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Furry Fandom's Reputation
Jun. 1st, 2009 02:40 amWith the recent pedo thing going on, it seems to have re-ignited discussion of the fandom's reputation. Most have suggested a...culling of the less desirables within the fandom, usually with the suggestion going too far. By too far, I mean that they suggest even tossing out those with weak social skills, which I don't think should be lumped in with pedophiles, zoophiles, etc.
Anyway, I have a better idea. The bigger issue with the bad reputation is the portrayal in the media. Sex2k, Vanity Faire, CSI, the WMCTV MFM report, etc. Why can't conventions work towards bettering the reputation at large while the fandom as a whole works on fixing the underlying issues?
A new convention staff position should be created, media liason. The position would entail handling media requests and filtering them not only by what the request says is going to be covered but also by researching the person/group behind the request as well. Potentially, the media liason would also reach out to the media.
The media liason would also create and continually update an electronic press kit for the convention. This EPK would be a DVD-ROM containing videos, photographs, interviews, fact sheets, etc. highlighting the best of both the convention and the fandom. It would be handed out rather freely to media requesting to do a piece on/at the convention (assuming they check out as legit).
The liason's responsibilities would also extend to monitoring who and what gets recorded when the media is allowed access to the con. Initially, I would say to go with a very controlled exposure to the con. For example, only allowing discreetly pre-screened, non-convention staff furs to be interviewed and only allowing the filming/photographing of the fursuit parade or similar. As a specific member of the media becomes more trusted, they would be allowed more and more freedom as to who and what they may record.
Handling the fandom's reputation online is a far trickier proposition. I think the biggest way to help in that regard is to try to reign in the younger furs. Yes, there are furs with issues in every age group. I simply see shaping the way the younger furs behave as a better means of changing how the fandom is perceived than actively trying to change/push out everyone with some sort of issue. If the younger furs are taught the right way to go about things, the furs with issues will either age out or slowly get edged out of the fandom. It's not a quick fix, but I'd say it could change things for the better in as little as 5 years.
Yeah, I had too much time for thinking while at work (even though we were behind and busy).
Anyway, I have a better idea. The bigger issue with the bad reputation is the portrayal in the media. Sex2k, Vanity Faire, CSI, the WMCTV MFM report, etc. Why can't conventions work towards bettering the reputation at large while the fandom as a whole works on fixing the underlying issues?
A new convention staff position should be created, media liason. The position would entail handling media requests and filtering them not only by what the request says is going to be covered but also by researching the person/group behind the request as well. Potentially, the media liason would also reach out to the media.
The media liason would also create and continually update an electronic press kit for the convention. This EPK would be a DVD-ROM containing videos, photographs, interviews, fact sheets, etc. highlighting the best of both the convention and the fandom. It would be handed out rather freely to media requesting to do a piece on/at the convention (assuming they check out as legit).
The liason's responsibilities would also extend to monitoring who and what gets recorded when the media is allowed access to the con. Initially, I would say to go with a very controlled exposure to the con. For example, only allowing discreetly pre-screened, non-convention staff furs to be interviewed and only allowing the filming/photographing of the fursuit parade or similar. As a specific member of the media becomes more trusted, they would be allowed more and more freedom as to who and what they may record.
Handling the fandom's reputation online is a far trickier proposition. I think the biggest way to help in that regard is to try to reign in the younger furs. Yes, there are furs with issues in every age group. I simply see shaping the way the younger furs behave as a better means of changing how the fandom is perceived than actively trying to change/push out everyone with some sort of issue. If the younger furs are taught the right way to go about things, the furs with issues will either age out or slowly get edged out of the fandom. It's not a quick fix, but I'd say it could change things for the better in as little as 5 years.
Yeah, I had too much time for thinking while at work (even though we were behind and busy).