The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Has your definition of vampires changed since joining this website? Specifically, when you hear the word 'vampire' do you think of people living the lifestyle, or do you think of the glorious myths (Dracula and others), maybe both?

Many of us joined this website out of being fans of fiction. The database is chock-full of fictional references, yet when we began to talk about that fiction in the forum, some members responded with: "This is a site set up to educate the 'vampire community', not for fiction." Come to find out, that is not true. The validity of fiction here shines as the 'directory' has a main focus on it. Even the VR Manual doesn't say this site is for psy and sang vamps exclusively. The very level system on this website is based on fiction, and it's fun :) It's for every account of vampirism, not exclusive to your personal membership's agenda.

So I wonder.... have you all expanded your idea of 'vampire' having joined Vampire Rave? Has anyone changed? I've noticed some very interesting changes in myself since joining this site. And I will share them with you as this thread moves along ;)

My veiw of vampires has changed alot. io think this site is very cool.

When I hear the word Vampire......I think myth and movie.

I still find it puzzling to understand some members when they talk about certain aspects, or when they are talking about role playing.

Personally when I hear that word I still think of the myth and fiction surrounding it. When I joined the site I joined it for the fun that I had seen through another person.

I have learned a bit about the "real" vampires but it still hasn't changed what I think when I hear that word.

VR is everything vampire. I agree typically when you say vampire the first thing that comes to mind is something from myth.

Lifestylers are fine and I enjoy keeping cyber company with them here.

I also agree that if you post a thread about the mythical beings it often gets blurred as to which is being discussed; fact or fiction. There are some that say that they are the real deal, as if we may be cyber chatting with a character like Lestat. If you recall Anne Rice used the internet and vampire chat and cyber communities in one of her novels. The title escapes me at the moment. Those few need to get a grip, splash some cold water on their face and leave the RPG stuff behind.
To answer the question, yes my understanding of the general term is much broader that when I joined VR.

I certainly believe I have been educated into knowing there is a difference been fact and fiction.
I was aware of various types of people living off energy etc. Never thought I'd be calling them vampires though.

Yes, my definition of vampires in my mind has drastically changed. I have seen a whole other side of the coin so to speak. When I first joined it was with a fictional outlook and with the growth of knowledge and all of the information that I have found here it has opened up new ideas and theories to me.

I agree that rpg... a whole other ball of wax, doesn't have a place in a forum of 'real' conversations.

My primary reason for joining Vampire Rave, was that I have always loved vampire movies and TV shows. As a writer, I understand the vampire world is a wonderful playground. You call the shots on what your vampire can and can't do. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Kindred: The Embraced' (among many others), and found a VR link on a K:tE fansite.

It was obvious there were people here unlike me, but I was not 'green' on the topic of human vampirism. My first contact with people of this type was 15 years ago, and living in New Orleans, I have been exposed to plenty in the French Quarter (as a passer-by, and of my own accord).

As I was insanely intrigued by Vampire Rave and motivated to join the team that manages it... so I set out to educate myself more on the topics I was merely 'exposed' to, vice truly knowing. I joined this site as 'imagesinwords' after returning home from Hurricane Katrina evacuation. Businesses were not open, there was an early curfew enforced by police on most corners, nothing to do outside my home... I dove into Vampire Rave, and it kept me from going insane :)

My first friend on VR was a crash and burn. He played 'dress up' when not at work (cloaks, black contacts, and fangs... which is cool and all... but he totally blurred the lines of reality and fantasy) and was seemingly on the prowl on this website for more 'underlings'. As soon as I started asking him tough questions about his agenda, he promptly ended the friendship.

From there I started reading a lot online, I climbed the 'ranks' pretty quickly and was an Administrator in about 6 months of joining, and I was being challenged to have more answers than I had. I took a chance and emailed Michelle Belanger with questions, and was lucky to be answered quickly. We had a lengthy exchange, and I began to be drawn in a little more by this facet of vampirism. I found Michelle to be intelligent and charismatic. She sent me a .pdf file of one of her books, and from there I ordered other titles of hers. For a moment, or a 'phase' rather, I saw everything in me... right there in her words. "This is me." I thought. And that stuck around for some time.

Then, reality set in for me. It sounded like 'me', because she was talking about humanity. Most artsy-fartsy types are emotional, creative, detailed, needy in some respects. I was not a vampire (this word they chose because they paralleled the myth), I was just me. No need to give me a special label. Michelle has a gift, and I think many people could find themselves in her books.

I believe in psychic vampirism, but I don't think it's something we can't all be if we put our focus on it too. If I choose to highlight my human instincts of needing others beyond the norm, I'll feel 'less than' in not having it. That's just where I'm at. I've come full circle here, by reading, learning, and interacting.

If anything, what I have learned most on Vampire Rave is that this place (even though joined by many of the 'outcasts' of society) is just like everywhere else. People are people, you face the same challenges, obstacles, and gifts here as in any other place.

When I hear the word 'vampire', I think of Dracula :) Then I think of the ways some social spheres have borrowed the term to identify their way of being.

*This was not posted to offend anyone, but to give my experience and personal opinions after study. I will appreciate your valid opinion*

this place has certainly given me a different perspective on vampires.
V

I think your words actually echo a lot of us here who are less articulate to get their feelings down on paper, so to speak.

I joined VR after following a friend over.
I too have a fond love of vampires and the mystery that lets our imagination run riot when reading the great pieces of literature that surrounds them. Gotta love Stoker.

When I first came onto this site one of my first messages I received was from a kid who asked or stated "you're not one of us"...I smiled then and am smiling now....it's been a great journey for me to learn more about who the 'us' were.

Images~
I've seen you speak of New Orleans before when discussing the whole vampire scene, I know Ann Rice and her novels use the area as her main back drop, as do other writers but in truth I would associate the area with 'Voodo'.

Most people do think of Voodoo vice vampires regarding New Orleans. But vampire fiction has fertile ground with all the wonderful legends brought here from Europe as it was being populated and settled. New Orleans is one of the few cities in the United States that has maintained strong ties to legend as well as tradition, culture, and history. I could go on and on about those vampire legends in New Orleans... but I will save it for another thread. :)

I've learned not to discuss vampires and vr in mixed company.

Even discussing fictional vampires will occasionally lose me some hard-earned respect among my writer acquaintances.

I kind of knew about sangs. Found a battered copy of "American Vampires" (about sangs) in a dusty shop, perused it, and set it aside.

But one cannot pose a question in the Forum, even while stating at the onset that the discussion is regarding "fictional" vamps, w/o encountering numerous posts from "real" vamps.

So I've learned, and to a certain extent, I've accepted the blood drinkers amongst us. But I'm more cautious about using the word "vampire" because it's lost its theatrical gore to a certain extent, and is now tinted with a few drops of real blood.

Vampire rave has alterred my thinking somewhat when i hear the word "vampire". I used to think of dracula, lestat, Kraven, Marcus, etc.

But i have changed that view to more of just...creatures of the night. Whether it be people or animals.

It was the second definition of vampires that started this new thinking process. Because that is what the night brings mostly...creatures who feed off others. Whether it be a criminal or regular people ive started to notice that people in general who tend to have extensive night lives tend to "feed off others". Money, booze, favors, etc.

Not that any of its bad or criminalistic in nature. Its just an observation. Considering im one of these "nocturnal creatures" as well

when i hear the word vampire i think of myself because i like to suck blood out of my ol ladys neck!

Thank you, darkprince, for grounding us in the gritty reality of vampirism. This is what I love about vr.

BloodMother~

I think it's a shame you feel you lose credibility among your peers for the mention of vampires.
I did like your analagy with the tainted tears though....

The word vampire hasnt changed for me since I joined. When I hear the word now I think of three things... the mythical type, the lifestyle and this site. lol

when i think of vampire i think of blood sucking killers.. because of the movies

I joined the site out of curiosity and now i just love it i know its fiction but just the possabiliies of the unknown its sweet!

I haven’t changed my stance on vampires after joining this site.
It’s just like people who think there’s a god …. The more believers the more it becomes a reality despite the education and lack of evidence. ;-)

I have changed my views from experiencing knowing someone who lives a vampiric lifestyle.

I understand those individuals a lot more and can discern between the people who live this lifestyle and the Hollywood vamps and those who romanticize them, much much easier.

Well, since I've joined I've learned more about vampires and the like. But I still don't believe in them.

When I hear the word "Vampire" my mind gets boggled up with all the differents concepts, myths, and stories.

i dont think its changed, i think i have learned much more than i knew before but its not changed it , just advanced it

Okay then I'll be the only one to say it's completely changed my views. I joined thinking it would be about the literature or movies possibly the RPG game which I've played. It didn't take long before I discovered that to some that way of thinking was dead wrong. I was informed and instructed that this site was about real vampires though one did claim it was a lifestyle choice, the site was still for them.

Luckily I had made friends here and knew that it was a site for any and all things vampire related. But I had no previous ideals that people where living vampiric style lives anywhere, small town girl here. I thinks it's a great site simply because it accepts all our different viewpoints about vampires. But yes my views have changed.

just the same for me.

really about the same..

I did quite a bit of RPG-ing in Vampire the Masquerade when I was younger but its just a game people.

I love books on Vampires as well as movies.

From my point of view it would be nice if "real" Vampires of legend and myth lived but they don't so they make for good entertainment just as unicorns and dragons do.

Yes, my thought on the subject changed. I of course knew about the finctional vampires, saw the movies read some books etc... Saw the History channel shows about Dracula and the science of decompostion and how some of the mythical things came about. I also knew there were folks living a vampire lifestyle.

I didn't know there were sang and psi vamps and that there are people that actually have need to drink blood. My wife had pica syndrome when she was pregnant, a desire to eat chalk, which isn't unusual and is based in a mineral definciency. She also tends to be anemic, and tends to chew ice if she doesn't take her iron pills.

Based on what I have seen on this site, there are some people that feel a need to drink blood. I would guess it is based on some type of deficiency. Not so sure about psi vamps. This site goes into psi vamps a little: vampires.monstrous.com
It makes it sound like they can be normal people that are tireing to be around.

Can any psi vamps tell us about how they feed. Do you intentially draw energy. Can you direct it or is it anyone around you?

When i hear the word vampire, i think of many things.

I think about the people, about the myths and the truths, many people are quick to make the asumption that there are no such things as vampires, because of the movies and the way the myths are portrayed in todays culture, but really there is no proof for or against the existence of the species...
And if you do your research past the new 'facts' and 'proofs' and you will find truths that in a way point to the actual existence...
Now back to what i think of, i do not see the vampires of today, cloaked in the night waiting to rip a hole in someones neck, but a specie that is self reliant, passionate and self sustaining.
Superior then humans in every way, a race that doesn't fallow almost any of the myths... that is what i see...

My "definition" still remains consistant wtih my beliefs on what bloodlen are. Facts within this site concern me only on certain levels.

I stand by my convictions in the long run. If others deem it nessessary to be manipulated by information of the masses, then so be it. It is still our duty to "thin the herd".

Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Lagniappe. :)

I suppose my views haven't changed since being here. I was aware of lifestylers, sang/psi human "vampires", and of course, the fictional vampire. If anything, I think I've become less harsh in my views towards lifestylers and some sang/psi folk...or maybe I'm just getting soft in general as I get older. XD

Just to be clear, my problem with some lifestylers and some sang/psi folk doesn't stem from an absolute intolerant view of them; it stems from those who refuse to question the reality they've formulated for themselves. As many websites catering to sang/psi folk will point out, people who think they may have such a condition need to go to the doctor and rule out all other possibilities for conditions that can be treated with medication or proper diet. I've always lusted after truth more than feeling "special"...unless I'm drunk. Hah!

When I hear the word Vampire, I kinda get a tingle and my ears perk up to hear what is being said. I love this place. Its my safehaven, I come here to relax and get my strenght some times.

I have turned many people on to vr and they are so happy being here.
I do feel that I have been more educated on the lifestyle as well as myths and legends.

oh my i think of vampires sence ive never seen one is tv and books and such..

My opinion remains the same that vampires are of myth only and not real.

I love this site and even though I had knowledge of different sorts of vampires already I still picture the romanticized ones of the movies as well as the real and or role playing vampires.

Dark Greeting's,
Thank You xxBlackHawkxx for stateing you'r belief as an opinion not calling those of us who are liers as some on here do.My View on Vampires hasn't changed my expierence ha shown me they are real and I am a born Vampire.Hollyweird does a great injustice to us.I have found that of late many forums are argumenitive.If you do not believe at least have the courtsy to state it as YOUR OPINION as xxBlackHawkxx states it.Not down rateing or insulting those of us who are.Thats just my opinion.There is no fact one way or another to prove we exist or not.Just my 2 cents worth.
Dark Blessing's,
KA

I would not say that my opinions have changed because they always were simply that I am a lover of the romanticism of vampires and not the lore itself.
This site just gives us that "think outside the box" a place to congregate and not have to worry about being shunned or anyone thinking we are strange.

I still think of the myths, legends and fictonal characters when I hear the word Vampire.
But since joining this site, I have found that I have learnt and understand more about those of us who live the Vampire Lifestyle, which in my eyes is a positive thing :-)

My first response when I hear the word vampire is still from the movies/books I grew up as a lifetime fan of them. I am now aware and feel fine with the ideal that some people live a vampiric lifestyle or as vampires themselves. It's their choice in my mind.

But until I see a real life vampire I'm afraid I cannot believe in them. Of course since that seeing will probably be the last thing I see, who will I tell. lol

My beliefs have not changed, but I do not feel so alone in my beliefs now.

My understanding of a Vampire did not change, it is same as the first day I came to VR, but in my time here, I noticed that the VR has significantly upgraded it's idea of a Vampire, in that way in wich it's own uderstanding became broader, including much more of the truth's and wich were so ignorantly rejected earlier, and this broadness is growing, thanks to the number of the open minded new comming members, wich are skillfuly contributing to this vast endless subject, wich is taking a great deal of societies attention and energie, and it seems like it would never stop.

Everybodys sincere dedication to the realisation of the subject idea, certanly needs and will result in success.

I am positivly sure, that one day, here on VR, everybody toegheter will grow to form a complete functional idea, thanks to mutual support and openmindness of the VR Members, wich are tireless in contributing, tireless in assisting each other, in this attempt, to reach the hight of understanding in this highly concentrated idea, wich everybody is expecting with fire and passion, in their ever questioning minds.

As everything that tryes, as everything wich asks, sooner or later gets the answer, so I believe the Vampire Rave will as well.

no, i have not changed and i dont intend to. this site is fictional. if anything, it is only to keep feeding everyone tales and stories and myths to the "vampire community". i find it rather enjoyable to see how many believe they are vampires, how many actually claim to go and drink blood. i used to be like that, but that was when i was in high school. i grew out of it after i left school. now, im just me.

When I read the word vampire..i still think of the movies I have seen, and the books I have read. This site has opened me to many aspects of people's thoughts. This site has also became a learning tool for me in various ways.

My definition has not changed. A true born vampire will always be what they are... even if there are people (humans) out there who pretend they are vampires. Wanting to drink blood does not make you a vampire.

I think the same when it comes to vampires, but I do know there are alot of posers

i tend to think of two things one myself for i am one seccondly of the ansesters who have reached there godhead and have paved the road for others like me as far as this sight goes it has ben a intresting ride so to speak

The first thought that still comes to mind when I hear the word vampire is the fictional version. This site has indeed opened my eyes a bit more to people who live the vampire lifestyle, but not to the point that they are my first thought when I think of a vampire.

i think Vr has changed alot of the aspects i use to know about vampires. now i do see the other side of plane and those here.

yeah I guess my view has changed allot on them too! this sight is very cool and educational also

I like the site but my view has not changed sense joining. When I hear the word vampire, I still picture the original Dracula movies in my mind and images of people LARPing as Vampires in the corners of clubs.
I have met some unique and cool friends on here but I'm still waiting for the day an authentic autopsy report is posted where actual remains of a traditional vampire have been discovered.

VR has made me think differently about some things. Then again it has reinforced some lines of thought for me too.

This site hasn't changed my outlook much. It has made me think that some take the notion far too seriously. Living a lifestyle is one thing, but claiming a to live utter fiction is another completely. I'm still waiting for someone to turn into a wolf while I'm standing around haha

the way i think of "vampires" yes it has changed a lot..and im still learning more each day....

before i joined this site, i was not wanting to see things the way others saw them until i joined this...and have spoken to a hand of people privately about vampires and such....

Many people though of vampires as the good ol holly wood creature when in all actuallity we are not, kinda funny, but at the same time it is a nice fantasy to think about. However some of the lifestyles can get pretty close to the holly wood version, the site helps ya too see the full spectrum of vampyre out there and understand more possibilities.

When I hear the word 'vampire' I think of the same thing I always thought of before and after I joined. I think of the lifestylers, the sang and psy, and all of the above. I never shut my mind to any sort of vampyrism unless it is hurting someone or something.

For me Vampire Rave has added value to the fantasy of a fictional subject (vampires) that I have enjoyed down the years :) I have met some good people, but none of them a Vampire yet!

It hasn't changed that much, maybe a bit. The mythic vampire persona has been so pounded in our heads that I think it obscures the true definition of a vampire.

no change though respect for sheep has gone down conciderably. why would they willingly walk into the lions den?

NOPE! it didn't change a thing, just affirm LOL!

I go by study and fact -- there's nothing here that could change the way I think ...
This is just passing time ,, with most people who don't even have a clue --

I still believe that at one time, there were mythical vampires like Dracula but no vampires are just people trying to live in this ever changing world.

yes to some degree the meaning has changed

and yes i have found change in myself to learning on here has opened me mind to many things

I immediately think....FANGS! But anyone can get them living or dead and they can chose to use them or not....

I think of psyvamps first off, especially from what ive learned from this site, and I also think of the differences between hollywood vamps, and i i pertain to be a real one.

i also think of the dictionary definition: something that gains from taking something from something else

My definition has changed somewhat. There are still alot of vampire things that are strictly myth and always will be.

I joined the site for to gain more knowledge about vampire's and that has proved very useful. I admit before I joined the site I associated the word 'vampire' with the mythological type. Now I realize that there is a whole subculture filled with different ideas on the 'vampire'.

Well said, dc.

My opionion on the word 'Vampire' has changes alot.
There's a lot more to the word than I thought, and everyone on the site has been useful to help me learn.

yes my oppinion of the word has greatly changed and i find myself all the better for it

My view of Vampirism has not changed at all since joining VR. but my view on people has a bit

other people, including me are living the lifestyle

The other thing wich I found on the VR is, that the vampire culture is far more bigger than I thought before, and I find that to be a good thing, beacuse one can associate with many people to a larger extend, in attempts of forming the higher understanding of what a vampire should be, or is.

Given my unique perspective on the term "vampire" together with my many years of previous research on the historical "vampire" prior to joining VR, the only thing that for me has changed has been a deeper understanding of how strongly is the drive in Humans to adulate the fictitious image of the "vampire" as a blood-sucking "undead" creature rather than as the true being he was and still is, as plainly evidenced by the original accounts of same found throughout Eastern Europe. What is particularly disturbing is the extent to which some Humans will seek to emulate these fictitious "vampiric" traits either through simple blood drinking or through acts of violence and/or murder... neither of which were traits ever exhibited by the actual historical "vampire" of Eastern Europe, if the original (i.e., oldest) accounts are closely examined.

When I hear the word "vampire" nothing really comes to mind. In the sense of the word vampire, I feel everyone has a different conclusion (which is true.) Now, if you where to ask what person I consider a 'vampire'? I had have to ask if your talking about the hollywood image, the true legend, or the 'disease'? Really, for me to think of a person to be a vampire, I still go with Vlad Dracul, or Vlad Tepes as he is also known. Not because of the acts of violence that he did, but for the way he lived. He embodied luxiory and strength at it's finest. Well, to me anyway.

I haven't changed too much

Nope. My thoughts on vampires has always been the same. I never found them to be scary. Not even has a child. And I think that I will always feel the same about them.

i now have a tendancy to think of both...cause you cannt get away from the hollywood vampire no matter how hard you try.

and i have meet a couple people that actualy live the life style

used to be when i heard the word Vampire I would think about the next book or movie coming out

now i think of my friends here on VR

Yes it has very much. When i first joined, i wasnt really informed of thr lifestyle or the people who has such strong beliefs about it, i must say since being here it really has given me a diffrent outlook on the subject.

My reply would be no. The status of Vampires in my mind are fictional, even though there are subjects voiced in Vampire Rave Forums that have fascinated me :)

when i hear that i just think you talking about different kind of people. i think vampire are sweet.

my concept has changed... i was looking for information about vampires and some diseases related to vampirism and i found this site and found here some true people who has shared some experiences with me and have helped me to understand better what i've been through...

to me vampires are not just the thousand year old people that drink blood and hunt at night no.. to me there people around us that live in the lifestyle that choose to be different from everybody else someone who breaks the normality of things and desides not to be just another tool they deside to be the one to lead to be stronger those who are vampires to in my eyes they are better than anyone else because most people do things on a regular basis those who are like me and you we do things different every single day we are vampires.

Mara's answer works for me too ;-]

No. I believe that most people have two ideas of vampires. The mythical version which has different degrees from fictional basis to movie-type stereotypes and the understanding that it may be a term associated with either a scapegoat, a disease-ridden group of people or a misunderstood medical phenomenon. Many of the topics and forums have just reinforced those two areas, but I still have the same preconceived notions of both versions of the term associated with vampires.