The Eurofurence Forum

Off Topic => General Furry Talk => Topic started by: Fineas on 30.05.2015, 10:38:41

Title: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Fineas on 30.05.2015, 10:38:41
This is just something I wanted to draw your attention though, but I do not necessarily have an opinion on.

These are two situations I have been in personally to illustrate the point.

At a fantasy fair I saw a very energetic fursuiter that was really playing out his role and I found it so inspiring that felt compelled to give them a warm hug.
While I approached them I vagualy registered to people looking at the same suiter saying something among the lines of: "So... do you think he is a lizard or a dinosaur or..."
And without giving it much thought (the suiter had wings and the badge he whore gave away more about them): "DRAGON!" and spread my arms for welcoming hug.
Immediate reaction, he was happy, pranced over and we shared a hug.
Where I heard the guys behind me facepalm: "Oh god.... Of course, how could I be so stupid."
I felt sorry for the guys. How could they know?

Another situation. On last years EF if I remember correctly:
I encountered a fire red fursuiter which was very tall (and for the danger they might and will recognize me here). I like his fursuit and thought about taking a picture.
So I called out his species, long ears, small muzzle, cute face. "BUNNY!"
And... I was wrong. He pointed at his badge and said he was a squirel. He looked very heartbroken and from his demeanor I guessed it was far from the first time that happened.
I apologized and got permission for a picture. Apologized some more, but I guess that damage was already done. He wasn't to happy when he walked off.
I really felt bad about it and it didn't easily leave me.

I don't think their is an easy solution for this and you are happy to discuss any if their are.
But maybe you all have come across similar situations.
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: VickyVixen on 31.05.2015, 01:31:26
Aww, that's so sad to hear.
I guess it's better to just wait until it becomes clear what kind of fur/scalie/other someone is.
It can be very awkward for the fursuiter to have his costly and magnificent persona be mistaken for another. I would be embarrassed if I were a Lynx and they'd mistake me for a wolf or something...
To non-furries it's one thing to explain, but towards other furries- You'd think they would know, and if they don't you might think: Darn... is my design that bad?
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Fineas on 31.05.2015, 10:38:32
To non-furries it's one thing to explain, but towards other furries- You'd think they would know, and if they don't you might think: Darn... is my design that bad?

I can totally relate to the feeling, but honestly, sometimes it's just not that clear. At least, not to me.
Because (thankfully) we combine every possible color and design on to every possible species. Which are already altered because mostly they have enhanced proportions already.
Maybe 1 little detail could clearly give away if it is 1 of sometimes 3 possibilities and that one detail could be very clear on a badge or drawing. But sometimes could be less clear on a suit, because it is so hard to emulate in a real world objects like clothing, props and suits.

So, yea if you are not sure it is better to just ask or wait then to just blurt it out. Could be an awkward conversation (because yous till admit you couldn't give it out from the suit) or not a conversation at all, because most furs do not talk within their suit (which I can very well understand) because it would break the suspense.

That's why I think their no real total solution. The safest thing I could think of is letting the whole species out of the equation till you had the chance to confirm in a later conversation.
You interact with the suiter. Later you can ask their spotter or someone that knows the suiter. Or the suiter themselves when they show up without the suit and with a bit of social engineering skills you talk about their character (you are already interested in their character so... why not ask more about them) and at one point you just ask "why did you choose this species and what kind of sub species is it?" Which would not give the person the idea you had no clue what species (or which of the choices you could think of) his or her character is.

However... I really really enjoy the spontaneous side of it. I enjoy the reactions you get when not talking to much and just use your voice to in a silly and entertaining way announce something you would like to do. Just shouting: "hiiii or hello" is just not the same.
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: PopsyUnicorn on 31.05.2015, 22:21:01
My friend actually tried the "wrong determined species" thing today.
We were in an amusement park for a cosplay walk, where my friend suited and me & two others took turns on being his handler. His fursuit's a nice big light yellow/yellow-ish beige feline with black spots. Leopard/cheetah. Easily.
But throughout the day only 1 person called him a leopard. Everyone else shouted either lion or tiger (who have ever seen a tiger with spots??) and one even called him a polar bear. What polar bear is yellow with black spots?
None of us took it with a heavy heart though, as we were just laughed about how so people couldn't get his species right, although he has such a simple design.

I've also been called wolf, bunny, coyote, dog and cat in one of my older suits. I just find it funny that no one seems to get the species right.
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Suicune on 01.06.2015, 08:27:28
Know that, people don't get that Chibi is a dragon xD
They they Dino or whatever ^^

And yeah, I rarely can tell  is someone is a dog, wolf or whatever..
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Jorinda on 01.06.2015, 09:57:50
And yeah, I rarely can tell  is someone is a dog, wolf or whatever..
Especially with bright unnatural colours it is hard to tell if it's a dog, wolf or coyote. Toony canine in pink and green could be anything.
With a very realistic suit, it is easier.

I got used to "chicken" and "duck". Also, lame jokes about chicks.
On the other hand, there are kids who suddenly shout "Mine! Mine!" and try to stick fries into my beak.  ;D
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Rattie on 01.06.2015, 14:05:10
With big pink ears, visible in-scissors and a long slinky tail, most people gets it right the first time. Otherwise people (almost only non-furries) confuses me with a mouse. And I can live with that XD
Though I am a rat. Rat rat rat. Noms cheese :3
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Cheetor on 06.06.2015, 04:46:51
Has anyone worked out what Sardyuonis , I cant decide between canine, feline or vulpine?
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Fineas on 06.06.2015, 10:34:06
Has anyone worked out what Sardyuon is , I cant decide between canine, feline or vulpine?

(http://pre09.deviantart.net/2605/th/pre/f/2012/187/4/7/sardyuon_by_koraggrules-d569nxn.jpg)
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2f17RG4cCXA/hqdefault.jpg)

If I go by specific species, i would say:
Red fox or red panda

He has a long muzzle and bushy tail. So I would definitely say either canine or vulpine.

Ear markings could be from a red fox.
The muzzle markings are more panda then they look like the fox.
Belly markings are more like the fox.
(http://kidoinfo.com/ri/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Full-Body-Red-Fox-Face.jpg)
(https://c402277.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/photos/806/images/hero_small/SCR_47384.jpg?1345530917)

I'm guessing he is a red fox/panda hybrid or creation of his own with inspiration from all over.
I can't site sources, can't find any. So I'm not going to make any absolute guesses.
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Rishary on 06.06.2015, 12:22:24
Actually, according to http://freiheit-strahl.com/furry.act.html he is a feline / canine hybrid :)
(At least according to google translate, I don't read japanese...)
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Pan on 06.06.2015, 23:39:08
I get mistaken for an armadillo or a lizard or a dinosaur when in reality I am a Pangolin

It was frustrating at first but now I just accept it because very few furs know or have even heard of pangolins.
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: meo on 16.06.2015, 08:10:49
I think the more a species and their anatomy are unknown (for example the easy difference between a cheetah and a leopard are the "Spots" and most clearly the weep-strip) the easier it gets to get confused. I for one thought Masada is a snowleopard at first sight (he is just a white cheetah).

A help could be this Badges with a species be (like these for example https://www.furaffinity.net/view/14380193/)
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Danwolf on 19.06.2015, 22:09:37
Bleh. Anyone...If you're getting called as an another species,just shrug it off or laugh :D Don't be sad or ashamed. I've been called a ferret,a dog and a goat soo far in my wolf fursuit xD
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: KyuubiSaoirse on 21.06.2015, 12:48:38
Bleh. Anyone...If you're getting called as an another species,just shrug it off or laugh :D Don't be sad or ashamed. I've been called a ferret,a dog and a goat soo far in my wolf fursuit xD

A wolf mistaken for a goat?? Really??? Omg xD

So far I've been lucky enough that no-one's been wrong. Then again - Kyuubi (fromNaruto) is so well-known that people already know he's a fox, and others have guessed correctly based off of his orange color even though his muzzle is more dog-like in its appearance on my suit.

And well... Saoirse's still in the makng to get ready for Eurofurence, but she's got the typical tiger markings, so I don't think anybody will have problems recognizing her species - they certainly didn't, last year, when I only wore her paws, tail and ears! :D (It's the head I'm working on now - you'll get a lil' picture here of my WIP ;) )
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Carbine on 02.07.2015, 02:57:14
Recently on a suitwalk I was identified as a cat by a bystander. OK if people think that I'm a wolf or fox but a cat? Really?

In a more personal atmosphere:

Grandma: "I washed your t-shirt with the rabbit on it"
Me: "T-shirt with a rabbit? I don't have a t-shirt with a rabbit"
*Sees her holding Eurofurence 20 shirt.

Another situation. On last years EF if I remember correctly:
I encountered a fire red fursuiter which was very tall (and for the danger they might and will recognize me here). I like his fursuit and thought about taking a picture.
So I called out his species, long ears, small muzzle, cute face. "BUNNY!"
And... I was wrong. He pointed at his badge and said he was a squirel. He looked very heartbroken and from his demeanor I guessed it was far from the first time that happened.
I apologized and got permission for a picture. Apologized some more, but I guess that damage was already done. He wasn't to happy when he walked off.
I really felt bad about it and it didn't easily leave me.

Sounds like you ran into Knibblez :D?
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Fineas on 02.07.2015, 08:58:03
Sounds like you ran into Knibblez :D?

Ah could be :-3

*Looks on the internet*
Oh the irony:
http://lozbunneh.deviantart.com/art/Knibblez-478456232 (http://lozbunneh.deviantart.com/art/Knibblez-478456232)

Check that artist name >.<
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Grael Dragon on 07.07.2015, 01:55:34
Just call everything a kitty and say they are "The prettiest kitty".  ;)
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Cookie on 02.08.2015, 19:45:26
My Koala fursuit is called a "panda" constantly... or offered bamboo..

Got called a mouse (without a tail?) or even a cat sometimes...

But i friggin' LOOK like a darn KOALA.

Sometimes i think i should wear a sign around my neck saying "i am NOT a panda"
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Remix on 06.08.2015, 01:31:20
I'm an angel dragon suiter and I do get that hybrids, not well known species or plain made up species like Sergals and in my case angel dragons are hard to guess for the public. I've been called practically everything already XD

Here a short list of names I've heard when suiting outside, events, meets or cons ^^

- Dinosaur
- Rabbit
- Goat
- Cow
- Dog
- Cat
- Hamster
- Rabbit
- Pokemon
- Pikachu (technically a pokemon but it was specifically Pikachu that was named)
- Bird
- Bat
- Squirl
- Sugar glider
- Horse
- Rhino

I am happy when people already recognise me as a dragon and I find it kinda amusing when I hear people come up with things like rhino X3
People will however get a happy dance from me when they actually call me Angel Dragon haha ^^
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Fineas on 06.08.2015, 10:09:44
Wow... I'm tempted to say some people just... say the first thing that pops in to their head instead of actually trying to make a relation toward something they recognize.

Half of those do not make a lot of sense, but they kind of do if I see some of these meme's floating around.

Like this one, specifically for Pokemon:
(http://i.imgur.com/GLGYNhE.jpg)

It's like... Some people are more prone to say 'anything' then to ask. I guess they think it's rude that you ask someone 'what they are supposed to be'.
But I'm prone to think just blurting a word out instead is a bit more... disappointing.
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: VickyVixen on 06.08.2015, 18:54:45
I just found that fursuit Fineas was talking about.
And I'm still thinking to myself: Huh... bunny? Is it the teeth?
It's not the ears, that's fur sure.
(http://fursuit.eurofurence.org/past/EF20/suitpics/midthumbs/569.jpg)
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Fineas on 06.08.2015, 19:48:08
*Head shakes* no sorry.
The one I encountered was fire engine red.

I know I said earlier that it might have been the one on the drawing, but now I see this fursuit I'm pretty sure it was another fursuiter.
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Cookie on 07.08.2015, 23:50:01
http://d.facdn.net/art/rattie-cookie/1364756347/1364756347.rattie-cookie_rvh-20130317-142115.jpg

A.. panda.. Really?
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Ghostbear on 09.08.2015, 21:45:11
Fineas, your calling out of species (which is very adorable by the way :3 ) reminds me of a certain webcomic.  :D
http://freefall.purrsia.com/ff100/fv00009.htm
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Carenath on 28.08.2015, 11:41:48
I still have occasional trouble identifying the right species from a furs artwork much less their suit. As suits go, there is one maker that uses an identical head design for almost all theirs that I have seen, there were several canids with the same design of suit at EF and I couldn't tell if fox/wolf/fennec - you might know the one, has black s-curve marks on the muzzle.

Dragons are also a bit easier to spot, horns and usually wings are quite recognisable. Still there was a yoshi-ish suiter (blue and white with red spikes) that I am sure is not a dragon.
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Fafnir Kristensen on 28.08.2015, 11:59:39
one of my friend and I went skiing, him with his partial dragon suite, and I will always remember the kid who said "look, ma, a cow!" ;)

also, the same friend, not suiting, but this time with another well known dragon suiter, went to a medieval fair and got from an old lady "hey look, it's Goldorak!" (french name of the giant robot Grendizer) ;))
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Atkelar on 28.08.2015, 12:45:05
Let's face it: with the "exotic" markings and species mixtures that some fursuits have, it is sometimes very hard to get it right... even as an experienced and seasoned fur. There's just too much artistic freedom going around with some of the recent creations. Also, some specialized species based on games or anime series are not well known enough to be recognized by "the general public".

Add that to the fact that most people couldn't identify an animal in real life and you know why there's an abundance of wrong identifications. Eddie McBadger (who I spot for occasionally) keeps getting identified as a skunk typically, although he got all the typical traits right in the suit and no "hybrid" additions. People go with what they know: Black/white stripes > Skunk.

Bottom line: if it is important for the fursuiter to be correctly identified, a badge "Hi! I'm a _____" would be needed; otherwise there's always going to be some sort of confusion and while I undestand that that can be frustrating, I can't see a way around it.
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Cookie on 03.09.2015, 18:44:04
This year it seemed that most of the people thought that my boyfriend's pony fursuit was... a cow.

LOLOL....
Title: Re: Getting it wrong: the "what species is this fur?" guessing game
Post by: Ragear on 13.09.2015, 23:25:42
last time, fursuiting at the Zoo: "look Dad, a bear" ... as a compensation I ate that kid, tasted like chicken ... justice served. :)