Mephit FurMeet

lost your card

2008-09-05T06:09:00Z

There was an artist in dealers den I spoke with and we agreed on a conbadge for equine tail trade. Ive lost your card and do not know how to reach you. Please post here so I can find you.or email me at savaaha at gmail dot com. I think you were on table 38,39 or 40.

Questions

2008-09-04T15:39:33Z

I had two somewhat obscure questions from the con.

Firstly, does anyone know the name of the wind-up mouse fursuit? He had a big metal twisty thing stuck in his back, and a white piece over his muzzle. I LOVED him! I just adore how he was played! He would walk with a stilted, mechanical gait that was just awesome, and he'd do it no matter what as long as he was in suit, even if nobody was watching. Such a cool character! :D

Also, I donated three big cat plushies, and some hand-sewn animal coasters to the charity auction, but I wasn't there to see them get sold. Did anyone get those, or know who did? I was wondering how much they ended up selling for. :-/

MFM Fursuit parade video

2008-09-04T12:09:40Z

BadgeCam™ worked again! I was able to capture the fursuit parade from within the parade itself (eg: my perspective) for the second year in a row. I like to pretend that it gives a different point of view than the standard "watch all the fursuiters walk by" videos.

I took video of the MFM Fursuit Parade using my "disposable" video camera again this year. I think it came out pretty well, save the sub-par audio (what do you want out of a $19 video camera jammed into the badge holder hanging around my neck?).

Anyhow, here it is, raw and unedited:

7min 14sec, 36.6mb AVI, 2008-MFM-fursuit-parade.AVI

Be patient with my antique server (no, I don't have a YouTube account nor do I really want one).

If you post it anywhere or use any of it in any con promos, etc., please let me know and give me credit? Pretty please? Thanks!

Comments are welcome and encouraged.

MFM 12 Masquerade Video

2008-09-04T04:01:05Z

http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g170/jangleradio/MFM%2012%202008%20Memphis/VIDEOS/

I'm starting to sort through all the video I took at MFM 12.. here's two favorite performances from the Masquerade! And thanks to all the performers for one of the most fun talent shows I've seen.

(Crossposted to wildbilltx)

Thanks to the registration crew

2008-09-04T03:00:29Z

I was a total ditz at closing and forgot to thank my registration staff and volunteers over the weekend. It was because of them that we were able to clear out the big lines fairly quickly Thursday evening and Friday morning. My help included:

Morphy
Javi Roo
Linnaeus
Khin
Tahamaki
Garret
Kazzellin
LaDonna
StellClaw Fox
pan-pan melanoe
Shockwave
BlauChloe
Stevie (waves)
Angharan
Blue Heeler
Blackfrost
Emirasan
Stargazer
Demariana
Woyro

...and I'm pretty sure I'm missing people, for which I apologize. I'm running off a list from the beginning of the weekend which misses people that just came in and asked if I needed help.

Again...thank you all so very much

Rama

Puppet Track Thank Yous!!

2008-09-04T01:23:59Z

Wow! The Puppet trrack went amazingly well this year, despite some initial setbacks Thursday evening. I will make sure that the setup doesn't fall behind schedule, and resorting to Option B doesn't happen again.

I would like to thank the puppeteers that participated in the shows: BJ Buttons, Wildfox, Silaria, Brace Bear, Shockwave, Kia, Wanderer, Old Freak, Zorro, and a few others that we got behind the stage Friday afteroon and during the Who's puppet show :) And of course, gracious thanks goes to Sub Level-03 for allowing us the use of their sound equipment for the Saturday Show.

I didn't have many panels planned, but rather made most of the con offerings hands on; it makes teaching and showing, as well as sharing ideas, a bit easier. However, if anyone would like to run a panel for next year's MFM, I'd be more than happy to include it in the schedule next year ^.^

And many thanks to the audiences that showed up for the two shows. I hope they were entertaining and that you enjoyed them as much as the performers loved hamming it up for you XD

MFM Con Report

2008-09-03T22:49:48Z

Here is my MFM con report. Same as the post from my actual LJ, but wanted to cross-post it here to say what a grand time I had at the convention. :)

Beware it is long for those that care to read it.

Thursday 8/28/08:

I worked and after getting off work, went over to my brother's apartment to pick up some stuff that he forgot. My original plans were to go directly from work over to my friend Star-Gazer's place as I had all my luggage in my car from packing the previous night and made sure I had everything beforehand, minus my fursuit because it hadn't arrived in the mail yet. : ( So I got to Gazer's place around 9pm-ish and we weren't really going to leave till around midnight so we sat around talked with his roomie and even watched the big democratic rally and I must say that after the speech given I am definitely impressed. Enough on politics though.

We left a little earlier around 11:30pm and got a little head start to get to the convention.

Friday 8/29/08:

The drive was uneventful, though I wasn't able to get much sleep if any because Gazer's new vehicle is a Jeep and has rally suspension so you can feel every bump in the road. It gives great control though from what I've heard, just is not as "comfortable" a ride. The trip was uneventful, though had some good conversation and when we got to the hotel I was trying to go to breakfast with the person I was rooming with raganzi, but seems he was up way late the previous night, so we instead went out with one of Gazer's friends that we met up with. We ate at Ihop and then came back to the hotel. I got registered and then went about trying to meet up with friends.

I am going to apologize way in advance if I don't mention all names or LJ tags if people do have LJ's because it was a very awesome con and I just want to write this report while it's still fresh.

I got through registration just fine, but had an issue with them and the printer not wanting to print, or someone else messing up and printing on the wrong kind of paper for a dealer vs. a regular attendee. Once that was over I just pretty much wandered the con, sometimes popping into the headless lounge to see who of my fursuiter friends was in and chatted here and there. I also picked up an awesome badge made by Lenny Mutt! :) I spent lots of time in the lobby and in the garden court area meeting up with people. I also went into the dealer's den and got a commission from Bushy Cat the first day, along with talking to other dealers there that are friends of mine like the people from Ringtail Café. I did go to opening ceremonies for a bit and then later was helping show a fursuiter friend of mine DarkTiger some poi moves before an off the con schedule meet for beginners to teach poi. It was a good thing I brought multiple sets of my day poi for people to practice with. What I didn't know is that the entire weekend I'd be teaching poi quite a bit… *chuckles*

I also got the room that I booked swapped over to another friend so they could get the con rate for the room. Since I was staying with Raganzi I didn't need that room, but found someone else wanted it so I kept the reservation to give it to my friend Bauske. I did go out for dinner with people that evening and then later went to the Frozen Oasis party held by Soron and Jaspian. I actually was buzzing from that party and the dance constantly, being around friends, and having a great time that evening. I stayed up even after the dance talking with people in the headless lounge and was easily up till like 4am. I got in after my roomies and most were asleep except I think for Max, because I know Raganzi and DC Rabbit were out like lights.

Saturday 8/30/08:

It always seems that Saturday is the most bustling day of the convention; it starts slow, speeds up, then tapers off… This convention was no different, this was the day things were speeding up, and people were having lots of fun and stuff. I woke up late and didn't get some of the free breakfast from the con suite. I did get some food later, only a little as I had dinner plans with friends for BBQ. I also was called by my roommate who wasn't able to make it to the con who told me that my fursuit had arrived! ^_^ Just it wasn't at the con… : ( *shrugs* Ahhh well… there's always next con right? I had fun without having my suit anyway.

I went to the dealer's den, got my sketchbook back and gave it to Growly from the Ringtail Café people, and also gave my small, velvet sketchbook to a couple people as well. I also picked up a little necklace from Painted Dog that is a little 3d representation of my character and his name spelled out in square beads. I also was helping people like Paddlefoot and a few others teaching them how to spin poi throughout the day as well. *chuckles* It seems that poi or glowsticking is definitely getting very popular. I used to be one of a few, and now I'm teaching the next "generation"! *snickers* There were even some children from a family reunion that was happening that wanted to learn, but were not the most patient bunch, but I was nice and even tried teaching them too. :P

I went out to eat with a lot of local friends from Texas at a place called Interstate BBQ and had some bbq spaghetti that was quite good and their house specialty. When dinner was over we went back to the hotel and went to the ice-cream social. There was even a printer bashing fund raising event that was pretty cool. I went to a birthday party that Bushy Cat had invited me to and there had lots of fun, cake, and watched general silliness from people like Neopan Tiger and others. I then got in touch with Tilt because we had talked at one point before the con about me borrowing a suit for one night… He let me borrow his suit Greifer, and I went back to the birthday party and had lots of people wondering who was in the suit which was fun and it was cool to suit up even for one evening. I think I scared one little child even though I wasn't trying to… I think it was the claws on the paws that did it… I did go to the dance and I do need to say one thing for that fursuit's paws… "These paws… They do NOTHING for spinning!" (glowsticks or otherwise) :P *snickers* I spun anyway at the dance, and even had video taken of me by Tilt and others. The paws with the padding in them made them less dexterous, and the claws (mostly the claw on the thumb) caused some difficulties, but I think I did ok. ^_^ I eventually had to return the suit, but I went back to the dance and had fun, and also taught Paddlefoot some moves, along with Foxglove. Stayed up again till around 4am-ish… I spent a few hours just talking with friends in the headless lounge. Lots of fun had by all I must say… We talked about many weird subjects and everything else.

Sunday 8/31/08:

The last real day of the convention… The convention was going by so fast, but it was lots of fun. I woke up a little on the late side, got a little bit of food. I was invited to go to Texas de Brazil with some friends, but for that kind of buffet restaurant you want to fast the entire day before going there... I had to say goodbye to some Texas friends who had to leave, because they worked on Monday.

I got my sketchbook back from Growly who started something kind of interesting coming up with pages for a "comic" which I'll have to get her to sketch more in my book to get more of the "story"… *grins* I also bought a comic book from them and plan on collecting the rest as well. There have been tons of cameos in the comics and a local friend of mine Fuzzwolf has had one of his character's make an interesting guest appearance in the latest comic. It's too bad that the people who are doing the Dreamkeepers weren't there. I would've liked to commission the artist again because I love the piece he did where my character is swinging from a chandelier.

I spent the rest of the day wandering, chatting with friends, hanging out. I did go out to eat with a large group of 10+, though we had to be two separate parties. I went out with my friend Bauske, Neopan Tiger, Jai Dingo, Paddlefoot, Leon, Delilah, and a few others. We went to outback, and also were joined by the other party filled with most of my Texas friends who were part of Furplanet. Had some very fun times and then had to rush back to the hotel so that the fursuiters of my group could be part of the fursuit games. The odd thing was while the games were going on and went a little late, they started the dance and at one point Foxglove was DJ'ing and it was dead there and that was because the fursuit games were still going on. :/ I think a little bad timing, but I had fun, and even taught a new person poi by the name of De who already knew a lot of motions due to martial arts training. I also tried showing White Wolf, and one other how to spin. Man I was just teacher this entire weekend! :P *snickers* The dance was good and eventually ended, didn't go to bed though, and stayed up late, had some good laughs though and eventually went to bed, but not before giving my sketchbook to one last person, Blackfrost to finish out the LAST page of my black sketchbook. This book has 4yrs of art and memories. Most of them good, some I look back on and a couple pieces… *chuckles* That is another topic for another time. I went to bed eventually.

Monday 9/1/08:

The day that ways must part. I got packed up and checked out. Paid my portion of the room as I stayed from Friday – Monday, where the others in the room actually got in on Thursday. I said my goodbyes to lots of people before heading out and it seems at first my brother really hadn't worked out his "going home" arrangements… Sometimes he needs to think things through sometimes. :P He got with us and we got all packed up and then got on our way. At first we were gonna stop for lunch in downtown Memphis, possibly at a place called Bigfoot like we did a couple years ago, but something was happening in Memphis… I think some ballgame and downtown was all packed so we decided to head out. Stopped off at a Love's travel station and got some Subway and then went on the trek home.

I started reading a set of graphic novels that my brother picked up called Fables, which are an interesting take on our traditional fairy tales, but in modern day, as if they are real and just was quite an interesting read. He had the first 3 compilations and seems that there are at least ten. I plan to collect them myself as I found the entire story fascinating. I also played some games on my DS.

When we got back to Dallas we went to eat at On the Border, did try to get some other local friends to eat with us, but it ended just being the three of us. Then we hung out with some other locals Gavin & Moni, and eventually got my brother to his car and then drove back to Gazer's place where my car was located, and then home… Went to bed, and that was that… A real good con, lots of fun, friends, frivolities, and one big recap! Hope you all enjoyed the read, and I post this to keep the memories fresh and revisit later. ^_^

I hope you all enjoyed the read.

mfm @ 2008-09-03T16:33:00

2008-09-03T21:33:48Z

Okay, so this is my unofficial con report. My official one is the actual one I officially file with the convention itself and contains such fun things as what went wrong and what went right and what went left.

This is going to be more laid back and is going to touch into a few things that happened at MFM 08 and why I’ll (hopefully) be in the same familiar role at MFM 09.

On Thursday, the bull shapeshifter thingy and I jumped into a fully loaded Yaris and began our slow crawl out of town to Memphis. It was an uneventful trip, and we stopped to look in Jackson, TN for something that resembled a tacky Hawaiian shirt for opening ceremonies. Found nothing, but I did pick up Final Fantasy IV so I could play it in my off time.

Friday was glitch day, and the Xbox360 died on me. Someone else’s Wii went vanishing. And we realized what cables we forgot/could not use. I remember thinking part way through Friday morning that we just were not going to have a good weekend. We were doomed. DOOMED!

But it was not to be. It picked up on Friday, and then Saturday just seemed to keep going stronger and stronger. Elliot snuck out for Food at Rendezvous and I stayed to help HG run the Charity Poker Tournament. We raised over $1180 for that. That’s a ton of money. That’s a brickton of it. We had 38 participants, and next year, I want 50. Our prize selection was HOT this year, and next year, I’d like to even push that further. SOOO.. artists, be aware. I’ll be .. pinging you for that as soon as I remember how to write.

Sunday, we continued running strong, and I snuck out to Texas de Brasil with a bunch of guys. Yum. Just.. Yum. Came back, did more work, closed up and fell into bed at 2AM like Rama did.

Monday was wake up, staff meeting, wander around an empty hotel, help get the con back into the wheeled box, haphazardly throw gaming into ITS wheeled box, and then drive home.

Some things:

+ I met a lot of people this year that I had never gotten to know before

+ I think FitFur has a future and will be fun to run at this convention and others

+ The artists who showed up and gave for the Charity poker tournament were great

+ I regained SOME faith in furry here.. but also gained the ability to clearly delineate what I do and don’t like

- Some drama, nothing too bad, during the con.

- Too much drama after the con, especially when by and large the response has been positive to the con.

- Gustav. I know people put a lot of blame on the evacuees for the actions of a few of them, but these are people who are losing their entire homes for the second time in five years. I saw FAR too much disrespect being given out to them, but I also saw a lot of respect.

In short, good con. Will return (obviously) , and now I have some thinking to do about other things.

MFM 12

2008-09-03T20:57:39Z

This was a big deal for me. I first attended MFM 10 years ago at MFM 2. My, how things have changed in 10 years - both for me and the convention. Things keep getting better and better.

First off, I want to give a huge THANK YOU to everyone that attended and for everyone that's been giving feedback. Without feedback, we can't improve (or keep things the same - if it's not broke don't fix it, after all). I really do appreciate everyone that's voiced an opinion, shared a story and given their thoughts about the weekend.

Also, a big THANK YOU to all my weekend "co-workers" and our "interns" (volunteers). Without them, the weekend doesn't happen. I heard many wonderful compliments on panels - we had a few last minute additions that went over quite well too. Thank you to all for sharing your knowledge, views and insights into the many facets of the community.

I don't even know where to start with the weekend. It's all a busy whirlwind for me and I don't think I could give it justice by putting down a blog entry. Suffice to say, it was an absolute joy for me to be able to assist in getting an experience and weekend out there for so many to enjoy. Just you wait - this is the tip of the iceberg. Next year is going to be downright crazy, and I have a lot of ideas to torment you all (me included) with.

MFM Programming constantly evolves and changes - and this is where I need everyone's help. If there's a panel or event you liked or didn't like - if there's a panel or event you'd like to see happen, PLEASE, let me know. I love hearing about good experiences, and I also welcome criticism - if I don't know about it, I can't go about changing/correcting/fixing it. I appreciate all sorts of feedback.

Some changes for next year:
Mini Mephits/Schedules - yes, they will be MINI. Yes, they will have both the panel explanations/times as well as a grid format for each day - people like seeing the information in both formats, so I'll do everything I can to get it.
Events! Events! Events! - you'll see more of a unifying thread throughout the convention in relation to next year's theme of "Mystery!". It's going to be a BIG undertaking for me, but it'll be exciting. Writing and planning a murder mystery with 700+ participants is no small task! (But it'll be a blast for everyone involved!)
Wall Schedules - I noticed a lot of people checking out the daily blown up schedule grids posted on the walls and plan to continue that. There will also be one posted in the con suite as well.

These are just a few of the things you can see next year. As always - keep an eye on the MFM website, as well as the blog here. You never know what you'll see/find. Any programming comments/suggestions/etc feel free to contact me directly or through the programming link on the MFM website. I'd love to hear from you!

thank you mfm

2008-09-03T19:43:29Z

This being my 4th concert I was really happy to play for all of you wonderful furs. I had a blast and can’t wait for my next concert my audience continues to grow from con to con and this con just proved it ^^. I will be editing my video from my concert and posting the link on the mfm lj community for every one that wanted to see it but missed it for various reasons. And if you missed me at this con I will be playing at.

Oklacon 2008

Rcfm 2009 (special performance planed ^^ )

Dragon con 2009

There are a few more concerts that I may be playing but they are still in the works right now and will be posted on the crimson mist personal live journal page so if you want all of your crimson mist news updates just look on our personal page.

And one more Thank you to everyone at mfm and the staff for making this a great con and concert from me and everyone who helps crimson mist from stage to stage hope to see you at another con sometime soon .

[MFM] Con Report

2008-09-03T17:05:47Z

MFM 12... This was my 5th year attending. Overall, it was a good con, no real problems other than my ID card printer going up in smoke on the first day in the Dealers Den. There was something just off this weekend. It was good to see all my friends and make a few new ones, but there was something that seemed a little out of balance for some reason.

No pictures this year. Since I wasn't working in the dealers den, I spent most of the weekend handing out Wild Animal Tags and acting like a fool (There's something wrong... you don't have a tag... TAG! You're it!!) Per my tradition of the ear tags, I donated tag #69 to the auction, where Isfacat bought it for $250... He must be out of his mind.

My thanks to everyone who attended our wedding on Sunday morning. I know it was kind of early. I'll post pictures as soon as we get them from the con photographer.

Con suite was good, fun to hang out in. The pizza was MUCH better this year than it was last year. Many thanks to the staff and all the volunteers who helped make the con fun. All the problems I heard of were all second- hand, so I can't confirm nor deny any of them.

My only real complaint for the weekend, was that the restaurant in the hotel insisted on charging the full con price for the buffet for a 5 year old.

Got home last night about 2am, due to having to take a side trip to Illinois before returning to DevHome in Atlanta.

Thanks guys

2008-09-03T16:13:00Z

I really had fun this weekend. For me it was another "friends" con. I didn't go to any panels or to any events I just enjoyed the time with my friends I don't get to see other than at MFM.
We did go from congoer to refugee and it was really depressing to walk out of my room Monday and Tues morning and seeing no furs.
I do have to agree with malakidarkwolf about the rooms. The 1st room I was in the A/C flooded half the room leaving the carpet so soggy water welled up when you stepped on it. The 2nd room smelled like mold and the a/c barely worked at all.We also got charged 130.00 for Monday and Tues nights instead of the 99.00 we were promised.

The pizza feed- Well it is hard to feed 600+ people pizza and money/pizza quality can be an issue. I wasn't upset by that.Personally Im surprised the pizza feed tradition has lasted so long with so many people.

Ice cream social- THERE WAS ICE CREAM LEFT OVER. I was in the area when they asked people to take the left overs.

I will be back next year and hopefully with the new renovations the room problems will be solved.

Also to the fur who bought my ban hammer for the charity.. Thanks (hugs)

Thanks MFM!

2008-09-03T15:37:16Z

For being my first con experience, I had a wonderful time! Even though I just wander aimlessly through the halls most of my time there, I met some really awesome people, and all your staff was great! And for those who played Werewolf at night, I'm still not one =p

MFM 12 Fursuit Parade!

2008-09-03T14:38:05Z

Here's my video of the MFM 12 Fursuit Parade! Thanks to all the suiters who participated!

(Crossposted to wildbilltx)

Con Report: MFM '08

2008-09-03T13:50:00Z

Okay, gotta keep this short because I'm back in the clutches of the office (coincidently.)

--Anyway, I had a really great time this year. Thanks to everyone working who helped make my first staff experiance at a con a good one. (Special thanks to Lilpup, Goliath and Tigress for showing me the ropes. It was great hanging out with you guys.)

--I think for the msot part the con went smoothly, I enjoyed myself and even got a chance to shake the moths out of my fursuit and use it in the games. Yay!

--Finaly got to hear the latest work from Sub-Level 03, and was quite pleased with it. Hope to get my paws on the album soon.

--Had a chance to talk to a lot of people at the con, and catch up with old firends who I don't see that often, which was quite nice.

Well, that's about all for now (Told you this was short!) For the time, it's back to reality and working on my writing. Hope to see everyone back next year.

What I Did On My Con Vacation:

2008-09-03T11:53:11Z

First and foremost thank you staff, hotel, and furries for making my weekend wonderfully exciting. It has been quite a while since I have attended a furry convention, and I realized that "Welcome Home" was truely that, I was home again.

Thursday: Myself and two other furs left Texas in route to Memphis. It was a rather quiet trip, seeing that we left at 10:00pm CDT. Energy drinks, random stops, and the giggles made the trip so short.

Friday: We arrived at the hotel around 9:30pm. I was kinda disappointed when I talked to the front desk and they said that we had to wait until 1:00pm to get our room, but luckily the San Antonio furs were already there. We crashed in their room for a while before deciding to venture into the city for pancakes at the waffle house! A sugary dose of syrup later, we headed back to the hotel. Registration was so quick and painless. Walked in, showed them ID, got handed a bag, and walked out. Unfortuantly it looked like someone had chewed up my con badge, because it was all crumpled. *shrugs* stuff happens. Front desk tells us, no rooms until 2:00pm, so we go and get our stuff outta the car so it doesn't walk off. We ran around and I visited my favorite spot of the con SMOKERS AREA!!! Such a great spot, its like its own lil con waiting to happen. I do my normal con routine, walk walk walk talk talk talk etc. Opening ceremonies were awesome. Loved the tail TC. Office Space theme was kinda played out, a few oh face jokes etc. Jumped in and out of suit most of the rest of the night. Played in the 1st round of the Fursuit games. Its a lot harder to play games than it is to just walk and hug! Sleep finally hit me, and it hit me hard after the Oasis and few other drinks.

Saturday: I woke up early enough to grab breakfast at the restaurant. I sat down all by myself, until TC called me over to sit with him. Thank you everyone at the table for welcoming me!! The best line I heard at the table had to be TC calling Target and Saying "Hi, I am just curious, do you have any bawls.... err energy drink" I about fell outta my chair. We watched the new and listened to the Hurricane report etc. I attended a few panels, nothing to serious as I am not a big fan of sitting. I was there to suit, and after I found some super glue (my nose decided to fall off during Fursuit Games.. I don't think it liked getting punched) I was right back in suit again. I ran around and shook my tail. Hugs and kisses to everyone. Posed for tons of photos. Saturday was awesome. I got to meet Firr and his grabby paws. Walking in the halls, I over heard an Older lady say "I have heard about these people, I saw about this on C.S.I." I almost tripped laughing so hard. In and outta suit a couple 100 more times and I was out for the night.

Sunday: This day made me sad because I knew it was almost over. I picked up my badges and other items that I had done for me and went straight for my suit. Then I got the best gift in the entire world. A Squeaky Rainbow Colored bone. I squeaked at everything that I could. I love that thing. I continued to annoy the public as best as this wolf can do. I hugged alot of random people and honestly wanted to cry a lot. Closing ceremonies were great. So much money raised for all of those wonderful kitties. Ya'll make me proud to be a furry. The rest of the night was spent saying my goodbyes to all of my new friends. White Wolf set up a photo shoot for the fursuiters that were wearing suits designed by her. So my photo whorish ways continued. I talked to some of the evacuees and did my squeaky toy dance for a lot of them. I was a happy wolf.

Monday: We loaded up the car and headed back home. Thought of everyone rolled through my tiny wolf brain. I really missed everyone and I was barely gone.

The moral of my story is this. I had a great damn time. This was the first con that I have gotten to fursuit so much in. It was a thrill and a pleasure. It may have had its ups and downs, but I would not trade one second of it for anything. Though I didn't get to shake everyone's paw wing appendage etc, I still consider you all my friends. Thank you for 3 days of fun and excitement. <3 you all!!!

In response to malakidarkwolf

2008-09-03T04:40:12Z

I posted a reply to malakidarkwolf's post where he expressed some frustration publicly over the weekend. In his post, he expressed his wish for us not to delete his post, which we didn't. However, after my comments were made, he locked the post down, in effect deleting my public reply to him. In response, I'm going to repost my response here so we (as the convention) have a chance to answer back publicly and clear up some issues he brought up.

My comment:

First off, I won't delete the post, so you don't have to worry. It would be stupid of us not to acknowledge that we aren't perfect. Your frustration is understandable given what happened to you.

But, I will go through some of these things point by point:

1. Apparently you have contacted the hotel about the incident already as I was not aware of the total number nor that their security system was 'broken'. I do know of the number of ones that were reported to us. Unfortunately low lifes out there are willing to take advantage of people, especially ones with their entire lives in their car because they have been forced to flee mother nature.

2. We obviously can't force people to bathe, although it would be nice at times. There were a few that nearly gagged me.

3. Housekeeping is what it is. I've been at very few conventions where there weren't some issues with housekeeping.

4. For programming we try to have a little bit of something for everyone. If you're interested in suggesting a topic of a panel for programming, feel free to contact Wolfpaws.

5. The pizza feed change was announced at opening ceremonies. We did end up buying more pizzas and they were of much better quality than in previous years. As for the people taking 6 slices, I can't attest to that. The plans were at most for people to have 3 slices over the course of the weekend. I'm not sure how well that plan went as I worked on the other side of the convention, but we will work to improve on that.

6. The ice cream social was also announced at opening ceremonies and listed in the schedule. We aren't charged for the number of items eaten, we are charged for the number we put out. The convention buys the items before they are set out. Although I don't have the exact number, we bought nearly the same, if not the same, amount as last year.

7. You over heard me in the staff meeting and as has been mentioned before, my comment was that if a staff member is privileged to personal information about a security or a medical incident, it's not to be discussed with anyone. The reason for this is pure liability. It was never meant as a muzzle to our staff to discuss other issues because, quite truthfully, if we don't discuss our shortcomings with people, we can't improve.

8. The situation Sunday was unfortunate and uncomfortable. Our security did a wonderful job containing the issue as much as possible. Please understand, though, the stress the refugees were going through though and that their moods could not be expected to be bright giving the situation. At 11PM, the hotel asked us to become quieter, which meant no big events in the garden court. At that point the fursuit games were done. At 1AM, they asked us to move the big group of people out of the lobby as they started to do night accounting during that time. The dance continued until 2AM in A/B. The only scheduled event that was canceled, to my knowledge, was the DJ in Conf 8 and that was the DJ's decision, not anyone on staff. I went to bed at 2AM Monday morning and the prefunction area, fursuit lounge, and game room were still filled with people having a good time.

If you wish to discuss this any further, my email address is rama@ramalion.org.

MFM 2008 pics (Cross Post)

2008-09-03T03:27:58Z

The pics I took at MFM 2008 are now posted!

Here's the URL : >> http://albums.phanfare.com/2832153/2656141 <<

I'm sorry I didn't get more pics, but I hope this is a good cross section.

I hope you enjoy viewing them. if you find a picture of YOU, (in suit or out) that you'd like the FULL SIZE of,
please email me the actual photo (640x480) version from the site, and I will reply with the full size version,
(3500+ by 2900+).

Laters!

Brace Bear / J.R. Schnauzer / Halvdan / Windsor Wolf

Post-con report

2008-09-03T02:19:53Z

I resolved not to be so shy and reserved at MFM this year. If you can't be brave around furries, there's no hope for you. Thursday night, not long after registering, Firr dragged me into the Caramelldancen. Awesome. The con hadn't even officially started yet, and already I'd made a total fool of myself. Objective completed! Thanks for everything, Firr.

Big thanks:
Con suite crew - For pulling out all the stops.
LAN party crew - For letting everyone play with their toys
DJ Growltiger (sumatrae) - For making his fans happy.
Tangerine Vixen - For insisting that I get a real badge.

So many people work so hard to make MFM more fun for everyone. I was a volunteer this year, but I didn't do as much as I could have. Next year I'm going to run a game or two in the game room. Or maybe something bolder.

I only got a few good pictures, but you can find them here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/wells.jonathan/MFM2008#

MFM 2008 Pics

2008-09-03T01:59:46Z

Trying out Photobucket for the first time so here goes...

Most are the fursuit badges and the second largest part are snaps of the message boards:

http://s491.photobucket.com/albums/rr274/Morphyloon/MFM2008/

If there's one that doesn't have a name with it or the wrong name, let me know and I can fix it. ^^;

[morphy at comcast dot net]

Back From Memphis

2008-09-03T01:27:42Z

Ok I am back from MFM....well I have been for nearly 24 hours. I just moved my art desk from the purple art room to the green and lovily wolf room (in preperation for someone to move in later in the month) so I have lots of emails and what not to go through.

MFM HIGHLIGHTS

Chef Cindy's Food: As always it was awesomesauce! Very delicious and very nice, though something Saturday night did not agree with my stomach. I also got to thank her for the gift basket for getting a suite.

Too Suite: Well I had gotten for Runtt's anniversary the jacuzzi suite. To be hoenst it is great and nice but overall Runtt and I did not use it often to really make it worth it but I am sure that some people would love it. Nothing was better than to hot tub Saturday night while drinking Pomigranite Martini's! :) Delicious and warm I was! :)

Fursuiting: I did as much fursuiting as I could and possibly as long as Furfright last year, which was a lot for me. Next year I hope to do more but we shall see. I will at least attemtp a few of the fursuit games, not sure about Sundays cause of that whirly twirly opstical course, spinning in my suit would not end up being a good thing, especially after eating *laughs*

Leather Panel: I didn't honestly know what to think about this when it suddenly came up but for those of you who know me I like leathery things so I went. I must say that Wielder and his fellows put on a great very informal and highly interesting panel. I really walked away from it re evaluating alot in my life.

Biking Panel: This was my second and only panle ,mostly done for Brun who is a good friend of mine but I honestly think that next year I might be getting a bike! :) I must say if you are interested in biking or think you might go check his panel out if he does one next year! :) Brun this was me plugging you, you owe me! LOL! :)

Hanging with: T.C., yeah I was that creepy guy that always seemed to be around him, Wulfpaws (he was the other creepy guy hanging around TC *laughs* just kidding Wulfpaws, seriously it was great hanging out with ya!), Wielder, Brun, my mate Runtt (when he wasn't running around being crazy), Griefer, BJ Buttons, Rukario, RJtremor, and gosh darn it too many names to name really, to anyone whom I have not mentioned don't take it personally but memory is still fuzzy, I blame the excessive fun at the con *laughs*

Special thanks go to Rama and crazy man Blue for helping this foolish wolf find his much needed glass's case, you guys were very helpful very late at night and this wolf thanks you a bunch! :) Thanks to all the staff, volunteers, indivisuals, and con goers themselves for making MFM the fun con that it is. It is always a nice break and a great con to go to and just have fun!

By the way if anyone has pictures of this wolf could you send them to me or at least point them out to me! Thanks a bunch!

Definately be seeing you all next year! :)

Oh when I get it I have video on my camcorder it is being shipped back along with my suit sometime soon! As soon as I am able I will upload the links to it as soon as it is possible to do so! :)

NonCon Update

2008-09-03T00:17:19Z

Stop reading now if you’re looking for a warm fuzzy con report.... you have been warned!

What a waste of a nice weekend, I have to say I did not go to MFM with any expectations other than seeing some friends and running around for a bit.. And while I had a blast seeing some old friends and making a few new ones I must say this was a total waste of $2,000.00

WOW... WTF... 2K! For the Con! Yeah TWO THOUSAND FUCKING DOLLARS!!!
that's what the con cost me when it's all said and done... since my truck was one of the 18 total vehicles broken into over two days, they have security cameras but the DVR is fucking broke! and records.... wait for it....... NOTHING!!! FUCKING NOTHING! and the security company that patrols at night was too busy jousting on the golf carts to patrol the lot... not to mention all of the vehicles broken into where ransacked these piece of shit scum of the earth had all the time in the world to do what they did.

The hotel smelled of funk from cons goes by and housekeeping was by your room at 6am if you were not out you could not get your room cleaned period end of sentence.

The con it's self had little to no programming... read NO PROGRAMING... the big garden court pizza feed on Sundays was replaced with ordering 20 pizzas per days... which were gone in minutes from moochers taking six slices at a time...

The ice cream social was moved to a different days and time with no notice warning... ect... why you ask? MONEY.... the con gets charged per ice cream bar eaten... they sold 1/4 as many this year as years past... and to top it the bullshit I heard over breakfast on Monday morning from one of the directors about "If ANY staff, talks about ANY problems the con had... that staff member will be kicked off staff and banned from the con" What a CROCK OF SHIT!

And let’s not even go into the refugee's that showed up on the last night and started fights with the con goers... I will say security for the con did an amazing job and quashing the problems but they can only do so much.......and in the end all the remaining events dances... ect where shutdown hours early and all con goers were told to stay in their rooms for the remainder of the night...

so I'll lay off MFM ... read "Mother Fucking Memphis" for now and I'll post more information latter... or feel free to contact me directly, and yeah dare you to delete this since it's cross posted on my own page...

Malaki DarkWolf

Comments locked after Rama's post.

You can play if you want to (MFM 12, 2008 Con Report)

2008-09-02T23:02:38Z

The following post is not your typical convention report. Contained in the text below is a deep reflection on self discovery. If you don't want to read strong emotion, skip this post. If you're looking for a general recap of the events, shout outs, or drama, move on. If you want to read a tale of what makes a convention more than just a party, the following is for you.

--------------------------------------------
Mephit Fur Meet 12 - 2008
My Con Report

Mephit Fur Meet 12, 2008. I don't really know where to begin. This was a convention unlike any other convention I have been to, and that has to do more with my own mental status than anything else.

The convention itself was actually rather bland. The events were less appealing to me this year than last year. I seemed to have a lot more time to do nothing but contend with myself this convention. I'll step through the events as I can remember them.

Opening Ceremonies is always touching to me. It's the reunion, the "coming home" of all of the people that I'd like to consider my family and friends. This year's opening was kind of somber in the realization that there were a number of people who couldn't make it for various reasons. For instance, my friend Draco was unable to attend due in full to the financial crisis that many are now facing. The Tiger Haven staff was unable to attend due to a myriad of medical issues. The opening ceremonies, while still instilling a sense of belonging and joy, were rather sobering and numbing to the excitement that had built since RCFM... I am glad I was in Greyfur, for nobody saw me choke up. Nobody saw me fight desperately to forget the world and the stresses that we all face each day. Nobody saw me break down, my true sadness hidden behind those toony eyes. Yes, things were missing this year, but luckily I found joy and the ability to relax and make the most of the convention, possibly the last for a while to come.

Fursuit Games are always a treat. I enjoy being able to put Greyfur in the spotlight, get hot and sweaty, and try to accomplish physical feats in suit that most people can't do very well out of suit. Note that I said try. I really do suck at it, but I'm in a fursuit, so it's all good. I really am surprised at how tense the competition gets when things get down to the wire. I ended up with my body folded at odd angles during the Musical Chairs. I didn't get hurt, but it was definitely uncomfortable. I'm happy to have been able to contribute to the entertainment for all. I think the fursuit games are one of my favorite activities, period.

The Fursuit Parade. It gives people a chance to see all the suits in a much less physical atmosphere than the fursuit games, get great pictures, and sometimes interact with the suits. The parade was considerably lack luster this year, however. There were cameras, and almost as many suiters. That was actually rather disappointing. I did get to be in a few photos with my mate's suit during the parade... It was actually one of the most pronounced events in which there were such photos taken.

The ice cream social was just that... ice cream, and sociable. There was nothing more to it, really.

Closing ceremonies were surprisingly not depressing to me... I was actually rather relieved to have hit that point, as much as I didn't want to go home. I can't explain why it was a relief, but it was. It was nice to hear the joy bubbling through the speakers as the total amount of money raised for Tiger Haven was announced. I am also rather happy with the theme for next year. The Office Space theme really fell flat.... Sorry guys, but it just sucked. Not only was it rather difficult to embody aside from cliches, but it wasn't even heavily publicized. Murder mystery... that is a much better, more flexible theme.

The Sunday night dance was really hit and miss. The climax was probably the knock-down, scream and shout, all our free for all fist fight that happened in front of the dance hall. Actually, there wasn't much knocking down.... or screaming and shouting... come to think of it, it was rather anti-climactic. Yes, there was some challenging. Yes, the MFM security staffer responded inappropriately. Yes, the non-MFM attendee was intoxicated beyond control. However, things were contained very quickly, and the matter was resolved in minutes with out a bunch of fan fare. For that, I give great kudos to the rest of the MFM security staff and the hotel security.

Those were really the biggest events for me. I'm sure I've missed something, but it's not that important. The fact of the matter is that there was really nothing spectacular at the convention for me from the convention side of things. I did have a bout of depression at the convention of which the details don't belong in the context of this post. I mention it to illustrate why I am happy to have been at MFM, and why I am and will remain a regular attendee.

You see, in the convention were a number of furries and furry fans. I saw old furries, many of which could have been grand parents. There were middle aged furs, young furs, teen furs, and even children and babies. It was the children and babies that put the final resolution on my depression and liberated me from my own meltdown of negativity and implied rejection. I know the convention's theme was "Office Space", but I would like to propose my own personal theme for the convention. This is nothing flashy, nothing fancy, and there's very little that can be done with it... However, this theme defined what MFM and the furry fandom does for me. The following theme was coined not by a witty individual with humor and marketing genius, but by a little girl when I was struggling to fake a smile behind my toony head... I give you my theme for the convention:

"You can play if you want to!"

Those seven words completely changed the direction of the convention. I do not know the little girl's name, given or furry. I know not from whence she came or where she is at now. She probably didn't know then nor will she ever know how powerful that theme was to me. You can play if you want to. I accept you for who you are, and know that this would be more fun with you in the mix. That is what I heard in those seven words. In those seven words, my seething hatred of myself, my lack of self esteem, my crumbling optimism... it all faded away making room for joy and happiness.

In that moment, I found what MFM and furry are really about. Conventions provide entertainment, but that's not the industry con staff are in, and that's not the target audience. Conventions set the stage for family. Regardless of who we are, where we come from, what we know, what we have, our skills, or anything else, we as a family accept everyone without questions. Yes, we have our share of drama. We fight, carry on, and argue. What family doesn't?

I continued the weekend with a genuine warmth in my heart and joy flooding my every thought and motion. I came out of my shell, met people, and for the first time in my convention attendance history, I connected with people. I connected with complete strangers, knowing no more about them than their "stage" name, yet feeling closer to the community and every person therein that I met with each passing hour.

The hours passed quickly, unfortunately. Sunday night came and with it came my second joy. You see, we had refugees in the hotel from New Orleans. I hate to call them refugees, but they were. They left their homes and possessions behind in favor of dry ground and a sense of peace. I wandered out front to break from the action and that's where I noticed a weary mother and her son. She looked ragged, weary, and worried, understandably so. Her son's face reflected his mother's worry in youthful ignorance of the perilous situation. And there I was. Overheating, drenched with sweat, and smelling like two week old unwashed gym clothes, there I was in all my lupine glory. I was a beacon of innocent joy. I entertained the boy for 15 minutes before I could no longer stand to be in suit. I did cartwheels down the loading ramp, played sherades, and eased the boy's mind. His mother's face said what her mouth didn't. For 15 minutes, her son was happy and she was able to smile, in spite of reliving a nightmare that was a reality a mere 3 years prior.

Those 15 minutes were the greatest 15 minutes of the convention and possibly the year. If I had it to do all over again... if I had the opportunity to drive 750 miles to Memphis to ease the stress of a worried parent for a mere 15 minutes before trekking back home, I would do it without hesitation. I didn't get rewards from the convention in terms of sex, money, glory, respect, or any combination of the above. What I took away from MFM this year is something that no money can buy, and no man can steal.

My furry family, you have truely shown me the magnitude of the phrase "Welcome Home". Home is not a place. I am no longer in Memphis. Being home is not to be together. I am home. Home is being in a family of respect and love, unadultered by trivial, shallow, and vain attributes.

I am home. Thank you MFM for showing me how to find my way.

(Cross posted from my personal journal)

WBTX MFM 12 Photos Are Now Online!

2008-09-02T22:29:35Z

Red Hot off the wire...!

Feel free to use them in your website, LJ, or FA pages but please credit me.. OK? Thanx!

Photos:
http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g170/jangleradio/MFM%2012%202008%20Memphis/

Videos: http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g170/jangleradio/MFM%2012%202008%20Memphis/VIDEOS/

(Crossposted to wildbilltx)

mfm @ 2008-09-02T15:53:00

2008-09-02T21:03:41Z

While I'm not home yet due to Gustav, I can report that I made it safely out of Memphis with Leethar. I'll update my FA when I get home for real... whenever that may be.

Thanks so very much, all of you, for making this MFM the most fun I've had in ages. Everyone was incredibly nice, and it was like every new person I met was a long lost friend. Special thanks to the con staff, for making the whole event possible. You guys are geniuses.

[Edit]
There's a tree on my house back in Louisiana, but everyone is safe. Even my cats are all present and accounted for. I will be unable to return home for a while, but I still say it was worth it. Thanks again for keeping me from worrying my weekend away in a dangerous place.