Talk:Mainstreaming

This is tagged for deletion but may in fact be appropriate, IF there are references and if the article can be expanded. As it stands right now, the article does not tell the reader anything that a first-year furry doesn't intuitively know. --CodyDenton 12:29, 11 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Hello again, it's me, your friendly neighborhood inclusionist %) Is WikiFur for furry fans only or also for those who want to know about furry fandom? In Russian WikiFur, it's included in "What is WikiFur" page, because the local community is small, but growing. That said, in its current state this information would be better as a part of furry fandom article, I think. EvilCat 13:29, 11 February 2011 (UTC)
 * I think you're probably right, since the article deals entirely with the subject of the furry fandom as a community. It's obvious I was half asleep or I would have flagged it for merge.  I think this is likely to be an uncontroversial candidate for merging, but I'll still go through the formalities for now.  Tagging for merge.  If no objections are raised, I'll complete the merge 2 days from now.  --CodyDenton 19:09, 11 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Mainstreaming as discussed here is an issue for any growing fandom or hobby group - you might almost say its an attribute of being an interest group - so I have to wonder if it's worth mentioning at all? I know we strive for 'encyclopaedic', but even the Brittanica doesn't bother with the truly obvious. --GingerM (Leave me a message) 20:59, 11 February 2011 (UTC)
 * You've raised a valid concern. As I said myself earlier, the article in its present state doesn't say anything that a first-year furry doesn't know.  I think it's relevant, however, to frame the topic in a way that illustrates the differences between the perception within the fandom vs. the perception of the general public.  Yes, it's an issue for any growing fandom, but if we can cite specific cases as examples, I think it contributes to the quality of the Furry fandom article.  I don't think it stands alone very well.  --CodyDenton 05:16, 13 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Um. I guess what's behind my question is the same as EvilCat above: what is our intended audience on Wikifur? Are we trying to educate the general public, or provide a growing reference source for furries? Or somewhere in between? I have to admit I was viewing things through the "a furry encyclopaedia by furries for furries" lens, but if I'm misunderstanding who Wikifur is intended for, then I'd say you're right. And it's by no means an "OMG we're all going to die!" objection; just raising the point for discussion. --GingerM (Leave me a message) 03:21, 15 February 2011 (UTC)
 * I think if the information is made interesting for both furries and non-furries, then we safisy both approaches. I see there are no "Popularity" or "Growth" header in Furry community article. I think it would be interesting to tell about how furry community grew over the years (it's only partly done in History article), what is its current status and what do furries think about mainstreaming. I know I had to dig up information, not simply read one header, when I checked furry community for a potential target audience for a game. EvilCat 08:14, 15 February 2011 (UTC)

I really think this article needs some detailed attention! I would love to see some facts and figures collected by people who know more about this subject than me! I have been in the fandom for almost 8 years now and I am DEFINATELY seeing so many of the generation a half step below me involved in "semi-furry" activities. The cat ears and cosplay thing got HUGE in my highschool 4 years after I left and there are girls who wear cat ears to school on a regular basis. These are just personal observations and not wiki-quality, but I feel that there is a trend that needs to be documented. Vaya con perro amigos!


 * Merged into Furry fandom article. No further debate in several months, apparent consensus.  --CodyDenton 03:51, 25 May 2011 (EDT)