WikiFur - User contributions [en]

Wired (magazine)

2010-12-04T14:48:00Z

72.173.248.174: /* External links */

{{unreferenced}}
{{NPOV}}
[[Image:WiredLogo.png|right|220px]]
[[Image:CNLogo.gif|right|180px]]
'''Wired''' is a US based monthly magazine and website based periodical published in San Francisco, California since March 1993, and owned by [[Wikipedia:Condé Nast Publications|Condé Nast Publications]]. It mainly covers technology, and its effects on the world in general.

== Wired and furry ==

'''''Wired''''' has covered the subject [[furries]] and the fandom in several articles, including:

==== The Johnny Manhattan piece ====

One of the very first mainstream articles about furries appeared on ''Wired'' in a March 1994 in an article titled '''''Johnny Manhattan Meets the Furry Muckers'''''. Some furries felt that there were a number of problems with the article, which caused quite a stir at the time:{{fact}}

* The article primarily describes events on [[Wikipedia:LambdaMOO|LambdaMOO]], not [[FurryMUCK]].
*[[ Johnny Manhattan]] (aka Josh Quittner) lifted character descriptions without permission, a violation of copyright, and a potential invasion of privacy (FurryMUCK's [[Wikipedia:ECPA|ECPA notice]] notwithstanding).
* The focus when speaking of furries was mostly on [[sex]] and an inability to understand why someone would play an animal online.

This article is generally considered{{fact}} to be an example of inattentive editors passing an article with little or no inspection.

[[Alendria]], whose nude description was printed in the article's FurryMUCK portion, wrote a letter of protest; when the magazine's editors offered to print it, but only if she allowed her real name to be used, she declined due to personal issues.{{fact}}

==== Newer articles and/or mentions ====
[[Image:Wiredcover.jpg|right|thumb|100px|September 2008 Wired cover]]
* '''''?''''' (? 2001) - The furry fandom was mentioned in a sidebar{{fact}} featuring fads which were coming and going; furries were considered a short-term fad already on their way out.

Considering the previous (and mostly forgotten) article, and the growth of the fandom, this was at best an erroneous view based on other mainstream attention at the time.

* '''''Wired's Geekster Handbook, a Field Guide to the Nerd Underground''''' (March 2008) - Under the sixth geek described by [[Troy Brownfield]], the [[Otaku]], their beliefs, described as the following, mention furries in a positive view:

{{q|Manga is a medium, not a genre. '''Furries''' aren't loathsome. I can learn Japanese from Gundam...}}

* '''''Cosplayroom''''' (September 2008) - On his '''''Japanese Schoolgirl Watch''''' column, [[Brian Ashcraft]] mentions furries in the following paragraph regarding Japanese girls and [[Cosplay]]:
{{q|...Many Japanese gals lead double lives: Mild-mannered students in plain-jane uniforms by day; French maids, '''Furries''', and [[Wikipedia:goth|goth]] [[Wikipedia:Lolitas|Lolitas]] by night...}}

== See also ==

* [[Wikipedia:Wired magazine|Wired magazine]] at [[Wikipedia]]
* [[Jargon Watch: A Pocket Dictionary for the Jitterati]]

== External links ==

* ''[http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/2.03/muds.html Johnny Manhattan Meets the Furry Muckers]'' article on Wired's online archive
* "[http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/magazine/16-04/st_geekster Wired's Geekster Handbook, a Field Guide to the Nerd Underground]" article on Wired's online magazine

[[Category:Media coverage]]
[[Category:San Francisco]]

Wired (magazine)

2010-12-04T14:44:41Z

72.173.248.174: /* Newer articles and/or mentions */

{{unreferenced}}
{{NPOV}}
[[Image:WiredLogo.png|right|220px]]
[[Image:CNLogo.gif|right|180px]]
'''Wired''' is a US based monthly magazine and website based periodical published in San Francisco, California since March 1993, and owned by [[Wikipedia:Condé Nast Publications|Condé Nast Publications]]. It mainly covers technology, and its effects on the world in general.

== Wired and furry ==

'''''Wired''''' has covered the subject [[furries]] and the fandom in several articles, including:

==== The Johnny Manhattan piece ====

One of the very first mainstream articles about furries appeared on ''Wired'' in a March 1994 in an article titled '''''Johnny Manhattan Meets the Furry Muckers'''''. Some furries felt that there were a number of problems with the article, which caused quite a stir at the time:{{fact}}

* The article primarily describes events on [[Wikipedia:LambdaMOO|LambdaMOO]], not [[FurryMUCK]].
*[[ Johnny Manhattan]] (aka Josh Quittner) lifted character descriptions without permission, a violation of copyright, and a potential invasion of privacy (FurryMUCK's [[Wikipedia:ECPA|ECPA notice]] notwithstanding).
* The focus when speaking of furries was mostly on [[sex]] and an inability to understand why someone would play an animal online.

This article is generally considered{{fact}} to be an example of inattentive editors passing an article with little or no inspection.

[[Alendria]], whose nude description was printed in the article's FurryMUCK portion, wrote a letter of protest; when the magazine's editors offered to print it, but only if she allowed her real name to be used, she declined due to personal issues.{{fact}}

==== Newer articles and/or mentions ====
[[Image:Wiredcover.jpg|right|thumb|100px|September 2008 Wired cover]]
* '''''?''''' (? 2001) - The furry fandom was mentioned in a sidebar{{fact}} featuring fads which were coming and going; furries were considered a short-term fad already on their way out.

Considering the previous (and mostly forgotten) article, and the growth of the fandom, this was at best an erroneous view based on other mainstream attention at the time.

* '''''Wired's Geekster Handbook, a Field Guide to the Nerd Underground''''' (March 2008) - Under the sixth geek described by [[Troy Brownfield]], the [[Otaku]], their beliefs, described as the following, mention furries in a positive view:

{{q|Manga is a medium, not a genre. '''Furries''' aren't loathsome. I can learn Japanese from Gundam...}}

* '''''Cosplayroom''''' (September 2008) - On his '''''Japanese Schoolgirl Watch''''' column, [[Brian Ashcraft]] mentions furries in the following paragraph regarding Japanese girls and [[Cosplay]]:
{{q|...Many Japanese gals lead double lives: Mild-mannered students in plain-jane uniforms by day; French maids, '''Furries''', and [[Wikipedia:goth|goth]] [[Wikipedia:Lolitas|Lolitas]] by night...}}

== See also ==

* [[Wikipedia:Wired magazine|Wired magazine]] at [[Wikipedia]]
* [[Jargon Watch: A Pocket Dictionary for the Jitterati]]

== External links ==

* ''[http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/2.03/muds.html Johnny Manhattan Meets the Furry Muckers]'' article on Wired's online archive

[[Category:Media coverage]]
[[Category:San Francisco]]

Fursuit

2010-11-24T04:40:16Z

72.173.248.174: /* Sexuality */

[[Image:Autumnfox.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[Summer Vixen]] and [[Autumnwah]] at [[Further Confusion 2006]].]]
[[Image:Autumn 012.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[Autumn Vixen]] poses in fursuit.]]
'''Fursuits''' are [[animal]] costumes associated with the [[furry fandom]]. They range from simple [[tail]]s and [[ears]] to full costumes cooled by battery-powered fans. Similar to [[mascot]] suits, they allow the wearer to adopt another personality while in costume. Owners (also known as '''[[:Category:Fursuiters|fursuiters]]''') can spend less than one-hundred to many thousands of dollars on one fursuit, depending on the complexity of the design and on the materials used. These items are frequently sold at conventions, or online by either commission or auction. Many furry fans [[:category:Fursuit makers|make their own]] using online tutorials or advice from newsgroups.

The term ''fursuit'' (coined<ref>[[Critter Costuming]], p13 - Robert King mentions inventing the term ''fursuit'' back in 1993 for the title of an amateur costumers' mailing list about the then un-named hobby while on the way back from a conference (perhaps [[ConFurence 4]]?), in part as a pun on the word ''pursuit''</ref> in 1993 by [[Robert King]]) can also refer to animal mascot costumes in general, as opposed to [[human]] or inanimate object mascots. The act of wearing a fursuit is usually referred to as ''[[fursuiting]]''.

==History==
Fursuiting as a permanent feature and practice within the fandom likely dates to the pre-convention era (1984-1989), when the first furry parties were being organized at both sci-fi conventions and home furmeets. By [[Confurence 0]] in 1989 (the first hotel-based furry convention), a programming track called "Furry Costuming" was held at the hotel at which it took place.'

Many have commented on the sea change which occurred in the growing fandom when graphic artists, many of whom were native to the [[funny animal]] fandom era, shared more attention with costumers, resulting in the artists' booths being overshadowed by the presence of costumers at conventions and furry parties<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.fan.furry/browse_thread/thread/98297bd0b163b276/aa1b5bd5eb53f70c?lnk=gst When did Fursuiters take over furry fandom?] thread started by [[Joe Strike]] to [[alt.fan.furry]], Nov 30 2008, 12:33 pm</ref>.

==Types of fursuits==
[[Image:GR FC2007 furry cats costumers.jpg|right|thumb|Fursuits are not always furry]]
The standard fursuit is a full body costume that consists of a head, forepaws (hands), hindpaws (feet) and a body with an attached tail; in some cases, the tail is connected via a belt to the wearer and hangs out through a hole in the back of the body. Many suits include special padding or undersuits to give the character its desired shape (this is especially present in larger characters or those of a particular gender.)

A ''partial suit'' or ''half-suit'' contains the above, only without the body. This allows the wearer to don ordinary clothing (or a different costume) overtop of the paws, head and tail. In partial suits, the tail is usually attached to a belt, and the arms and legs have sleeves that can go up as far as the shoulders and pelvis, respectively.

Most recently, a third type known as the ''three-quarter suit'' has been developed, which consists of a head, arms and pants made to look like the legs, tail and feet of the animal in question, which works well for characters who only wear shirts.

== Reasons for fursuiting ==
[[Image:Wgg the Gnoll.jpg|thumb|right|Wgg the Gnoll, an example of a suit that uses a mask.]]
A person who wears a fursuit generally falls into one or more of five categories.

=== Job or charity work ===
Many furry fans wear fursuits as a job or to bring attention to an event or charity. This can include mascots, though not all mascots are fursuits, nor are all mascot performers furries. Many fursuiters are hired through an agency to represent a character, while others bring their own constructions to an event instead. There are also several volunteer fursuiting groups across North America that either ask or are asked to entertain at various social functions. Some groups even set up their own charitable events or perform on the streets to passersby.

=== Conventions, parades, exhibitions ===
[[Image:FursuitDancersAC2006.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Fursuit dancers at [[Anthrocon 2006]] - video by [[BigBlueFox|BBF]]: <span class="plainlinks">[http://youtube.com/watch?v=dFKdUVsjUqY 1] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb82sUmiCq4&NR 2] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aafWQJwQmZ0 3]</span> ]]
Other furries enjoy wearing their suits for parades, exhibitions, or [[convention]]s. Oftentimes these are of a personal character who they are expressing as a form of role play. The fursuiter may consider themselves to be expressing who they really are. These fursuiters may also wear their suits to small, informal meetings among furry fans in their area. Some may get permission to perform in or outside of a shop or event, while others may simply wear a suit in a major area, such as a mall. However, some public areas have no-mask laws, so individuals seeking to wear their fursuit in large, public places should check first if it's allowed before performing at that location.

=== [[Role-playing]] ===
Some LARPers create highly elaborate costumes (including fursuits) for their characters. Half-suits are usually created for role-playing games, though some LARPers use full-body suits. These suits wear elaborate clothes and costumes of their own, depending on the theme of the game.

=== Sexuality ===
A small portion of the [[furry fandom]] considers a fursuit a sexual item. A fraction of the fursuits sold are made for sexual activity. Some suits may contain elaborately designed sexual features, while some wearers simply snip a hole or two out themselves. The [[Wikipedia:music video|music video]] for "[[Beautiful]]" by [[Wikipedia:Moby|Moby]] revolves around a [[Wikipedia:Swinging|swinger]] house party where all the participants are dressed up in fursuits, though this is likely to be intended as a metaphor rather than a statement about the furry fandom. It is a common misconception that all fursuiters use fursuiting for sex. '''This is untrue''', an extremely small minority of fursuiters use fursuiting for sex.

=== Spirituality ===
Some people (usually [[Wikipedia:otherkin|otherkin]] or [[Wikipedia:therianthropy|therianthropes]]) also fursuit for reasons of expressing what they feel is their inner animal self. Most of them try to make their suits as realistic and lifelike as possible.

==Construction==
{{main|Construction of fursuits}}

==Maintenance==

Some fursuiters spray their costumes with Febreeze, Endbac, Lysol, or a generic antibacterial spray after each use. Usually fursuiters select a product that will kill bacteria, rather than just mask odours. During storage, the fursuiter may keep it stored with a fabric softener sheet, or a box of baking soda like the ones used in a fridge or freezer.

The fursuit is regularly brushed. Fursuiters usually try to brush the fur in such a way that it doesn't pull on the fur backing, as not to weaken it.

When it comes time to wash the suit, fursuiters consider each part individually. If foam is soaked in water, it may not dry quickly enough and start to grow bacteria or fungus before it does. Airbrushed patterns may fade if washed. Glue used to hold parts of the suit together may weaken if washed. Leather is usually not advisable to soak in water. If the suit has any electronics, those may be damaged by water. If wire or plastic canvas gives part of the suit its shape, it may not be advisable to soak that part, or at least not to machine-wash it.

The parts that will not be washed can usually be wiped with a damp cloth. Stains may be removable with a product like [[Bubble Gund]].

The parts that will be washed can either be machine washed or hand-washed. Usually the fursuit is turned inside-out and zipped up to avoid extra stress to the fur. No heat is used during the process as this can shrivel the fur. For detergent some will use a regular laundry detergent, while some may use a special detergent like Woolite. Putting undiluted detergent directly onto the fur may cause fading, so fursuiters try to avoid this except for treating stains. For machine-washing, the fursuiter chooses one of the more delicate cycles. For hand-washing, the fursuiter tries not to stretch the backing, and not to squeeze the fur into an alignment other than its natural lying flat state.

After the suit is washed, it is then dried. The fursuiter may fluff it up in the dryer in an air-only cycle. '''No heat is used in any step.''' Usually the fursuiter does not dry it completely, but takes it out and brushes it periodically until it is completely dry. Since waterlogged fur is heavy, the fursuiter may go to some lengths to lay it out flat while drying, so it doesn't stretch from the extra weight. Fans may be used to accelerate the drying process.

Fursuiters are divided over whether [[Wikipedia:drycleaning|dry cleaning]] is advisable for fursuits. Since dry-cleaners can choose from many different methods and settings, and there are many types of fur, it is likely that one answer does not apply to all situations.

== Performance ==
[[Image:Fursuit Markus Hug.JPG|right|thumb|[[Markus]] offering a hug.]]
A key part of playing a character in suit is an engaging performance. The most expensive fursuit in the world will not help someone who does not know how to use it. Looking good is important, but not as important as ''acting''.

How the performer acts in costume reflects on how others relate to them. If the desired character is bouncy and bubbly, then acting that way is required to communicate it to spectators.

The design of the suit plays a part in some of the moves that can be done. For example, some fursuiters with floppy muzzles nod their heads up and down rapidly to simulate laughter or enjoyment. This cannot be done with suits with a rigid muzzle, or no muzzle at all.

=== Body language ===

Fursuiters do not generally speak in costume. This may be for a variety of reasons:
* To preserve the anonymity or conceal the gender of the performer
* The design of most suits muffles the voice of the performer
* Most animals don't talk

Because of this, acting in suit is all about body language.

== "Furzooter" ==

''[[Wikipedia:The Year of the Flood|The Year of the Flood]]'', a 2009 novel by [[Wikipedia:Margaret Atwood|Margaret Atwood]], includes the passage:
{{q|Toby got a job as a furzooter: cheap day labour, no identity required. The furzooters put on fake-fur animal suits with cartoon heads and hung advertising signs around their necks, and worked the higher-end malls and the boutique retail streets. But it was hot and humid inside the furzoots, and the range of vision was limited. In the first week she suffered three attacks by fetishists who knocked her over, twisted the big head around so she was blinded, and rubbed their pelvises against her fur, making strange noises, of which the meows were the most recognizable. It wasn't rape - no part of her actual body was touched - but it was creepy.<ref>Atwood, Margaret. ''The Year of the Flood''. Toronto, Ontario: McClelland & Stewart, 2009. p. 31.</ref>}}

== See also ==
*[[:Category:Fursuiters|Fursuiters]]
*[[:Category:Fursuit makers|Fursuit makers]]
*[[:Category:Fursuit photographs|Fursuit photographs]]
*[[Wikipedia:Fursuit|Fursuit]] at Wikipedia
*[[WikiFur:Fursuit Central|Fursuit Central]] on WikiFur

== References ==
* ''Critter Costuming: Making Mascots and Fabricating Fursuits'' by [[Nicodemus (person)|Adam Riggs]], [http://www.ibexa.com/ Ibexa Press], September 2004, 208 pages (spiral-bound), ISBN 0967817072, ([http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967817072/ Amazon link])
<references/>

== External links ==

=== Tutorials ===
*[http://www.matrices.net/fursuiting.asp Costuming and fursuiting] at [[Matrices]].net
*[http://www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=fursuit The Fursuit community] (on LiveJournal)
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20080214041853/http://www.nicodemus.org/fursuit/ Nicodemus' Fursuit Pages] (archived) - a good source of information by [[Nicodemus (person)|Adam "Nicodemus" Riggs]]; consider his book, ''[[Critter Costuming: Making Mascots and Fabricating Fursuits]]''
*[http://www.jinglefox.com/guides/index.php Furry World Guides] by [[Santa Fox]] - includes several fursuiting guides
*[http://www.fursuit.de/cms/index.php/En:Fursuit_building Fursuit building] by [[Tioh]]

=== Databases ===
* [http://www.frappr.com/fursuiters A map dedicated to fursuiters around the world]
* [http://fur-suit.org The Fursuit Database] A comprehensive Fursuit database
* fursuiter.org - fursuit database - Defunct (see [http://web.archive.org/web/20070116205759/http://www.fursuiter.org/ archive])

=== Other ===
* [http://fursuit.org/ The Furry Costume Information Exchange]
* [http://fursuit.timduru.org/ The Fursuit Archive]
* [http://www.fursuit.co.uk/ Fursuit.co.uk] The British fursuit site
* [http://www.onefurall.com/ onefurall.com] Fursuit gallery and commissioning
* [http://www.crushyiffdestroy.com/show/fs1 The Bitter Ex-furry's Guide to Fursuiting] at [[Crush Yiff Destroy]] (mostly bitter, but a few good points)
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XKCRMnSxz4 Example of fursuit dancing] on YouTube
* [http://www.lionofthesun.com Lion of the Sun] Awesome masks and other fursuit parts

{{Wikipedia|Fursuit}}
{{Fursuiting}}
[[Category:Fursuit terms]]
[[Category:Fursuiting]]
[[Category:Clothing]]
{{Featured article}}

[[cs:Fursuit]]
[[de:Fursuit]]
[[es:Fursuit]]
[[et:Fursuit]]
[[fi:Fursuit]]
[[fr:Fursuit]]
[[hu:Fursuit]]
[[no:Fursuit]]
[[pl:Fursuit]]
[[pt:Fursuit]]
[[ru:Фурсьют]]
[[sv:Fursuit]]
[[zh:兽装]]

Fursuit

2010-11-24T01:48:58Z

72.173.248.174: /* Sexuality */

[[Image:Autumnfox.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[Summer Vixen]] and [[Autumnwah]] at [[Further Confusion 2006]].]]
[[Image:Autumn 012.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[Autumn Vixen]] poses in fursuit.]]
'''Fursuits''' are [[animal]] costumes associated with the [[furry fandom]]. They range from simple [[tail]]s and [[ears]] to full costumes cooled by battery-powered fans. Similar to [[mascot]] suits, they allow the wearer to adopt another personality while in costume. Owners (also known as '''[[:Category:Fursuiters|fursuiters]]''') can spend less than one-hundred to many thousands of dollars on one fursuit, depending on the complexity of the design and on the materials used. These items are frequently sold at conventions, or online by either commission or auction. Many furry fans [[:category:Fursuit makers|make their own]] using online tutorials or advice from newsgroups.

The term ''fursuit'' (coined<ref>[[Critter Costuming]], p13 - Robert King mentions inventing the term ''fursuit'' back in 1993 for the title of an amateur costumers' mailing list about the then un-named hobby while on the way back from a conference (perhaps [[ConFurence 4]]?), in part as a pun on the word ''pursuit''</ref> in 1993 by [[Robert King]]) can also refer to animal mascot costumes in general, as opposed to [[human]] or inanimate object mascots. The act of wearing a fursuit is usually referred to as ''[[fursuiting]]''.

==History==
Fursuiting as a permanent feature and practice within the fandom likely dates to the pre-convention era (1984-1989), when the first furry parties were being organized at both sci-fi conventions and home furmeets. By [[Confurence 0]] in 1989 (the first hotel-based furry convention), a programming track called "Furry Costuming" was held at the hotel at which it took place.'

Many have commented on the sea change which occurred in the growing fandom when graphic artists, many of whom were native to the [[funny animal]] fandom era, shared more attention with costumers, resulting in the artists' booths being overshadowed by the presence of costumers at conventions and furry parties<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.fan.furry/browse_thread/thread/98297bd0b163b276/aa1b5bd5eb53f70c?lnk=gst When did Fursuiters take over furry fandom?] thread started by [[Joe Strike]] to [[alt.fan.furry]], Nov 30 2008, 12:33 pm</ref>.

==Types of fursuits==
[[Image:GR FC2007 furry cats costumers.jpg|right|thumb|Fursuits are not always furry]]
The standard fursuit is a full body costume that consists of a head, forepaws (hands), hindpaws (feet) and a body with an attached tail; in some cases, the tail is connected via a belt to the wearer and hangs out through a hole in the back of the body. Many suits include special padding or undersuits to give the character its desired shape (this is especially present in larger characters or those of a particular gender.)

A ''partial suit'' or ''half-suit'' contains the above, only without the body. This allows the wearer to don ordinary clothing (or a different costume) overtop of the paws, head and tail. In partial suits, the tail is usually attached to a belt, and the arms and legs have sleeves that can go up as far as the shoulders and pelvis, respectively.

Most recently, a third type known as the ''three-quarter suit'' has been developed, which consists of a head, arms and pants made to look like the legs, tail and feet of the animal in question, which works well for characters who only wear shirts.

== Reasons for fursuiting ==
[[Image:Wgg the Gnoll.jpg|thumb|right|Wgg the Gnoll, an example of a suit that uses a mask.]]
A person who wears a fursuit generally falls into one or more of five categories.

=== Job or charity work ===
Many furry fans wear fursuits as a job or to bring attention to an event or charity. This can include mascots, though not all mascots are fursuits, nor are all mascot performers furries. Many fursuiters are hired through an agency to represent a character, while others bring their own constructions to an event instead. There are also several volunteer fursuiting groups across North America that either ask or are asked to entertain at various social functions. Some groups even set up their own charitable events or perform on the streets to passersby.

=== Conventions, parades, exhibitions ===
[[Image:FursuitDancersAC2006.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Fursuit dancers at [[Anthrocon 2006]] - video by [[BigBlueFox|BBF]]: <span class="plainlinks">[http://youtube.com/watch?v=dFKdUVsjUqY 1] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb82sUmiCq4&NR 2] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aafWQJwQmZ0 3]</span> ]]
Other furries enjoy wearing their suits for parades, exhibitions, or [[convention]]s. Oftentimes these are of a personal character who they are expressing as a form of role play. The fursuiter may consider themselves to be expressing who they really are. These fursuiters may also wear their suits to small, informal meetings among furry fans in their area. Some may get permission to perform in or outside of a shop or event, while others may simply wear a suit in a major area, such as a mall. However, some public areas have no-mask laws, so individuals seeking to wear their fursuit in large, public places should check first if it's allowed before performing at that location.

=== [[Role-playing]] ===
Some LARPers create highly elaborate costumes (including fursuits) for their characters. Half-suits are usually created for role-playing games, though some LARPers use full-body suits. These suits wear elaborate clothes and costumes of their own, depending on the theme of the game.

=== Sexuality ===
A small portion of the [[furry fandom]] considers a fursuit a sexual item. A fraction of the fursuits sold are made for sexual activity. Some suits may contain elaborately designed sexual features, while some wearers simply snip a hole or two out themselves. The [[Wikipedia:music video|music video]] for "[[Beautiful]]" by [[Wikipedia:Moby|Moby]] revolves around a [[Wikipedia:Swinging|swinger]] house party where all the participants are dressed up in fursuits, though this is likely to be intended as a metaphor rather than a statement about the furry fandom. It is a common misconception that all fursuiters use fursuiting for sex. '''This is untrue''', a extremely small minority of fursuiters use fursuiting for sex.

=== Spirituality ===
Some people (usually [[Wikipedia:otherkin|otherkin]] or [[Wikipedia:therianthropy|therianthropes]]) also fursuit for reasons of expressing what they feel is their inner animal self. Most of them try to make their suits as realistic and lifelike as possible.

==Construction==
{{main|Construction of fursuits}}

==Maintenance==

Some fursuiters spray their costumes with Febreeze, Endbac, Lysol, or a generic antibacterial spray after each use. Usually fursuiters select a product that will kill bacteria, rather than just mask odours. During storage, the fursuiter may keep it stored with a fabric softener sheet, or a box of baking soda like the ones used in a fridge or freezer.

The fursuit is regularly brushed. Fursuiters usually try to brush the fur in such a way that it doesn't pull on the fur backing, as not to weaken it.

When it comes time to wash the suit, fursuiters consider each part individually. If foam is soaked in water, it may not dry quickly enough and start to grow bacteria or fungus before it does. Airbrushed patterns may fade if washed. Glue used to hold parts of the suit together may weaken if washed. Leather is usually not advisable to soak in water. If the suit has any electronics, those may be damaged by water. If wire or plastic canvas gives part of the suit its shape, it may not be advisable to soak that part, or at least not to machine-wash it.

The parts that will not be washed can usually be wiped with a damp cloth. Stains may be removable with a product like [[Bubble Gund]].

The parts that will be washed can either be machine washed or hand-washed. Usually the fursuit is turned inside-out and zipped up to avoid extra stress to the fur. No heat is used during the process as this can shrivel the fur. For detergent some will use a regular laundry detergent, while some may use a special detergent like Woolite. Putting undiluted detergent directly onto the fur may cause fading, so fursuiters try to avoid this except for treating stains. For machine-washing, the fursuiter chooses one of the more delicate cycles. For hand-washing, the fursuiter tries not to stretch the backing, and not to squeeze the fur into an alignment other than its natural lying flat state.

After the suit is washed, it is then dried. The fursuiter may fluff it up in the dryer in an air-only cycle. '''No heat is used in any step.''' Usually the fursuiter does not dry it completely, but takes it out and brushes it periodically until it is completely dry. Since waterlogged fur is heavy, the fursuiter may go to some lengths to lay it out flat while drying, so it doesn't stretch from the extra weight. Fans may be used to accelerate the drying process.

Fursuiters are divided over whether [[Wikipedia:drycleaning|dry cleaning]] is advisable for fursuits. Since dry-cleaners can choose from many different methods and settings, and there are many types of fur, it is likely that one answer does not apply to all situations.

== Performance ==
[[Image:Fursuit Markus Hug.JPG|right|thumb|[[Markus]] offering a hug.]]
A key part of playing a character in suit is an engaging performance. The most expensive fursuit in the world will not help someone who does not know how to use it. Looking good is important, but not as important as ''acting''.

How the performer acts in costume reflects on how others relate to them. If the desired character is bouncy and bubbly, then acting that way is required to communicate it to spectators.

The design of the suit plays a part in some of the moves that can be done. For example, some fursuiters with floppy muzzles nod their heads up and down rapidly to simulate laughter or enjoyment. This cannot be done with suits with a rigid muzzle, or no muzzle at all.

=== Body language ===

Fursuiters do not generally speak in costume. This may be for a variety of reasons:
* To preserve the anonymity or conceal the gender of the performer
* The design of most suits muffles the voice of the performer
* Most animals don't talk

Because of this, acting in suit is all about body language.

== "Furzooter" ==

''[[Wikipedia:The Year of the Flood|The Year of the Flood]]'', a 2009 novel by [[Wikipedia:Margaret Atwood|Margaret Atwood]], includes the passage:
{{q|Toby got a job as a furzooter: cheap day labour, no identity required. The furzooters put on fake-fur animal suits with cartoon heads and hung advertising signs around their necks, and worked the higher-end malls and the boutique retail streets. But it was hot and humid inside the furzoots, and the range of vision was limited. In the first week she suffered three attacks by fetishists who knocked her over, twisted the big head around so she was blinded, and rubbed their pelvises against her fur, making strange noises, of which the meows were the most recognizable. It wasn't rape - no part of her actual body was touched - but it was creepy.<ref>Atwood, Margaret. ''The Year of the Flood''. Toronto, Ontario: McClelland & Stewart, 2009. p. 31.</ref>}}

== See also ==
*[[:Category:Fursuiters|Fursuiters]]
*[[:Category:Fursuit makers|Fursuit makers]]
*[[:Category:Fursuit photographs|Fursuit photographs]]
*[[Wikipedia:Fursuit|Fursuit]] at Wikipedia
*[[WikiFur:Fursuit Central|Fursuit Central]] on WikiFur

== References ==
* ''Critter Costuming: Making Mascots and Fabricating Fursuits'' by [[Nicodemus (person)|Adam Riggs]], [http://www.ibexa.com/ Ibexa Press], September 2004, 208 pages (spiral-bound), ISBN 0967817072, ([http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967817072/ Amazon link])
<references/>

== External links ==

=== Tutorials ===
*[http://www.matrices.net/fursuiting.asp Costuming and fursuiting] at [[Matrices]].net
*[http://www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=fursuit The Fursuit community] (on LiveJournal)
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20080214041853/http://www.nicodemus.org/fursuit/ Nicodemus' Fursuit Pages] (archived) - a good source of information by [[Nicodemus (person)|Adam "Nicodemus" Riggs]]; consider his book, ''[[Critter Costuming: Making Mascots and Fabricating Fursuits]]''
*[http://www.jinglefox.com/guides/index.php Furry World Guides] by [[Santa Fox]] - includes several fursuiting guides
*[http://www.fursuit.de/cms/index.php/En:Fursuit_building Fursuit building] by [[Tioh]]

=== Databases ===
* [http://www.frappr.com/fursuiters A map dedicated to fursuiters around the world]
* [http://fur-suit.org The Fursuit Database] A comprehensive Fursuit database
* fursuiter.org - fursuit database - Defunct (see [http://web.archive.org/web/20070116205759/http://www.fursuiter.org/ archive])

=== Other ===
* [http://fursuit.org/ The Furry Costume Information Exchange]
* [http://fursuit.timduru.org/ The Fursuit Archive]
* [http://www.fursuit.co.uk/ Fursuit.co.uk] The British fursuit site
* [http://www.onefurall.com/ onefurall.com] Fursuit gallery and commissioning
* [http://www.crushyiffdestroy.com/show/fs1 The Bitter Ex-furry's Guide to Fursuiting] at [[Crush Yiff Destroy]] (mostly bitter, but a few good points)
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XKCRMnSxz4 Example of fursuit dancing] on YouTube
* [http://www.lionofthesun.com Lion of the Sun] Awesome masks and other fursuit parts

{{Wikipedia|Fursuit}}
{{Fursuiting}}
[[Category:Fursuit terms]]
[[Category:Fursuiting]]
[[Category:Clothing]]
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Dragon

2010-03-03T00:55:25Z

72.173.248.174: /* Dragon noises */

[[Image:Extinctioners cast Dre by Ebonyleopard.jpg|right|thumb|[[Dre]], a fictional '''dragon''' character in [[Extinctioners]]]]
'''Dragons''' are a diverse mythological [[species]], rich in lore, appearance, form, color and nature. Although not all dragons have scales or are even entirely [[reptile|reptilian]], they are generally classified as [[scalie]] or [[herp]] within the [[furry fandom]]. With such diversity and adaptability to [[anthropomorphic]] characterization, the dragon has become one of the [[List of most popular phenotypes| most popular phenotypes]] of furries.
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== Non-anthro dragons ==
[[image:Autumn_slice_02.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Reflections of different realities.]]
Full-form, non-anthro dragons come in many shapes and sizes representing their origins from around the world.

* Western Dragons are usually large, leathery-winged, quasi-reptilian or saurian beings. In modern fiction they are sometimes warm-blooded, and reflect influences from contemporary knowledge of [[dinosaur]]s. Most have scales and some lay eggs. Variations include but are not limited to:
** Feathered [[wing]]s
** Fur coat or manes
** Un-scaled hides
* Eastern Dragons are generally long, sinuous, fur-bearing dragons without wings. Often, they have horns or antlers, and are the type depicted in Chinese or Japanese traditional art.
* Rare or Atypical Dragons such as Amphipteres or Wyverns - the moniker "Dragon" is applied to a staggeringly large number of creatures, some of which have very little to do with each other.
* Non-traditional or less common permutations, such as Fairy Dragons or even artificial and symbolic creatures - postmodern [[fantasy]] and [[science-fiction]] has portrayed the dragon as everything from a psychological [[Wikipedia:Meme|meme]] to [[Wikipedia:Steampunk|steampunk]] robots.

Character-oriented genres like Furry tend to portray non-anthro dragons with additional capabilities and tweaks to make them more accessible as a sentient character who might display human-like behavior. The capacity for human speech is common. It is also not uncommon to see dragons with dexterous, tool-using forefeet. One can find crossovers with dragon-like qualities in species concepts like the [[monoceros]].

== Anthro-Dragons / Dragonoids / Draconoids / Draconids ==

Anthropomorphic dragons, also known as [[draconids]] are similar to their full-form cousins, but [[humanoid]] or [[bipedal]]. [[Furry]] fantasy characterizations of this style of dragon may freely combine highly interpretive elements:
[[Image:AW6-Panko.jpg|right|thumb|176px|A Dz'isu by [[Brian Harp]]]]
* They may or may not have wings. Wings may not be functional for flying, or may be only for gliding.
* Feminine forms (be they female, [[herm]], or otherwise) frequently show [[mammal]]ian traits such as [[breasts]]. Such a character might still be defined as a reptile, or might be conceived more as a mammal with draconic features.
* Legs are often [[digitigrade]], but may be [[plantigrade]].
* Body hair and/or fur is common. It sometimes may be presented as birdlike proto-plumage or down.

In fiction, myth, and character back stories, non-humanoid and humanoid dragons are sometimes two aspects or variations of the same species. It is not uncommon for non-anthro dragons to possess the ability of [[shapeshifting]] in order to assume a humanoid form or presented as examples of parallel evolution.
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Known [[furry]] examples of anthro-dragons include [[Brian Harp]]'s Dz'isu, [[AraKaraath]] from his comic ''[[In A Perfect World]]'' and [[Phantomgraph]]'s Dracine.

== Draconic character traits ==

Dragons typically have many character traits ascribed to them. Due to the wide range of mythology and differing perceptions of their personality, there is no definitive guide to draconic characterization. Some classical and popular traits are:

* Hoarding valuable items. Traditionally seen as greed, but sometimes as protection of rarities or items which are valuable in more ways than material riches. Some items are often only of value to the dragon and are collected because of a particular interest or just because it's shiny or caught the dragon's attention.
* In [[Japanese mythology|Asian mythology]], an appreciation for fine foods and tea, culture, traditions, and rituals.
* Arrogance, selfishness and a sense of superiority and/or invulnerability.
* Vanity and great attention to appearances, though not necessarily physical.
* Defensive and territorial, preferring the company of other creatures to another dragon.
* A "breath weapon" of some kind, often visualized as the natural or mystical ability to exhale fire. There are many variations, ranging from icy breath to poisonous clouds. It has been suggested that this originates from the Christian idea that dragons (as "serpents" or "wyrms/worms") embody the tempting serpent of Hell, and thus their bellies are gates linked to Hell; whenever the dragon opens this gate, then, hellfire will belch out. However, such portrayal can also be considered a derogatory stereotype.
[[Image:Perndragon.jpg|right|thumb|136px|Dragons from the Dragonriders of Pern series]]
* Deference and even voluntary servitude to great wisdom, purity, power, or beauty.
* Curiosity about smaller, more delicate creatures such as men, to the point of obsession.
* Great cycles of sleep and regeneration, where a dragon might vanish for weeks, months, or years to slumber or hibernate.
* In the oriental context, a dragon is often seen as a messenger of divine powers or enforcer of the law of the gods.
* Mastery of arcane knowledge, such as alchemy and forms of sorcery or magical lore.

One trait many also conceptualize dragons with is referred to as the "pounce or ponder" instinct. A dragon tends to either make a snap decision - or else spend hours, days, or even years laboring over an idea, with little middle ground between the extremes.

==Dragons today==

Dragons have occasionally taken on a more humanistic sensibility in modern fiction. Anne McCaffrey's [[Wikipedia:Category:Dragonriders of Pern|Dragonriders of Pern]] saga is thought to be the beginning of the modern reconceptualization of the dragon. Particularly within [[comic book]]s, [[anime]], [[manga]] and [[furry fandom]], the dragon as a [[character]] or a personal avatar is often employed to add some draconic qualities onto a more human oriented foundation. Dragon characters commonly take on a more benign, playful, and warm persona.

* Non-anthropomorphic dragons are frequently direct allies of heroes and villains, and often serve as their protectors, companions or partners.
* ''[[In A Perfect World]]'', the comic strip by [[AraKaraath]], shows dragons as notorious for harassing postal carriers. Common traits include a love of [[shiny|shiny objects]], the ability to "lounge" almost anywhere, and a tendency to take a very long view of things.
[[Image:c-llewellyn.gif|right|thumb|180px|Llewellyn of [[Ozy and Millie]]]]
* Dragon characters are often crafted for appealing or exciting appearances as much as traditional mythological qualities, and combined with present day or science fiction settings in addition to traditional fantasy. Here, the dragon's traditional qualities are interpreted in a new context - for example, dragons might be masters of high technology rather than magic, or intellectuals rather than wizards.
* Dragons which have metaphysical elements may employ more modern ideas such as psionic abilities.
* The dragon might embody many traditional aspects, but for new purposes, such as humor. A good example of a traditional yet humorous and contemporary dragon is [[Llewellyn]], from [[D.C. Simpson]]'s comic strip [[Ozy and Millie]].

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== Multiplayer worlds ==

Dragon species have been prominent in a number of multiplayer worlds, including [[Alfandria]], [[Dragon's Shadow MUCK]], [[Loneport MUSH]], [[Faibanx]] and [[Ryksyll MOO]],[[Minions of Mirth]].
[[Image:Redtaildragon.jpg|thumb|250px|right|A drawing of a [[foxdragon]] by artist [[Arazia]].]]

==Dragon noises==
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There's no definitive "sound" for dragons. [[Cat]]s meow and purr, [[horse]]s whicker, nicker, whinny and neigh, but to date, there's been no real agreement on what sort of sound a dragon should make. There have, however been some generally popular ideas:
(Often spelled phonetically)
* Roar: A roar.
* Rawr/Rwar/Mrawr/Rawrm: A somewhat less intimidating roar. A friendly, sociable roar, or greeting - akin to the chuffing of [[tiger]]s. One of the more popular sounds, also used by creatures of other species. Recently, rawr has been used as a term to show arousal amongst dragons but, it is not well adopted.{{fact}}
* Awr: When used as a variant of "aww", this sound can show disappointment. This sound can also be used to show curiosity or confusion, as in "awr?"
* Wark: A noise also used by gryphons. An exclamation.
* Doot: A happy dragon sound, like "dook!" for [[ferret]]s.
* Thrum: A dragon purring. Also "rumble" or "trill" in some of the larger varieties.
* Growf: like "rawr". Used as the common sound of the "What's New" dragon from ''[[Wikipedia:Dragon (magazine)|Dragon Magazine]]'''s 1980s-era comic, [[Phil Foglio|What's New?]].
* Croon: An intimate sound, most commonly used by parents to hatchlings.
* Kgnaw: like chewing, but in a dragon's way.
* Mwrewl: rarely heard more intimate sound of pleasure.
* Skree!: a screech, can be pleasure, violence, or surprise.
* Yiss: Literally the scaly version of [[Yiff]].
Many dragon sounds are like [[Wikipedia:Metasyntactic variable|meta-syntactic variables ]]: they mean whatever you need them to mean.

== Cautions ==
*It is widely considered a bad idea to poke or otherwise attempt to wake a Dragon of any kind while it's sleeping. Long sleeping cycles often make for a grumpy Dragon if woken early - and a sleepy, grumpy Dragon is likely to bite first and think later. The popular Harry Potter series makes fun of this, the school's motto being Latin for "Never tickle a sleeping dragon."
*It is considered impolite to call a Dragon a 'lizard' (flying or otherwise) - and if offense is intended, the results depend entirely upon the Dragon's personalty. Also any reference to a dragon being cold blooded, when they are not, tends to have the same effect.
*''Never'' steal shiny objects or spirits (as in drink) from a dragon! Most are highly protective of such things.
*If you invite a dragon to a party, be sure to have enough food for your guest. Many types of dragons are big eaters as they have large bodies and need large quantities of calories to keep moving, and they don't take kindly to a feast cut short.

== Relationship with Lizardmen ==
[[Lizardman|Lizardmen]] tend to work under Dragons. There have been claims that lizardmen are directly descended from dragons, but this is open to speculation. Dragons tend to look down upon Lizardmen due to the fact that dragons are more intelligent. However, Lizardmen have been known to be slightly stronger than many dragons.

== See also ==
* [[:Category:Dragon species|Dragon species]]
* [[:Category:Dragon characters|Dragon characters]]
* [[Wikipedia:Dragons|Dragons]] at Wikipedia
* [[Dragon Code]]

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