With what happened recently on Steam, with the payment processors now actively trying to push for a complete sanitization of services, by refusing business with any that hosts NSFW content, and now that Itch.io also just had to cave in to their demands (as they don't exactly have any other alterative), it is clear that we are all facing one immense threat.

This attempt at being the morality police that this duopoly is doing, is going to affect everything, and it is worldwide. It started with Steam, then Itch.io, but it will surely spread to other services, including Patreon. And ultimately, other websites. It's probably going to hit this site too. Maybe not now, but maybe tomorrow.

Oh, and first it may be NSFW content, but it can also eventually be over safer content. It can become a slippery slope.

Be wary of this. Be prepared.

It's a community.
It's a career for some.
It's a hobby for others.
It's a place of comfort for many.
It's a foundation for many friendships, and in some cases, relationships.
It's a hub of many talents.
It's a nest of creativity.
And it's a legacy.

FurAffinity will not fall, especially not to some random crypto-scamming script kiddie.

One of the most amazing perks of this fandom, this community, is unity. Not unlike any other, it has its moments where people just butt heads with each other, but it then goes away. But that's just part of the human condition and of course, we still have a lot to learn. But even with this in mind, I can't help but admire this fandom's desire to look after itself. In fact, it's not just its desire, it is part of its nature.

Having been in different groups, communities, you name it, I can safely say that the furry fandom is one which I take pride in being part of, even with its flaws. Having been in places that have broken apart, or groups that aren't exactly trustworthy, it really is a tremendous relief to be part of one that makes me at least more comfortable. It has helped me grow in various ways, emotionally, behaviorally, and so on. Learned a lot from it.

Nowadays, I've come to embrace, which I think was the next frontier to me - the ability to interact with people in a more quasi-personal level, through platforms like VRChat, where I normally hang out on, nowadays. I do however, need to be more active here, for sure. Can't really draw worth a damn, but I can enjoy other people's works. But all in all, this fandom changed my life for the better. That fact will remain as such.

Never been someone who cared about putting on a façade and pretend I am happy, for the sake of (toxic) positivity, but I know when I see actual, proper positivity, which irradiates from this community. And this one, I truly love. Because it's real and not fake. Because our friends here reach out to us when we're hurt, and we reach out to them when they're the ones getting hurt.

Unity: To help one another in troublesome times.
Unity: To embrace each other's love and care.
Unity: To seek common ground even in disagreements.
Unity: To fight lurking threats.
Unity: To repel what are the blights among us.
Unity: To ensure we enjoy each other's works and achievements.

Also Unity: An absolutely annoying engine at times when working on VRChat avatars, goddamn. >.<
(Hahaha, had to sneak this one in.)

And lastly, but not least...

Unity: To mourn those we lost.

Admittedly, I never talked nor interacted with him, nor have I personally known him, but his passing felt, and still does feel heavy.  Dragoneer was, still is, and will always be, extremely influential to the fandom, and this affected all of us in many positive ways. Despite controversies surrounding his past, he still made great achievements, which are eternally memorized and he is eternally immortalized to us. When  bluemario1016 came to me that night on Discord, informing me about what happened, the shock was immense. Couldn't sleep well that night. He was too young to die. He didn't deserve this tragic end.

But ultimately, he's no longer in pain. Only he knew what kind of pain he was enduring with his illness. Wherever he is now, I hope he is eternally embraced with peace and tranquility. And I wish the absolute best for those who were close to him. Family and friends. Never let anyone tell you how to cope with this. You take care of yourselves at your own pace. And remember that you have people that got your backs.

Unity. It's powerful. And it gets well synergized with love and care.

Unity: For everything.

Thanks for reading this. Please do bring attention in the comments if I said something that sounded wrong and/or poorly phrased. Not the best at this, admittedly. But I do try, for sure.

Thank you all.

Rest in Peace, Dragoneer. May you fly high, proud and in peace.

With the events of a few days ago, I've been thinking about this subject non-stop.

The idea of people perishing due to the absolute brutality that is the US healthcare system, isn't good for everyone, except for the psychos that run the Administrative areas of the hospitals (especially the privatized ones) and the C-suites in health insurance companies. And of course it's "good" for them, because the model they operate is a fantastic way to earn profit in short-term.

But yes, for everyone else, it's horrible. It's horrible for those who are directly affected by it, because either they end up with a huge debt, or they end up dead, which is what happened to Dragoneer. The worst case scenario. There was a possibility that, had it not been dragged out, had it not been as unaffordable as it was, had it not been taken care by socially inept professionals, if it was done, he would have remained here amongst us. Smiling, continuing to enjoy life, looking over us.

It's also horrible for the families and friends, for they are now in a position where they may feel the need to do some financial sacrifice, in order to save their loved one. Or if not in time, they'll end up having to go through a lot of grief and mourning, because they just lost that person. It also becomes a worldwide thing, as we all have connections all around the world. In my case, I am someone who lives outside the US, but most of my friends live in that country, and so does my boyfriend. When we think about it, even those of us outside, if we have friends or even family that live there, should be worried.

It's also horrible for doctors. Medicine can be a very stressful field, especially if they work in hospitals. This type of job incurs mental debt, sometimes heavy. Overtime hours, burnouts, the inability to commit change to the system, because at the end of the day, they are only doctors, they don't run the show. They are merely employees in medical centers, hospitals, whichever. Oh, and doctors are also human beings with feelings and limits. They really don't like the idea of a patient passing away.

This isn't meant to be a form of competition to see who is dealing with worse in light of the tragedy that befell us and this lovely community. This is rather meant to be a stark reminder that we all share a common foe.

Hello, everyone.

It's been a while since I last posted anything here on FA, but given the context of current events on here, and its continuity, I feel like I want to share my take.

So, unfortunately, we've lost Dragoneer. He made a great positive impact for the community and even the fandom entirely. I never knew him personally, but I have friends who looked up to him. And now, we all grieve and mourn for his passing.

For now, perhaps we should let ourselves heal in time, together as a community, but after that, we do have a mission to accomplish, no matter what.

As someone who lives in the EU, I have no qualms with admitting that I am lucky to live in a place where healthcare is affordable and in many cases, free for those who are struggling with money. And unfortunately, that is not the case for those of you in the US. And it absolutely hurts to see a lot of people in the US in danger, because apparently with how its healthcare system is, one can never get sick, no matter what, otherwise, might wanna have a briefcase full of dollar bills, which is something very few people have.

But change can still happen, and it must happen, but it won't happen without action. And action has to be taken. This should have been an action taken yesterday, the day before, the day before that, and so on. Because I'll tell you this right now:

For all we know, Dragoneer could still be alive. It would have been a possibility, if it weren't for the brutality of the ridiculous bureaucracy and the prohibitive overpricing in the US healthcare system. Or at least, his passing wouldn't have been as painful as it was. For those of you in the US: If this can happen to him, it can happen to any of you, your friends, my friends and even my boyfriend who also happens to live in the US. There is no reason for people to suffer like this. Absolutely none.

To those who are close to Dragoneer, I wish the best, and peace in these trying times. May Dragoneer fly high and proud, may he thrive in joy and peace, wherever he may be.

Especially if it's related to science, politics, or whatever I feel like talking too much about.

Sorry. Lel

Alright guys, so the furry fandom is in a bit of shock, because well, there was a triple-murder incident that occurred, very recently. And yes, it involved furries.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/7833502/

Okay, so all I am going to say is this.

This kind of stuff shouldn't really come out as a surprise for all of us, in the sense of that it happened within a certain fandom we are part of. There have been murders within every group, fandom or community. The reality is, we're all equal in one thing: We're humans and we, as humans (in general, of course), have a tendency to have a few people here and there that flip their shit and resort to pointless killings.

In the end, whatever splits us, is no requirement for any shock we get from these news - as all that the furry fandom is, is what it is. A fandom. Nothing more, nothing less.

We're all humans, in real life. A species that always had violent moments.

Only shortly after posting the comment, I found out that the alleged death of kodakoda, in the recent terrorist attack in Orlando, was a hoax.

The user who posted the following tweet, has clarified on the issue.

https://twitter.com/AthenaTheJackal.....06211106344960

To think that someone would use this tragedy to make up deaths to gain attention.

The human race is quite something. Isn't it?

​This happened a few days ago, but to some of you who probably watch Garry's Mod videos, if you have seen Moments With Heavy, Team Fabulous 2, Elliot Goes To School, and so forth, know kitty0706. One of the best Garry's Mod video makers and YTP'ers on YouTube.

Unfortunately, after struggling against Leukaemia, he passed away on January, 25th.​

As one of his subscribers, I will say that this was a major blow. One person gone too soon, one with great talent, one with a future denied by this serious illness. ​

Leukaemia is something to be reckoned with. It's very difficult to survive such illness. And even if you get a bone marrow transplant, complications may occur. Or it may come back.

What is frightening is, for example, in 2012, over 350,000 people had leukaemia. Of those people, over 260,000 died. It's also the most common type of cancer in children. And what's more, deaths by leukaemia are not quick and painless. They're the complete opposite. Slow, painful.

But nonetheless, Colin Wyckoff (kitty0706) fought bravely, and never stopped making videos until his death. (the type of material he made, takes quite a time to finish it - those who make GMod videos know how time-consuming they are, no matter how skilled you are)

But when he died.
In all of us, he respawned.

Rest In Peace, kitty0706.
We will all miss you. But we will never forget you.

(Reposted from my deviantART and SoFurry profiles.)​

Well, this Journal entry is about something I have told most of my friends on Skype, since day one. I am not saying that they were claiming that I was lying. I myself thought it would never happen, though, but it will.

This is also the main reason as to why I left a certain group that's related to the people that live in the country that I currently live. I have said that it is for personal reasons, and well, some of them were, but I can address the other reasons that are not so personal, and that my friends know.

First of all, here's the thing. I am going to leave Portugal. This is because a relative of mine has found an opportunity to leave this country, and she wants to take me with her, because she's seen me in grief in the past 15 years. Why grief? Here now comes some of the reasons.

1- Every person I met in this country has been nothing but a pretentious idiot. Utterly stuck up, selfish and plain ignorant. Everyone I met was phony person, and my entire family is disgusted at this.

2- Been having my life closed inside a shell, due to several trauma and experiences. From being robbed twice in two weeks, to being shot at, when I was 16. This, along with a highly discriminating, criminal and corrupt ethnic group of extremely violent, turbulent, childish, primitive and territorial people, didn't help.

3- If I have a job, I will not be able to afford a house, food, and pay the bills, because well, the minimum wage is unbearably low.

There are more personal reasons, but it's nothing related to my family. They've been the best people in my life. But I refuse to say the same about everyone else around me. I am proud to say that as soon as I step out of this land, I will throw the biggest party of my life, and I will most likely never feel homesick, as I hadn't had a life, and wouldn't have one if I stayed here.

I am not going to leave this country right away. But at least in 2 years... hopefully, I will be gone. Thankfully.

I was planning to go to the USA, but apparently, things aren't really nice there, as I have been searching more and more of what's been happening over there. So I will go along with my relative. Maybe I am heading to the Netherlands. Maybe.

So here it is.

xtclxstar4everxxcosmicspyrox

It's long... I know.

What the Hell is going on, here?

There's sooooooooooooooooo much drama, everyone's fighting on this site. Daaaaamn, this site became one SPICY BATTLEFIELD! :O

The title says it all...

...I guess? o.o

Well, today, as I just got on Skype, something really funny happened. And when I mean funny, I mean not so funny.

I've seen people doing this a lot, especially on deviantART. It's truly annoying. Now I understand that the world crisis is hitting you hard, but it's not a reason for you to beg others to help you with money. People you don't know that well, and people you don't even know. What the Hell is that? There's no respect in that.

What happened is that a friend of mine (former friend of mine, now, actually) asked me for help in something, and I asked what he wanted. And he wanted me to help him pay for a character being auctioned here on Fur Affinity. He sent me the link to the auction and it started at $35. He placed $40, without even having enough money for so.

So this guy (I'm not telling his name, because I don't want people to attack him) expects people to pay the placed money he wants, just to get a character.

This is a message for you, people who start auctions: You don't recognize this. most of the times. Some people go out of their way to ask others or do worse, to get money to win the auctioned item. This is like if someone's messing with your auctions. While others have enough money to pay, there's one person or two who bid better, yet don't have what he or she bid.

As for beggars: Hey, get a job, man. I have to help my family with my money. There are many poor people around the world. The world doesn't revolve around you. There are people who suffer more in financial ways than you do, and you are selfish enough to ask others for money.

I joined FA, because well, I'm a furry (scalie, to be exact), and most of my friends (if not all), are furries. And my mate is here, so yeah. But as you all can see, I don't have anything, except some journals that are rather irrelevant.

My inactivity goes down to one, simple reason: I can't really do much. I don't really have any experience with either drawing, writing or even music production (using third-party software and whatnot).

I've had many friends tell me that my artwork is amazing and whatnot, but I don't like it when people aren't being sincere for the sake of friendship. Words can either hurt or make a person happy, I know, but words can help a person improve. Telling me what I need to improve could help me, but at this point, it may not be enough. I could ask a couple of friends I have on Skype for art help, but they're often busy, so I can't really ask.

And the most ironic thing of all is... I do NOT have Artist's Block. In fact, I have a MILLION AND ONE ideas in my head. I just can't do anything right. Hell, I even fail at playing videogames. LOL

I've been trying so hard for years, and yet, I still have so many artistic problems, that they're all in a messy mesh and I don't know where to begin. After so many years, now, and that in 2 months, I'll be 21, I find out that I probably do not have any good aspects, when it comes to productivity. Or simply... "I don't have any talent".

If people do say that everyone's good at something, I don't know. Maybe that's true, maybe it is not, though I really do hate cliches.

I don't know if there's anything to this, but I do really wish that my ex didn't dump me. I've done so many things with her, especially drawing on iScribble. It was fun. The world is not a lovely sea of roses and makes a person go insane, kinda what happened to my ex, which led her to break up with me, a year ago.

I had a dream of drawing, writing, producing music, or do something actually good, for friends, family and lover. But on all corners, sides and dimensions, all tries were, indeed, failures of epic proportions.

This is just a vent Journal, to explain as to why I've been really inactive. My apologies if it's way too dramatic to you.

Cheers.

Yeah... in the end, I prefer spending my time playing videogames. I still hang around, everyday... it's just that I don't do multitasking when playing videogames. =P

But yeah, this is how it ended up to be. My apologies for any inconvenience... though I myself believe that this Journal is unworthy of being posted, but then again, I was bored. XP

Once again, it's that time of the year.

I hope you have a nice, lovely day, and that you enjoy this day. :3

---

Well, my Spring Break is almost over. However, I have Mondays and Wednesdays, so I will still maintain activity on some sites. This does not include deviantART, since it's a "very dramatic" place.

Want to contact me with ease? Feel free to add me on Skype, XFire, Facebook or GMail/Google Talk. There is no need to ask, you may add me whenever you wish, if you want.

I've been practicing on artwork, however, I doubt that I'll upload any, soon. I may post literature stuff, in the future. Possibly a fanfic that I was planning for 4 years.

Anyways... it's time for me to go back to spending time, playing Minecraft. =P

I hope you have a nice day. :)