Category: Blog

## Nominations Now Open for the 2024 Ursa Major Awards!

The furry community is abuzz with excitement as the nominations for the 2024 Ursa Major Awards are now officially open. This annual celebration of excellence in anthropomorphic literature and arts invites everyone to participate in recognizing the best works of the past year.

From February 1 to February 28, 2025, fans and creators alike can nominate their favorite works across a diverse range of categories. These include:

– **Best Anthropomorphic Motion Picture**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Dramatic Short Work**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Dramatic Series**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Novel**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Short Fiction**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Other Literary Work**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Non-Fiction Work**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Graphic Story**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Comic Strip**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Magazine**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Published Illustration**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Game**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Website**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Costume (Fursuit)**
– **Best Anthropomorphic Music**

To help guide your nominations, the Ursa Major Awards website has compiled the 2024 Recommended Anthropomorphics List (RAL), though nominations are not limited to works listed there. For instance, you might consider nominating a compelling animated short like “Pan De Noche” by Jovince Balanquit, even if it’s not on the RAL[1].

When nominating a fursuit, make sure to include a link to a high-quality photo taken in 2024, along with details on where the photo was taken and who created the fursuit if that information isn’t already available on the RAL[1].

The Ursa Major Awards, administered by the Anthropomorphic Literature and Arts Association (ALAA), have been a cornerstone of the furry fandom since their inception in 2001. These awards are designed to honor outstanding achievements in anthropomorphic arts, similar to how the Hugo Awards recognize science fiction excellence[2].

After the nomination phase closes, a voting phase will follow, likely starting in mid-March. Anyone interested in voting will need to register to receive their ballot number. The winners will be determined by popular vote, reflecting the community’s collective appreciation for the best in furry creativity.

This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the talented creators and works that have enriched the furry community over the past year. So, don’t hesitate to nominate your favorites and spread the word to fellow furries!

For more details and to submit your nominations, visit the Ursa Major Awards website. Let’s make this year’s awards a celebration to remember!

—

**Source:**
[Nominate for the Ursa Major Awards 2024](https://dogpatch.press/2025/02/06/nominate-ursa-major-2024/)

Feel free to share your thoughts and nominations in the comments below 🐾✨

### The Furry Fandom’s Remarkable Charitable Achievements in 2024

The furry community has once again demonstrated its remarkable generosity and commitment to charitable causes, raising an impressive total of over $1.9 million in 2024. This significant milestone highlights the community’s vibrant spirit of giving and its dedication to making a positive impact.

### A Year of Giving

Throughout 2024, various furry conventions, charity streams, and community events played a crucial role in collecting these funds. Conventions like Midwest FurFest, LondonFurs Winter Party, and Furvester, among others, served as pivotal platforms for fundraising activities. These events not only brought the community together but also provided opportunities for furries to contribute to a wide range of charitable causes[3].

### Community Spirit and Creative Expression

The furry fandom is known for its creative expression and the sense of community it fosters. From elaborate fursuits to original artwork, furries showcase their unique personalities through anthropomorphic characters. This creativity extends beyond artistic expression, as many furries use their talents and resources to support charitable initiatives. For instance, artists and fursuit makers often donate their work or services to charity auctions, while streamers and content creators host fundraising streams that engage the community and encourage donations[3][4].

### Impact on Animal Welfare and Beyond

A significant portion of the funds raised by the furry community goes towards animal welfare organizations and other social causes. Many furries have reported that their involvement in the community has heightened their awareness of the needs of shelter animals and strengthened their love for their pets. This connection to animal welfare is a core aspect of the furry fandom, reflecting the community’s deep empathy and compassion for all living beings[2][4].

### Challenges and Triumphs

Despite the many successes, the furry community also faces challenges, including navigating online interactions and real-world risks. The community has had to address misconceptions and stereotypes, often perpetuated by media coverage that fails to capture the true essence of the fandom. However, through consistent efforts to educate and raise awareness, the community continues to grow stronger and more resilient[4].

### A Call to Action

As the furry community looks forward to 2025, it is clear that the spirit of charity and community will continue to thrive. Whether through attending conventions, participating in charity streams, or simply spreading the word about the good work being done, every furry can play a role in making a difference.

If you are inspired by these charitable achievements, consider joining the community’s efforts. Share this article with your friends and fellow furries to spread the word about the impact we can make together. Let’s continue to support each other and the causes we care about, celebrating the unique blend of creativity, compassion, and community that defines our fandom.

—

**Source:**
[The original news article on FurAffinity](https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/11045804)

As the calendar flips to a new year, the Furry Writers’ Guild is buzzing with excitement and anticipation for what 2025 has in store. In their latest monthly newsletter, the guild reflects on the past year and looks forward to the promising future ahead, filled with creative endeavors and community spirit 🌟.

One of the most eagerly anticipated events is the imminent publication of the guild’s latest anthology, *Tales from the Guild: Blood and Water*, published through Fenris. Although the original plan was to release it at Midwest FurFest, the meticulous publishing process has pushed the date back slightly. The cover art is nearing completion, and fans can expect this exciting collection to hit the shelves soon 📚.

For many writers within the furry community, the start of a new year is a perfect time to set and achieve writing goals. The guild encourages its members to use writing as a form of escape and creative expression, especially during challenging times. Writing can be a powerful beacon, declaring that art and the artist’s soul will always triumph over adversity 🌈.

Awards season is also approaching, and the guild reminds its members to prioritize reading recently published books and updating their guild member profiles and suggested reading lists. This is an excellent opportunity for authors to showcase their work and for readers to discover new favorites 📖.

Several open markets for short stories are available, offering a range of themes and deadlines. These include:
– **Spirit of the Wolf** – Deadline March 31st, 2025
– **The Second Hayven Celestia Anthology** – Deadline July 15, 2025
– **Indecent Exposure** – Deadline When Full
– **This Is Halloween** – Deadline When Full
– **Children Of The Night** – Deadline When Full
– **Furry/Lovecraftian/Erotic/University Themed Anthology** – Deadline When Full

The guild also invites members to check out the latest book releases from fellow writers and to share news about upcoming publications. This collective support is a cornerstone of the furry writing community, fostering a culture of mutual encouragement and celebration 🐾.

As the Furry Writers’ Guild embarks on another year of creativity and collaboration, they welcome all members to join in the various activities and events planned. Whether through writing challenges, word sprints, or simply sharing their work, the guild is a vibrant and supportive space for all who love anthropomorphic fiction.

For more details and to stay updated on the latest from the Furry Writers’ Guild, you can visit their website and read the full January newsletter [here](https://furrywritersguild.com/2025/01/01/welcome-2025-january-monthly-newsletter/).

Feel free to share your thoughts and writing goals for 2025 in the comments below, and don’t forget to spread the word about the exciting projects and opportunities within the furry writing community 🐾✍️

In the ever-evolving landscape of the furry community, the recent shifts in social media platforms have sparked a significant wave of change and innovation. As the platform formerly known as Twitter, now rebranded as X, undergoes transformative changes under new leadership, the furry fandom is navigating this new terrain with a mix of caution and creativity.

### Adapting to the New Era of X

Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform in October 2022, the furry community has been grappling with the implications of the new policies and changes. One of the most notable changes is the expansion of character limits for posts, allowing Twitter Blue users to write up to 4000 characters, a significant departure from the original 140 characters and later 280 characters. However, this change is overshadowed by concerns over the unbanning of previously banned accounts, the dissolution of Twitter’s Trust and Safety Council, and the relaxation of policies against misinformation and hate speech[2].

### Rising Concerns and New Challenges

These changes have led to an increase in harassment, disinformation, and hate speech, prompting many in the furry community to seek alternative social media platforms. The lack of robust moderation and the rise in hostile interactions have made some furries wary of continuing to use X, leading them to explore other options that offer a safer and more inclusive environment.

### Exploring New Social Media Avenues

Platforms like Bluesky, Mastodon, and the newly emerging FurJournal are gaining traction among the furry community. FurJournal, in particular, is attracting attention for its furry-owned and operated model, which offers features such as long-form content, threaded conversations, art galleries, and custom spaces. This platform is reminiscent of the old Live Journal days, providing a space where furries can express themselves freely and engage in meaningful discussions[2].

### The Future of Furry Social Media

As the furry community navigates this transition, it is clear that the search for a new social media home is ongoing. The Fediverse, a network of interconnected social media platforms, is also being explored for its potential to offer a more decentralized and community-driven alternative. With the promise of future integration with platforms like Mastodon, the Fediverse could become a significant player in the social media landscape for furries.

### Resilience and Adaptability

Despite the challenges, the furry community remains resilient and adaptable. Whether through new platforms or innovative uses of existing ones, the spirit of community and creativity that defines the furry fandom will continue to thrive. As furries share their thoughts and experiences, it becomes evident that the community’s ability to evolve and find new ways to connect is a testament to its strength and unity.

Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below. As the furry community continues to evolve, your insights are invaluable in shaping the future of our online spaces.

—

**Source:**
[Furries Navigate Change: The Future of Social Media in the Furry Community](https://furryrefuge.com/furries-navigate-change-the-future-of-social-media-in-the-furry-community-%F0%9F%A6%8A%F0%9F%93%B1)

### Concerns Over Corruption at Garden State Fur The Weekend

The furry community is abuzz with concern following revelations about persistent corruption at Garden State Fur The Weekend, a popular furry convention. This issue, which has been simmering since 2020, has now come to the forefront, highlighting a troubling pattern of negligence and mismanagement.

At the heart of the controversy is the convention’s leadership, particularly the Chair who has been embroiled in a series of questionable decisions and actions. Despite numerous instances of misconduct and calls for reform, the organization has failed to address these issues adequately, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among attendees and staff.

The corruption is not limited to petty dramas but involves systemic problems that have been ignored or downplayed over the past four years. This lack of accountability has eroded trust within the community, with many feeling that the convention’s leadership is more interested in maintaining power than in serving the best interests of its members.

The situation has sparked a heated debate within the furry community, with many calling for transparency and significant changes in the convention’s governance. The refusal to clean up these corruption issues has led to a loss of faith in the event’s ability to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

As the furry community values inclusivity, respect, and fairness, it is imperative that conventions like Garden State Fur The Weekend adhere to these principles. The ongoing neglect of these values can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just the convention itself but also the broader community.

In light of these developments, it is crucial for members of the furry community to stay informed and engaged. Sharing concerns and supporting calls for reform can help ensure that conventions remain true to the values that make our community so vibrant and welcoming.

For more detailed information on this matter, you can refer to the comprehensive report by Dogpatch Press.

We encourage all members of the furry community to share their thoughts and opinions on this matter in the comments below. Your voices are important in shaping the future of our conventions and ensuring they remain places where everyone can feel safe and valued. 🐾💬

### Furry Migration 2024: A Celebration of Community and Creativity

The Furry Migration 2024 event has once again proven to be a vibrant and exciting gathering for the furry community, highlighting the creativity, camaraderie, and enthusiasm that define this unique and diverse group.

One of the standout moments of the event was the Meet and Greet session featuring the Guests of Honor (GOH), including Avian Invasion, Confetti Prince, and Saberspark. This interactive session allowed attendees to connect personally with these influential figures, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.

Avian Invasion, known for their captivating performances and engaging content, brought a high level of energy to the event. Confetti Prince, with his colorful and lively persona, added a touch of joy and celebration to the gathering. Meanwhile, Saberspark, renowned for his insightful commentary and reviews, provided valuable perspectives and sparked interesting discussions.

The Meet and Greet was more than just an opportunity for fans to meet their idols; it was a platform for sharing stories, exchanging ideas, and building connections within the community. Attendees had the chance to ask questions, learn about the creative processes of the GOH, and gain inspiration from their experiences.

This event underscored the core values of the furry community: inclusivity, creativity, and mutual support. It was a celebration of the diverse talents and passions that make this community so vibrant and dynamic.

For those who missed the event, the Meet and Greet session is available to watch online, offering a glimpse into the excitement and camaraderie that defined Furry Migration 2024.

We encourage all members of the furry community to share their experiences and thoughts about the event in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going and celebrate the spirit of Furry Migration together!

—

**Source:**
– [Furry Migration 2024 GOH Meet and Greet w/ Avian Invasion, Confetti Prince and Saberspark](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGjwoPDqPIA)

Come out and bowl for a great cause with The A.D. Show at the 2nd annual Pins Fur Paws on Sunday, March 23rd at Shrewsbury Lanes from 12-4pm!

For more info https://www.kshe95.com/event/pins-fur-paws-25/

That’s Somerset, NJ

Regular Attendee $75

The BIG Supporter $95

For more info https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_HgpEyOX01AuXt0gx9TyBOI4epYvZkMSaADuwGj_mqAbjtA/viewform