A Halloween Message To The Vampire Community From The Office Of Merticus

OfficeOfMerticus2015This year has turned out to be the most prolific with respect to media coverage for the vampire community since 2011; only eclipsed by television, radio and print media at the height of the ‘vampire craze’ towards the end of the last decade (2008-2009). While we can debate the merits of such exposure, I believe it’s important to note that the narrative has notably shifted and arguably matured. This has resulted in increased emphasis on the specific practices, beliefs, identity politics, challenges and even charitable nature of our participants rather than simply how we contrast with pop cultural depictions of the vampire. I look forward to the continued academic inquiries of Drs. Joseph Laycock, John Edgar Browning, D J Williams, Emyr Williams, Joseph Pierre and others and wish to thank them for their professional and diversified approach to exploring our community and sharing those observations with the world.

Likewise, thank you to those in the vampire community who locally, and within your own specialty niches, work to build a more vibrant and stronger community — from New Orleans to Austin to Atlanta to Manchester to South Africa to New Jersey to Tampa to Germany to Houston to Los Angeles to Philadelphia to London to New York City to Chicago to Cleveland to Melbourne to all points in-between! All too often we’re at each other’s throats over everything from fundamental disagreements and egos run amok to petty nonsense. It’s unrealistic to expect all of us to hold hands and walk in step, however, it’s reassuring to see so many come together to support one another, our various projects and gatherings for the sake of kinship while understanding the importance of maintaining our respective individuality and group autonomies. I’m genuinely excited for what adventures may unfold during the rest of this year and throughout 2016!

I wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween | Blessed Samhain!

- Merticus

September 2015 In Review

TheMasterOfTheFertilityOfTheEggVampire Community News (VCN) – September 2015 In Review

Vampires Exist And They’re Not What You Think – Seeker Daily
September 1, 2015
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJexTE24zcQ

The Unity Question – Real Vampire Life
September 6, 2015
http://realvampirenews.com/the-unity-question/

Skepticism: A Vampire’s Mirror – The Shadow Sage
September 8, 2015
https://damienshadowsage.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/skepticism-a-vampires-mirror/

Interview With A Vampyre – Berinvönn Dærthledd
September 10, 2015
http://www.anchoragepress.com/cover-news/interview-vampyre

Fanger Bangers: The Female Kinksters Who Get Off On Vampires
September 17, 2015
http://broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/fanger-bangers-the-female-kinksters-who-get-off-on-vampires

Interview With The Vampire… Expert – The Bengal
September 18, 2015
http://isubengal.com/interview-with-the-vampire-expert/

Anika Inquest: Identity Of ‘Vampire’ Leaked – South Africa
September 19, 2015
http://beta.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/anika-inquest-identity-of-vampire-leaked-1918450

Vampyres Among Us! – Volume III – English Ed. (Limited To 400 Copies) – Dr. Mark Benecke & Ines Fischer
http://www.forensicbox.de/epages/es10551029.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es10551029_onlinebox/Products/MB-FS-Vampyres3

Top 10 Questions For Real Vampires – Logan South
September 22, 2015
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ISMcG7jCp4

Dear Real Vampires: Let’s Be Real For Once – VTOC
September 22, 2015
https://vtochicago.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/real-vampires/

North Central Texas College (NCTC) To Host Halloween Symposium On Vampires
September 24, 2015
http://starlocalmedia.com/lewisvilleleader/news/nctc-to-host-halloween-symposium-on-vampires/article_651e8cc8-62e7-11e5-9742-33affc2de966.html

The Pariah Ploy – GraveYard Press
September 25, 2015
https://thegraveyardpress.wordpress.com/2015/09/25/the-pariah-ploy/

Frustration: A Call For Medical Research – VTOC
September 27, 2015
https://vtochicago.wordpress.com/2015/09/27/a-call-for-medical-research/

April 2015 In Review

Bestiary-Honocrotalus-MuseumMeermanno10B25Folio32rVampire Community News (VCN) – April 2015 In Review

Being A Psychic Vampire – By Kate Gallwey
April 1, 2015
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VJ3ZPT8

House Rakoczy – Kasey Hill
April 1, 2015
http://kaseyhill.hubpages.com/hub/House-Rakoczy

New Orleans Vampire Association Easter Outreach Program
April 5, 2015
http://www.neworleansvampireassociation.org/easter-2015.html

U.S. Sociologist Exposes A World Of ‘Real Vampires’
April 7, 2015
http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/us-sociologist-exposes-a-world-of-real-vampires/story-fnq2o7dd-1227293952227

All The Pretty Vampires – Michelle Belanger – Upcoming Book; ‘Conspiracy Of Angels’
April 10, 2015
https://talespeaker.wordpress.com/2015/04/10/all-the-pretty-vampires/

Exorcists Warn Vatican Over ‘Beautiful Young Vampires’ & Satanic Yoga
April 13, 2015
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/exorcists-warn-vatican-over-beautiful-young-vampires-and-satanic-yoga-10174001.html

Real Vampire Community Academic Resources – Compiled By Merticus
April 13, 2015
http://merticus.com/vampirenews/2015/04/13/academia-edu-real-vampire-community-academic-resources/

Real Vampires: The Houston Subculture That Drinks Blood And Chases Psychic Energy – Houston Press
April 14, 2015
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack/2015/04/houston_vampires.php

Houston’s Vampire Court Gathers For A Pagan Sumbel
April 15, 2015
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack/2015/04/members_of_houstons_vampire_court_gather_for_a_pagan_sumbel.php

Vampires In New Orleans – Fact Or Fiction?
April 18, 2015
http://strangeandcreepy.com/vampires-in-new-orleans/

Inside The World Of Real Life Vampires – John Edgar Browning – ABC News Australia
April 20, 2015
http://www.msn.com/en-au/lifestyle/smart-living/inside-the-world-of-real-life-vampires/ar-AAbpqSi
https://soundcloud.com/abc_rn/excerpt-inside-the-world-of-real-life-vampires

Die Positive Energie Hat Einen Dämpfer Erfahren
April 29, 2015
http://www.npconline.de/2015/05/die-positive-energie-hat-einen-daempfer-erfahren/

Avoiding Social Vampires: A View of Life From The Doughnut Aisle
April 30, 2015
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dana-odell/avoiding-social-vampires-_b_7182144.html

Real Vampire Community Academic Resources – Academia.edu

JeanMielot-IlluminatedManuscriptScribe
JOSEPH LAYCOCK

https://txstate.academia.edu/JosephLaycock
https://sites.google.com/site/joelaycock/

“Vampires as an Identity Group: Analyzing Causes and Effects of an Introspective Survey by the Vampire Community,” Nova Religio 14:1 (2010): 4-23.
http://www.academia.edu/4332137/_Vampires_as_an_Identity_Group_Analyzing_Causes_and_Effects_of_an_Introspective_Survey_by_the_Vampire_Community_Nova_Religio_14_1_2010_4-23

“Vampires as an Ascriptive Identity Group: Analyzing Causes and Effects of an Introspective Survey by the Vampire Community,” in Adam Possamai, ed., Handbook of Hyper-Real Religions. Boston: Brill, 2012: pp. 141-163.
http://www.academia.edu/4332414/_Vampires_as_an_Ascriptive_Identity_Group_Analyzing_Causes_and_Effects_of_an_Introspective_Survey_by_the_Vampire_Community_in_Adam_Possamai_ed._Handbook_of_Hyper-Real_Religions._Boston_Brill_2012_pp._141-163

“‘We Are Spirits of Another Sort’: Ontological Rebellion and Religious Dimensions of the Otherkin Community,” Nova Religio 15:3 (2012): 65-90.
http://www.academia.edu/4332109/_We_Are_Spirits_of_Another_Sort_Ontological_Rebellion_and_Religious_Dimensions_of_the_Otherkin_Community_Nova_Religio_15_3_2012_65-90

“Vampires Today: The Truth about Modern Vampirism”
Joseph Laycock, PhD – Praeger Publishers – May 30, 2009 – ISBN: 0-313-36472-9
http://www.amazon.com/Vampires-Today-Truth-Modern-Vampirism/dp/0313364729

JOHN EDGAR BROWNING
https://gatech.academia.edu/JohnEdgarBrowning
http://www.news.gatech.edu/features/john-edgar-browning

“The real vampires of New Orleans and Buffalo: a research note towards comparative ethnography”
http://www.academia.edu/11643020/_The_real_vampires_of_New_Orleans_and_Buffalo_a_research_note_towards_comparative_ethnography_

“Vampire and Vampirism,” in Encyclopedia of American Studies (Johns Hopkins University Press)
http://www.academia.edu/10627145/_Vampire_and_Vampirism_in_Encyclopedia_of_American_Studies_Johns_Hopkins_University_Press_

“The Real Vampire Community: A Concise History,” in The Vampire in Europe: A Critical Edition
http://www.academia.edu/9642592/_The_Real_Vampire_Community_A_Concise_History_in_The_Vampire_in_Europe_A_Critical_Edition

“Vampires of the Crescent City: A Case Study,” in The Vampire in Europe: A Critical Edition
http://www.academia.edu/9642645/_Vampires_of_the_Crescent_City_A_Case_Study_in_The_Vampire_in_Europe_A_Critical_Edition

“Conversations with Real Vampires [in New Orleans],” in The Vampire in Europe: A Critical Edition
http://www.academia.edu/356086/_Conversations_with_Real_Vampires_in_New_Orleans_in_The_Vampire_in_Europe_A_Critical_Edition

“The Dangerous Dead: Vampire Mythology in the House of Night Series”
http://www.academia.edu/4154500/_The_Dangerous_Dead_Vampire_Mythology_in_the_House_of_Night_Series_

DJ WILLIAMS
https://idahostate.academia.edu/DJWilliams
http://positivesexuality.org/meet-the-staff/researchers/

Do We Always Practice What We Preach? Real Vampires’ Fears Of Coming Out Of The Coffin To Social Workers And Helping Professionals
Critical Social Work, 2015 Vol. 16, No. 1
http://www1.uwindsor.ca/criticalsocialwork/Vampires
https://www.academia.edu/12761617/Do_We_Always_Practice_What_We_Preach_Real_Vampires_Fears_of_Coming_out_of_the_Coffin_to_Social_Workers_and_Helping_Professionals

Social Work, BDSM, and Vampires: Toward Empowering People with Non-Traditional Identities
http://www.academia.edu/11532033/Social_Work_BDSM_and_Vampires_Toward_Empowering_People_with_Non-Traditional_Identities

Selves, Symbols, and Sexualities: An Interactionist Anthology
Sage Publications, Edited by Thomas Weinberg and Staci Newmahr – 2014
Chapter 20: Intersections of Vampirism & Sexuality – A Narrative Description of a Vampire Feeding

Contemporary Vampires and (Blood-Red) Leisure: Should We Be Afraid of the Dark?
Leisure/Loisir – Volume 32 (2) (2008); Pages 513-539

MERTICUS
https://independent.academia.edu/Merticus
http://www.linkedin.com/in/merticus
http://www.merticus.com

Vampirism & Energy Work Research Survey (VEWRS)
An Introspective Examination Of The Real Vampire Community
http://www.academia.edu/10687957/Vampirism_and_Energy_Work_Research_Survey_VEWRS_

Advanced Vampirism & Energy Work Research Survey (AVEWRS)
Examining The Intricacies Of The Vampiric Condition
http://www.academia.edu/10687996/Advanced_Vampirism_and_Energy_Work_Research_Survey_AVEWRS_

Supplemental Vampirism & Energy Work Interview Survey (SVEWIS)
Ethnomethodological & Existential Phenomenological Research From An Emic Perspective
http://www.academia.edu/11398033/Supplemental_Vampirism_and_Energy_Work_Interview_Survey_SVEWIS_

VEWRS & AVEWRS Statistical Research Data & Charts
http://www.academia.edu/10688035/VEWRS_and_AVEWRS_Statistical_Research_Data_and_Charts

Diagnosed Physical & Mental Conditions Of Self-Identified Real Vampires
http://www.academia.edu/10688094/Diagnosed_Physical_and_Mental_Conditions_Of_Self-Identified_Real_Vampires

Definition Of Real Vampirism
Vampirism & Energy Work Research Study (VEWRS & AVEWRS)
http://www.academia.edu/10707092/Definition_Of_Real_Vampirism

Identity Groups & Ritualistic Occult Crime
PowerPoint Briefing For Law Enforcement & Academicians
http://www.academia.edu/11930334/Identity_Groups_and_Ritualistic_Occult_Crime

Qualitative Ethnography Of Otherkin, Therianthrope & Non-Human Identifying Subcultures
http://www.academia.edu/11407422/Qualitative_Ethnography_Of_Otherkin_Therianthrope_and_Non-Human_Identifying_Subcultures

HESPERUS
https://independent.academia.edu/Hesperus
https://www.facebook.com/groups/357086437822568/

Boiling Blood: Aggression as a Community Building Tool in the Online Vampire Subculture
http://www.academia.edu/10849876/Boiling_Blood_Aggression_as_a_Community_Building_Tool_in_the_Online_Vampire_Subculture

From Fictional Footnotes to National News: The Evolving Focus of Public OVC Fora from the Late Nineties to the Present
https://www.academia.edu/19309583/From_Fictional_Footnotes_to_National_News

VENETIA ROBERTSON
https://sydney.academia.edu/VenetiaRobertson
http://www.religiousstudiesproject.com/persons/venetia-robertson/

‘The Beast Within: Anthrozoomorphic Identity and Alternative Spirituality in the Online Therianthropy Movement,’ Nova Religio 16:3 (2013).
http://www.academia.edu/1851789/The_Beast_Within_Anthrozoomorphic_Identity_and_Alternative_Spirituality_in_the_Online_Therianthropy_Movement_Nova_Religio_16_3_2013_

‘The Law of the Jungle: Self and Community in the Online Therianthropy Movement’, Pomegranate: The International Journal of Pagan Studies, 14: 2 (2012)
http://www.academia.edu/5705986/The_Law_of_the_Jungle_Self_and_Community_in_the_Online_Therianthropy_Movement_Pomegranate_The_International_Journal_of_Pagan_Studies_14_2_2012_

DANIELLE KIRBY
https://rmit.academia.edu/DanielleKirby
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse/About%20RMIT/Contact/All%20contacts/Staff/by%20name/K/;ID=ralssyszuhh7;STATUS=A

Alternative Worlds: Metaphysical Questioning and Virtual Community Amongst the Otherkin
http://www.academia.edu/1962034/Alternative_Worlds_Metaphysical_Questioning_and_Virtual_Community_Amongst_the_Otherkin

March 2015 In Review

PseudoGalen-Anathomia-15thCVampire Community News (VCN) – March 2015 In Review

Energy, Goals And Paths – The GraveYard Press
March 1, 2015
http://thegraveyardpress.wordpress.com/2015/03/01/energy-goals-and-paths/

How Kink’s Largest Social-Networking Site (FetLife) Fails Its Users
March 3, 2015
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/03/how-kinks-largest-social-networking-site-fails-its-users/385586/

Mom Brainwashed Into Killing Girl, 8 – Obsessed With Vampires & Biting
March 5, 2015
http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/mom-brainwashed-into-killing-girl-8-1.1827569#.VPkhkbPF_Hw

Cannibalism And Vampirism Documentary Film
March 7, 2015
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DyxWmVvjNE

Vampire Donors & Swans Research Survey
March 9, 2015
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9HYX3DZ

Vampires Of ATX – Vampire Court Of Austin – Orange Magazine
March 11, 2015
http://www.orangemagazine.co/atx/2015/3/11/r7lrszmmimc5d92hmsuqy9pdj91dnk

Alaska After Dark Vampyre Radio – Interview With A Fangsmith 1 & 2 – Midnight Custom Fangs
March 14, 2015
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alaska-After-Dark/306794669519877

Odd Jobs: How To Become A Real-Life Vampire – Raziel Nite – Australia
March 12, 2015
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/03/odd-jobs-how-to-become-a-real-life-vampire/

Psychic Vampires, Or Energy Manipulator? – The GraveYard Press
March 15, 2015
http://thegraveyardpress.wordpress.com/2015/03/15/psychic-vampires-or-energy-manipulator/

The Real Vampires Of New Orleans And Buffalo: A Research Note Towards Comparative Ethnography – John Edgar Browning
March 24, 2015
http://www.palgrave-journals.com/articles/palcomms20156

What They Do In The Shadows: My Encounters With The Real Vampires Of New Orleans – John Edgar Browning
March 25, 2015
http://theconversation.com/what-they-do-in-the-shadows-my-encounters-with-the-real-vampires-of-new-orleans-39208

There Are Real-Life ‘Vampire’ Tribes Roaming New Orleans – Science Alert
March 31, 2015
http://www.sciencealert.com/there-are-real-life-vampire-tribes-roaming-new-orleans

There Are Communities Of People Who Call Themselves Vampires – Smithsonian
March 31, 2015
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/there-are-communities-people-who-call-themselves-vampires-180954817/?no-ist

Smoke & Mirrors Public Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/groups/SandMPublic/

February 2015 In Review

MeetingOfDoctors-UniversityOfParis-Circa1550Vampire Community News (VCN) – February 2015 In Review

One Woman’s Story Of Being A Victim Of Subculture Hate Crimes
February 4, 2015
http://fembotmag.com/2015/02/04/one-womans-story-of-being-a-victim-of-subculture-hate-crimes/

Volume 1 Journal Of Positive Sexuality Goes Live
February 4, 2015
http://positivesexuality.org/volume-1-journal-of-positive-sexuality-goes-live

Vampire And Vampirism – Encyclopedia Of American Studies – Johns Hopkins University Press
February 9, 2015
http://eas-ref.press.jhu.edu/view?aid=869

Vampire Mitten Unter Uns – Vampires Among Us – Dr. Mark Benecke
February 14, 2015
http://www.radioeins.de/programm/sendungen/die_profis/der_benecke/vampire-mitten-unter-uns.html

‘Vampire Cult Killings’ Profiled On Lifetime – Rod Ferrell
February 16, 2015
http://www.dailycommercial.com/news/article_42e39199-9ddd-54cd-b270-72e2832b10ed.html

Interview With Kindred (Demonic Vampire Kindred)
February 16, 2015
http://brianhwaters.wordpress.com/2015/02/16/interview-with-kindred/

My Mother Thinks She’s A Vampire – The GraveYard Press
February 17, 2015
http://thegraveyardpress.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/my-mother-thinks-shes-a-vampire/

Warning Signs And ‘Red Flags’ – Real Vampire Life (RVL)
February 17, 2015
http://realvampirenews.com/warning-signs-and-red-flags/

Vampire Woman Kills Three Children, Drinks Their Blood & Eats Intestines – Nairobi News
February 18, 2015
http://nairobinews.co.ke/vampire-woman-kills-three-children-drinks-their-blood/

Thanks A Latte! Woman Drinks Blood In Vampire Coffee – TNT Magazine
February 18, 2015
http://www.tntmagazine.com/news/weird/thanks-a-latte-woman-drinks-blood-in-vampire-coffee

House Kheperu Gathering – Presentation & Class Schedule
May 15-17, 2015
http://kheperu.org/gatherings/schedule/

The Iron Garden – Open Gathering
February 20, 2015
http://www.facebook.com/events/634744613296250/

Vampirët: Historia e Vërtetë – Flurudha (Albanian Blog)
February 23, 2015
http://www.flurudha.com/2015/02/vampiret-historia-e-vertete.html

Las Columnas De Opinión – Síndrome De Renfield – Vampirismo Clínico
February 23, 2015
http://serviciodenoticiasav.blogspot.com/2015/02/23022015.html

How To Recognize An Energy Vampire And What To Do About It
February 25, 2015
http://in5d.com/how-to-recognize-an-energy-vampire-and-what-to-do-about-it/

Media Vampires
February 26, 2015
http://katescreation.wordpress.com/2015/02/26/media-vampires/

One-On-One: A Growing Family – Real Vampire Life (RVL)
February 26, 2015
http://realvampirenews.com/one-on-one-a-growing-family/

‘Werewolf’ Allegedly Murders His Vampire Neighbor
February 27, 2015
http://dangerousminds.net/comments/werewolf_allegedly_murders_his_vampire_neighbor

New Orleans Vampire Association (NOVA) – Easter Outreach To Feed The Homeless
February 28, 2015
http://www.neworleansvampireassociation.org/donate.html

Man Who Believes He Is A ‘Werewolf’ Who Killed A ‘Vampire’ Found Guilty Of Murder
February 28, 2015
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/28/werewolf-vampire-murder_n_6776282.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

November 2014 In Review

AbelGrimmerCirca1600Vampire Community News (VCN) – November 2014 In Review

Atlanta No. 9 Best City To Be A Vampire
November 1, 2014
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2014/10/31/atlanta-no-9-best-city-to-be-a-vampire.html

SAVA National Gathering & Awards Ceremony 2014
November 3, 2014
http://savampyrenews.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/sava-awards-ceremony-2014/ …

The Married British Couple Who Claim To Be Real-Life Vampires
November 6, 2014
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2822048/British-couple-claim-real-life-vampires-say-want-people-respect-lifestyle-includes-sleeping-day-drinking-blood.html

Drinking Blood With The Real Vampires Of New Orleans
November 7, 2014
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57qChWeD5SU

The Swan Society For Vampire Donors – Facebook Group
November 11, 2014
http://www.facebook.com/groups/swansociety/

Diagnosed Physical & Mental Conditions Of Real-Life Vampires – A Comparative Analysis – VCN & VEWRS
November 12, 2014
http://merticus.com/vampirenews/2014/11/12/diagnosed-physical-mental-conditions-of-real-life-vampires

Vampires Donors Get A Voice – Graveyard Press
November 13, 2014
http://www.facebook.com/TheGraveYardPress/photos/a.711808368915283.1073741827.231788970250561/711813122248141/

The European Swan Network – Facebook Group
November 14, 2014
http://www.facebook.com/groups/europeanswannetwork/

Aristos Vampyre International Magazine
November 14, 2014
http://aristosvampyremagazine.weebly.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/549985115127927/

Hot Topic Turns 25; Remember The Glory Days?
November 14, 2014
http://www.scpr.org/news/2014/11/14/48071/hot-topic-turns-25-remember-these-glory-days/

The Vampire In Europe: A Critical Edition – Edited By John Edgar Browning
November 17, 2014
http://merticus.com/vampirenews/2014/11/17/the-vampire-in-europe-a-critical-edition-john-edgar-browning/

Vampyre Community Narrative History
November 26, 2014
http://vampyreacademy.wordpress.com/vampyre-academy-formal-surveys/the-vampyre-community-history-project/vampyre-community-narrative-history/

Aramond & Lolanthe From Houston Vampire Community (HVC) – 12:00 AM Radio Show
November 30, 2014
http://archive.kpft.org/index.mob.php