Mephit Fur Meet 2008 Labor Day Weekend, Memphis, TN

The Mephit FurMeet likes to pride itself on being a gathering where folks who appreciate Anthropomorphic Culture can meet and socialize. Our only agenda is to bring people together in a pleasant atmosphere to interact. We try to offer new possibilities and ideas to anyone who wishes to explore the future of our genre. Like any other gathering, Furry or otherwise, we have rules to ensure that everyone has a great time. Consider this conduct policy in effect from the time you arrive at the hotel until the time you leave.

The MFM staff strives to be readily available to its attendees. Staff members will be wearing special shirts and badges. If you need anything or have a problem, please let a member of staff know.

MFM normally works on the "three strikes and you're out" rule. Any and all, including the FurMeet staff, who overstep these rules more than two times will have their badge removed and asked to leave the FurMeet. The executive staff reserves the right to remove a badge at any time, if the transgression warrants it.

Most of the FurMeet is for general audiences. At registration, you may choose to sign an age statement, stating that you are over 18 years old. If you do not choose to sign this statement, or you are not over 18 years old, you will receive a badge which prohibits entry to any event listed as not being rated for general audiences.

You must wear your badge at all times while in public FurMeet areas. Your badge will contain a badge name of your choosing, and a unique number. You may not alter the badge in any way to permanently obscure any of these elements. You must show the full badge, to any member of con staff, security, hotel staff, or law enforcement agency that requests it. If you alter your badge in a way to break this rule, you will be required to replace your badge. The first replacement will be free, subsequent replacements will be $20 each. This also applies to losing your badge.

Any person found using a counterfeit badge will be turned over to hotel security. Anyone found making copies of their badge for others will have their membership revoked and will not be welcomed back.

All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times in MFM-controlled areas, including the Dealers Den and the Con Suite. Parents/Guardians will be held responsible for issues or damage caused by their children.

Per hotel policy, all public areas of the hotel are non-smoking. You may only smoke in private hotel rooms designated as smoking and outside the hotel.

All parties must card all people before serving alcohol. Any party found to be serving alcohol to minors will be shut down.

No weapons will be allowed at MFM. If you have an artificial or peace bonded weapon to be used as part of a costume, you MUST get it approved by FurMeet organizers first. Due to potential damage to property, water guns, paintball/airsoft guns and silly string are not acceptable at any time or for any reason.

While the FurMeet promotes tolerance and diversity, PDA (Public Display of Affection) and nudity will not be allowed. Backscratches and hugging are acceptable, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Passionate kissing, tongue battles and fondling are not. Please use common sense. If you have to ask or think twice about doing something in public, take it to your room.

For attire worn during MFM, we ask that the attire be tasteful and should be something that is acceptable in an environment where children are present. If we get any complaints from anyone (other guests, hotel staff, etc) whoever the person is that the complaint is being made against will be asked to change. We share the hotel with others and we want to be asked to come back to the hotel each year. Being in Memphis, there is still a fair Southern influence so we have to take that into account that not everyone is as open minded. This covers everything from bondage attire, leashes, t-shirts that with offensive pictures or slogans, as well as other outfits. It comes down to the hotel staff and other guests. If they are uncomfortable with someone's attire in public areas we have to abide by what their wishes are.

No mature subject matter is to be displayed uncensored in public areas. Examples are prints, magazines, digital files, computer wallpapers or screen savers.

For the safety of yourself and those around you, no running or skating in the hallways. Narrow Hallways + Many People = Bad Idea.

Neither Mephit FurMeet, nor its staff members individually will be liable for lost, stolen or damaged personal items.

There is to be no selling of any goods or services outside of the Dealer's Den and MFM-sanctioned auctions. Please consult the MFM Dealer's Den Policies for more information.

Mephit FurMeet has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY on harassment of any nature (physical, verbal, or sexual). If someone tells you "no," then your business with that person is done. "STOP" means "STOP!" "GO AWAY" means "GO AWAY!" If someone will not understand these simple rules, contact a member of Security or any member of Staff.

There are many sub-groups within our fandom. We realize that not everyone agrees with what these groups represent. We have a "no harm" policy in this regard. As long as these folks are not causing trouble and are respecting MFM's rules, we remain neutral toward them, and they are welcome to attend. Harassment of a sub-group will be considered harassment of an individual and will be dealt with in the same manner.

If you have a chip on your shoulder or an agenda on your mind, kindly leave them outside. The FurMeet is a social gathering place where all can feel welcome and safe.

Be kind and respectful to the hotel staff, non-MFM-attending guests and other attendees. Follow guidelines set by the hotel staff.

All laws; federal, state and local, remain in effect during the event (including but not limited to assault, intimidation, weapons, drugs and indecent exposure).

Any attendee found intentionally engaging in acts which endanger life or property (pulling fire alarms as a prank is a good example of this) will have their membership revoked on the first offense. They will also be considered unwelcome to future events sponsored by MST3A. For egregious offenses, law enforcement may be called.

Do not damage hotel property. This includes, but is not limited to drawing on walls, furniture, tablecloths, etc. Not only could it get you kicked out of MFM, but you may also be held liable for damages.

USE COMMON SENSE, FOLKS. The conduct guidelines are just that: guidelines. The staff reserves the right to add or change things at any time, even during the FurMeet's duration. Falling back on the excuse of "It's not in the conduct guidelines" will only make us add the specific incident to the conduct guidelines. Please don't make us do this.

We hate revoking memberships. We REALLY hate revoking memberships. Keep in mind that if we have to do this, we can make it last for multiple years.

Be considerate to your fellow con-goers. Practice good hygiene. Please.

Finally, the most important rule... If in doubt, DON'T. Remember, each and every one of you are ambassadors of the furry fandom. Your behavior reflects not just on yourself, but also on the staff and the FurMeet as a whole.

PETS AND SERVICE ANIMALS

Do not interfere with service animals. They are there to provide for the safety of our attendees who require them. Do not pet a service animal without permission of its handler.

Due to a recent hotel policy change, pets are no longer allowed in the hotel building. Unless you have specific local boarding plans, please do not bring them. Do NOT leave pets in the parking lot.

PRESS AND MEDIA GUIDELINES

In accordance with respect to local and state laws, Mid-South and Tennessee Anthropomorphic Art Association doing business as Mephit Fur Meet and also known as MFM, will not allow any type of photographic or video media coverage in any convention controlled areas. This includes but is not limited to any and all conference rooms and ballrooms. MFM also requires that every attendee must consent in writing to being photographed or video taped in any public space at the convention hotel location by the press and the written consent must be kept on file for a minimum of one year. If not all attendees consent to this, then any type of broadcast or publication is not allowable by any media outlet. It is also not allowed to photograph or video tape from any public space into any convention controlled space.

If a member of the press is found by any MFM attendee, they should contact a staff member immediately so that the staff member my present them a written copy of the MFM Press Policy in addition to an information packet about MFM.

No photographs or video of MFM may be used for any type of commercial use without prior written consent of Mid-South and Tennessee Anthropomorphic Art Association and can not be used for any financial gain. Any personal photos or video that are taken at MFM and placed on the internet, if asked, must be taken down immediately.

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT ON MFM NETWORKS

Anyone found using an MFM-provided network for illegal or inappropriate activities such as trading of copyrighted music, software, movies, or mature subject matter will have further access to all MFM-provided networks terminated permanently. Violators may also face revocation of convention membership privileges.