Virtual mainstreaming

By Simon Dyda

Ever since the 'Great Revelation' growing numbers of 'fangophiles' have been joining the ranks of the American Vampire League and voicing their support for the Vampire Rights Amendment to the US constitution. More and more of your undead neighbours in the US have been 'mainstreaming' into American society. Similar events are unfolding across the globe, although there are plenty of less progressive parts where mainstreaming is still not an option. In these cases the internet has been of invaluable assistance, offering vampires the opportunity to integrate on a 'virtual' level with human society even when that is not possible in the real world. And in those countries where it is possible to mainstream, the internet has proven to be of great help for those vampires taking their first steps towards social integration.

For most vampires the internet experience has been thus far pretty interesting. My impression as an AVL volunteer has been that they enjoy dropping in to their myspaces, facebooks, bebos, youtube channels, blogs and twitters and interacting with their human cyberfriends. The vibe is generally a good one. Sure, there are always a few weirdos leaving creepy comments about silver bullets, stakes and sunrises and what have you, but these are easily deleted and their authors shown to the virtual door.

However, some of our nocturnal kin are being overwhelmed with messages and requests. Remember, nobody likes a needy cyberfriend. Just because a vampire drinks Tru Blood doesn't mean that they have either the time or the inclination to help you get hold of some, especially considering that you don't actually need it yourself, now do you? Another thing: just because vampires have such very long lifespans doesn't give you the right to demand their time or tell them what to do. Be nice, relax. Social networking has to be fun, whether you're human or vampire, so keep it that way.

Read on ..fascinating !

http://www.simondyda.com/2009/01/virtual-mainstreaming.html