Morphicon website to do so (though it would be nice), just visit https://www.Morphicon.org and click on the 'Annual FREE Picnic' link on the left. Enter your name and you're done! As of now we have just about half the number we did last year. Please, let us spend the money and feed you!
Days: Eleven Until Picnic Heaven
General | Posted 14 years agoThat's right! So few days until the Morphicon Annual FREE Picnic that you can count them on both hands (if you happen to be polydactyl)! There's nothing more we need you to do than mosey on over to https://www.Morphicon.org and lets us know you'll be there! Simply click on Annual FREE Picnic and signup (and perhaps register with the website as well?)! It's quick, it's free, and we just want to make sure we have enough to feed you! See you there!
Morphicon Annual FREE Picnic Sign-Up Page!
General | Posted 14 years agoWe've done it! Finally! If you intend (or even think you might be going) to attend, please navigate your way to our new, snazzy Morphicon Picnic sign-up page! Give us an idea of who might be there so we can FEED you! While there, you might also want to register with Morphicon.org, but that is optional and not required to sign-up for the picnic.
You want free chow? Do it now! - http://www.morphicon.org/node/23
You want free chow? Do it now! - http://www.morphicon.org/node/23
Updated Website!
General | Posted 14 years agoOur new website is up and running! It's still a little bare but we're working on that. Come take a look at https://www.morphicon.org !
Reminder: 3 Weeks Until Morphicon Annual Picnic
General | Posted 14 years ago Just a friendly reminder to those who are interested, we have three weeks until Morphicon's annual FREE picnic on September 24th, rain or shine. We will provide the food, drinks, and things to keep you entertained by. We ask you to bring only yourself. Foods and beverage donations are welcomed and encouraged but not mandatory. Fursuits, partials, and tails are especially encouraged!
The whole shindig will be held at Sharon Woods Metro Park (link below). Basic amenities include fully functional bathrooms (!), walking trails, playground, and /lots/ of open area! Come join your fellow furs in having a good time celebrating the end of summer.
As we get closer to the picnic we will have an RSVP page up so we can ensure we have enough food. Until then, if you have any questions feel free to e-mail publicity@morphicon.org! See you there!
Sharons Woods: http://www.metroparks.net/parkssharonwoods.aspx
The whole shindig will be held at Sharon Woods Metro Park (link below). Basic amenities include fully functional bathrooms (!), walking trails, playground, and /lots/ of open area! Come join your fellow furs in having a good time celebrating the end of summer.
As we get closer to the picnic we will have an RSVP page up so we can ensure we have enough food. Until then, if you have any questions feel free to e-mail publicity@morphicon.org! See you there!
Sharons Woods: http://www.metroparks.net/parkssharonwoods.aspx
Morphicon Miscellanea - September 2011
General | Posted 14 years ago-= Morphicon 2012 - Fables & Furry-Tails =-
Once upon a time there was a furry convention in Columbus, Ohio named Morphicon. Now Morphicon was a small con, not like its more famous cousins, but it welcomed any and all who were looking for a bit of fun and relaxation in May. Now, it so happened that Morphicon decided it was time to pay homage to its roots. Looking back further than its birth in 2003, Morphicon chose to focus on the origin of all cons, namely that of folklore. Thus, for 2012, Morphicon is proud to announce its theme will be Fables & Furry-Tails. Pulling from stories passed down through the ages, we will celebrate anthropomorphics from all cultures to make this con one like never seen before. Please join us May 3rd-6th next year to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event!
-= Fables & Furry-Tails Guests of Honour =-
This year we have invited two Guests of Honour to Morphicon: Sigil and Heavy Horse. We are deeply honoured to have two wonderful artists, the formal visual, the latter written. Rather than do them the disservice of saying something unflattering, we've decided it best to let them speak for themselves.
Sigil is a relatively new artist, but has found her home very quickly in the Furry Fandom! Starting in 1998 she began the long road through anime fan-art and terrible X-man fan characters that eventually led her to furries. Egged on by her husband, in early 2008 she joined the popular website FurAffinity (link: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/sigil/) and her world was never the same. Working now as a freelance furry artist and going to school full time, Sigil is happier than she's ever been. While usually working in digital medium, Sigil loves making art using pencils, markers, inks, watercolor, acrylic...you name it! She attends several cons a year, and does her best to teach a few panels at any she attends, focusing on artist/client relationships and how to start out or improve as an artist. Her latest project is a collaborative erotic portfolio called "Monster Haus", featuring monsters, strange creatures and people who are more than a little tied up. She is incredibly honored to be a Guest of Honor and is looking forward to participating in 2012's Morphicon!
Heavy Horse (aka Alan Loewen) is an established writer with 20 publishing credits to his name, his first story appearing in the Summer, 1998 edition of the now defunct PawPrints Fanzine. You can follow his adventures at his writing blog at http://literary-equine.livejournal.com/. In 2007, Heavy Horse co-wrote Mask of the Ferret with author, Ken Pick in the Eppie award-winning anthology Infinite Space, Infinite God. A hard SF piece with strong anthropomorphic themes, Mask of the Ferret received an Honorable Mention from the 2008 Washington Science Fiction Association. Heavy lives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with his wife and three sons, a sheltie named Socrates, a homicidal sun conure lovingly named The Death Chicken, and far too many cats. Deeply honored to be a part of Morphicon 2012, he hopes to entertain with his stories old and new, and, as a retired stage magician, will gladly do a magic trick or two if politely asked.
We ask you to join us in next year in celebrating these two artists and thank them both deeply for taking time out of their busy schedule to spend some time with us.
-= Free Food for Furs! - Morphicon Picnic 2011 =-
In the tradition of years past, Morphicon will be hosting a free picnic for all those able to attend. We will again have it a Sharon Woods Metro park, located just north of I-270 off Cleveland Ave. The date for this years event will be September 24th, rain or shine! Food, drink, and entertainments will be provided but feel free to bring anything you want to share. Last year's even attracted 63 furs and we would love to do that again! Stay tuned for the announcement of the RSVP page so we can ensure we have enough eats for everyone but mark your calendars now!
-= Woollybear Parade =-
Once again, Morphicon will be participating in the Woollybear Parade in Vermillion, OH. We are trying to make this into an annual event and our friends at NEOfurs are helping to make this possible. The Woollybear Festival is an annual event featuring food, music, and entertainment! In addition, there is the parade where fursuits are encouraged If you're wanting to try out your new suit, show off your veteran moves, or just want to walk with other furs, mark your calendars for October 9th. For additional information or questions, please contact xdarkfangx@gmail.com, as he will be heading up operations for us. Keep your eyes posted on the Morphicon Google Group for ride-share / caravan information
-= The Quick Brown...Dog? =-
Yes, jumped over the lazy fox. To say there has been quite a bit happening with the Morphicon staff would be an understatement. As it always does, life intrudes upon the fandom and prevents things from flowing as they should. That doesn't mean, however, your staff hasn't been making preparations for next year's con. We're still busy redesigning a website to put all previous ones to shame and implementing features you've told us you want. We do listen, you see. It's just, in this, we're adopting the stance of the tortoise instead of the hare: slow and steady. Rest assured, Morphicon 2012 will be something special!
-= September Fable - The Old Hound - by Aesop =-
A hound, known in his youth for strength and never yielding to another animal in the forest, in his advanced age encountered a boar. He seized it by the ear but, because of the decay of his teeth, was unable to maintain his hold on the creature. His master, seeing the boar flee into the woods, set upon the hound with foot and stick. Once the owner's anger seemed to have run its course, the hound said, "It was not my fault, master. My spirit was as strong as ever but I cannot help my infirmities. Rather than being punished for who I am, I should be praised for whom I once was."
Once upon a time there was a furry convention in Columbus, Ohio named Morphicon. Now Morphicon was a small con, not like its more famous cousins, but it welcomed any and all who were looking for a bit of fun and relaxation in May. Now, it so happened that Morphicon decided it was time to pay homage to its roots. Looking back further than its birth in 2003, Morphicon chose to focus on the origin of all cons, namely that of folklore. Thus, for 2012, Morphicon is proud to announce its theme will be Fables & Furry-Tails. Pulling from stories passed down through the ages, we will celebrate anthropomorphics from all cultures to make this con one like never seen before. Please join us May 3rd-6th next year to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event!
-= Fables & Furry-Tails Guests of Honour =-
This year we have invited two Guests of Honour to Morphicon: Sigil and Heavy Horse. We are deeply honoured to have two wonderful artists, the formal visual, the latter written. Rather than do them the disservice of saying something unflattering, we've decided it best to let them speak for themselves.
Sigil is a relatively new artist, but has found her home very quickly in the Furry Fandom! Starting in 1998 she began the long road through anime fan-art and terrible X-man fan characters that eventually led her to furries. Egged on by her husband, in early 2008 she joined the popular website FurAffinity (link: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/sigil/) and her world was never the same. Working now as a freelance furry artist and going to school full time, Sigil is happier than she's ever been. While usually working in digital medium, Sigil loves making art using pencils, markers, inks, watercolor, acrylic...you name it! She attends several cons a year, and does her best to teach a few panels at any she attends, focusing on artist/client relationships and how to start out or improve as an artist. Her latest project is a collaborative erotic portfolio called "Monster Haus", featuring monsters, strange creatures and people who are more than a little tied up. She is incredibly honored to be a Guest of Honor and is looking forward to participating in 2012's Morphicon!
Heavy Horse (aka Alan Loewen) is an established writer with 20 publishing credits to his name, his first story appearing in the Summer, 1998 edition of the now defunct PawPrints Fanzine. You can follow his adventures at his writing blog at http://literary-equine.livejournal.com/. In 2007, Heavy Horse co-wrote Mask of the Ferret with author, Ken Pick in the Eppie award-winning anthology Infinite Space, Infinite God. A hard SF piece with strong anthropomorphic themes, Mask of the Ferret received an Honorable Mention from the 2008 Washington Science Fiction Association. Heavy lives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with his wife and three sons, a sheltie named Socrates, a homicidal sun conure lovingly named The Death Chicken, and far too many cats. Deeply honored to be a part of Morphicon 2012, he hopes to entertain with his stories old and new, and, as a retired stage magician, will gladly do a magic trick or two if politely asked.
We ask you to join us in next year in celebrating these two artists and thank them both deeply for taking time out of their busy schedule to spend some time with us.
-= Free Food for Furs! - Morphicon Picnic 2011 =-
In the tradition of years past, Morphicon will be hosting a free picnic for all those able to attend. We will again have it a Sharon Woods Metro park, located just north of I-270 off Cleveland Ave. The date for this years event will be September 24th, rain or shine! Food, drink, and entertainments will be provided but feel free to bring anything you want to share. Last year's even attracted 63 furs and we would love to do that again! Stay tuned for the announcement of the RSVP page so we can ensure we have enough eats for everyone but mark your calendars now!
-= Woollybear Parade =-
Once again, Morphicon will be participating in the Woollybear Parade in Vermillion, OH. We are trying to make this into an annual event and our friends at NEOfurs are helping to make this possible. The Woollybear Festival is an annual event featuring food, music, and entertainment! In addition, there is the parade where fursuits are encouraged If you're wanting to try out your new suit, show off your veteran moves, or just want to walk with other furs, mark your calendars for October 9th. For additional information or questions, please contact xdarkfangx@gmail.com, as he will be heading up operations for us. Keep your eyes posted on the Morphicon Google Group for ride-share / caravan information
-= The Quick Brown...Dog? =-
Yes, jumped over the lazy fox. To say there has been quite a bit happening with the Morphicon staff would be an understatement. As it always does, life intrudes upon the fandom and prevents things from flowing as they should. That doesn't mean, however, your staff hasn't been making preparations for next year's con. We're still busy redesigning a website to put all previous ones to shame and implementing features you've told us you want. We do listen, you see. It's just, in this, we're adopting the stance of the tortoise instead of the hare: slow and steady. Rest assured, Morphicon 2012 will be something special!
-= September Fable - The Old Hound - by Aesop =-
A hound, known in his youth for strength and never yielding to another animal in the forest, in his advanced age encountered a boar. He seized it by the ear but, because of the decay of his teeth, was unable to maintain his hold on the creature. His master, seeing the boar flee into the woods, set upon the hound with foot and stick. Once the owner's anger seemed to have run its course, the hound said, "It was not my fault, master. My spirit was as strong as ever but I cannot help my infirmities. Rather than being punished for who I am, I should be praised for whom I once was."
New Website!
General | Posted 14 years agoFor those of you who don't know and those of you who do, Morphicon has a new website! Totally redone for 2012, the details are far from ironed out, but rest assured we have grand plans in store. With something changing almost every day (sometimes behind the scenes) we plan on giving you a reason to visit more than just once or twice every few months. Mosey on over to http://www.Morphicon.org to see what's going on and register so you can keep abreast of the new developments. See you there!
Coming Soon: Morphicon 2011 Wrap-Up
General | Posted 14 years agoThe con is slowly coming to an end but there are a few more hours to go. A wrap-up will be posted in the very near future.
For all those who attended, Thank You!
For all those who attended, Thank You!
One Week Remaining! Schedule Updates!
General | Posted 14 years agoYes, for all those with and without fur, Morphicon 2011: Furries in Wonderland is only a little over a week away! If you haven't done so, well, it's too late to pre-register. Perhaps next year. You can still register at the con, though!
Also, our programming rat has done some work one the schedule and added panel descriptions! Please, we know this took a while in happening but understand he was eating as many Alpha-Bits as he was using to spell with. See the updated schedule at http://www.morphicon.org.
Also, our programming rat has done some work one the schedule and added panel descriptions! Please, we know this took a while in happening but understand he was eating as many Alpha-Bits as he was using to spell with. See the updated schedule at http://www.morphicon.org.
Morphicon Miscellanea - April 2011 Edition
General | Posted 14 years agoMorphicon Miscellanea
April 2011 All-Encompassing Edition
-= It's the Final Countdown! =-
(Cue bad 80's music!)
Only a few weeks separate us from Morphicon 2011 - Furries in Wonderland! Flinters and Roxikat are both waiting to meet you and amaze with their artistic prowess! If you still have pre-registered, mosey on over to our Registration page and avoid the line the day of the con!
It is also worth noting, this is the last edition of Morphicon Miscellanea before the con. As such, this version contains most all the information you need to know about the important events and the con itself. Please read through that which you may have passed over in previous editions so you don't miss out on any of the greatness!
A room-share discussion is currently happening on the Morphicon LiveJournal page. Please take a look if you'll be needing a room for the weekend and need someone to bunk with. You may also consider joining the Morphicon Google Group as there is already talk of ride-shares on there. Both locations will become more active the closer we get to the con. Don't miss out!
-= Programming Schedule Has Been Posted! =-
The programming schedule has been posted on the Morphicon website (http://morphicon.org/schedule.php), and once again we have a ton of really awesome content lined up for the convention! Panels on writing, art, fursuiting, gaming, puppetry, discussions of what the fandom is really all about, and shared interest group (SIG) panels for your favorite critters, and the usual large performance events... We still have a few spots open on the schedule to squeeze in an extra SIG or panel, so if you have something you want to see that's not already planned contact us at: programming@morphicon.org.
-= Ursa Major Awards Return to Morphicon! =-
The tenth annual Ursa Major Awards for excellence in the furry arts will be presented on Friday, May 13 at 7:30 pm at Morphicon in Columbus, Ohio.
More than 1300 voters selected their favorites in ten categories of works featuring intelligent and/or talking animals first published during the calendar year 2010: Best Motion Picture, Best Dramatic Short Work or Series, Best Novel, Best Short Fiction, Best Other Literary Work, Best Graphic Story, Best Comic Strip, Best Magazine, Best Published Illustration, and Best Game.
Voting and interest was especially brisk as a number of nominees promoted the Awards and urged their fans to vote, resulting in an almost 20% increase in turnout over last year.
More formally known as the Annual Anthropomorphic Literature and Arts Awards, the Ursa Major Awards are intended as Anthropomorphic (a.k.a. Furry) Fandom's equivalent of the Hugo Awards presented by the World Science Fiction Society, mystery fandom's Anthony Awards, horror fandom's Bram Stoker Awards, and so forth.
The Ursa Major Awards are administered by the Anthropomorphic Literature and Arts Association (ALAA), a membership organization dedicated to promoting anthropomorphic literature and arts. Discussions are ongoing to improve their effectiveness and expand their presence throughout furry fandom. All suggestions are invited via the Ursa Major Awards web site at .
-= Masquerade and Fursuit Parade! =-
Morphicon provides several great opportunities to show off your fursuit, whether it's partial or full, paw-made or purchased. On Friday night, there will be a competitive Masquerade that will be judged by experienced costumers. Awards will be given for both construction and performance in 4 categories: Juvenile, Novice (beginner), Journeyman (intermediate), and Master. There are also awards for the Best in Show and the Best Use of Con Theme. The awards themselves will be in keeping with the con theme and will be good souvenirs.
If you made your fursuit yourself, you can wear or bring it to Pre-Judging and be eligible for the construction awards. You can then show off your suit on stage during the Masquerade performance and be eligible for more awards. If you purchased or borrowed your suit, or just don't want to be judged for construction, please show off on stage anyway because you're still eligible for the performance and "Best" awards. All acts should be 2 minutes or less. If you don't have an act or your own music, we have thousands of songs for you to dance to on stage. Be forewarned -- you never know what the soundman will pick, so it's better to plan your own!
Then on Saturday afternoon, there will be a fursuit parade through the convention space. The line-up will start in the Morrison room and end on the patio with a group picture. Parts of the route will go outside; however, if it's raining, the route will be shortened to stay inside. (Wet suits are a bad thing!) There will be many opportunities along the route for picture-taking, including Factory Square, the main stage, and the Patio.
If you have any questions or would like to help in any way, such as being a Masquerade judge or fursuit wrangler, please email masquerade@morphicon.org.
-= Writers Wanted: Iron Author Competition =-
We managed to track down writing-track head Foxx (in a box) to ask him a few questions about the Iron Author competition. While not as difficult to corner as our illustrious con-chair (Foxx is in a box, after all), also being staff means a furry, er, flurry of activity is going on.
What is Iron Author?
IA is a competition to see who can write the best, worst story. It typically features a topic which relates to the theme of the con. It is also given a special bit which must be included in the writing and is only given out at the Iron Author introduction.
Who can compete in Iron Author?
Anyone can compete, there are no restrictions for the basic competition. Likewise, the story can be poetry or prose, we're not picky. In fact, we encourage writing of all types. There is also the possibility of having an adult Iron Author competition this year. If this happens, more info will be given during the IA introduction.
Is there a prize for the winner?
Ultimately, IA is a fun, and non-serious, competition, with the emphasis on fun. That said, we do try to have some sort of prize in place as a reward for those who punish us with their bad writing. Last year was a bronzed "corn dog" won by Anima. We're hoping to have something similar in place for this year's con.
Anything else you can think of?
Anyone interested in competing should attend the IA introduction. Likewise, anyone who has a question about the competition, or wishes to serve as a judge, should feel free to contact Foxx (in a box) at the beginning or end of the writing panels. It would also be wise to see what we're looking for by searching out the story Eye of Argon...at your own risk, of course.
-= It's Baaa-aaack!: The Frozen Oasis =-
As many of you know the Frozen Oasis is a traveling room party providing frozen cocktails, dance music, a dancing fox boy, a panda bartender, and a kick ass light show that rivals a lot of the dances at cons around the country. On Foxday night at Morphicon, Frozen Oasis will venture where no furry convention party has ever before - to Wonderland... a mysterious and magical place where the Frozen Oasis party is a convention sponsored event. So come sample our drinks, shake your tails on the dance floor and let our laser light shown make you shine and sparkle. Open all night. 21 + only.
-= Fursday Night Art Projects =-
Continuing the tradition of hands-on creative fun the night before the con really gets started, we will have not one but two Fursday night art projects this year! First will be painting the tea sets to be used in the Unbirthday Party on Friday night. The sets will then be put into the charity auction on Sunday, so along with the chance to have fun and be creative with your friends on Fursday night, you'll also help a good cause! The other Fursday night chance to be creative will be painting the cases we have for the video game room consoles this year. Snacks and beverages will be provided, so come by Fursday night and join in the fun!
-= Morphicon Call for Gophers! =-
I'm not exactly sure what type of calls a gopher makes, but I know what calls a gopher responds to: Shiny! Shiny!
I'd like to invite you (yes, you!) to notify us now of your desire to gopher in 2011!
Volunteering itself is awesome! Generally you get to have a sense of pride and good-feeling over having helped out your local convention, but even more importantly: For every 5 hours credit you earn, you get a $10 discount on your next year's convention registration, up to a full basic registration (15 hours = $30). Anyone with any discount level is AUTOMATICALLY guaranteed the early registration rate of $30 for basic registration. That means if you earn a total of 15 hours credit, you get a free ticket for next year! Isn't that awesome? You can use your discount when pre-registering online, and you can use it at the door! It's a total win!
But this message isn't just about gophering, it's about notifying us ahead of time that you want to gopher! Notifying us ahead of time lets us get a better idea of how many gophers we'll have, but more importantly: IT EARNS YOU A SHINY!
This year our shiny is something special: A limited, one-time only, theme-specific collectible item! This will ONLY be given to those gophers who notify us ahead of time that they want to gopher! After that, this specific shiny will no longer be available TO ANYONE!
That's right - you will receive a limited edition collectible shiny! And unlike last year's shiny that never materialized, this shiny exists within our plane of existence, and is 100% physical. You can even hold it in your hand! How do I know? We've already got it prepared!
So, if you would love to be our very favorite gopher, please let us know ASAP! Please send a message to gophers[at]morphicon.org at any time until May 10th! The earlier you send, the more we love you, because that gives us more of an idea of how many gophers we'll have.
Also this year, we're trying something new: Signups! When you show up at the con, we'll have a decent-sized graph of all the different places we require constant gophers! This could be something typical, such as door-guarding for the Dealer's Den, or being a Fursuit handler during fursuit events (such as the parade, or with the Spectacle of Doom!™) OR it could be something unexpected, such as door guarding the bar-mitzvah we were unaware was going on up until some furries decided to go where they shouldn't have!
Signups allow you to decide ahead of time what times you'll have free to get in some volunteering hours, so you aren't being asked to door-guard during the event you want to attend, and allow us to have more time to manage getting gophers around and getting things taken care of that we can't really pre-plan! It's a win-win!
So remember: Shiny! Volunteer now! Signups! And SHINY!
-- Gedrean, official Gopher Wrangler/Herder/etc ["Gopher-Queen" - Ed.] for Morphicon 2011!
-= Morphicon Insider: Raffle Tickets & Charity Auction =-
In an unprecedented two-for-two, Morphicon con-chair, Jewel, was cornered once again and asked to answer a few questions, this time about those tickets you receive in your bag when you arrive at the con and the charity auction.
What are they for anyway?
You can use them one of two ways. The first way is by going to the charity raffle and putting them into the drawing. Items will be given out at random to people based on tickets drawn from a hat.The second way is you can attend Trickster's Furry Fair Quiz. The tickets are used there to see who will be contestants. Though, even if you don't get picked, the audience can still participate.
How does one go about getting more tickets?
You can upgrade your registration level (higher levels get more tickets) and you can buy them at registration for $1 apiece. They'll also be on sale right before the charity raffle, and the Furry Fair Quiz.
Is the charity raffle like any other raffle and does the ticket holder need to be there?
Yes, the charity raffle is just like any other raffle. You do need to be present to win items. We make an exception for dealers, and artists stuck in their respective spots during the raffle. All they need to do is write down their name on the back of each ticket. We'll send someone around to collect them before the raffle begins.
What is the charity auction and how is it different from the raffle?
The silent charity auction is setup in the back of registration/con ops, in the Potter Wright room. You don't need any tickets to bid on those items. You just write down your bids, and use your badge number. It's a good idea to check back during the convention, because oftentimes attendees bring items with them to add to the raffle when they arrive.
How does one go about donating items for the auction and/or raffle?
If you're interested in donating something, please feel free to contact operations@morphicon.org.
Anything else someone should know about the auction and/or raffle?
All the proceeds go directly to our charity, F.U.R.S.. In addition to the raffle, the silent auction, and the Furry Fair Quiz we have another charity event called the Pet Auction where people bid on dances with fursuiters.
And there you have it, answers to questions which may have been niggling in the back of your mind. If you have a question you'd like to have answered in an upcoming edition of Morphicon Miscellanea feel free to send it to publicity@morphicon.org.
-= And Now a Word from SonicBlu =-
Greetings, everyone. SonicBlu here, and I'll be the Performance Track head of Morphicon this year. For the "performer" in you, we have many different shows that may interest you. Feel free to peruse the descriptions of each show and keep them in mind when you attend Morphicon this year. We'd love to see you there!
- Spectacle of Doom -
Hear ye, hear ye! The highlight show of the convention needs YOUR help! If you've ever wanted to experience performances on our stage, you may want to come to the aid of your convention by accepting a role in our Spectacle of Doom show. This show is scripted, so you won't have to worry about trying to think up something on your own. In the Spectacle of Doom, we'll need stage performers (mostly fursuiters), puppeteers, and voice actors. We'll have an open casting call before rehearsals, so come on down and see if you got what it takes to become a performer in the absolute must-see show of the entire convention.
- Furry Variety Show/Morphicon Tonight -
Have you got a skit you've been working on and would like some stage time to perform it? You can do so during the Furry Variety Show/Morphicon Tonight! Just come to Furry Variety Show (FVS) rehearsals and bring your material with you. If you don't have any material but you would still like to perform on the stage, just talk to SonicBlu during FVS rehearsals, and we'll fit you in. With thousands upon thousands of background songs at our disposal, we can easily give you your 2 to 5 minutes of fame right on our stage. Don't be shy, just come to FVS rehearsals and RSVP to be in the show. The FVS will be combined with our late-nite talk show Morphicon Tonight, so performance times will fluctuate, depending on how many acts are queued, reserving at least 30 minutes for interviews with the guests of honor.
The show always starts off with our traditional "Silly Fursuiter Tricks", so at one point or another, SonicBlu Darkfold may be wandering around the con floor looking to pick out a fursuiter at random to open the show. If you are interested, just do something silly for SonicBlu, and he may just select you to appear as the show's opener. If you're not interested, don't worry. Nobody will be forced into doing anything they don't want to do. Simply tell SonicBlu whether you are interested or not when he springs the question: "How would -YOU- like to open Morphicon Tonight with your silly fursuiting tricks?"
- Atomic Comedy Hour of Doom -
Attention all wannabe comics, laugh factory professionals, and those that have never performed live standup comedy (but always had that dream.) You may want to RSVP to appear on our stage for the Atomic Comedy Hour of Doom, which will be going on the stage right after the Spectacle of Doom. Depending on how many people we have signing up, the routine time per participant may fluctuate to conciliate with the one-hour time bracket.
- Oh! Pawpets! Live! -
This year on the Oh! Pawpets! Live show, we'll be reenacting the Oh! Pawpets! Show's first musical: Bwing's Twansfowmation, where Bwing T. Fewwet will be getting a whole new makeover. It's out with the old boring blonde fur, and in with the new look, with a whole soundtrack to boost while we perform the "makeover" live on our stage.
-= Morphicon 2012 Theme Decided! =-
Since you've made it this far through the newsletter, we'll treat you with a bit of extra information. After much deliberation and, one would believe, a few sleepless nights (which may or may-not be due to the con), the Morphcion Board has decided upon the theme for 2012 - [CENSORED] and promises to be one of the most fantastic cons ever! Come help us celebrate [CENSORED] and [CENSORED] and fun for [CENSORED]! Stay tuned for post-con newsletters where we'll delve more into Morphicon 2012 - [CENSORED]!
April 2011 All-Encompassing Edition
-= It's the Final Countdown! =-
(Cue bad 80's music!)
Only a few weeks separate us from Morphicon 2011 - Furries in Wonderland! Flinters and Roxikat are both waiting to meet you and amaze with their artistic prowess! If you still have pre-registered, mosey on over to our Registration page and avoid the line the day of the con!
It is also worth noting, this is the last edition of Morphicon Miscellanea before the con. As such, this version contains most all the information you need to know about the important events and the con itself. Please read through that which you may have passed over in previous editions so you don't miss out on any of the greatness!
A room-share discussion is currently happening on the Morphicon LiveJournal page. Please take a look if you'll be needing a room for the weekend and need someone to bunk with. You may also consider joining the Morphicon Google Group as there is already talk of ride-shares on there. Both locations will become more active the closer we get to the con. Don't miss out!
-= Programming Schedule Has Been Posted! =-
The programming schedule has been posted on the Morphicon website (http://morphicon.org/schedule.php), and once again we have a ton of really awesome content lined up for the convention! Panels on writing, art, fursuiting, gaming, puppetry, discussions of what the fandom is really all about, and shared interest group (SIG) panels for your favorite critters, and the usual large performance events... We still have a few spots open on the schedule to squeeze in an extra SIG or panel, so if you have something you want to see that's not already planned contact us at: programming@morphicon.org.
-= Ursa Major Awards Return to Morphicon! =-
The tenth annual Ursa Major Awards for excellence in the furry arts will be presented on Friday, May 13 at 7:30 pm at Morphicon in Columbus, Ohio.
More than 1300 voters selected their favorites in ten categories of works featuring intelligent and/or talking animals first published during the calendar year 2010: Best Motion Picture, Best Dramatic Short Work or Series, Best Novel, Best Short Fiction, Best Other Literary Work, Best Graphic Story, Best Comic Strip, Best Magazine, Best Published Illustration, and Best Game.
Voting and interest was especially brisk as a number of nominees promoted the Awards and urged their fans to vote, resulting in an almost 20% increase in turnout over last year.
More formally known as the Annual Anthropomorphic Literature and Arts Awards, the Ursa Major Awards are intended as Anthropomorphic (a.k.a. Furry) Fandom's equivalent of the Hugo Awards presented by the World Science Fiction Society, mystery fandom's Anthony Awards, horror fandom's Bram Stoker Awards, and so forth.
The Ursa Major Awards are administered by the Anthropomorphic Literature and Arts Association (ALAA), a membership organization dedicated to promoting anthropomorphic literature and arts. Discussions are ongoing to improve their effectiveness and expand their presence throughout furry fandom. All suggestions are invited via the Ursa Major Awards web site at .
-= Masquerade and Fursuit Parade! =-
Morphicon provides several great opportunities to show off your fursuit, whether it's partial or full, paw-made or purchased. On Friday night, there will be a competitive Masquerade that will be judged by experienced costumers. Awards will be given for both construction and performance in 4 categories: Juvenile, Novice (beginner), Journeyman (intermediate), and Master. There are also awards for the Best in Show and the Best Use of Con Theme. The awards themselves will be in keeping with the con theme and will be good souvenirs.
If you made your fursuit yourself, you can wear or bring it to Pre-Judging and be eligible for the construction awards. You can then show off your suit on stage during the Masquerade performance and be eligible for more awards. If you purchased or borrowed your suit, or just don't want to be judged for construction, please show off on stage anyway because you're still eligible for the performance and "Best" awards. All acts should be 2 minutes or less. If you don't have an act or your own music, we have thousands of songs for you to dance to on stage. Be forewarned -- you never know what the soundman will pick, so it's better to plan your own!
Then on Saturday afternoon, there will be a fursuit parade through the convention space. The line-up will start in the Morrison room and end on the patio with a group picture. Parts of the route will go outside; however, if it's raining, the route will be shortened to stay inside. (Wet suits are a bad thing!) There will be many opportunities along the route for picture-taking, including Factory Square, the main stage, and the Patio.
If you have any questions or would like to help in any way, such as being a Masquerade judge or fursuit wrangler, please email masquerade@morphicon.org.
-= Writers Wanted: Iron Author Competition =-
We managed to track down writing-track head Foxx (in a box) to ask him a few questions about the Iron Author competition. While not as difficult to corner as our illustrious con-chair (Foxx is in a box, after all), also being staff means a furry, er, flurry of activity is going on.
What is Iron Author?
IA is a competition to see who can write the best, worst story. It typically features a topic which relates to the theme of the con. It is also given a special bit which must be included in the writing and is only given out at the Iron Author introduction.
Who can compete in Iron Author?
Anyone can compete, there are no restrictions for the basic competition. Likewise, the story can be poetry or prose, we're not picky. In fact, we encourage writing of all types. There is also the possibility of having an adult Iron Author competition this year. If this happens, more info will be given during the IA introduction.
Is there a prize for the winner?
Ultimately, IA is a fun, and non-serious, competition, with the emphasis on fun. That said, we do try to have some sort of prize in place as a reward for those who punish us with their bad writing. Last year was a bronzed "corn dog" won by Anima. We're hoping to have something similar in place for this year's con.
Anything else you can think of?
Anyone interested in competing should attend the IA introduction. Likewise, anyone who has a question about the competition, or wishes to serve as a judge, should feel free to contact Foxx (in a box) at the beginning or end of the writing panels. It would also be wise to see what we're looking for by searching out the story Eye of Argon...at your own risk, of course.
-= It's Baaa-aaack!: The Frozen Oasis =-
As many of you know the Frozen Oasis is a traveling room party providing frozen cocktails, dance music, a dancing fox boy, a panda bartender, and a kick ass light show that rivals a lot of the dances at cons around the country. On Foxday night at Morphicon, Frozen Oasis will venture where no furry convention party has ever before - to Wonderland... a mysterious and magical place where the Frozen Oasis party is a convention sponsored event. So come sample our drinks, shake your tails on the dance floor and let our laser light shown make you shine and sparkle. Open all night. 21 + only.
-= Fursday Night Art Projects =-
Continuing the tradition of hands-on creative fun the night before the con really gets started, we will have not one but two Fursday night art projects this year! First will be painting the tea sets to be used in the Unbirthday Party on Friday night. The sets will then be put into the charity auction on Sunday, so along with the chance to have fun and be creative with your friends on Fursday night, you'll also help a good cause! The other Fursday night chance to be creative will be painting the cases we have for the video game room consoles this year. Snacks and beverages will be provided, so come by Fursday night and join in the fun!
-= Morphicon Call for Gophers! =-
I'm not exactly sure what type of calls a gopher makes, but I know what calls a gopher responds to: Shiny! Shiny!
I'd like to invite you (yes, you!) to notify us now of your desire to gopher in 2011!
Volunteering itself is awesome! Generally you get to have a sense of pride and good-feeling over having helped out your local convention, but even more importantly: For every 5 hours credit you earn, you get a $10 discount on your next year's convention registration, up to a full basic registration (15 hours = $30). Anyone with any discount level is AUTOMATICALLY guaranteed the early registration rate of $30 for basic registration. That means if you earn a total of 15 hours credit, you get a free ticket for next year! Isn't that awesome? You can use your discount when pre-registering online, and you can use it at the door! It's a total win!
But this message isn't just about gophering, it's about notifying us ahead of time that you want to gopher! Notifying us ahead of time lets us get a better idea of how many gophers we'll have, but more importantly: IT EARNS YOU A SHINY!
This year our shiny is something special: A limited, one-time only, theme-specific collectible item! This will ONLY be given to those gophers who notify us ahead of time that they want to gopher! After that, this specific shiny will no longer be available TO ANYONE!
That's right - you will receive a limited edition collectible shiny! And unlike last year's shiny that never materialized, this shiny exists within our plane of existence, and is 100% physical. You can even hold it in your hand! How do I know? We've already got it prepared!
So, if you would love to be our very favorite gopher, please let us know ASAP! Please send a message to gophers[at]morphicon.org at any time until May 10th! The earlier you send, the more we love you, because that gives us more of an idea of how many gophers we'll have.
Also this year, we're trying something new: Signups! When you show up at the con, we'll have a decent-sized graph of all the different places we require constant gophers! This could be something typical, such as door-guarding for the Dealer's Den, or being a Fursuit handler during fursuit events (such as the parade, or with the Spectacle of Doom!™) OR it could be something unexpected, such as door guarding the bar-mitzvah we were unaware was going on up until some furries decided to go where they shouldn't have!
Signups allow you to decide ahead of time what times you'll have free to get in some volunteering hours, so you aren't being asked to door-guard during the event you want to attend, and allow us to have more time to manage getting gophers around and getting things taken care of that we can't really pre-plan! It's a win-win!
So remember: Shiny! Volunteer now! Signups! And SHINY!
-- Gedrean, official Gopher Wrangler/Herder/etc ["Gopher-Queen" - Ed.] for Morphicon 2011!
-= Morphicon Insider: Raffle Tickets & Charity Auction =-
In an unprecedented two-for-two, Morphicon con-chair, Jewel, was cornered once again and asked to answer a few questions, this time about those tickets you receive in your bag when you arrive at the con and the charity auction.
What are they for anyway?
You can use them one of two ways. The first way is by going to the charity raffle and putting them into the drawing. Items will be given out at random to people based on tickets drawn from a hat.The second way is you can attend Trickster's Furry Fair Quiz. The tickets are used there to see who will be contestants. Though, even if you don't get picked, the audience can still participate.
How does one go about getting more tickets?
You can upgrade your registration level (higher levels get more tickets) and you can buy them at registration for $1 apiece. They'll also be on sale right before the charity raffle, and the Furry Fair Quiz.
Is the charity raffle like any other raffle and does the ticket holder need to be there?
Yes, the charity raffle is just like any other raffle. You do need to be present to win items. We make an exception for dealers, and artists stuck in their respective spots during the raffle. All they need to do is write down their name on the back of each ticket. We'll send someone around to collect them before the raffle begins.
What is the charity auction and how is it different from the raffle?
The silent charity auction is setup in the back of registration/con ops, in the Potter Wright room. You don't need any tickets to bid on those items. You just write down your bids, and use your badge number. It's a good idea to check back during the convention, because oftentimes attendees bring items with them to add to the raffle when they arrive.
How does one go about donating items for the auction and/or raffle?
If you're interested in donating something, please feel free to contact operations@morphicon.org.
Anything else someone should know about the auction and/or raffle?
All the proceeds go directly to our charity, F.U.R.S.. In addition to the raffle, the silent auction, and the Furry Fair Quiz we have another charity event called the Pet Auction where people bid on dances with fursuiters.
And there you have it, answers to questions which may have been niggling in the back of your mind. If you have a question you'd like to have answered in an upcoming edition of Morphicon Miscellanea feel free to send it to publicity@morphicon.org.
-= And Now a Word from SonicBlu =-
Greetings, everyone. SonicBlu here, and I'll be the Performance Track head of Morphicon this year. For the "performer" in you, we have many different shows that may interest you. Feel free to peruse the descriptions of each show and keep them in mind when you attend Morphicon this year. We'd love to see you there!
- Spectacle of Doom -
Hear ye, hear ye! The highlight show of the convention needs YOUR help! If you've ever wanted to experience performances on our stage, you may want to come to the aid of your convention by accepting a role in our Spectacle of Doom show. This show is scripted, so you won't have to worry about trying to think up something on your own. In the Spectacle of Doom, we'll need stage performers (mostly fursuiters), puppeteers, and voice actors. We'll have an open casting call before rehearsals, so come on down and see if you got what it takes to become a performer in the absolute must-see show of the entire convention.
- Furry Variety Show/Morphicon Tonight -
Have you got a skit you've been working on and would like some stage time to perform it? You can do so during the Furry Variety Show/Morphicon Tonight! Just come to Furry Variety Show (FVS) rehearsals and bring your material with you. If you don't have any material but you would still like to perform on the stage, just talk to SonicBlu during FVS rehearsals, and we'll fit you in. With thousands upon thousands of background songs at our disposal, we can easily give you your 2 to 5 minutes of fame right on our stage. Don't be shy, just come to FVS rehearsals and RSVP to be in the show. The FVS will be combined with our late-nite talk show Morphicon Tonight, so performance times will fluctuate, depending on how many acts are queued, reserving at least 30 minutes for interviews with the guests of honor.
The show always starts off with our traditional "Silly Fursuiter Tricks", so at one point or another, SonicBlu Darkfold may be wandering around the con floor looking to pick out a fursuiter at random to open the show. If you are interested, just do something silly for SonicBlu, and he may just select you to appear as the show's opener. If you're not interested, don't worry. Nobody will be forced into doing anything they don't want to do. Simply tell SonicBlu whether you are interested or not when he springs the question: "How would -YOU- like to open Morphicon Tonight with your silly fursuiting tricks?"
- Atomic Comedy Hour of Doom -
Attention all wannabe comics, laugh factory professionals, and those that have never performed live standup comedy (but always had that dream.) You may want to RSVP to appear on our stage for the Atomic Comedy Hour of Doom, which will be going on the stage right after the Spectacle of Doom. Depending on how many people we have signing up, the routine time per participant may fluctuate to conciliate with the one-hour time bracket.
- Oh! Pawpets! Live! -
This year on the Oh! Pawpets! Live show, we'll be reenacting the Oh! Pawpets! Show's first musical: Bwing's Twansfowmation, where Bwing T. Fewwet will be getting a whole new makeover. It's out with the old boring blonde fur, and in with the new look, with a whole soundtrack to boost while we perform the "makeover" live on our stage.
-= Morphicon 2012 Theme Decided! =-
Since you've made it this far through the newsletter, we'll treat you with a bit of extra information. After much deliberation and, one would believe, a few sleepless nights (which may or may-not be due to the con), the Morphcion Board has decided upon the theme for 2012 - [CENSORED] and promises to be one of the most fantastic cons ever! Come help us celebrate [CENSORED] and [CENSORED] and fun for [CENSORED]! Stay tuned for post-con newsletters where we'll delve more into Morphicon 2012 - [CENSORED]!
Morphicon Schedule - Check Your Local Listings!
General | Posted 14 years agoYour schedule for this year's con has been finalized! See http://morphicon.org/schedule.php for what we have planned. Panel descriptions to follow shortly!
Panels, Panels Everywhere...But Is Yours Included?
General | Posted 15 years agoWe're busy trying to fill our programming schedule for this year's Morphicon - Furries in Wonderland. If there is a panel you would like to see from past years, please let us know! If you're willing to serve as a panelist for your very own panel, tell us! Leading a panel earns Gopher hours which can be applied for future registration discounts! We want to make Morphicon fun for everyone and we're only able to do that with your input! Please send any an all panel questions and suggestions to programming@morphicon.org.
T-Shirt Voting Has Ended
General | Posted 15 years agoThank you to everyone who participated in the Morphicon 2011 t-shirt contest. It's always rewarding to see all the creative interpretations of a convention theme. This year the competition was great, and it was especially hard to choose a winner. In the end, Gravewalker and Kalida were neck and neck...
...with
Kalida edging ahead in the polls at the end! Check out her FA page and congratulate her. She will be receiving a FREE PATRON registration for the convention.
Gravewalker, finishing as runner-up, will be receiving a FREE SPONSOR membership. Please stop by her page on FA and congratulate her as well.
Again, thank you all for your submissions and votes!
...with
Kalida edging ahead in the polls at the end! Check out her FA page and congratulate her. She will be receiving a FREE PATRON registration for the convention.
Gravewalker, finishing as runner-up, will be receiving a FREE SPONSOR membership. Please stop by her page on FA and congratulate her as well.Again, thank you all for your submissions and votes!
One Day Remaining for T-Shirt Voting!
General | Posted 15 years agoJust a gentle reminder to everyone one there who hasn't, voting for the Morphicon 2011: Furries in Wonderland t-shirt contest ends tomorrow (March 6th) at 11:59p. Go to https://www.Morphicon.org to see the wonderful entries and make your opinion known!
T-Shirt Voting Going on NOW!
General | Posted 15 years agoMorphicon's t-shirt contest entries are in! Go to https://www.Morphicon.org to cast your vote for which picture should be Morphicon's official t-shirt design this year! Poll closes at 11:59pm US Eastern Standard Time on Sunday the 6th of March, 2011, so cast your votes now!
T-Shirt Contest Over But Art Still Wanted!
General | Posted 15 years agoThank you to all who submitted art for our t-shirt contest. We should have the images ready to be voted upon in the near future. Keep an eye out for a post and periodically check https://www.Morphicon.org for updates!
Also, if you were not able to get your submission in by the deadline but would still like to submit it for inclusion into the con book, we are still looking for art to grace our pages. Please send your art to publications@morphicon.org. We cannot guarantee we will be able to use it but our thanks to you will be printed in the book regardless.
Also, if you were not able to get your submission in by the deadline but would still like to submit it for inclusion into the con book, we are still looking for art to grace our pages. Please send your art to publications@morphicon.org. We cannot guarantee we will be able to use it but our thanks to you will be printed in the book regardless.
One Hour Remaining for T-Shirt Contest!
General | Posted 15 years agoSo why are you reading this?!? Get to work! Submission deadline in just under an hour! Send submissions to publications@morphicon.org!
