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Published by The Amador Vampyre on the 18th of December 2015Expectations and needs in the vampire community
I recently opened up a new Facebook group, in order to explore the possibilities of a unified Vampire Community. I was curious about what kind of input people had on the idea, which suggestions, which obstacles needed to be worked out. I actually became aware of quite a few different angles, because of the feedback that I received in creating this little group.
Because of my love of personal healing and also sharing information of a practical nature….I wondered if I could take some of this information and work it into something useful for the individual. At some point, I brought up the idea that it might be helpful to include tips on group participation for the new, incoming member of the VC. Just as we teach feeding techniques and other related information to the new Vampire (sang or psy), I thought that it might be valuable to be more explicit about what the incoming Vampire can find (or confront) in the overall online community. Not all groups are clear or focused about their missions and goals. Quite a few are hodge-podges of different themes. Be very aware of what it is that you need to find in a group, to avoid personal disappointment.
To be fair, not everyone will have the same focus or goal as everyone else in the group, even with a clearly delineated mission statement. Be aware that in the Online Vampire Community, we have different definitions for what a Vampire is–some of us might even argue about someone else’s interpretations being wrong. This is something simply to be aware of. As with any other gathering of personalities, not everyone within the group will be warm, open, welcoming, helpful or friendly. There might be one or many individuals who click with you in any group. Be aware of how the group admins handle abrasive members, if at all.
Some groups might be heavy on discussion and information sharing. There might even be a particular focus–such as history, mythology, pop culture/fictional reference, art, hygiene and feeding techniques, and so on. Be aware of what sort of focus the group has, to figure out if it might fit your needs. If you are coming in for information, be very clear that that is what you want. Don’t be afraid to ask for reliable resources on particular themes. If anyone responds by telling you that you should research on your own, point out that you are looking for accurate information and would rather not spend a lot of time wading through non-useful articles. Respectfully add that you are here for facts and would rather not immerse yourself in fiction, if that is the case.
The more technically-oriented vampires can be found in both major styles of feeding. There are the medically-inclined Sanguines, who are very much interested in the practical and scientific information regarding the physical causes of vampirism. And then there are the Psychic Vampires who, like myself, are interested in the workable, metaphysical aspects. If you are there for socializing, role play, pop culture and lifestyle….make that clear as well. This will keep the more scholarly or philosophical members from misinterpreting your intentions and point you towards those areas that you are more interested in. Be very aware of what exactly it is that you are looking for. Asking clear, direct questions will eventually help you find those kindred spirits that are looking for the same.
On the way to finding your kindred spirits, it might be helpful to keep in mind that there are going to be those who have interests different than your own. Some might simply not focus on the same things or find them as important. There are also trolls in groups, who enjoy being abrasive. Do not take anything personally. Simply re-focus and re-state your intention for being in the group. If you are not finding the responses you were hoping to get, simply look for what you need in another group.
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The Amador Vampyre (2015)
