fchan

Yeah, see what I mean?  Exactly the response I expected.  Almost none of you bothered to *read* my post, did you?  Just skimmed it, didn't you? Yup.

Dragon Flame, you're exactly right that I purchased his art, rather than his time.  You're also right that an artist should work to maintain a good reputation.

Joan-Michele, I specifically stated in my post that I was NOT looking for a conversation.  After telling him that I'd been a fan for years, a friendly "thanks for your support" would have been more than enough.

And Wookie.  Oh, dear, dear Wookie.  I do not, will not, and never did want to *talk* to you...or any other artist, for that matter...at con.  Conventions are FAR too hectic to hold any form of discourse except at the most superficial level.  Some call this "networking".  FYI, I went out of my way to approach your table only after it was relatively slow.  Having worked at the busiest Starbucks in downtown Denver for over a year, I know just how frustrating it can be to keep up with 5 people at once, and would never do that to another person.  I don't want your advice, and I don't want your "lose-lose" griping.  In fact, I don't even want a well-deserved apology.  All I want is validation.  Recognize that my complaints are valid, rather than pushing me off to the side with your excuses.

Needless to say, the furry community is desperately removed from the rest of society.  Therefore, as has been observed time and again, standard rules of conduct simply do not apply...so much so that many quite dysfunctional people find solace in a fandom where those social norms they can't quite grasp aren't required.  It's great that so many people use this as an excuse to treat other people poorly.  Really, awesome, it's just as great as those...you know...fundamentalists.  Apparently, you see, if somebody doesn't follow the screwed up "appropriate" behaviors of the furry fandom, they become ostracized...typically through flamey and disconfirmatory posts.  You should be really proud of yourselves.

FYI, though nobody will take this advice, don't waste your time replying directly to me as I just don't have the fortitude to revisit this thread.  Yeah, that's right, you win.  Go smoke a cigar.