Good Fur News brings a new source for fandom positivity.
by Patch O'Furr
On January 21, Twitter lit up with the launch of a new furry news site. It builds on a solid record of work by site owner Haven Fusky, organizer of HavenCon, FurNightATX (a furry dance party) and charity events. If you need good stories with real action, this Fusky delivers.
The welcome post brings out the mission:
“Ever said to yourself or someone else: “Gee I wish there was a website where I could find all the good stuff of the furry fandom?”
Well, here we are. Good Fur News aims to focus on the positive aspects of the fandom. From artists, musicians and creators to performers, activists and more. We want to show you what we have to offer.
Good Fur News is run by Haven Fusky a fursuiter out of Portland, Oregon who is known for creating the first LGBTQ+ geek and gaming convention of Texas. However, the news is created by YOU, the fandom – through our tips page and other avenues of communication.”
In the first few days, the site already has features on popular furry artist Paco Panda and health and motivation speaker Tax Beast.
Haven puts a lot of thought into why this work matters – and why it’s not good enough to wait for others to bring it:
“For awhile now I’ve seen quite a few folks say “We need a place where people can call out the good in the fandom and not just the bad. Some place that highlights all the awesomeness that is furry”. And I nodded and agreed, but nothing came..
I waited and waited and thought maybe some of the sites out there would step up and change things up a bit from the “norm” of call out culture and extreme reporting that only showed how awful people can be some times.
I personally have had the privilege of meeting some really great, talented, inspiring people through this fandom. And those people often go unrecognized or are drowned out by the more scandalous things that occur every so often. And it’s truly a shame. And so that is why I created a news site where we can allow those that bring their best to be seen, heard, and remembered.
It’s a major undertaking but I think it’s a much needed resource for our fandom. While I hope to find and showcase as many people as possible, I can’t be everywhere all at once, and that is why I will rely heavily on recommendations through our Tips Page.
I also will not be the end-all be-all authority of “what is good”. Everything here is done with an open mind and for the purposes of highlighting positive influences in the fandom, in whatever form that may take.
So, without further ado, I introduce you all to GoodFurNews.com. I hope you enjoy what we aim to provide here and I look forward to growing with you and learning even more about our fun little furry fandom.”
Follow on Twitter @GoodFurNews, Facebook @GoodFurNews and be sure to bookmark GoodFurNews.com.
Well, that was quick. The feature on Paco Panda was taken down because the cub hate machine jumped on him.
You have to have a thick skin to make recommendations in today’s world.
Go figure. A site commited to positive news about a topic everyone considers taboo and isn’t discussing. History just keeps repeating itself.
The article has been restored and GFN has a series of tweets about the reactions, etc
https://goodfurnews.com/art/artist-highlight-paco-panda/
Positivity is a great thing; but unfortunately I have heard a few pretty nasty things. Things about furries getting outed and ending up driven to do exteme things. This fandom wide no drama policy needs to end. Its dead against everything we even seem to stand for with how we used to really band together and support eachother. Honestly… I havent been able to meet up with any furs at all for so many years, when back in the day; I and everyone else was eager to get together. Now its all over protective groups and staff.
Now, if you sweep problems under the carpet: THEY DO NOT GO AWAY!! They become not so visible. When you boot someone from any group, clique or orginization with little to no word when you percieve ‘drama’ then you not just damage that person, you all show the whole group that if they end up in the same spot: They are socially screwed.
This actually is exactly how society treats mental illness and homelessness: You are tossed to the curb like trash. Even animals get better treatment than that.
When I actually get back on my feet, Ill be starting a wholly different news service. Ill let all of you handle the ‘floof’. and Ill bravely take on everything else everyone seems to want to keep a no go zone.
Save the few that have… contrived in the shadows to anonymously send me pointers and info to catch our only criminal we are responsible for.
Solidarity fandom. I still love you.
– Bounder the Exile
Now GFN is tweeting on this. @GoodFurNews
“we are aware of the debate surrounding a particular style of art. It’s a debate we won’t get actively involved in here, but a debate that has echoed throughout the fandom.
We chose to feature an artist here that specializes in that style of art.This is an artist that I know, have worked with, and came highly recommended by very reputable organizations and individuals.
However some self prescribed internet sleuths felt they found damnable evidence against said artist and proceeded to “call out” our article featuring them”
(later):”With that said, I am republishing the artists interview and issuing a formal apology to the artist.
I hope this did not cause too much harm, you are a kind and caring individual and we are all better for having you in the fandom.”