My name is Heather Corus, but everyone who knows me calls me Pixie, since I'm fae otherkin and it stuck. I currently live just outside of Pittsburgh, PA, but I'm originally from the Middle of Nowhere, Indiana. I've been involved with the vampiric community for roughly about 10 years. My older brother and best friend are vampires, and I now consider many vampires to be my close friends. I currently am lead admin for the Blackswanhaven.org website and forums, and am a moderator for the donor section of the VCMB forums. I also run a blog that takes a peek into the real life of a donor, at acrophobicpixie.wordpress.org, called Donor, not a döner. We also have an IRC chat, #blackswanhaven operated by a friend of mine.

View Of Vampi(y)rism:

I'm not totally sure, since I'm a donor and not a vampire. Currently, I'm thinking it's most likely a combination of biology and mystical cat-dirt. People have different versions of vampirism due to both nature and nurture, I think. It's a great thing. No two people are alike, and it makes for if a person has a problem, someone's probably already dealt with it, and can give advice.

What I See The Community As:

Vital. We have to have it, or it will all collapse. What would any of us do with out the community? Lord and Lady both know that I would probably be bored to tears otherwise, and possibly get involved in something bad for me to get rid of the excess energy I create/absorb. And, if not for the community, I'd not have some of the friends I have, nor the vamp I currently donate to.

What I'd Like The Community To Be:

More cohesive. Honestly, it's like there's a dividing line between each type, branch, etc. of vampirism. And the Swans are left on the sidelines watching all the brouhaha, and trying to avoid the shrapnel.

Views On Ethics - The Black Veil - Codes Of Conduct:

Safety first. Then making sure that everyone is happy with what is happening. I don't have a set out rule list I follow, and it's worked for me, so far. As long as no one is hurt, it's all good, in my book.

My name is Anthelios and I am an administrator of Communitas in New York City, NY. I work with Michael Forrester who is also an administrator of Communitas. Although I would like to say that Communitas was an invention of mine, it is the members of the group who define, invent, redefine and reinvent what Communitas is all about. It is my hope that Communitas becomes a means to enable the positives and discard the negativity that some people choose in order to make a name for themselves. I have been in the vampire community for a very long time and I have seen the good and the bad and I choose to enable the good - the good of the vampire community which can make more than what people make us out to be.

I'm Arden. I am an energist, an atheist, a mentalist, an artist, a realist and a loyalist. That's a lot of ists! I identify strongly with the Wolf but do not subscribe to any fantastical ideas of shape-shifting or Werewolves outside of my need for entertainment. I'm a mom; a good mom, albeit unconventional to put it mildly. Also, to those deserving, I am a friend, and a damn good one at that. I identify as an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) which basically means that my sensory perception functions differently than the average bear. It's not a disorder. It's is just a piece of who I am and it is more common than people realize. To that measure, I don't consider anything about who I am to be a disorder or a deficiency. I've been working with energy consciously since I was in middle school but I did not enter the OVC until about three and a half, short, quick years ago. I've worked on a number of projects but my most current is Philadelphia Pranic Society. It started about two and a half years ago as a local Meetup group for those of us sharing some key elements of vampirism and energy work but has since evolved into that which promotes the subculture of Philadelphia on a grander scale. The meetup site still exists (for now) but serves little purpose as most activities are set up by word of mouth these days. I am in the process of moving it to its own server which will include not only forums for discussion and education but also a calendar of both local and non-local events. I am currently exploring ways in which I can work philanthropy into the site and provide opportunities for everyone to give back to the great city of Philadelphia, PA and its people. Overall, my hope is that the new site will be very dynamic and collaborative in that it will not only benefit its members but will be run by them. That is, after all, what a society is... a collaboration. My dayside hours are spent working for a small liberal arts college, full-time; going to college at a well known Philadelphia University, part-time, in pursuit of my BS in Psychology; taxiing my teenager to and fro; and keeping my dogs off the counters. Oh yes, I am a dog enthusiast. Well, actually... you've heard of the crazy cat ladies, right? Well, I am the crazy dog lady. Seriously, I can't get enough of them. My life is covered in dog hair. It's ridiculous. I make no apologies.

I am Claycat. I prefer to stay out of the public eye, working one-on-one with members of my local community as well as helping to moderate the Seattle Vampire Yahoo list. I became aware of my nature around the age of 13, in the days before everyone had a home computer and connection to the internet. I first became active in the OVC in 2007 on Smoke and Mirrors, and was a moderator there for a while. These days you can find me on VCMB and working behind the scenes with local gatherings.

Occult researcher and Gothic fantasy artist E. R. Vernor, known to his fans under the pen name Corvis Nocturnum, best known for his book Embracing the Darkness: Understanding Dark Subcultures and Allure of the Vampire: Our Sexual Attraction to the Undead, has owned an occult shop for several years while he maintained office as the Vice President of the Fort Wayne Pagan Alliance, a faith tolerance organization and acted as Vendor Director/Coordinator for Pagan Pride Day in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has done lectures at various events all over Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and Las Vegas Nevada on the subjects on occultism, and the truth and crossover of alternative lifestyles. The grand and great-grandson of a Mason remains involved in bringing about public awareness to Goth culture, witchcraft and Satanism’s true nature at conventions and universities, by being an invited speaker at the 2006 World Religions Seminar at the Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne, and the guest panelist for the 2010 Kheperu Open House where he enlightened the convention attendees the misconceptions on Satanism. He has also been a consultant for A&E’s Paranormal State episode Satan’s Soldier. He has been an active voice in many dark communities, promoting public awareness on various issues, such as ethics, and explaining away stereotypes as host of his own radio show, Embrace the Dark and as a guest of a multitude of online radio shows. The author has had appearances in magazines such as the October 2009 Penthouse Magazine article interview on Sex and Satanism, and he occasionally is a writer for Dark Resurrected Magazine and various ezines, blogs and forums online. Corvis Nocturnum/E.R. Vernor is a May 2010 graduate with Presidents List Honor Roll from Brown Mackie College, with dual associates degrees in Business Management and Criminal Justice. In his free time he enjoys oil painting works of fantasy, pagan, and gothic artwork. He is the co-founder and publisher of Dark Moon Press.

View Of Vampi(y)rism:

My view on Vampirism is that it is an energy deficiency in the energy body in the metaphysical sense, which can be replenished by direct or ambient replacement from another donor(s), or in some cases via blood in minuscule amounts for the symbolic use.

What I See The Community As:

I see the Community currently as a wide mix of views, aesthetic representation, and Houses. Much has changed over the years on ethics and more support has been shown for newcomers, which is a good thing. Most, if not all have been very welcoming and helpful in explaining and guiding both the neophyte and the curious nonvampire in the ways of the Community, it's history, and diversity.

What I'd Like The Community To Be:

The Community still has a long way to go before it sees eye to eye as peacefully as it could be on the differences, so I'd like to see the various Houses, Elders, and Community representatives work together better in communicating. The progress that has been made has been wonderful and needs to be nurtured continuously.

Views On Ethics - The Black Veil - Codes Of Conduct:

The Black Veil is a most important document containing important guidelines of proper behavior and etiquette in order to keep the Community safe from both itself and the outside world.

I'm Crio (Katac Cerrus Criophix). I'm 27 years old. I've been in the vampire community since late 2003.  I'm a medical transportation specialist for a professional Laboratory in biological material and a part time Computer Tech, Data specialist. I live in Richmond Virginia and love it here. I've taken on a few roles here and there as needed in the Vampire Community online and offline and nomadic to a degree. One of these was the Infernal event with Anders Manga a few years back hosted by the Richmond Vampire Alliance. I only go where asked and only take on a role when asked by others. These days I'm more of a intermediary between groups and people in the community. I hold a eclectic group of beliefs from various religions in a neo-shamanic disposition. If your looking for absolute terms think Chaote. You may ask what type of vampire am I but I tend to think towards the disposition of feeding modulations and not types. I believe all conditions are interconnected. I have a deep fascination within the human mind, biology, sociology, cosmology, technology, astrology, and chemistry.

View Of Vampi(y)rism:

A symbiosis that is natural and part of nature.  It exists also in the metaphysical and the mental.  I believe all paths are interwoven in ways which are sometimes hard for us to see or understanding using science or classical means of deductive reasoning.  I also feel it's simple.  My vampirism is very intuitive and very little is required for me to accomplish it and very little was needed in the department of understanding to harness it.

What I See The Community As:

A interchange and relation of multiple concepts and ideas.  A sharing of experience and knowledge.  A relational tool for understand the self relation to vampirism is and the relation to the world.  A extended family.

What I'd Like The Community To Be:

Aware of the amount of information at it's finger tips.  These days such as this we have more information than ever that has been collected by survey, forum, site, idea, book, creed, religion, and pure content.  We have stories which stretch for years and history of evolution in the community.  I would also like them to be aware they have chooses and they are open to debate and to talk about new concepts and ideas from the mundane to the professional researcher.  This exchange enhances growth and leads to a more productive understanding within the macro-cosmic view of the greater community as a whole.  Without the want to understand and learn nor the desire to change and learn things stagnant and turn inward on themselves.

Views On Ethics - The Black Veil - Codes Of Conduct:

When in Rome do as the Romans.  I personally am a gentleman and discrete in nature.  I have a family and I have friends.  I also have a career and a life.  While the codes and laws and suggestions of others may fit the bill I take things to my own level and maybe a step farther than most in the way I weave together a beautiful stress free way to operate within both community and society equally.  This synthesis and personal understand has given me the freedom to accept myself without others needing to know or accept me for a description such as a "vampire" but let them come to know me as a person without labels attached.  This has absolved fear and become resolute to a clearer understanding without veils, masks, and labels.

My name is Michail, known as DarkFess. I am 34 year old male sanguinarian who awakened in 1996. I'm a pioneer since 2004 of the Russian-speaking real vampire community. In 2008, on several different websites, I organize a movement of article translations into Russian from sources like Sanguinarius.org. I found like-minded people and collected a sufficient information base for our future community. We did a great job of translating and writing new articles. In 2011, "Research Center of Vampire Community" was opened, which offers everyone an opportunity to complete a questionnaire based on the original VEWRS/AVEWRS model by Suscitatio Enterprises, LLC. The answers are recorded in the general statistical database, and the results are published for free public access. We still have much to do.

I am Deacon Gray. I started out over on AOL in a room called "Vampyres" back in 97 till 98, but went back into the shadows until about 2003. Currently I collaborated with the Vampire Nations to create and run a e-zine; the Graveyard Press. I also moderate and sit on the council for the Vampire Nations, Moderate Real-Vampires for Sylvere. I co-moderate the Vampires Advanced board with Lady Slinky for Lady CG, run a Idaho Based Vampires board, and some other projects. My interests are eclectic and include a wide range of music, Wines, Coffee, Cigars, and the company of wicked ladies. I love fine decadence I suppose. My main hobby and love is writing both for the community and fictional works mostly for myself and friends. My goal is to help build the West coast community, I think there is a lot of new starts out here. I am currently a member of the House of the Dreaming.

View Of Vampi(y)rism:

My view is never stable, as I learn I come to believe different things. What I have come to feel is that Vampirism is a state of the spirit that is manifested in the physical incarnation. As no two people are alike neither is the manifestation of their nature.

What I See The Community As:

It is hard to make a simple comparison, or statement. People gather in groups that make them comfortable or suit their needs. They spend too much time nay saying each other and bickering over little things, or trying to figure out who is REAL or not, or who falls into their groups specific beliefs systems. For some it is all about the physical, the practical, others it can be spirital, mystical, mundane or a number of variations.

What I'd Like The Community To Be:

I would like the community to be more scholastic in nature. Rather than a large group of large egos, ambisons, and agendas, I would like to see people actually making the attempt to work together to accomplish bigger goals. I applaud those who work hard to accomplish things in the community. Perhaps more so applaud those who do so with out trying to self promote.

Views On Ethics - The Black Veil - Codes Of Conduct:

I respect the goal of the Early Versions of The Black Veil as a guide for those who need one. I make no excuses for what I am, and really have no issue not being popular or hold to some pseudo politically correct silliness that’s out there. I am a Vampire. An Eros Type, a sexual vampire that loves every moment of being who and what I am.

My name is Formaldahide and I'm the administrator Of Dutch Vampire Haven (DVH). The purpose of this group is to dispel the prejudices and hopefully provide more understanding and acceptance about real vampires. My intention is to create a place that is accessible to everyone from the Netherlands and Belgium who identifies themselves as a vampire or is seriously interested in "real" or "modern" vampirism. It is also my hope that through the DVH, more Dutch and Belgian vampires as well as donors will have a chance to get in contact with each other.

My name is Hellkat. I have been part of the OVC for many years. Being an active part of several groups, I  have been serving and guiding the Newly Awakened for about 4 years now. I manage a support board for Vampyres and Otherkin named Smoke and Mirrors and am active in the Craft. I am a mostly Psychic Vampire though I do have Sanguinarian tendancies. Along with a kin-type it makes life interesting to say the least. I am a proud mother and wife.

My name is Ithril. I am an established jeweler and gemstone cutter. I have considered myself to be vampire for well over 25 years, though for much of that time I ignored and denied it. A coworker accused of being a vampire about 6 years ago, and this prompted me to use the internet to research something I had convinced myself was a simple preoccupation. After finding other knowledgeable individuals to speak with bluntly about the subject, I was convinced that there was more to this than I had first believed. I am a member of several vampire boards and IRC chat-rooms as well as a moderator on Drink Deeply & Dream (DDD).

My name is Jade.  I have been active within the vampire community for many years and I currently run two vampire networks, Fallen Creations Teen Vampire Community and Of Shadows Born.  I also administer Silken Shadows Vampire Community, which I have been a member of since almost the beginning.  I am also a Pagan following the Old Ways which were taught to me by someone who had no one left in her family to which to hand down her information.

My name is Kai. I am a professional jeweler and martial artist currently residing in New York City. I have been a part of the on-line community since late 2004; I administrate the majority of the large occult and real-vampire related forums on the "Vampirefreaks.com" website. I am the co-founder of a private off-line organization, Bit Nibiru. I try to be as active in the off-line community as my schedule and financial situation allows, and am always willing to meet members of the community with whom I am previously acquainted over the internet.

I'm known mostly by the name Lady Nightdancer in the community. I have spent most of my time working with the OVC rather than offline for numerous years. My House is Arcadia Bloodmoon. Even though at one time it had members it is basically set up as an informational site rather than for membership in these days. I am an older person in the community, 63, so my views sometimes vary. I am an Executive Officer of the US Chapter of the Vampire Nation (VN for Vampiresnest), a member of Dark Nations as an Ambassador for the Temple of Lost Souls. I am affiliated with House Solaris and the Coven of Darkness. I helped co-found the GraveYard Press and am a Founder of Midnight Magica and the soon to come online magazine Vampire Nocturne (tentative name) which is in the works and will be devoted to the community.

View Of Vampi(y)rism:

I believe in personal reality so this one is a tough one for me to answer.  I believe that those who claim to be vampires or whatever word they prefer to use, psychic, energy manipulator or what have you that they are at a higher vibratory frequency and because of it, the amount of sustenance needed cannot be supplied merely by food for optimum health. There is a possibility that the flow of energy through the body's energy meridians is disrupted in some way and this would be something that could not be found by allopathic medical practitioners. When the meridians are strengthened as has been mentioned in Chinese medicine, it has been stated that there is a noticeable impact on energy levels, mood, health, thinking processes and memory. This could be an inborn condition natural to the vampiric thus making it necessary to take energy from various sources. It depends on the individual as to what works best for them. None of us come out of a mold so there are differences. I don't classify vampirics. Therefore, a vampire is a vampire is a vampire. I don't get into feeding styles describing them.

What I See The Community As:

The community is a very creative group of people.  There are those who are disruptive but because of what they espouse it is comprised of views that are theory and belief, which makes it difficult at times to get along. They are at all levels of society, some are highly educated and others are high school graduates and others have little education, but what brings them all together is a recognition of something they have in common. Unfortunately there are some who like to push their views on others in a very aggressive manner that sets the stage for conflict.  Recently some have taken the initiative to try and get beyond that but unfortunately there are those that want to be public and others who still believe in secrecy. The dichotomy is there and I don't know if that side of things can be resolved.

What I'd Like The Community To Be:

I would like the community to be a network of interacting individuals and/or organizations that are tolerant of the differences within the community and work together for the greater good of all concerned.

Views On Ethics - The Black Veil - Codes Of Conduct:

I don't think it is feasible to act like a policing group and I don't like to see that. I think people should be given chances to explain themselves and sometimes be forgiven for behavior that is unbecoming. I realize in certain circumstances that is impossible and unrealistic. Following a set of rules is fine and to me, The Black Veil is a guideline to common sense. Most know the Golden Rule and if we all follow that there is no need to teach others of proper behavior but more safe procedures for various routine things. It is a matter of how to act in society in general. If someone is disregarding that, they will probably disregard ethical behavior on any level. It is my hope that people will rise above that and think of others (donors or people in general) as more than an access to feeding. Each group should decide for themselves what guidelines they wish to follow whether it is the Black Veil or one written by the members or both.

My name is Lady Onyx Ravyn. I am the Matriarch of House RavenShadow.  I have been awakened for almost 17 years now. I am on an eclectic path which blends various teachings and combined ritualistic practices. I am a counselor/warrior blend and remain neutral in all aspects of vampyre politics. I have traveled to many different communities over the years to include Gotham, NOLA, Savannah, Atlanta, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee. I still sit the fence at times as to whether the Internet is a blessing to the greater communities as a whole or simply another road block in our never-ending struggle to keep fact and fiction separated.  I am full Sang. I was Co-Promoter for Black Atlantis, a former ShadowLore S.E. Chapter Head, a current ShadowLore Affiliate for FL, Ambassador for House RavenShadow on Dark Nations, an author, a poet, a massage therapist, an energy manipulator, and an avid reader of religion and theology as well as earth based traditions, aromatherapy, crystal magick, and astral projection. I consider myself a friend and supporter of all vampyric houses, covens, courts, and ronins as well as any and all vampyre events and promotions.

My name is Lady Slinky. I awakened in the late 1980’s alone. I found the vampiric community in 1997. I currently run VCMB.org - the forum for Sanguinarius.org and Co-admin the Seattle Vampire Yahoo Group.

My name is Legardored Occaeco Fides or just legardored. Currently 24 years old working as system/network administrator in The Netherlands. Admin for a medium sized Dutch IT forum and occasional moderator for a Dutch otherkin site/forum. Big passion for mythology and anything occult related, though Sumer is my favourite subject. I started following the vampire community in 2005 and decided to take a more active role in 2010. I consider myself a Sanguinarian though I will always be a critique especially about my own views. I am here to learn from others as well as to share. My goal is to create a stable environment for Dutch vampires through giving advice to local initiatives and or creating them.

View Of Vampi(y)rism:

Something that is part of my life as it is for many others. I have no idea what is causing it. As someone who identifies as a Sang and has former medical knowledge regarding diseases and anomalies I am leaning towards some kind of energy deficiency in blood that we have to replenish by other sources. However the problem with this is that so far studies have shown that most nutrients in blood either get broken down from the moment it exits the body or by drinking it. Thus feeding/drinking according to this believe would have little to no effect. But studies can be wrong to and it won't be the first time it has happened. I can't really comment on the Psy part other than I am fairly certain they have a different energy deficiency than Sangs. (otherwise we all would be hybrids out of logical point of view.) But to tell you the truth I am not bothered with what is causing it just fascinated.

What I See The Community As:

Like any community. It is packed with all kinds of individuals some you like and some you don't. Some you have to tolerate and some you don't want to miss for any money. They all complement each other in someway good or bad and shape you. I see it as a challenging, complex but beautiful environment to learn from to grow and enjoy being part of.

What I'd Like The Community To Be:

The only thing I want the people to be is themselves. I have no idealistic view of how a community should work. Everyone has its own reason to be here. That essence is what keeps us going, growing and evolving.

Views On Ethics - The Black Veil - Codes Of Conduct:

Lovely written but most is common sense or would be of the best interest for your own benefit. It is another way to reflect on things you already agree or disagree. And there is enough for me to disagree on in it. But that is something personal and I will keep it to myself. I believe you as reader of this bio should be creating your own view on it.

My name is Leru, a Sumerian name that was given to me by my mentor in 1997. Currently, I reside in Massachusetts. I have BA in Legal Studies and Sociology and Masters in Education. I am an Educator and I have been a student of Energy Work, Herbology, and the Occult since 1992. As a teenager I found a Haven in the OVC AOL chat room, Real Vampires No RP. I have been involved in the public VC since 1997.  After being unable to find a New England based House which shared my principles, ethics, love for the occult, and understood my need for Energy, I founded House Chrysalis in 1999 with the guidance of my mentor.  In April 2003, I became a Citizen of the Court of Lazarus in NYC. In September 2003, I became the moderator for the “New England Vamps” Yahoo group created by Nefarious Wrath.  HC evolved and was able to publish HouseChrysalis.com in September 2010.  I implemented a VC/HC meet-up group through meetup.com in October 2010 and host bi-monthly meet-up events in Salem, MA. I became a member of The Dark Nations in January 2011. I am married and have three beautiful children.

My Name is Lono Fructus Vespertilio, I am a Software Technician working in the Music Industry, and live in Florida. I have previous experience in the television business (CBS affiliate). I have been a part of the vampire community since late 1998. In 2000 was the administrator of Psyvamp Information Exchange after Jack, until 2006 when Gabrielx became owner. In 2005 I founded Psychicvampire.org aka The Psychic Vampire Resource and Support Pages.  I am also an administrator for the Vampire Community Message Board (VCMB).

My name is Loxfin of House Obsidian. In the past I have hosted and ran vampire related websites some may remember. Now we are less involved online we are more involved in real life in Charlotte, NC. We feel actions speak louder than words. We host the Charlotte Vampire Meetup Group and attend events about three times a month, not including House meetings or parties.

My name is Lukas L. Kane and I was born in 1982 and be married with my black swan since 2009. I am a Vampyre but prefer the term Nahtwaithia. In 2002 my awakening finally ends. I stopped drinking blood to protect my wife. Since then I only take energy.  I am webmaster of the German speaking Vampyre community called ''Das Zwielicht'', which was opened in 2006. In May 2006 I made my first experiences in the OVC and became a member of the Sanguinarium, psivamp.org and the Conventum Tenebrarum. But I had to find out, that it was a mistake to join the Sanguinarium and at last I left them in November 2006. At the same time I became from Lono F. Vespertillio the permission to translate his site and create psivamp.net because of giving a Resource and Support page to the German speaking community. This was the foundation of “DasZwielicht”. Originally the Site was made for vampires. But many otherkins found their way into our community. This was the reason why the Database was updated and up to now you can find articles about vampires, shifters, daemons, shamans and witches including energy work and shielding techniques. This information’s are constantly expanded and completed. The website was set up to take care of vampires during their awakening and to give them a safe place to share their experiences.  In February 2007 the name psivamp.net was changed into “Das Zwielicht” to express the diversity of my community.  Today “Das Zwielicht” is one of the five German online Vampyre communities and works closely together with vampyrs.de, the Vampyre Lounge und Redspheare.

I'm known to the real vampire community as Merticus. I've been a member of the vampire community since 1997. I'm a founding member of the Atlanta Vampire Alliance [AVA], co-founder of the research company Suscitatio Enterprises, LLC, founder of Vampire Community News (VCN) on Twitter and Facebook, the co-organizer for TWILIGHT (academic/conference-style vampire community gathering), the current administrator for Voices of the Vampire Community (VVC), organizer for the Atlanta Vampire Meetup Group, and a principal contributing author and researcher for the Vampirism & Energy Work Research Study (VEWRS & AVEWRS). I'm a native to Atlanta, GA and am active in both the online and offline community; consulting not only with fellow members of the vampire community but also with academicians and the media on matters relating to psychic and sanguinarian 'real' vampirism.  I've contributed to numerous academic and general media articles regarding vampirism; including an October 2007 interview with TAPS Paranormal Magazine, an October 2008 interview with ABCNews.com, an November 2008 interview with the Washington Post, an August 2009 interview with the St. Petersburg Times, an October 2009 interview with the Miami Herald, an November 2009 interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, provided technical background and consultation to ABC's 20/20 Real Life Vampires special which aired November 2009, and I've consulted extensively with Joseph Laycock on a paper delivered before the annual conference of the American Academy of Religion in November 2007 and for his 2009 book Vampires Today: The Truth About Modern Vampirism. I've also contributed to Brad Steiger's 2009 book, Real Vampires, Night Stalkers, and Creatures from the Darkside, Corvis Nocturnum's 2009 book, Allure of the Vampire: Our Sexual Attraction to the Undead, David Skal's 2009 book, Romancing The Vampire: From Past To Present, J. Gorden Melton's 2010 book, The Vampire Book: Encyclopedia Of The Undead (3rd Ed.), and Rosemary Ellen Guiley's 2011 book, The Encyclopedia Of Vampires & Werewolves (2nd Ed.).

Mike Future awoke as a Sanguinarian in early 1999. He has been active in the Online Vampire Community since 2002 and is / has been a member of several Vampire communities. He is currently an administrator at the Vampire Community Message Board.

My online name is Mistress Mikyla, but my real name is Laura Michaela.  I have been involved with the OVC for about 10 years now, through various forums, groups (Vampire Church), and databases.  In the past, I have been brash about my opinions, but I believe for the most part that I have calmed down a bit.  I've not held an administrative position in any group, but neither have I actively sought one.  Occasionally, I go through lapses of extended away time. This can be due to no internet access at the time or no actual time as I am currently working two jobs, going to school full time, and occasionally volunteering for my local animal shelter.

My name is Mistwolf, I am a real vampire who lives in Spain and created the Noctalium web page dedicated to real vampires and vampirism. In August 2009, I decided to make a blog about these topics, called Noticias de la comunidad de Vampiros (NCV). My original objective, still in force, is to bring information to the Spanish speakingreal vampire community, because here in Spain and Latin America exists a few information on real vampires and vampirism, often confusing, distorted or simply bad. And now I´m making a webpage, called Noctalium. On the blog and the page I worked on translate texts known and important to the community, starting with the four versions of the Black Veil. I also translated the ABCDEF, the Elven Nation Manifesto, The Donor Bill of Rights by Belfazaar Ashantison, the results of VEWRS-AVEWRS, and other things. I try to learn everyday about the issues that show on my page, and to give it a good place to health issues and otherkin community, with which I am in contact through the web site Otherkin Hispano, to my knowledge the only place for otherkin community in Spanish. I also made two dictionaries on Real Vampires and Vampirism (D-VRV), and otherkin, therianthropy and transhumanity (D-TOT). I love working with translations and provide information. For many years I was in suspense about my condition, or denying it and trying to adapt myself to what is supposed to be “normal”, so today I´m very happy having accepted what I am and knowing that it is something with I can grow in my life. And do Noctalium is my way to spread that happiness.

View Of Vampi(y)rism:

I have no clear answer, an energy failure could be the cause but I tend to think in a confluence of factors. I think there are several reasons that make us how we are, and these reasons may vary from one individual to another, but generally produces the same result. And that's only the first part of the problem because if the factors are different but the result is the same, then the question of why we are like this remains. One thing is how/why it occurs and other one is for what it does. What is the purpose of all this? I do not see nor live as a disease; it is questionable to say it is only one specific thing, (human condition, sickness  or whatever), because it covers many aspects of the person. Not see it as a set of symptoms, pathological or not (arguably) and nothing else. It ends up being a condition that unifies everything. Personally I don´t mind if we don´t know exactly the specific causes of why we are real vampires, thought I like to investigate this matter, but I'm interested to live the experience of being. I think that real vampires are really obsessive about the perception of our environment, but in a positive sense, because it is another form of nourishment, to grow steadily. The vampiric condition is not something that I suffer or something that happens to me, finally is what I am physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

What I See The Community As:

I see a lot of diversity, and that is the only dogma I'm willing to defend as a real vampire. But I think we should make better use of that diversity, because sometimes it benefits us and other harms us. Many times I see people trying to gain importance to themselves or pretending to be vampires when they are not, I don´t think that should be part of the diversity of any community, we will not become more diverse and tolerant with this kind of problems among us. I think we should continue to be open (and we are) to working with other communities, including therian and otherkin community, and focus on providing good information to everyone about real vampires and vampirism, inside and outside the community. I see no agreement on many things, and sometimes there is selfish fights regard for personal views on the vampiric condition. Nobody has written a book called "I know all about the vampiric condition”, but many argue as if they had written the book and no one can disagree with them. As soon I see a strong and growing community, I see an explosion of disagreements that pulls down the job done. But I also see many people working tirelessly to the community for years, and that makes me want to continue working for things that serve us all. Anyway, I see the community as a fertile field full of opportunities for growth, fertility in all aspects is our guide.

What I'd Like The Community To Be:

Some years ago I tried to get close to the Gothic community, I like the Gothic culture and I consider among other things a Gothic person. And I found there the silly discussion, “Are you Gothic or dark person?” Discussion that was often furious fight: “You're not a true Goth/Dark person! You're only a fake Gothic/Dark person! You're just a Goth/Dark person, but not a true Dark/Gothic person!” So I left all that and, several years later, I began to integrate myself to real vampire community, for not to stay in the middle of an idiot discussion that puts the accent in the differences, or even invents them just for fight a little more. “Finally!”, I told myself, no more big egos fighting for see who is MORE this or that... And I found people fighting for defining if they were MORE real vampires than the others, only for if they were consuming blood or energy. I had come to the conclusion that probably the problem it´s me, maybe my hybrid vampirism leads me to consuming blood, energy… and ridiculous situations. But when I see people who are beyond ego-fights, working for all every day, I say to myself: this is what I want to do. I want that the community be this, a field of fertility, creation, production, because many of us are very productive and have a great initiative for projects. This fertility of minds and souls that benefits us like a whole, this is what I wish. A community conceived and raised by many mothers and fathers.

Views On Ethics - The Black Veil - Codes Of Conduct:

Well, I never lied about it... and I will not start doing so now. As real vampire the Black Veil does not represent me, although I recognize its value for the community. I think it´s fine that in some versions it have some common sense guidelines, but also has things that destroy that common sense. On the other hand, common sense is very easy to find if you want, is in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, national and local laws, on family education, in learn from your experiences every day in life. If you act like an idiot any text specially written for the event can´t help, and on the other hand, if you never read the Black Veil but have a minimum of common sense, this or any other text especially written is completely useless, because you just know what to do. Honestly, I think if you will draft specific texts for real vampires should not be so difficult or contain convoluted terms. We are human beings, not aliens or vampires from the myth (bloodthirsty predators that need many special laws and codes that contain their “beast”nature), and is not so difficult to know that you should give respect and deserve it in the same way, in every experience of your life. Do not be stupid, be happy but not hurt anyone, give to others the same respect that you want for you. Is so complicated to understand it? And if you do not understand it, for what will serve to you read over and over this or that text, written especially for you as a real vampire? Common sense is not something that any written law can give, is up to you. On the other hand, if there is something positive in the Black Veil, is that shows any group of people can reflect on moral and ethics, personal and community level. Is a good point that each group of real vampires propose, if desired, have their own text to represent themselves about moral and ethical matters. That is certainly one of the parameters that define a community, but only one among many. I think the community moral and ethics are at work every day, and not in the impossible quest for a universal text, a kind of final and absolute one that define and represent all of us, as real vampires, and in every circumstance. Ethics and morals is what we do, that is our veil.

Hello, I'm Musidora. I've been a friend and supporter of vampires since 1998 and a donor since 2001. I co-host Les Vampires, a real vampire support and information group, comprised of a website, forum and chatroom, along with my partners, Blacklight, Shortgoth, Zeta, Khan and Arryshanna, three vamps, a vampiric and a fellow donor, all folks who each contribute greatly in their own way in hopes of making our environment a better place to come for information, support and fellowship, a candle in the darkness for those seeking refuge and enlightenment.   This group was founded by a vampire named RavenNighte in 1997.  I'm a member here at VVC, a great 'think tank' of experienced people across the vampire community worldwide.  I am an admin for Dark Nations, a noble project I compare to a UN for our Kind.  I spend much of my time in the community these days doing support and education, networking and conversing with many vamps, donors, supporters, the interested, always trying to temper those interactions with intelligence, humor, goodwill and civility.   I try to be available to help anyone, answer questions or point people in the right direction - to help them find the answers they seek.  I'm at the mid-century mark, and hail from Texas, although I spent a couple of years in NYC in recent years.  I'm a healthcare professional, which surprisingly led me to my first encounter and friendship with a vampire and am always available to answer questions as they may pertain to medical and holistic considerations.

View Of Vampi(y)rism:

Again, I take the holistic approach - vampires need and require specific forms of energy (by whatever name you choose to call it)  in order to function optimally in their daily lives for their sense of well-being, in every regard - physically, mentally and spiritually and to evolve to one's higher self.  Maslow's hierarchy of needs about sums that up.  My longstanding viewpoint is that a vampire is a vampire is a vampire, regardless of the way in which they obtain this energy and what defines a vampire is this need and their ability to transform this energy in a way to utilize it for that need.

What I See The Community As:

it is indeed a society unto its own, whether it be online or 3space, all useful mediums for meeting others and exchanging ideas and for fellowship among our kind. In the past decade, I've seen this community evolve and I'm very pleased with the progress that has been made.  I believe it will continue to do so.

What I'd Like The Community To Be:

I'd like it to be a cohesive group of people who come together for a meeting of the minds. We need our own 'think tanks'.  There's an expression that getting vampires to come together on anything is like herding a bunch of cats across a river. (lol I didn't say this, but I've heard several vampires say it). That may be true.  We're not all going to agree all the time but we can agree to disagree when need be, exchange ideas, and communicate with one another and it can all be done with an air of civility and tolerance towards each another.

Views On Ethics - The Black Veil - Codes Of Conduct:

From sheer observation, I know that every vampire has their own code of conduct, and this code changes with each vampire over time.   I don't think it's something you can regulate but I do think you can point out on an individual basis when behavior is not acceptable and to whom it's not acceptable, and alternately what is generally acceptable and what is not.  By and far, most of the vampires I know behave honorably and also have a sense of protecting those who needed to be protected.  As a donor, I believe in protecting our donors as both human beings having inherent rights and as being one of our most cherished resources.  And this is coming from me who's been communing with vampires so long, I see both viewpoints and I understand the need to find a happy medium that works for both donor and vamp.  I've written my own guide for donors that I perceive encompasses most of  the pitfalls and benefits of being a donor and I revise it as I evolve in that understanding.

I'm NyteMuse, or I also go by Morgan Felidae. While I've been aware of the vampire community for almost a decade, I've only been really actively involved or a part of it since 2006. I also stick my nose in a bit in the Otherkin community off and on. I identify as vampiric fey. Most of my time has been spent in the Pagan community, so I'm focusing a lot of my work lately on countering a lot of the misinformation and fears I find there (as pertains to vampires and otherkin). I am a teacher and past administrator at the Grey School, an online school of secular magic aimed at youths (but open to anyone). I haunt many of the OVC and OVC-related forums (including HK, VCMB, AVA, Suscitatio, (NOX), Darkness Embraced, BlackSwanHaven) and I am an administrator on the PsyVamp.org forums and one of the founding members of House Rosa in Reno. I often wish I could be more outspoken and appear on the various documentaries, but my field of employment limits that, so in the meantime, I do everything I can over the web or in writing to help.

My name is Octarine Valur. I started out in the practically non-existent South African vampire community in late 2009 when I began looking for local Kin and groups among Pagans, and started participating in the OVC in early 2010. I linked up with some local Kin, and we started House Valur, South African Vampyre Alliance (SAVA) and several other projects. I'm dedicated to developing and growing the VC in my region, and also internationally as far as possible, with as much cooperation as possible.

View Of Vampi(y)rism:

My view of vampyrism is formed by my own personal experiences as well as how I have perceived it being portrayed in tradition, culture, fiction and the media. To me vampyrism is deeply personal, and in many ways presents a vulnerability to the world - something that forces me to need other people when I am a fiercely independent and otherwise self-reliant person. Personally I think the causes of vampyrism as a 'condition' are a blend of spiritual and as yet undefined physical factors, each influencing the other to produce this state of being. I do believe that one day some medical or scientific research facility will produce concrete proof that vampyrism is caused at least in part by definable physical factors.

What I See The Community As:

I see the Community as more than just a fad or lifestyle - and beyond a subculture, I see it as an identity group of people who experience life in the same or a similar vein, and that there is more holding this community together than simple similar interest, or faith in some or other religious foundation - that the Community is also a visible manifestation of our identity. Because we are individuals standing up and saying I am like this, we see others who doing and feeling or experiencing life the same way as us - and this sharing with each other, caring for and about each other - and supporting each other - is what makes a community. The existence of our community, which consists of others just like us, validates our experiences and presents internal confirmation to us that we are not "fakers" or "mentally ill". For some it would be the affirmation of their own experiences being more than just coincidence and imaginary. From the inside, the community is experience based - and from outside it appears to be faith based. At the end of the day, it really depends on the viewpoint of the person classifying it.

What I'd Like The Community To Be:

I live in an area where the Community has been either non-existent or invisible, or extremely secretive and occult-based, so I would really like to see more groups in real life, with actual meeting places, venues, public gatherings and so on. Generally speaking, more than that, I would like to see more serious participation in real groups that are really trying to create some structure and reality in the morass that is the global OVC. I realize that is asking for a lot, considering we are so diverse - but we all have our day-dreams! I would like to see our culture grow towards the acceptance by the outside world that "yes, there are Vampi(y)res, but no, we don't generally need to fear them", without us having to completely give up our anonymity if we don't want to.

Views On Ethics - The Black Veil - Codes Of Conduct:

We know of the Black Veil in SA as well, but have substituted it with the TLV, which echoes much of what is said in the Black Veil, only it is laid out more coherently and also addresses the topic of community secrecy in the unique South African context. I think it's better suited to our arena, giving a more clear concise and authoritative guideline (as South Africans don’t always like to follow the rules, and some firmness is often required.) It also makes sense to have something clearly visible in case someone does something stupid or dangerous and fingers get pointed at the Vampyre Community and people claim “Vampyres do this, Vampyres do that…” - when we can drop this into their inbox and say “…erm, well – no, we don’t.”

I'm Patrick Rodgers, long time resident of Philadelphia, PA. I've been involved in the vampire community since the mid 1990s, both in my personal and professional lives.  In the latter capacity, I produced and released the official soundtrack to White Wolf's popular game, "Vampire: The Masquerade" and I created and continue to produce the quarterly "Dracula's Ball" event, which has been featured on a variety of TV shows around the world (most notably, HBO's "True Blood").  I also worked with the Romanian Tourism Board on a campaign to promote Transylvanian tourism to vampires and vampire fans. I'm blessed with the opportunity to travel often and I am always mindful of what impression I will leave with people who are not familiar with vampires. I suspect I may have been the first vampire to visit North Korea (since the war, at any rate).  I err from time to time and my imperfections have been known to get the best of me, but as a somewhat public person, I do make an effort to comport myself properly when I'm out in the world. While I respect any group's right to organize itself along whatever lines it sees fit, I am generally uncomfortable with hierarchies.  This is the primary reason that I am not a member of any groups within our community, and one of the many reasons that I am excited to be a part of VVC, a forum of equals, exchanging information and ideas.

Perce Coeur; a 35 year old French woman - "Energetic Researcher"  Always in the shadow of the french vampire scene since its "official" birth 3 years ago from now.  Co-translator of the Vampire Codex into french with Niklüz & Co-creator of the Manerium Lamiis, the french vampire forum, with Niklüz.

RavenHarte is a "damned yankee" New York transplant now residing in NC. She has been a practicing Pagan since 1992, ceremonial magician since 1994, and Kabbalist since 2001. The HPS of Clann Caladvwlch, a Western Mystery style coven hived in 1998 from a Celtic clan of covens from upstate NY, she also served her Pagan community as the President (2000-2002) and Organizer (2006-2008) of Path of the Moon Collective Pagan networking organization. During those years she was her area's resident "media witch" fielding all media requests for interviews on Paganism, witchcraft and Wicca. She also was one of staff writers for ezine PanGaea Revisited, and is now a ordained minister and practioner of several alternative healing modalities.  She began participating in the public vampyric community in 2004 through the Savannah GA community, was a speaker at the Twilight II event in Atlanta, and was one of the four lead priests in the closing rite of the 2009 House Kheperu event in Ohio. She has also been both a sang and psi donor, but identifies as a Mystic Swan rather than Amber because she can not only donate her own energy, but can manipulate other energies for use in vampiric communion and ritual a well.

My name is Rhea Nekhebet and live New York City. I work in web technology and photography and try to enjoy life as much as possible. I have been in and out of the vampire community since 1998-99. During the earlier years, I was extremely shy about making myself known, as the subject matter itself still made me uneasy, should my day-to-day peers would find out. Since I was a club kid and promoter in the 90's, some things were easily shrugged off in public eye. But I still longed to find more like me as discretely as possible. Now, I'm much more knowledgeable and comfortable in my skin and always find happiness knowing that I can do the same for someone else.

S. Rune Emerson (occasionally called Surrender and a host of other S names) is the founder of House Rosa, a tradition of sanctuary and training for vampires, therians, and otherkin of all sorts, based on the gentler etiquette of the honest courtesan.  He is also the founder of the Risting Tradition of American Witchcraft, which is a big name for a very small tradition of witches located in Reno, NV. Rune is psychically vampiric, and he hates the words commonly used to describe psi-vampirism. He's been a witch since he was a young boy, and currently makes a living as a professional witch and Craft teacher, writing spells, singing incantations, and spying on people via divination.

I'm sarasvati. I became involved in the online vampire community in 1998, started my own webpage in 1999-2000, has since undergone revisions too numerous to count. In its current incarnation as "Echoes of Night". I am a sanguinarian and moderator at Sanguinarius's VCMB.  I am in the animal medical field. I have no official house or group affiliation.

The spiritual/nightside name that I go by is Scarlet Ravenwing, I have been a member of the Vampyre/Otherkin community for  around 12 years now. I am a "Hybrid" vampyre, as I have tendencies toward both blood and psi, often choosing psi as the common for safety and personal reasons. I am 30 years old, female and from rural Virginia. I run an online yahoo group called Blue Ridge Vampyre/Otherkin Alliance (BRAVO for short). I "came out of the coffin" some years ago and have spoken in the open about the truths of the community and given classes to discuss the reality and safety of the community to a local pagan group. I am a an eclectic mix religiously, Pagan Universalist, with tendencies toward Kemetic, Native American/Shamanism, Celt with touches of others. I have openly worked with my "vampirism" during ritual as I feel it is as closely linked to me as my religious faith. I am actively part of the pagan, vampyre, and fetish communities.

Sebastian deCavalier is currently a Clinical Medical Assistant student and will be receiving my associates degree in the summer of 2010. I have been involved on some level of the community for going on about 18 years now, but have been involved online only since 2003. I am creator and co-run "Gateway of Tainted Souls" which is an 18 and over Vampi(y)re/otherkin online social network on Ning. My future plans consist of moving to Phoenix and living the rest of this vessels life with my twin flame.

Sovereign is an administrator at both Dark Nations and SangSpace. She is also a member of various forums and e-lists throughout the vampire community.

My name is Jesper, also known as "Spurn". I have been an active member of the vampire community since 2004, and have been the administrator of the Danish Vampire Community (DVC) since the beginning of October 2010. I started DVC with a pursuit to collect information about real vampires from Denmark, on a demographical, sociological, psychological and philosophical level - and have done so since then. I guide and discuss subjects concerning real vampi(y)rism on DVC weekly, and monthly I gather and converse with other danish vampires from within the community.

View Of Vampi(y)rism:

Vampyrism is a condition of the spirit (in synthesis with the body), failing to create and use its energies (the term energy used by lack of a better term). The true potential of a spirit will only become clear, when the energies in and around the spirit is at a perfect or near-perfect balance. A spirit in balance or unbalance effects the psychological and physical condition of the vampire, and thus the vampire is in need of getting its energies balanced out, to be comfortable and function at a psychological and physical level.

What I See The Community As:

The community is a widespread pool of individual personalities, with each of their experiences, opinions and beliefs. This pool, the community, sees itself as real vampires, even though there isn't any specific notion of what vampyrism is exactly. The views vary so much, that the community is a large chaos of opinions and beliefs, that, though its diverse amount has some things in common: The community is a society, with different views on something which the members of the community have in common; vampi(y)rism.

What I'd Like The Community To Be:

I would very much like the community to be more compact and structured, in the way that the different sites and boards should interact, cooperate, share and work for a common goal. This goal could be a collection of articles, books, notions, etc. which could help the community at large, and the newly awakened. A 'one' place, to get the answers to your questions, for everyone. The different boards and sites should still exist (e.g. different countries/languages), so that there would be a more local place, to discuss vampyrism and meet others from the same society and country.

Views On Ethics - The Black Veil - Codes Of Conduct:

I see these codes of conduct as an archetype of guidelines, in which we all can see logical and ethical truths. Though I would say that they still only should be seen as guidelines, and not a perfect set of rules.

Sylverë ap Leanan identifies as Leanan Sidhe and has been involved in the Vampire and Otherkin communities since 1994, both offline and online via IRC channels and Usenet groups. After securing a reliable Internet connection in 1997, she began taking an active role in both communities by participating in various Listserv groups for Otherkin and engaging with other vampires through email discussion lists and chat rooms such as "Real Vampires No RP" on AOL. She was a charter member of the Vampire/Donor Alliance and participated in the Global Vampire Network (GVN), a prototype for the VVC, created and organized by Pandora. From 1998 until the group's closing in 2011, she acted as facilitator for the Real-Vampires Community Alliance, one of the oldest Internet-based support groups for vampires, donors and allies of the community. Sylverë’s media appearances include American Vampires, a documentary produced for XYTV in the UK, True, True Blood for alternative newspaper The Pitch, ABC’s 20/20, and the paranormal Internet radio show, Nightwatch. She is one of the contributing authors to Vampires In Their Own Words (2007) and appeared as an expert panelist at the American Criminal Justice Society’s 2008 conference. In conjunction with several long-standing and respected members of the Vampire Community, she wrote the Vampire Ethics document that formed the basis for the "The Vampiric Ethos" which was revised and implemented by the AVA. Currently, Sylverë organizes a social group on Facebook called Gathering Dusk, which caters to enthusiasts of dark alternative lifestyles, including Goths, Steampunks, Vampires, and Otherkin. She also runs the Vampires group on FetLife. When she isn’t busy homeschooling her youngest child, shuttling her oldest child to Karate practice or modeling for a photo shoot, Sylverë works as a freelance writer. She lives in Kansas City with her family.

I'm known as The Pink Lady.  I've been a part of the online vampire community since 1997 and the days of AOL "Real Vampires NO RP" chat.  I joined the Vampirism E-List on Yahoo in late 1998 or early 1999 and became a moderator about a year later. I run New River Valley Vampires and belong to the Virginia Vampire Meetup Alliance which is run by a friend in Fredericksburg, VA. I also maintain a vampire nonfiction blog.

My name is Victoria Howell, I'm a succubus/hybrid vampire from Wyandotte, MI (a suburb of Detroit, MI).  I've been lurking around the OVC since 1999, and co-founded the Detroit-Area Vampire Community meetup group in March of 2004.  We're a simple community connection point and IRL social group where vampires, donors, lifestylers, and all other respectfully curious individuals can get together to ask questions, make friends, and take off the masks society imposes on us, if only for an evening.  We currently meet once a month in rotating locations around the metro Detroit, MI area.

My legal name is Inanna Arthen, and Vyrdolak is who I really am. I awakened as a vampire in 1970, resisted the truth for the next fifteen years and finally ran out of rationalizations. I wrote, by request, the magazine article "Real Vampires" in 1987. I contributed to Noreen Dresser's research for American Vampires in 1988. In 1997, I put up my own website, now known as By Light Unseen. I've been around the online vampiric community since I put up my site, but I've always been a solitary and a maverick, so I've never joined an offline group or gone to a meet-up or event (yet!). I am a Pagan, a magick-worker, and bisexual and very public about all of my "alternative lfestyles," including vampirism. However, I am a very civic-minded person and I don't affect a more eccentric appearance than the average artist. I'm a writer, public speaker, graphic designer and generally creative spirit, and I am presently developing a small publishing company, By Light Unseen Media, devoted exclusively to fiction and non-fiction related to the topic of vampires. That's my full-time job until at least 2012. I live in Massachusetts.

I go by the name Xaphaniel and reside in Scotland.  I have been in and around the online community now for around 7-8 years and still remember the first chat I used to hang around in on Bloody Kisses.  Since then I have been travelling the net as well as the UK to find other vampires and to network and learn from others' ways and ideas on things and then develop my own teachings for my own house which is on and offline based.  Currently I work as a support worker to people with learning difficulties which I am finding to be an eye opener for many reasons; but as it goes it seems like a career change for my eclectic work history.  Currently I am also trying to promote and be a minder to a DJ.  All in all through my work history I think I have worked with the underside of a lot of different communities and obviously not all vampires.  I am a hybrid feeder; I switch between Psi and Sang but would be promoting more Psi feeding these days as it's an easier source to find.  I acknowledge that I have an animal side to which most times I feel we should all do from time to time but opinions vary and I'm not one for pushing my ideas on someone unless they want to discuss it.  It's not everyone's cup of tea but at the end of the day it gives me satisfaction that I can acknowledge this side of myself and it not be a dirty secret.

I'm known within the OVC as xeurika. I've been involved in The Community since serendipity/ fate/ being alone in a radio studio on the overnight shift with an internet connection led to the discovery that there were others who shared my collection of "personal weirdness" and the punch line was it was called "vampire" around 2000. I quickly found my way to #sanguinarius mIRC chat where to my delight I met many great minds, and friends who I have to this day. I followed my "soul" brother and sister Narradas and Shishain to House Quinotaur in 2001. I've been a member and contributer/ lurker of various chats and message boards ever since. Currently, I am also Deputy Ambassador to Dark Nations for House Quinotaur, and local offline groups Austin Metro Vampires, and Pumpkin Order.  I have tried to contribute where I can, cool things when they get heated, and rein things in when they get to far off the reservation. More recently, I have found and been a part of the local offline community in my home of Austin, Texas. I love painting, and digital art (my avatar is an early digital work composited from a self portraits and a sunset). From years of working in radio, I have made some great friends in the local music and entertainment industry. Being a former student, and Austinite, I do also have a weakness for University of Texas football.

My name is Zane Robinson, or just Zane. I have known of the Vampire Community for quite some time, although most of that time has been spent lurking. In mid-February of 2010 I created the site Awake and Drink as the result of my disappointment in the presentation quality of information around the Community. I feel that while the content is out there, most often the mediums that present it (such as websites) look like the last time they were updated was back in the 1990's. My goal with Awake and Drink is to enhance the presentation quality of real vampire information, bringing it up to par with the rest of the modern, digital era. In June of 2011 I began to participate in the Vampire Community outside of my own site, particularly in #Sanguinarius on DALnet (IRC) where I am currently an operator. Avoiding the use of any pre-defined terms, I consider myself an individual who requires blood to maintain good health (or a "Sanguinarian" as the ballot says). I also consider myself quite skilled in the manipulation of energy (or "Psionics", as popular opinion seems to have chosen). I am currently engaged and pursuing my bachelor's degree in education.

I'm Zola Tel Zimmerchild, I currently reside in Washington State. I've been floating around the online vampire community, and pagan community, since I was 14. I spend a lot of time working with people both in the vampire community and the otherkin community. I also participate in a few discussion on vampires in some obscure places. I currently admin for Otherkin.com and Nocturnusonline.net. In regards to my vampirism, I'm what I like to refer to as a Hybrid type 1. To me, that means I need to feed from multiple sources, my particular sources are blood, sexual energy, and emotional energy. When I first came into the vampire community, I mostly identified as a sanguinarian. It was not entirely wrong for me to do so, since my primary need is for blood. However, I should not have ignored the psi vampire in myself and have since embraced it. If anyone would like to contact me, you may do so through my email address thevampirezimmerchild @ hotmail.com I do check it daily, and will answer just about any question presented to me. Besides being a vampire, I am also a pagan and natural witch. Often I'm described as a dark pagan, which for me is just a description so people might understand my beliefs. Natural witch is a term that I started using on my own, and define as someone with the natural ability to use their will (magic), without training or studying under a teacher.