Secret lives of strange and furry

By SHELLEY HOWELLS

Sure, getting online is useful. Where would we be without internet banking, MP3s and the ability to deploy gossip across continents at a flick of a button?

But if we are really honest, the very best thing about the internet is that it allows us a glimpse - if not an ogle - into the secret lives of others without the risk and potential humiliation inherent in steaming letters open or eavesdropping on public transport.

No, not sneaking through spousal emails. That's just plain wrong, usually.

I'm talking about lurking in obscure chat-rooms and browsing the likes of Google Directory's subcultures or people sections.

There are whole worlds previously known to a few that are now wide open to anonymous scrutiny. Worlds involving Trainspotters' fiction, nudists' philosophy, support groups for Adult Children of Alien Abductees - anything you can think up and much you would never dream of.

My latest find is a madcap bunch who call themselves "furry".

Not, as you might think, a cult dedicated to celebrating body hair.

A furry is any anthropomorphic creature. For example, Bugs Bunny, werewolves, dragons, Wookies. Anything animal-yet-human. Or is it vice versa? A definition is not easy because it is a point of contention and debate among furry fandom. However, it is generally agreed that having fur is not a prerequisite for a furry creature. Scales, feathers and, quite possibly, slime pass muster.

Furry fans (also known as furry) can't get enough of their favourite critters, devoting hours to building sites, sharing, analysing, creating and discussing furry art and fiction (movies, TV shows, books, games, comics).

Many furry fans have created alter-egos for role-playing games and creative efforts, and lots use their furry name and personality online so furry newsgroups and websites tend to be hosted by folk with names like Katt and Dark Wolf.

There are Furry chat-rooms, comics, conventions, furry music and humour, furrys in Ontario, Tokyo, London, Waihi and Edgecumbe. There are Christian furry fans, Furry Fans for Peace, an Anthropomorphic Diversity Support Association and, of course, furry porn.

Fascinating stuff, and just one of countless obsessions online.

I love the web for revealing the furrys, exposing trainspotters' secrets lives, and giving voice to the swell hepcats dedicated to reviving the swingin' art of lounge music.

Such fixations and passions remind us that the net is not, as it seems some days, only about indecipherable technical doodads or pushing products for bloated global corporations.

The heart of it all is people, in all our mad, sad, inspiring, funny - and furry - variety. Need more furry facts? Petercat's Furry info page is a good place to start.

Petercat's Furry info page