MFF 2024 (I did it for me)
3 days ago
I have a few obligations to other people in 2025 that are keeping me here but MFF this year wasn't one of them...it was something I did just for me. I wasn't planning on attending, but when Hurricane Helene canceled Carolina FurFaire, which I was planning to attend, I found myself with another one of those opportunities where everything just sort of fell into place.
I really wish I could reconcile my sense of alienation with the love I feel for the fandom, but due to circumstances of fate I find myself growing old with the sense that there's only a window into the outside world to keep me company.
I like traveling. Despite the huge hassle, I like having somewhere to go to. Actually being invited to places and wanted at parties is such a stark contrast to how I grew up. Having the means and the agency to book a flight and a stay somewhere with people who enjoy my company and reliability is one of the things that made being an adult worthwhile.
I honestly don't know what to say about my con experience this year. I've been to so many now that few experiences stand out, even though I'm always trying new things and meeting new people. I split most of my time at MFF between the panels and the Dealers Den. Artist's Alley was nowhere to be found and I didn't realize we even had one until after the con. Same charity, same people I partied with, same people I roomed with...in many ways it felt like this year's con was just an extension of last year's. One highlight was seeing Pepper Coyote perform, who appears to be growing past whatever controversy it was that got him banned from other cons. He sounds better than he ever has, apparently has a loving husband, and is making amends. Another highlight was seeing Bomb Voyage and hearing stories of support for him from more furries who actually know him.
It wasn't bad, it just...felt kind of mid. It felt like my heart wasn't as into it. I still had a good time, but it won't be one of the ones I rave about. If you asked me why I couldn't really tell you as I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps on some spiritual level I've already checked out?
Next con will be FWA 2025, and then Megaplex, both because of prior commitments. By 2026 the only obligations I should have left are financial so I don't plan on attending any other cons after these, as I need to focus on getting my affairs in order.
I really wish I could reconcile my sense of alienation with the love I feel for the fandom, but due to circumstances of fate I find myself growing old with the sense that there's only a window into the outside world to keep me company.
I like traveling. Despite the huge hassle, I like having somewhere to go to. Actually being invited to places and wanted at parties is such a stark contrast to how I grew up. Having the means and the agency to book a flight and a stay somewhere with people who enjoy my company and reliability is one of the things that made being an adult worthwhile.
I honestly don't know what to say about my con experience this year. I've been to so many now that few experiences stand out, even though I'm always trying new things and meeting new people. I split most of my time at MFF between the panels and the Dealers Den. Artist's Alley was nowhere to be found and I didn't realize we even had one until after the con. Same charity, same people I partied with, same people I roomed with...in many ways it felt like this year's con was just an extension of last year's. One highlight was seeing Pepper Coyote perform, who appears to be growing past whatever controversy it was that got him banned from other cons. He sounds better than he ever has, apparently has a loving husband, and is making amends. Another highlight was seeing Bomb Voyage and hearing stories of support for him from more furries who actually know him.
It wasn't bad, it just...felt kind of mid. It felt like my heart wasn't as into it. I still had a good time, but it won't be one of the ones I rave about. If you asked me why I couldn't really tell you as I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps on some spiritual level I've already checked out?
Next con will be FWA 2025, and then Megaplex, both because of prior commitments. By 2026 the only obligations I should have left are financial so I don't plan on attending any other cons after these, as I need to focus on getting my affairs in order.
I can definitely understand that. I thankfully live close enough to do DenFur every year without too much financial burden, and I enjoyed the panels when I was first attending, but these days I just go to wander the Dealer's Den and hang out. It is nice to be able to just...not have to worry about some of the mundane sides of life.
For me, MFF has been a disappointment to me the both times I attended. Always overcrowded, and 10 hours driving time, not including stops, there just didn't seem to be enough substance to make the trip worthwhile. Back in 2013, you got fed. When I returned 4 years later, you didn't, and I felt like a sardine in a can. Unlike FWA (with the poor organization and the fetish direction that convention is heading), I hold no animosity towards MFF.
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