This year was way better for me this year than last F^2. I got to room with a bunch of super lovely dudes, there were plenty of friends to randomly encounter and chat with in the halls, there were tons of game shows to go to, and the schedule worked very much in my favor! Will definitely be returning next year.

Some notable notes:
1.) After I ran Name That RPG Tune, Alkali stopped me and complimented me on running the panel, and he even gave me a hug. I felt like I gained a level or something, lol.
2.) It was interesting to watch Nikolai chat with Alkali about the Sober furs group and how "dry cons" work. Two "Kolais", very different stances on alcohol. :P
3.) Hat's off to Cranston (CCritt93) for creating tons of props for his first run of "Furry Card Sharks", the game show. He went all out, making giant furry-themed cards, furry-themed animations, a huge card-shuffling cart, and a full size board to stack the cards on for the game. That took a LOT of work, and he only had a turnout of maybe less than 15 people. If you see Card Sharks run again at a fur con, definitely support him!
4.) This is the first year I bought a Sponsor badge. For sponsors, the con suite offered pizza for lunch and finger foods for dinner. While nothing amazing, I found the convenience of not having to go out into the icy winter totally worth it. I didn't think the Super Sponsor was worth it though - there was a huuuuuuuuuuuuge line for their special dinner, which was just mashed potatoes and roast pork. Didn't really seem worth the long wait to me.

This year's rating: A.

In the last 6 months, I have had 3 different sellers/artists essentially go AWOL on me due to "personal issues". Now, I try to sympathize since I know "shit happens", but at some point, when over HALF of the time this causes said sellers to go AWOL without telling me, and after I have already PAID them, I start to get a little snippy.

Not to sound like a soulless corporate prick, but in my opinion, if you dedicate yourself to running your own business, you should be 100% sure that you can fulfill your duties as a businessperson. If you are the type who easily succumbs to personal issues often, but still insists on taking money up front, then you shouldn't be running a business.

Unfortunately these experiences have made me no longer want to pay for anything up front from artists and dealers. I just don't feel like wasting time trying to remember who owes me what, and when I need to remind people to send me the items they promised me.

Yusss, I am still on this planet. I've just been sort of taking a break from all the friendly mcFrienderson stuff whilst I focus on my new job in Columbus, and catch up with doctor visit stuff I was holding off on till I had the insurances.

MFF will be my next big con! I hope to see the usual suspects there, especially those who need extra hugs, like # lustlegion
And I'm happy to giveth of thy hugs n' cuddles to others as well - just please take a number and have a seat! :3

#cuddlewhore4eva

Where are you staying?
At the Hyatt, with Nikolai, Crimson, and maybe Tom.

How long are you attending?
Thursday evening ~ Staying til' Sunday afternoon

How can I find you?
Look for the red-and-black half-fox wandering around.

Are there any panels you might be attending
Mostly room parties!

Are you attending any stage or public performances?
I might participate in "Whose Lion" for a game or two

Will you be suiting?
No, just in my kitsune gear.

Do you draw?
I can, but only just.

Are you taking commissions or trades?
Nope.

How old are you?
After Dec 2, I'll be 32. T_T (but I look younger, right? RIGHT?)

How tall are you?
5"11

Are you nice?
Often too nice for my own good...

Can I talk to you?
Yes! Just don't blather on about Fallout, k? -_-

What should I talk to you about?
yourself, anime, Nintendo games, JRPGs, improv, computer stuff, psychology, furries, furry art, Cards Against Humanity, video game music, conventions, Nobuo Uematsu, Yuki Kajiura, Castlevania...

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Tap me on the shoulder or shout "Sky Rune" or "Todd"!

Can I touch you?
I'm a fox. Does that answer your question? ;3

Can I hang out with you?
Sure! Just don't cling to me all day long, and don't be a drama queen.

Can I buy you drinks?
Sure! Who wouldn't turn down free stuff? xD

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Again, I'm a fox. Come at me, bro!

Can I give you stuff?
Sure, just not AIDS or Chlorine gas.

Can I visit your room?
Perhaps! Let's chat first and see how it goes.

Can I take your picture?
Yes, pls! I need moar cool photos of myself. *strokes non-existent ego*

Where will you be most of the time during the days?
Roaming the halls and the dealers den probably, possibly out exploring the city even!

What’s your goal for the con this year?
So many people to meet. I want to hang out with some of my old-tyme regulars, but I also want to meet new people I've met only recently at bowling events and on Telegram. And I want to go to sexy room parties! Otherwise, I'll go to some panels, hang out in the tabletop room, attend the artist's alley, and wander around.

What/where will you be eating?
Sometimes the con suite, sometimes the restaurants a couple blocks away in Rosemont.

Can I come with you for food/fun etc?
As long as you're not a freeloader, then sure! Text me at 847-542-1888.

I like geeks. I don't like Superman.
I like video games. I don't like Fallout.
I like RPGs. I don't like MMO's.
I like tabletop games. I don't like Catan.
I like anime. I don't like Pokemon.
I like skaters. I don't like skateboarding.
I like the gays. I don't like "insertion".
I like music. I don't like hip hop.
I like conventions. I don't like raves.
I like parties. I don't like drinking.
I like cuddling. I don't like one-night stands.
I like furries. I don't like roleplaying.
I like computers. I don't like programming.
I like usability. I don't like techies.
I like U of M. I don't like football.
I like chatting with friends. I don't like Skype.
I like posting my thoughts. I don't like Twitter.

Would somebody please tell me where I fit in?

Wanna hang out? I have custom Cards Against Humanity! ...and candy. And popsicles... down in the cellar. A whole freezer full. ;)

I'm going to FurReality tomorrow. Not sure how many of my friends are going to this one.

If anyone wants to hang out, just let me know!

It has come to my attention recently that several if not many of my furry friends are in support of owning guns, rather than banning guns. This both baffles and scares me. I thought furries were known for being kind, cuddly, open, and warm? So what's warm and friendly about wanting more guns? :(

Nikolai and I have decided to give away our cat, Quirk. For more details, see this link: http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/p.....241171042.html

Send me or Nikolai a private message or email if you are interested in adopting Quirk.

Heya! Anyone going to Anime Midwest? We have some otaku friends from Chicago going, so we thought we'd give it a try this year.

Nikolai and I will be there Fri-Sun.

Often times I get asked "How have you and Nikolai made it work for all these years?" Well, most would respond with things like "they love each other," or "the sex must be awesome," or "they must share a bunch of interests." Well, while it is true that these are very nice aspects to possess in a relationship, these are not what I believe is the most important aspect.

I believe above all, taking RESPONSIBILITY for your actions and surroundings is one of the most important keys in a relationship. Why? It's because life happens - life requires that you DO stuff. Life requires that you earn money, pay the bills, cook food, maintain a healthy lifestyle, do the dishes and laundry, clean up the messes, fix up the house, and so much more.

I do not intend to be sexist when I say this, but I have come to realize the importance of the role of the traditional "housewife." One half of the couple goes out to earn the money, while the other half stays at home to tend to all the other crap that life requires to maintain a household. And while I certainly encourage both men and women to not conform to a certain stereotype, I acknowledge that this old-fashioned balance of stay-at-home mom and working dad is a relationship strategy that WORKS! When both my partner and I work full-time jobs, I find it difficult to maintain the household - I just don't have the time to take care of all the chores, while still enjoying my geeky lifestyle (playing RPGs for hours and going to conventions 10+ times a year). When I've been in between jobs, I've realized that I've taken on the role of the classic "housewife", and while I hate calling myself that, at the end of the day I enjoy the hard work I've done to keep order in our household. And it helps keep our relationship going.

So, what is my takeaway message? I am saying it is not enough to just "be in love" with someone. It's one thing to love someone - it's another to live with him/her and devise a living plan that works. Are you ready to take responsibility for your relationship?

I <3 femboys!!!

...

That is all.

In the last few years, I've gone back on forth on my stance on "cuddle buddies" (or "friends with benefits"). At times, I thought I was being really selfish in seeking cuddle buddies -- especially since as I already have a mate. But he and I both agreed with each other a long time ago that we are okay with cuddling with others. Polyamory (having multiple mates), on the other hand, is something my mate does NOT agree to. And in the last year, I started wondering if maybe I was "taunting" other guys by cuddling with them but not allowing them to become my "2nd boyfriend."

But in the end, I keep circling back to what I believe is a fair and just policy when it comes to cuddling and sex with friends: As MEN, we tend to have higher sex drives, and as Male-Male sex goes, there is no risk for child birth. And as HUMAN BEINGS (or, at least humans with an affinity towards animal spirits), many of us have a desire for warmth, closeness, and comfort. So, therefore, I believe that hugs, cuddling, and even safe sex can be fun recreational activities that we should be able to experience - even if just once in a while with a good friend.

There is a limit, however - I do believe that there exists a certain level of INTIMACY that should be reserved for those who are only in a relationship. In my opinion, things like super-deep kissing, anal, eye-staring, bondage, torture, etc might be better saved for those who are VERY close. I sorta see the levels of intimacy on a scale, like this:

--- Low intimacy ---
1.) chatting, going to dinner, watching TV, playing video games, all the classic "friend" stuff
2.) hugs, holding hands
3.) cuddling, with clothes on
4.) cuddling with clothes off, vanilla stuff like touching, oral, kissing, masturbating, etc
5.) anal, deep kissing, bondage, torture, raunchy stuff
--- High intimacy ---

Now, this also doesn't mean that I advocate going out and having sex with any guy you know! There still needs to be a desire to engage in this kind of activity from both guys involved. Not everybody has the same level of libido. In fact, I've known some guys who would love to cuddle just to cuddle, and not take it into X-rated territory. That's okay! Take it slow, understand your friends and what they are comfortable with, and don't be afraid to have fun! :)

As many of my friends know, I try to be very open and understanding of various opinions and things. But lately on FA there's been one thing on my "Recent Artwork" feed that's really getting on my nerves: drawings of creatures with huuuuuuuuuge dicks!

Like this one: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/15225632/

Don't get me wrong - a well-endowed figure is nice to look at once in a while, but come on... when the phallus looks like it weighs more than the rest of the creature, what're we even looking at anymore? And what must these artists be thinking? I mean, there's being obsessed with dick, and then there's THIS. In my opinion, there gets to be a point where a drawn phallus becomes so large that it just loses all meaning, and it is offensive to the beauty of nature.

And that is my very surreal rant about phalluses... Only on FA! xD

Here are some of the events I will be attending if anyone wants to join:

Fri: Explaining Furry to Your Parents, Kage Story Hour,
Sat: Quitting the Fandom, Too Much Light, 3-Headed Monster, Whose Lion is it Anyway OR Game Developers in Furry Fandom,
Sun: Fitness & Nutrition 101

Also, I'd like to invite friends to come with me & Nikolai to lunch Saturday around noonish. We can carpool - just send me a text at 847-542-1888 if you wanna join me anytime at the con!

Some frndz I hope to see there: Martinisoft, Aevin, BatRegalis, Cimmarron, TravisDarkFox, Cocobanana, tsukunertov, DeweyMuddy

Hugz out!

Here are some of the events I will be attending if anyone wants to join:

Fri: Explaining Furry to Your Parents, Kage Story Hour,
Sat: Quitting the Fandom, Too Much Light, 3-Headed Monster, Whose Lion is it Anyway OR Game Developers in Furry Fandom,
Sun: Fitness & Nutrition 101

Also, I'd like to invite friends to come with me & Nikolai to lunch Saturday around noonish. We can carpool - just send me a text at 847-542-1888 if you wanna join me anytime at the con!

Some frndz I hope to see there: Martinisoft, Aevin, BatRegalis, Cimmarron, TravisDarkFox, Cocobanana, tsukunertov, DeweyMuddy

Hugz out!

These TMI things seem to be popular lately, so I'll give it a shot...

Ask my anything ya want! No questions are off limits.

I see a lot of furs who have commissions drawn of themselves with other furs. How does this work? Does one just bring photos of both fursonas to the artist? Is approval/consent required? etc.

Let's fill out one of these things!

1. Do you usually sleep with your closet door open or closed?
closed, but only to keep earwigs out (hopefully) :x

2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels?
Used to, but not anymore.

3. Have you ever ‘done it’ in a hotel room?
Yup, more than ya'd think. ;)

4. Where is your next vacation?
Find out here! https://www.conrooms.com

5. Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
Dafuq? o.O

6. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?
Found a few hot, but never really crushworthy. I'm more into younger guys anyway.

7. Do you have a calendar in your room?
It's called Google Calendar. I have it open in a pinned tab all the time.

8. Where are you?
My "office room"at home.

9. What’s your plan for the day?
Get chores and homework done. Rinse, repeat, chat with friends somewhere in there.

10. Are you reading any books right now?
I don't read books. Only manga, mags, and webcomics.

11. What fandoms are you part of?
Furry, anime, jrpgs, roads, improv, prolly others...

12. Who is your OTP?
Kamina/Simon (Gurren Lagann)

13. Do you ever dance even if there’s no music playing?
What is this "dansing" you speak of?

14. Do you chew your pens and pencils?
Eh, only once in a blue moon.

15. What is your “Song of the Week”?
Uh, I have to choose just one?

16. Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
Sure, though haven't found a pink shirt or shorts I like on myself yet.

17. Do you still watch cartoons?
Yup! Adventure Time, plus anime series all the time. Might try Avatar and Korra later.

18. Whats your favorite love movie?
Does Insterstella 5555 count? There's a romance in there.

19. What do you drink with dinner?
Diet soda or Mio-flavored water

20. What do you dip Chicken Nuggets in?
Usually BBQ sauce.

21. Something I fantasize about?
Hot guys, cuddling, and how I'll look when I burn away my belly. Also, finishing making my game: https://www.ironpawn.com

22. What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
I don't have time to rewatch movies - already got a 5-year backlog on a ton of shows and movies I haven't seen ONCE.

23. Last person you hugged/kissed?
My partner, Nikolai.

24. What are your favourite smells?
Stone after it just starts raining. Bacon. Funnel cakes. Coffee aisle of the grocery store.

25. Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
Hell yeah, but make sure to get my good side!

26. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
Probably back in grade school, when we wrote to pen pals at other schools.

27. Can you change the oil on a car?
No.

28. Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
No.

29. What do you normally order in a bar/pub?
Hmm, prolly a turkey burger or a pizza if they have it.

30. Favorite kind of sandwich?
Pretty much any kind. Pesto-anything on a sandwich is yummo.

31. Best thing to eat for breakfast?
Anything except sausage. (I prefer my sausage in the bedroom, lolz)

32. What is your usual bedtime?
11pm EST

33. Post a screenshot of your tumblr dash:
Meh, I haven't done anything with it.

34. Post a screenshot of your facebook newsfeed:
...How? Just go to https://www.facebook.com/skyrune

35. Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Not anymore.

36. Which are better, legos or lincoln logs?
Legos

37. Are you stubborn?
Yes and no. If you can make a good argument, I'll listen. Otherwise, just do as I say. xD

38. What did your last text read?
"Okay."

39. Have you ever kissed a member of the same sex?
Pfff, do humans breathe?

40. Afraid of heights?
Not too much. My partner is though.

41. Sing in the car?
Usually not.

42. Dance in the shower?
Again with this "dansing."

43. Dance in the car?
Why are you so obsessed with dancing?!

44. Ever used a gun?
Yes, but only in boy scouts.

45. Do you think musicals are cheesy?
Oh yes.

46. Is Christmas stressful?
To my mom it is (she decorates every square inch of her house). To me, it's one of my fave times of year.

47. What is your sexuality?
99% gay. More penis pls! xD

48. Major annoyance right now?
All this homework. So boring...

49. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Teacher, game show designer, stoplight designer, civil engineer

50. Do you believe in ghosts?
*shrug*

51. Ever have a deja-vu feeling?
Dude, I'm freakin' PSYCHIC. (and yet my gaydar sucks!)

52. Do you take a vitamin daily?
Yes, Costco's Mature Multi (it's the best mix of vitamins, based on my research)

53. Wear slippers?
Yup! More than I used to.

54. Can I touch my nose with my tongue?
Not quite.

55. What do you wear to bed?
Nada. When I lived at home, just undies.

56. Wal-Mart, Target or K-Mart? Target.
Target, because my Wal-Mart is SO ghetto.

57. Did you fall for someone you shouldn't?
Gawd.

58. Cheetos Or Fritos?
Neither. Both are greasy.

59. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
Both sound good.

60. Would you ever use a dating site?
Yes, but only for cuddle buddies.

61. Ever taken karate?
Nope.

62. Favorite season?
Fall

63. Can you curl your tongue?
Yes, in all sorts of directions.

64. Ever won a spelling bee?
YES! In 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. I have the medals still!

65. Ever cried because you were so happy?
A lil bit, at times.

66. Own any record albums?
Nope. Get them hippiediscs outta here.

67. Are you allergic to anything?
Cat dander, tree pollen, grass, weeds, fruits.

68. Regularly burn incense?
No. I use Airwick oil burners.

69. Ever been in love?
Yeah, more than I care to be. >,<

70. Did you brush your teeth this morning?
No, I do it at night.

71. Tea or coffee?
Iced Tea, only because I don't like hot beverages.

72. Favorite kind of cookie?
Peanut butter chocolate.

73. Can you swim well?
Pretty well, but not like the guys from "Free".

74. Have you kissed someone whose name starts with a ‘J’?
Yup, my Grandma June, when I was a lil boy.

75. Zodiac sign?
Saggitarius. Lemme shoot my arrow your way ;)

76. Ever won a contest?
Yup! I won the "Word of the Month" award for "Patience" in 5th grade. I got a pink Pog that said "Lasso Patience." xD

77. Ever had plastic surgery?
Nope, but I might have a tummy tuck some day, if I can't reduce my belly.

78. Which are better black or green olives?
Black. Green are way too salty.

79. Describe your dream date:
I already took a honeymoon to Japan. Not gonna top that. :)

80. Wash room or bathroom?
Bathroom

81. Do you want to get married?
I am already.

82. Who was your High School crush?
My best friend Nate. He drew comic book stuff, and he hugged me. Str8 tho.

83. Do you like to play board games?
All the time! Mostly party-style simple games like Taboo, Pictionary, Imaginiff, Cards Against Humanity, Apples to Apples, etc.

84. Are you fond of romantic novels?
They're called yaoi. :P

85. Last movie you saw in theatre?
I don't go to Frenchy theatres. Only American theaters.

86. What was your favorite cartoon growing up?
Gargoyles (omg!)

87. Do you miss anyone right now?
*shrug*

88. Who do you want to see right now?
My fuzzball friends. :3

Hiya friends! My partner Nikolai and I have a Hyatt hotel room with space to share with 4 roommates at MFF. We'll be staying overnight Friday night and Saturday night. If you're interested in rooming with us, please PM me.

Our guidelines:
-No excessive alcohol consumption, or consumption by guests not staying in the room.
-No smoking or drug use.
-Payment upon arrival is encouraged. No need to pay in advance. (Credit card accepted!)

Question of curiosity! Does your fursona:
1.) reflect who you are IRL?
2.) reflect who you wish you were in IRL?
3.) or reflect a person you'd find cool (but wouldn't want to be IRL)?

For me, my fursona reflects a little of the first two categories. It reflects my taste in clothing and personality. Physically, he's a bit sexier and thinner, and a bit more flirtateous and less shy.

I'm a very cuddle/yiff-friendly kinda guy, I will admit it. But I'm also not a whore - I don't go banging guys I don't know well. I like to chat with and spend time with a new friend first, so we have a chance to know if we enjoy each other's company. And then if all's well, let the male urges take over! :3

With that said, over the years I've encountered a few guys who like to cuddle, but there's one other factor involved: alcohol and/or drugs. It seems these people must "get into the mood" before engaging in said cuddling. Which begs the question: "Do you even yiff?" Do you actually WANT to cuddle, or is this something you DON'T really want to do unless you've tricked/poisoned your brain? In my honest opinion, if you have to resort to alcohol or drugs to feel comfortable around someone, then you're just lying to yourself. That's not the real "you." It's unfortunate, because there are guys out there like me who genuinely enjoy cuddling, but they get mixed into the "cuddle posers" group who require being under the influence.

Two questions:
1.) Is it "fashion-acceptable" for a guy to wear all-black shoes with shorts?
2.) Is it "fashion-acceptable" for a guy to wear "plaid" shorts (criss-cross patterns) with a striped t-shirt?

I know it's not that big of a deal, but I at least want to try to be more appealing in general.

Got back last night Sunday from AC 2014, which was my first AC. My partner and I went because we heard it was like the "world capital" of furry conventions, or something like that. I met so many people at Fur Squared in Milwaukee that I figured AC was going to be a mosh pit of friend-dom. However, my experience was anything but...

The convention was generally fun: we went to some panels, the dealer's room, the tabletop gaming room, etc. But one thing that bugged me was the inability to make any new friends at this con!

It seems like I've heard from so many other furs things like "I had so much fun and met soooo many cool people", and "I'm staying in my room from Thursday through Tuesday... rooming with 5 of my friends!" And meanwhile, my partner and I spent full price on a room at the Westin that we could have shared with others (but we can't afford to take all that time off of work).

My questions I propose to anyone who is reading this:
1.) How does a first-timer to AC (who is an introvert) manage making friends?
2.) How do ppl keep track of where their friends are at a large con like AC?
3.) What do ppl DO during the non-convention days?

Also, if anyone ever is interested in rooming with us (usually Friday thru Sunday), we have our own personal rooming system: https://www.conrooms.com

Here's a bunch of q's with a's, about AC 2014, I stole from BatRegalis. ;P

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Where are you staying?
-Westin

What day are you getting there?
-Friday morning

Who will you be rooming with?
-My partner  nikolai

How is the best way to find you?
-Find me in white and orange garb, with a "Sky Rune" badge. I can also be found on certain, ahem, apps.

Are there any panels you might be attending?
--Fri: Myths about Frats, Furry and the Media, Tetris Attack tournament, Fitness Furs, How to Play Room Party, Caption Capture,
--Sat: Sat Morning Memories, Furry Feud, Business for the Creative Brain, Caption Capture, Whose Lion is it Anyway
--Sun: Furry Feud

When's your best "free times?"
-Feel free to join me at any of the panels above. Otherwise, I have a light schedule at these times:
--Fri night after 11pm,
--Sat 11am-5pm
--Sun: Charades Impossible, Homestuck Fan Meetup, Furry Survey Results and Findings,

What do you look like?
-A foxy creamsicle. xD

What is your gender?
-Guyyyyyyy

How tall are you?
-5'11 tall, a bit taller with the foxy ears.

Can I talk to you?
-Please do! And don't be shy to glomp, hug, pick up, toss around, do-si-do, tango...

Can I touch you?
-Yep! unless you just touched toxic waste or something nasty like that.

Can I visit your room?
-After chatting a bit, perhaps! ;)

Can I buy you drinks?
-Nah... save your money and support the artists. :)

Can I give you stuff?
-Sure! Just not the plague pls.

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
-To quote BatRegalis, "I'll hug anyone who asks. Snuggling if I know you / you're hot / I want to." Tho I am taken, I'm still cuddle-friendly. ;)

Are you nice?
-Yes. I'm a total pushover. -_-'

How long are you going?
-Staying till Sunday around 5pm.

Do you have an Dealers table?
-That'd be nice, but no.

Will you be going to parties?
-If I get invited!

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
-Walk up to me and say hi. I'm bad with names, so pls don't be offended if I forget.

Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
-Prolly in panel rooms (mentioned above).

What/where will you be eating?
-Prolly these nearby places: Craftwork, Fernando's, Golden Palace, Parma, Hanlon's

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
-Sure! But Saturday lunch would be best. Other times could be busier.

Can I take your picture?
-Pls! :3

What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
1.) Hang out moar with  BatRegalis and  Shabanaxthesecond
2.) Attend a bunch of panels.
3.) Play board/party games, like Cards Against Humanity.
4.) Try to meet a few new furries!