I like the rant. There is some amount of truth in it. After all, a list without any talking is just people who are listening. Listening without talking is silence, and a community shouldn't be silent.
I don't really think there is an otherkin community online. Communities have people you can turn to and rely on. Communities have a bond which is shared constantly. They band together when one is having a crisis, and they stick together through thick and thin. I have a hard time seeing this online anywhere. Online, we are just too far removed from each other to do all that much. We feel helpless (or at least, I do) when someone else has a problem. We may feel for them, and want to help, but other than prayers and good thoughts, with the occasional advse, what can we do?
I have an otherkin community, but it isn't online. Most of the otherkin I know aren't on any of these lists. The otherkin community that I know consists of about 10 people, and really we are members of a larger community. We are all friends. Well, that has changed, but I am still friends with all of them.
What we have here is almost as good as a community, but just as necessary. It is even in the name "Otherkin.net."
We have a network. We know there are others out there. We can comfort each other without words, just knowing that there are others out there who are like us. Look at the directory. If I went anywhere in the world, I could find otherkin. Sometimes, I just look at that list and say "Wow, I am not alone."
We can talk. We can laugh. We can communicate. We can chat. We can ask questions and give answers. Are we a community? Probably not. But we are something more important.
I agree with the rant. And the response. My 'kin community is on my buddy list. On the one or two message boards I hang out on. I've reached that place where everything from here on is kind of hard to put into words, and the stuff we want to talk about isn't the usual anymore. I've never been an outgoing person, letting my website and essays speak for me, but it seems to be the fluffy bunny effect is what has done the most damage here.
That, and some (at least in the werecommunity) who have been here for so long, have left. And they haven't left forwarding addresses.
So those who loved them left, too, and now we've got private boards. And private buddy lists. And that's .. well, that's the future. Which sucks. But I think that we've as a community gone from a continent of unified peoples to a hundred countries, some allying, some enemies, most closing their doors to immigrants, which includes both the newbies and the older Otherkin we used to know.
No matter what you do there will always be those who will be "imitating" beliefs, rather than holding them. It's been going on for centuries, and it may very well be an inextricable part of the "mortal" experience.
All anyone can do is explain what they can, in any way they can, about their experiences and hope that the person on the other end understands what they are talking about.
I have read with dismay many of the guestbook entries, unable to tell if they were serious, sarcastic, or simply those that don't understand, but want to be Otherkin anyway.
Maybe I don't understand.
But without this rescourse there is almost nothing for the kin to learn of themselves with. I alwas felt half out of phase in social situations, never *quite* there. I have alwas had this feeling that my body simply hasn't fit, like a bad fitting suit.
And all my life I had felt alone in this.
At least until some months ago when Otherkin.net was posted as Steve Jackson Games' "Illuminated Site of the Week" and I checked it out. I had to read the pages one article at a time as I had to stop and think about what I had read after every article. Over the course of a few days I had finished the articles, and with a few more days of thought and deep soul searching I found that "Otherkin-ness" fit what I felt.
I still search for answers, though I know that I will never find them. I still question my 'belief' or 'decision', whatever you want to call it, about being otherkin, but then that's part of being otherkin. And yet, without this rescourse I wouldn't have known that there were others, crazy or not, that shared my "condition".
Yeah, there's a lot of posuers out there, with every kind of belief, not just Otherkin and Wiccans, but even in the most ancient organized religions have their share of false believers. Don't take it personally.
Okay, i'm rambling, maybe this is a rant in it's own right, but I still need to briefly address one last thing.
Yes it's been quiet in the Otherkin network.
But every coin has 2 sides, You call the pages Harmony and Discord. Right now we are in a time of Harmony. Let the wheel turn, Discord will return when the time is right, not before. When it does, the really great arguments and debates will return with it.
I will wait. I will speak when I have something to say. And when the discord comes I shall wait through that for the next time of harmony.
The waters are calm now. Take the time to look at your reflection, maybe know yourself better, before someone throws in a stone.
I am and always have been a dragon, and I don't intend on letting you doubt yourself (at least not without a comment). Sure, there are the idiot role players out there that think that this is just a game, but it isn't! This is reality. I don't think that you should let this site fall back for any such reason. By the way, it's the people that have no spirit that are truely blind. Otherkin could be used to describe those of us that have very very strong spirits (such as myself). So strong in fact, that the spirit takes over. Personally, I enjoy it and wouldn't want it any other way, and I think that anyone who is where I am would say the same thing. The moral is: don't ever doubt yourself, even if it seems like nobody believes you when you tell them that you aren't human, because those of us that really aren't human usually keep to ourselves. I know that I do. I've only told 2 or 3 people in my entire life that I'm a dragon. All of which are (or were) close friends. Thanks for your time.
Hi, just popping in to see how things are with "the community proper". I'm just one of the many kin who was overwhelmed by listmail. Maybe being "not of this world" isn't enough commonality, once you get down to it and once "the group" reaches critical mass. I know full well it did that months ago, hence all the lists- p'raps people have now made friends and are just sticking together, or there wasn't the right balance of listmember-types after the new lists, or something. I don't know, I wandered away a while back. Good luck with your journeys.
To an extent I agree with what you say but then what is a community? We each have our own definition. I find that sometimes the conversations are not that interesting so I delete whole threads unless I have extra time (which lately is not a happening thing) My computer time is limited on some days. I have seen us all cry to each other, fight with each other and support each other. That speaks community to me. If you are unhappy about something then change it. I was told once that if a march is needed and you are the only one in the parade and it is important enough then by god march! I am not always active I would have no time to get any work done with all the lists that I am on. Not all are otherkin related but I have to make time for them too. Still if we are all silent then the only sound in the air is that of crickets. So if you are the only voice in the wilderness get louder. Who I am is not dependant upon what other people are doing. It is my core and I am slowly learning just what that means. I give where I can in all things and I fight where I must. I am dragon. You have a good site here, give yourself more credit? I have learn much from you each time we are in touch it would be a shame were that to cease to be. Firefen
I think your words are true...... to some point,I think personnaly that after some thoughts on the subject,that there shouldn't be a list of kinds of 'kin,neither "how do I know if I am",after a long thinking on the subjects,I thought That only one should ask himself, "Am I 'kin" and if he is true to himslef,it will be right. Otherkin.net is a tool of communication,I often visit the link section to just try to find people who have stuff in common with me.I think that the Otherkin community is like a conversation, all involved speak and say their thoughts,there is not only one guy that speak,it must be all of those present that speak.
Your rant about OtherKin community, or lack thereof, was wonderful. I am a 50 year old who has always KNOWN she was "other." Memories are too clear and experiences too out of the "norm" to be otherwise. What does that mean to me? After 50 years, four kids and one grandkid, it means only that I am unique, like every other being.
Yes, I am looking for community. I define that, for myself, as being a familial group, where I can accept others on their own merits and can be accepted on mine. I seek communion, challenge, getting truly personal and real with others who also feel "other," in their own ways.
Does this exist? It is a probable reality, but it will take much work to bring it about.
Thank you for your thoughts. You have challenged me to look even more closely to what I value and define more clearly what I wish.
You are the kind of person I would like at least one of in any community I would be a member of. :)
Agreement can be an ugly thing, espacially for one so new all of this like myself. A friend of mine found this page for me, thinking that I would enjoy it since I am intrigued by occult fiction and fact. But, I seem to be finding only what you are describing, disorganization. Actually, that isn't entirely true, the site itself is quite organized but the people that I find myself conversing with are not at all what they claim to be. Now, by no means am I an expert at the fantastic, it's been my focus since I was ten but still I have only chipped a variable iceburge of information, however, talking with someone about being a werewolf and then getting blank air when asking exactly how they found out they were such disheartens me to the entire Otherkin experience. I realize that not all are lying and that some people do indeed mail others with usable information and tips on Otherkin but, a sense of finality and the faint smell of rotting flesh clouds the internet air. Otherkin is ending before it even really begins. So, I suppose that this shall be my ending paragraph, what shall I say in it? Nothing really, except a quaint little ending sentence. Truthfully I have to go and watch my friend, he keeps dabbling in occult paraphenalia he found in his attic and I worry that he's going to do something stupid. Well, tata. Alex.
*sigh* It is very sad to see less contact between people. Some maybe thought this as a fashion statement, or a fad. But well, for me, it's my life, it's who I am.
I try to make contact with others, but it's often difficult, people don't want to seem to talk anymore.
It sounds like you've been through huge tracts o' crap, and that's too bad. I was having a talk today with my teacher (Celtic Buddhist--really) about why people--including me--are reluctant to be 'just' human. Maybe a lot of people feel that it's a poor thing to be, and think that some glamourous-sounding identity will make them better than they might be otherwise, and use that as an excuse for growing up or taking responsibility. Maybe some of the people who do have the memories or the feelings of otherkin--including me--aren't all on the 'net, or did see some childish rudeness on this site somewhere, or whathaveyou, and were turned off. I agree that I am unlikely to be the same 'brand' as you or anyone else, but that is certainly no reason not to all be at least courteous to each other. I hope that you don't get too discouraged, to the point of not continuing to do what can be a helpful thing to some. I have only found this board recently, through the otherkin list, and hope that there are some good beings out there who want to get along and learn, or share, or just greet each other. Best wishes-- (:
You know, I've been exploring this site over the course of several days now, and during that time I've discovered a few ideas that deserve, in my mind, further exploration. In the interest of space, however, I'll write them later, tack it all to the 'Net, and post a link when it's done. There are, though, a few observations I'd just like to address.
Firstly, you're a damned good writer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both the main pages and the Rants (if my desire to comment wasn't clue enough), not just because of the raw data involved, but for the layout of it all. You've got an engaging manner of writing, and it serves you, and your site, well.
Secondly, your concerns regarding the nature of your internet attendees may be justified, though the very act of acknowledging the possibility has doubtlessly served to sober even the most flippant of purveyors.
I should know. I've been accused of being one of those role-playing dorks who spend their time "playing at seriousness", and while it never seemed true to *me*, I'll not deny that such claims might have had some validity to those that made them.
That said, I hope to be understood when I say that while this site, or any site, has its methods of abuse, you're doing a better job than many at regulating the... well, you said it best: "Harmony and Discord."
Good luck to you, and may you reap what you hope you've sown.
Most of the important stuff in the worlds happens below the surface.
You have gone underground, vanished from the flair of a "me-too" spotlights, but the world is becoming stranger - you have rhizomes below the surface and in just-a-little-while growths will reappear on the surface.
Otherkin is part of the key to the true nature of this world and of humankind - and like all pioneers you can wonder whether the efforts are worth it.
Whew. Do I ever hear you on this one. For the last three years I've run one of the largest websites dedicated to the reality of vampires. It's taken more hours, days, weeks, months of my life then I dare think about. It's left me isolated, hated, praised, and condemed time and time again. Recently, I even got the site it's own domain... And, after all that's come and gone over the years, I wonder how often it's been worth it. I too struggle with the doubts and the worries that I'm simply feeding the children their dreams of Anne Rice. No matter how much I talk it down - mention the REALITIES of it, the fact that *this is just life people*, the time spent tearing down the fiction, ripping through the beauty and glamour, and addressing the seriousness of health concerns, safety, and sanity, I still get emails from CHILDREN seeking out the "dark gift" I want to scream, or cry, or rage when I realize that sometimes, no matter how many hundreds and thousands of times I've tried to make a *positive* difference, I can't make people understand...
But...within the masses of sheep, herding blindly to the dark, gothic, and romanic word "vampire" for all the wrong reasons, are those who finally DO understand. Those rare and precious few who see that it's not about wearing black, or painting one's face white. That it's not about immortality and sensualty. That it's not an escape from life. It's just what it is and it's not something to try to make yourself into...they finally understand that You Must Be Happy With Yourself as Who and What You Are. Wishing for something else will never complete you...
So, for those few who understand; those few who have Seen; those few who have learned to love themselves no matter if they are "vampires" or not, I continue moving forward. Do we all understand each other? No. Do we all agree with each other? Is it always smooth and calm seas? Hell no. But, we make it work as best we can, I try to be there for those precious few who WILL understand.
I've been through this site many times. I've referenced others here. I've tried to keep and open door to all Kin and allow everyone to be themselves and share that with others. I understand your frustration and I know what you mean about "magick-boppers" (as I call 'em) who decide they know it all. Take a step back and breath. Let them play their little games and pretend to be whomever they want. Realize that the few of us who aren't just in this to be "different" appreciate your work, your efforts, and the community you're providing - even if it's nothing more then a way to find others.
Look, I've rambled on quite a bit and I'd actually like to email you in the hopes of opening up a line of communication - perhaps I can help in some way? - so with this I shall close. My inbox is open. I only hope this site remains so as well. until again, -m MemoryandDream, Webmistress Drink Deeply and Dream www.drinkdeeplyanddream.com
I have been out of the loop for several months because of a change in career (truck driving...imagine lil ole me... tee hee... not that you could imagine lil ole me unless you met me or was pa- sigh-kick.) (didn't do much on the lists really...)Anyways, I'm sad to hear that the O.K. community is dead, but I think it is something that had to happen to pan out all the bored teens and other such folk. What you have left are probably a few fed up true kin that are mostly made up of those who took the first steps to create a community and those that they have helped to truly awaken. You being one of the ones who helped me to really consider WHO I am. And that's what it comes down to... Not WHAT I am... but WHO I am. I am a Kunyan Elf living my happy life with a passionate and impatient Dragon. (Okay! I'll let you have the computer in a minute!) But WHO I am is the same person I have always been, changing and developing over lives and years. And now that I have continued on in such an unsuitable fashion, I will say farewell. You are still doing a great thing. If you would like, I will later send some info on Kunyan Elves (perhaps mixed in somewhere with Elenari, but not really sure).
Winks, Aisl Ailsidhe the one and only (Thank the Powers!)
Tirl, your rant made very much sense to me. I am one of those whose on the mailing lists, but I don't participate. Honestly everytime I read one of them, its mostly personal stuff between the regulars, and not much substance. Sure its possible that I may have missed alot of the substance by not reading every single one, but it looks the same, every email i read. Once in a while, they'll be a mere suggestion of an interesting topic, but not enough to peak my interests. Also, I have found many a folks on the list are very cliqcish. I have never felt any sense of "community" from the online crouds. so many are caught up in their experiences, and are so ready to etch in stone those experiences, that its rather limiting. I don't see how telling me Im not elven, is examplary of being elven. I don't need validation, i am what I am and have known it for quite a while. Your rant made much sense, and its refreashing. Namarie :) Cyllan
YOU HAVE THE MOST WONDERFUL RANTS!! SUCH HONESTY IN PLAIN WORDS , ABOUT NOT KNOWING SQUAT. I BOTH GIGGLED AND LEARNED THANK U FOR SHARING , IT IS APPRECIATED .
I understand what you mean in that there are those who probably really did live lives as something other than human and those who simply use otherkin status to find meaning in their otherwise empty and lonely lives. I feel that I lived a life as an elf long ago because I have true - albeit sketchy - remembrances of it. I also remember all my other lives after it which have been definitely human. I think perhaps the otherkin community should be split into those people who engage in it for fantasy purposes, and those who approach it from a more clinical, scientific approach. Some people claim otherkin status because they have no other friends, etc. Others truly remember a time when there were elves, dwarves and faeries about and simply want to research it as a phenomenon. The latter, to which I belong, are not in search of self-help techniques and we have all been laid. Anyway, I would recommend that elves seek out elves, faeries seek out faeries, etc, so that everyone can find their real community. I must admit, I'm very skeptical of people who claim to be blue-faced, rocket elves from some imaginary planet. To me that is abusing the true phenomenon and is inconsistent with the mythological record. Try to seek out other elves like me who are interested in a real debate and leave the idiots to their own devices.
I agree with you on some points however I am going to have to disagree about wicca completely. I never believed in wicca and never will. Its just a bunch of wanna be witches who want to still belive in god. How can one belive in god? I cant I don't see any reason to. I belive I am an elf and that I can do things mortals cannot. I have many gifts and powers that I cannot yet control fully. I am an elemtalist, Cleric, and a caster of somesort. I hurt people on accident. I do not know why or how its just happens. I didn't ask to be stuck in a human body I didn't even wish it but since it is here and I can't change it I might as well just live life the way I want to. I follow my past. I am an elf and nothing will change that. Sure other people might try and prove me wrong but they cant. know one can prove anything. Not even history can be proven completely when you think about it "history is just a bunch of fables agreed upon" does that make the elven rase unreal? No not really even though no one can prove it. It doesn't mean its not there. J.R.R tolkien opend up peoples minds to creatures. Elves happend to be one of them. He did not create elves he just saw past what was moral and wrote down what he thought. So I respect him for that. Wow this is getting long. Anyway. I'm not trying to flame you just voiceing my opinon.
by
Molly, or Blayze, whatever I feel like being today
on 2002-05-07
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, I can't say it enough. Not only have you caught my interest, (sometimes a rather difficult feat) but I may very well actually agree with you. My name is Blayze. I am a dragon. I couldn't explain it to you how, but then, it's not really neccesary. I was never able to put words to my feelings as eloquently as I've read here. Thank you for the opinions of one of the same set of mind (or perhaps the same type of mental disorder) as I. Living muddled somewhere between humanity and draconity doesn't tend to make for a healthy upbringing, places like this help me retain what I have left of my already small to begin with sanity.
Sadly, it is true what you say about the death a net community - they were,unfortunately and regardless of their merit, something of a fad.
True communities, however, exist without the artificial devices of bullitin boards and fora. It's called the mail system (including e-mail). Or face-to-face friendships?
For those of us isolated from our peers or interest groups, e-mail will have to suffice.
Very true, though I don't know if I'd say the community is dead, just in a state of limbo. The Pagan Community used to be the same way, but now it's probably the most-strongly-connected religious community in the world, where such matters as race, gender, creed, or sect rarely divide people or inhibit sharing of community. I'm the kind of person always searching for new and wonderful communities and was glad to meet so many otherkin in the last few months as I have, and I hope that the otherkin can find a way to put aside the divisiveness and just try to understand and support one another.
It is shocking how DEAD the otherkin websites are. I help manage H.O.P.E. Org. and Alternative Network, and I frequent several other boards, and despite often very large memberships (over 70 people strong on Alternative Network) there is little activity on the email lists, message boards, and most chat rooms. I think that there are too many otherkin websites out there to begin with, and like pagan websites most of them are doomed to failure for contributing to an internet community already too sparsely gathered across cyberspace. One of the major changes in the pagan face of the internet, probably the major change, was The Witches' Voice, the largest religious website on the internet to date and winner by write-in of the Webby Awards, over BeliefNet, The Vatican, and several other major websites, some of which (i.e. BeliefNet) actually spent money trying to win and still lost to WitchVox's word-of-mouth approach. Might I suggest Otherkin.net to serve that same role for otherkin? One way or another, to make better use of the internet, Otherkin need to choose a few of the more excellent and diverse websites and stick with them, and not be so anxious to split off into angelics and furries and elves and other race-exclusive groups and websites.
As to the wannabes, take another lesson from the pagans, ignore them and they'll usually go away.
You ask: "Am I providing the otherkin equivalent of that fluff wiccan book?" In some ways, unfortunately, yes. "Does the existance of otherkin.net encourage the existance of wannabes who just want a quick answer and a shiny new label to be non-comformist with a bunch of other people?" Again, unfortunately, yes. "Do more resources, more explanations, more details just encourage the wannabes, so that the actual otherkin take one look at the "community" go "I am not like these idiots" and go elsewhere?" Yes, yes, yes. I'm not blaming you or anything, but if you know it then take control, find a way to reorganize the website to encourage newbies and possible wannabes to seek their truth introspectively, through meditation, contemplation, exploration, experimentation, and self-discovery. The more detailed resources I think are still important for the otherkin community to seek answers and exchange ideas, but not so much for people uncertain of their identity to pick out the best species on a list and decide that's what they are. Be different from the lukewarm Llewellyn-types of this world and do what you can to ensure that the otherkin movement can be taken seriously, especially by the truly devoted members of the movement.
You said: "In my last rant I likened being otherkin to mystery religions. Not that it is a religion, but in that it is something that can only really be experienced, not explained. (If you don't believe such things are possible, go and explain "purple" to someone who has been blind since birth)." Right, right, right, you are absolutely right, being otherkin, like being human, is something that can only truly be experienced, not explained.
You said: "Otherkin.net was started as "Harmony and Dischord" - a place for filtering out the wisdom from the detailed discussions on the various mailing lists and keeping it for posterity. Along the way it gained a role at facilitating connecting people together. I've liked to think of it as a community website, a resource. I don't know who it's serving anymore. Is it just a mouthpiece for my personal rants? That hardly deserves the name "Otherkin.net"." Well, again, if you're concerned, do something about. I strongly recommend you let the success of the pagan community be your guide, and even your aid, because there is so much similarity between the two and yet so much distance in the success of the movements and their respective communities.
You said: "I don't think there is an "otherkin community". I don't think there can be without a solid definition of what otherkin means." I disagree, for no one in the pagan community can give a solid definition of paganism that no one else disagrees with, but it's an issue that, over time, most have realized is less important than being together as brothers and sisters. On that road lies flamewars and politics. Pagans had their fair share of 'witch wars', but they have mostly been left behind since the growth of the community on the internet.
Excellent rant, excellent. I hope that you can make something truly beautiful out of this website, there's so much it could be for so many people.
One reason for the divisiveness re: otherkin and furries, vampires, and so on....
Furries probably predated the "otherkin" community. Vampire community did. Draconic community did. "otherkin" as a community are relatively new, as a web-presence it began around 1998, a latecomer, an upstart, in the game.
I don't think we can walk over to furries and say "hey, we encompass you and eliminate your need for your own label, your own resources....consolidate with us." (nor to the Vampires, the Dragons....etc.). It ain't happening. Not now anyway.
One day, something might be worked out where linking-TO a big furry resource might happen at a larger central "find the right Fringe Culture Group" database. But Otherkin will not absorb furries, etc. Very unlikely. I don't see it happening.
Otherkin.net (OKN as we affectionately TLA it) is pretty much the current central hub website of the community, followed very closely by Rialian's site which predated it considerably (http://www.rialian.com/). I (http://www.kinhost.org/) work closely with OKN, and the ORC (once "Otherkin Resource Center") consolidated with OKN. There simply is no other main otherkin hub site that I know of. We've succeeded that much in some type of consolidation.
Now OKN needs the volunteer base to help the owner put all the ORC resources up, etc. We always need volunteers to help with the work, it's hard because most of it needs the Master Chef's personal hand in it....:(
if, for any reasons, you may still need 'volunteers' to aid in any further construction of this website i wouldnt mind helping you at all. i realize that my 'post' comes months after these that i've just read, but then if the rant (and this reply that i am responding to the rant thru) served its purpose, this site should still be moving along quite nicely, eh?
contact me whether you would like help with this site or not. thanx,
me (conversation with me is alot more casual than this....i just prefer to keep it formal until i read a reply from one of you....its a "fear of vulnerability" thing. if u knew me you'd understand...;oP
Well there seems to be one very big point to make about keeping otherkin.net up. That point very simply is.... we know nothing and neither do you ;). keep it up if you want, it helps people who are trying to learn here and there or those who are working to learn after the burn away scraps of all those dead mailing list and thoughts. simply be and it will manisfest best as it can ^_^
I liked this rant, I live being a druid and understand the difference. I'm also a type of tree kin. To me in this life it helps me understand why I'm different, why I think in the long term, why I have always felt like an outsider to the human race. I also have a companion that has always been with me, a gnome, he lets some of my friends see him from time to time. It's very fun since I never told them about him until they see him or one of his relatives that show up once in a while. I've always known that I was different just didn't know that there was others in this world like me. It's nice to talk with others who sort of believe or at least don't think you are smoking crack.
Perhaps we need a new term to identify our complexity of souls.
Starting with List Participation indicating community health. It depends. To be perfectly frank I often find the internet portion of a community, even with the overlap, not terribly indicative of the experience or community in the first place. Goths mock ravers, and talk about kicking raver butt, however thus far, they've notably left me alone while I'm wearing my P.L.U.R. shirt.
I've found online there are artificial divisions, and artificial bonding points. I'm as guilty of that as anyone else.
I'm not like many otherkin I see online. Oh well. I could post frequently, but I start feeling shrill, and I get tired. I tend to focus on one list at a time. Dividing my attention to so many lists is just not cool. My quality of post drops, and I suspect that's how the signal to noise ratio gets the way it does.
I find I like meeting people in person better. You see them face to face. You see through some of the crud better that way. Body language gives away quite a few things.
Which isn't to say I don't have an active online life. Especially with as many friends as I've gotten who live so far away.
I think that perhaps this happens to more people than me. They start out just posting on the lists, and all of the sudden their just sifting through list mail, and deleting 90% without a provocative subject line, isn't one of their emails, nor comes from someone who they pay attention to. I've got procmail filters and a priority schemes insofar as what I will check.
All that, and I have job concerns, educational concerns, and friends who I talk to online who I get along with.
Eek, I'm really digressing now...
I'm not interested in fluff right now. I want to think, and quite frankly, I don't stay focused well enough to really produce more that 2/3 long rant/posts a day, on a good day! Well, I could, but then it wouldn't be very coherent. I'm sure you've seen my random two word sentence babbles which if I was clearheaded I'm sure people would think, "Hey, she's thinking. Stupidly, but thinking." *giggles*
I'm also impatient. I'm tired of repeatedly getting on the same damn soapboxes. I'm planning on just putting some of them up on my site and being done with it. I'll just post links to it when people start mouthing off.
I think that my attitude isn't unique. I've seen many people go through similar modes.
Perhaps it will change, and I'll have the energy to participate, but it, quite frankly, can be exhausting.
I've got very little to show for it other than being considered a rat bastich by some kin, and outright threatened by others.
That's not exactly true, I've gotten some great friends and loved ones out of it.
Perhaps I'll get more, but to be honest, it's not my only social grounds.
It takes a lot more than just happening to be 'kin, for me to feel any kinship to you (pun intended, and you editorial).
At any rate, to me, the lists are lists. The people are people. Some I really connect with, but most, it's about as hit or miss as me being friends with another girl. Feminists hate me for refusing to "stick by other girls" when I don't feel they deserve it, nor have they earned it.
My personal feeling: People should connect as people, due to connecting, not because of some obligatory friendship.
Which is not to say I don't try to produce and give to the community at large. Especially newbies. It's not personal so much as me feeling people in general deserve a fair shake.
Devcandy (This is an idealist comment, really, it isn't cynical. I mean it.)
ayea, tis hard to see into other's hearts and say ayea, your an elf. twas hard for me to find that out myself. I soon learned that I had a sad and teribble past, but I have no time to start on about that.
You are truly a writer of truth. "You don't know squat" I couldn't think of a better way to phrase all the "info" I've gleaned from any number of otherkin websites into one universal sentance. I have an unsatiable appetite for knowledge so I've searched many websites and I've learned more from that sentance than anything else I've read. You're probably tired of explaining things and defending rights, but thank you very much for posting real articles about things you believe in. It's nice to hear someone who has a sincere voice every now and again.
I read otherkin articles. I browse through forums. I regularly check for updates on websites. However, one day I went into an otherkin chat room. I was horrified. The "fluff experts" you speak of have taken over.
However, I greatly appreciate the otherkin websites that exist. It would be a shame to discontinue their existence merely due to a few "wannabes". It is my sincerest hope that websites such as this one will continue to exist. It's all worth the effort if you touch at least one life isn't it? :) Don't forget your original goals. Amongst the hundreds of wannabes there are a few genuine otherkin. And those awakening need guidance. Do you really want to shut them out?
One reason for the divisiveness re: otherkin and furries, vampires, and so on....
Furries probably predated the "otherkin" community. Vampire community did. Draconic community did. "otherkin" as a community are relatively new, as a web-presence it began around 1998, a latecomer, an upstart, in the game.
I don't think we can walk over to furries and say "hey, we encompass you and eliminate your need for your own label, your own resources....consolidate with us." (nor to the Vampires, the Dragons....etc.). It ain't happening. Not now anyway.
One day, something might be worked out where linking-TO a big furry resource might happen at a larger central "find the right Fringe Culture Group" database. But Otherkin will not absorb furries, etc. Very unlikely. I don't see it happening.
Otherkin.net (OKN as we affectionately TLA it) is pretty much the current central hub website of the community, followed very closely by Rialian's site which predated it considerably (http://www.rialian.com/). I (http://www.kinhost.org/) work closely with OKN, and the ORC (once "Otherkin Resource Center") consolidated with OKN. There simply is no other main otherkin hub site that I know of. We've succeeded that much in some type of consolidation.
Now OKN needs the volunteer base to help the owner put all the ORC resources up, etc. We always need volunteers to help with the work, it's hard because most of it needs the Master Chef's personal hand in it....:(
if, for any reasons, you may still need 'volunteers' to aid in any further construction of this website i wouldnt mind helping you at all. i realize that my 'post' comes months after these that i've just read, but then if the rant (and this reply that i am responding to the rant thru) served its purpose, this site should still be moving along quite nicely, eh?
contact me whether you would like help with this site or not. thanx,
me (conversation with me is alot more casual than this....i just prefer to keep it formal until i read a reply from one of you....its a "fear of vulnerability" thing. if u knew me you'd understand...;oP
I've been reading around this site a lot today, and I found this article the most interesting so far, mainly because it tells me that the big divide in the pagan world - between fluff and solid people - also exists in the otherkin one; forgive me, but as an outsider I used to believe that it was all fluff. To see serious questions being asked, and a serious backbone to all this, is far more interesting than a thousand fluffy posts to an ML.
I'm very glad you kept this site up because, whilst it may indeed encourage the wannabes, it's certainly only going to do so if they don't bother to read past the first page! Teenyboppers who decide OMG I R OTHERKIN IM SO SPESHUL as soon as they hear that the possibility exists are going to do it anyway; please, keep this information available for serious members of this community, as well as cynical little humans like me. :)
And all these rants have been interesting and informative. I applaud them.
Are you sure that you aren't just being a teeny tiny bit self-pitying? I mean, The Death of the Otherkin Community. Perhaps it's either getting a) way bigger than you expected it to or b) evolving into something new and cutting off from the traditionalists? Perhaps it's best for the traditionalists to define themselves from the wannabes and just stay away. Let the poor fools who think they are but aren't alone.
By the way, I'm not Otherkin so I have probably got the wrong end of the stick.
This was the first site I came to involving Otherkin. I've only been visiting for close to a month. I'm not even sure if I'm Otherkin. I figure it's really too early to tell no matter what I feel.
Either way this website has given me so much to think about and led me in a lot of different directions. Unfortunately you are correct about the Otherkin community being so quiet and I might add it feels so closed. I don't think I've met one Otherkin who I could speak to or converse with on a regular basis.
I'm searching for answers on this new journey. I understand I'm the only person who can travel this path to find those answers but it sure would be nice to find people to share the long walk with.
I've wondered if it's the poser thing that is making so many Otherkin stand offish or what but it really does feel like there is no community.
This website is one of the few waypoints on my path. I hope it stays around.
I hope your wrong and the Death of the Otherkin Community is merely winter.
I really love how this as made me really think about my experiences and who I really am. By the way I was born with pointed ears. For real no joke.I sense storms and eartquakes and such, don't know what that makes me, but no one else in my family or that I ever met could feel these things. So there you go, a newbie to that idea of being other.I just thought I was sensitive to vibration. Peace and Blessings, Cloe
i came searching the net for others who were in some way like me, had some similiar experiences, or perhaps had some idea what was happening to me. I was getting memories, instincts etc that most normal humans just didnt get. Finding here has been a great help, others are like me, im not alone, maybe im not crazy, so on so forth. the reason i dont come here much? i do i just dont have any thing to say, and i still wasnt sure now i am a lot more sure. There are 4 million people in my country & only 3 have bothered to sign up, reasons a.others dont know we exist, b.they dont believe that they could be a dragon, elf, wolf, werecat whatever, its obviously time to go see a shrink, after all dragons, elfs & werecats dont exist & being a wolf? dont be stupid its completly impossible. you know that is probably the worst thing about modern society, anything different doesnt exist, is a figment of your imagination etc. Wow that was long sorry. Wolfling
This sight has really given me hope. After three (or was it four? I detest linear time...) years of wondering why I had to sit in a chair a certain way or a part of me that didn't seem to exist would ache I've finally found people who know what I mean. Even now as I sneak on to here, a place where I'm really not supposed to be according to my mom, I feel a warm, tingly feeling. I may just be 14, but that doesn't mean that I've got an overactive imagination, and I feel that people here can understand that. My thanks for being here ~Zana (and Esc)
In the grand tradition of Tolkien's FANTASY elves, I shall answer you with a yes and I shall answer you with a no.
Otherkin sites are *not* useful to true Otherkin.
From my experience, a person knows if he or she is Otherkin. Has felt it throughout his or her life. The person may not have words to describe the experience as a community will provide, but the feeling remains over a long period of time, is an essential aspect of one's being, and is not going to disappear when there is no one else around that person who believes.
Otherkin sites *are* useful to true Otherkin.
When I came across this site I just about cried. I've never admitted to believing that I did not feel human. I don't want to be thought of as crazy or stupid. Despite the reactions of others, I never confirmed their suspicions. This meant that I never opened myself up enough to get any other people admitting to this feeling. I probably never will off line, that is.
So what has this site done for me?
You probably know how much this sort of isolation can eat at you.
Am I worried that this site will mass produce fluffies?
Yes and no.
Yes. I don't need my beliefs scorned further because of out-spoken idiots. That is largely what happened to Wicca. A community is judged by its constituents.
No. No one can change the way I essentially feel. People who are obviously liars will not make me think that I am any less "Otherkin" (my personal word isn't this). Since I am not out in the open about it, there is no one to scorn me.
Most people who subscribe to the idea through non-serious reasons will lose interest and time will tell.
yes, i am guilty of not responding to things becuse i am shy and just started on this site, but have been on others for years. and i know with me, it's more becuse ive tired of getting the fluffy's and flamers that want to question what i know as truths (after alot of soul searching). i'm not a nut job, i don't need to seek medical help and i guess that's why i shut my door, i have a few i know but i find personally that it has gone more to discussions (and confrences) on im's vs actual e-mails. it is a sad to see it. But personally i don't see a way out of this spiral. im hoping that this site actually share's info and discusses, (from what i have seen so far it looks promising) and no, so far i havn't seen the "fluff" so... :) thats one count for nay on that:P
so hello to those who wish to say hi, and hopefully there is at least one space where everyone still discusses and talks both otherkin, and normal everyday for it is all interwined to make what we are. :)
Hello,
I'm casting a new Animal Planet show following members of the Otherkin community. The intent of the show is to educate and explore all things Otherkin, so we are seeking authentic members of the Otherkin community only, and all Species are welcome. The series will document the lifestyle and beliefs of five individuals, while exploring through their eyes, what it means to be Otherkin in America. Those chosen to be featured on the show must be comfortable discussing their beliefs and showing their lifestyle on camera. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness and be heard.
If you are interested, or know of someone who may be, please reply to otherkincasting@gmail.com with the following info...
1) NAME
2) CITY
3) SPECIES
4) MAIN REASON FOR WANTING TO DO SHOW
5) CONTACT NUMBER
6) RECENT PHOTO
Thank you for your submission, someone from our casting team will be in touch shortly.
Casting Department
Otherkincasting@gmail.com
Hello,
I'm casting a new Animal Planet show following members of the Otherkin community. The intent of the show is to educate and explore all things Otherkin, so we are seeking authentic members of the Otherkin community only, and all Species are welcome. The series will document the lifestyle and beliefs of five individuals, while exploring through their eyes, what it means to be Otherkin in America. Those chosen to be featured on the show must be comfortable discussing their beliefs and showing their lifestyle on camera. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness and be heard.
If you are interested, or know of someone who may be, please reply to otherkincasting@gmail.com with the following info...
1) NAME
2) CITY
3) SPECIES
4) MAIN REASON FOR WANTING TO DO SHOW
5) CONTACT NUMBER
6) RECENT PHOTO
Thank you for your submission, someone from our casting team will be in touch shortly.
Casting Department
Otherkincasting@gmail.com