Beanbag NPC Contest Winner

August 29, 2017, 5:40 pm by

I'm of the opinion that being disabled (even if wheelchair-bound) doesn't automatically warrant your opinion being above all else's. I was stating my disabilities to make a point that people aren't hating on this character just because of her disabilities. It's easy to make other people the bogieman because they simply have differing opinions that you may not necessarily agree with. That, however, just causes more backlash to happen. For a real life example, take a look at this political climate that we're now in. (Assuming you're American)

I could easily do the same thing to you and insult you because I don't necessarily agree with the whole trans movement, but I'm not about to do that because I can recognize that there are valid concerns on both sides. We could all use a breather on topics such as this.

I hope you're right about the character's background being unfinished. I still feel as if it's out of place and just there to tick off some quotas, but whatever. Opinions are opinions are opinions. :)

August 26, 2017, 10:31 am by

If the immature part was directed to the people you pinged you really need to get a taste of reality because we are not immature it's probably you who is

August 26, 2017, 10:25 am by

Anyways it's your opinion at least yours isn't a hate post against Ursa

August 26, 2017, 10:09 am by

Congrats!

August 26, 2017, 12:58 am by

Like, if a lot of wheelchair users object to Shanti, I care about that because it's a personal issue for them, and they likely have valid concerns. If that's the case, staff should work on fixing the issues they have with the character.

If people who have no personal stake in the issue are just complaining because oh noes, a disabled character!!! checkboxes!!! tokens!!! unrealistic!!! diversity being shoved down their throat!!! - I don't give a damn. I'd love to have so few worries in my life that the existence of a minority character in a petsite shop was ruining my life.

August 26, 2017, 12:53 am by

I have a whole string of disabilities too, if we're using that to back up our opinions. I'm autistic, I have ADHD, depression, severe anxiety, PTSD. I have CP or something functionally identical to it. I'm trans and pansexual. I could add even more things, but I won't.

Disabled people aren't a hivemind. Maybe you don't want representation, but some of us do, and think that it's very important.

The main anti-Shanti opinions I care about here are here are the ones of people who actually use wheelchairs. I think staff should consult with them the way they have with trans people in the past. Since you say that your disabilities are invisible, I assume that your disabilities (like mine) don't require you to use a wheelchair. I don't think we're the best judges of whether or not the character is bad representation.

Also, the character is not finished ... so I don't think we can necessarily judge yet whether or not she's good representation or not ... I figure her personality is like the sketch itself...

August 26, 2017, 12:29 am by

No, you haven't changed my mind. The point to the contest was someone different, so obviously being different would be a big part of it, probably the main part, crazily enough. People are upset because people with differences are being highlighted and that's silly. I don't care what anyone says. They can say the character isn't interesting, but people are flinging around way more than that in these comments. It offends them. It is too adult. It doesn't belong on this site because it messes up their fantasy escape. THAT is what I'm upset about. There is no reason this character can't be on here, so you didn't school me, at all. Please don't ping me again for nothing.

August 25, 2017, 11:23 pm by

yes yes I completely agree (that's what I meant by character development)! I voted for the Dillemma and Shanti was actually one of my last choices because I felt she lacked character. However, I was just shocked at how much hate is being spread on something that doesn't really even matter in my opinion. All I was saying was that people were overreacting, though I can understand why people would be upset. Just... We don't need to leave the site or anything because of it. I'm happy she's the new beanbag shop NPC since she's so adorable in the sketch, but I would definitely love for the staff to add more to her than just her disabilities. Sorry if I offended anyone, I hope this cleared that up.

August 25, 2017, 9:54 pm by

Little late since I'm schooling, but...

You people must understand that there is a difference between having a character with these disabled traits and having a character with the sole focus on those traits because "special". This character is definitely in the latter category. I'm saying this as someone with chronic migraines, severe panic disorder, f*cking CEREBRAL PALSY, depression, etc etc. Like I said, I'm not the pinnacle of normality either. My "disabilities" are all invisible and neurophysiological. My brain, while seemingly normal, causes me intense distress on the daily. I don't think I've ever felt truly healthy in a long time.

But oh, I'm just another white "cis" female complaining about "diversity", right?! Clearly you feel the need to demonize everyone who disagrees with your diversity schtick as some sort of default evil. White men, for example. You looove to preach diversity but it's not diversity you're truly for. Diversity INCLUDES what you may call, the "neurotypical" and the normal. You EXCLUDE them, because for some reason you find it justified.

People have every right to be upset, even if it's for reasons you disagree with. It's not about the character being "different". It's about being "different" is all there is to the character. Do I walk around with a sign on my head saying "I have panic disorder and blah blah, please love me." No. I live my life despite it, and don't feel the need to be represented in quotas simply because I understand that you can relate to a character without explicitly having the same disability.

Boiling it down to "champions of the disabled" and "haterssss" just makes you seem all the more immature. It doesn't matter if this site is left leaning, but it DOES matter that you don't discourage independent thought. True democracy, whether you like it or not, comes with free flow of thought and information no matter how terrible the thought is for you to stomach.

Thank you for your time. I doubt this will change any minds, but SOMEBODY had to say it. You can't just look at some poorly written sob story (my opinion) and vote it in simply because it fits a bunch of diversity checkmarks. There needs to be some substance there, and that is why people are rather upset.

August 24, 2017, 6:22 pm by

I know has made up Shanti and I have also read has made the one with also a jollin beanbag, but which of the other characters where made up by which of the other users?

August 24, 2017, 8:09 am by

I would rather they narrowed it down. Some of these entries are ridiculous to scroll through. Sometimes there are 100s of entries and I don't have time for that.

I like the idea that those that clearly don't meet the requirements are left out, leaving the viable entries for viewing or instead of only 5, have a top 15-20

August 24, 2017, 7:16 am by

Staff gave us every entry in the home brew contest though, and basically the best drawn entries won because the sheer amount of accompanying text was so overwhelming.

I much preferred having a narrowed field in this contest instead of having to deal with being distracted by entries that weren't up to par and sorting through tons of backstories.

August 24, 2017, 1:08 am by

- ....yeah, like how they let us all vote on all the cake entries from the previous contest. Some were clearly there for whatever entry prize there were, but other cakes were works of art. I'm sure us users are capable enough to deduce good entries from the bad without the staffs help. But my only point was, again, that they could have narrowed it down and removed all the ones that didn't fit their parameters and left us with the many that did to vote on, rather than just 6.

August 23, 2017, 11:52 pm by

Congrats <3

August 23, 2017, 11:52 pm by

Congrats <3

August 23, 2017, 10:39 pm by

I second that, it's fair to be upset that you didn't get first, but saying that she """played the game better""" and commenting you should've made them a rape victim is disgusting. Be grateful you still got your reward and were a finalist which such a sickening viewpoint.

August 23, 2017, 8:54 pm by

I'm so glad you didn't win with a bad attitude like that.

August 23, 2017, 5:55 pm by

burns alll the hater posts lol anyways Ursa your awesome and don't forget that :)

August 23, 2017, 2:46 pm by

love it!!

August 23, 2017, 8:32 am by

All what you say why you have voted for Shanti and why not, are also my reasons. I like the picture and her background story makes me smile the most of them all.

Calliope and March would be also great and if one of those had won, it was also good. Despite they have some things who are recognizable on a confrontational, mirror-reflection way for me. I seems younger than I am, like March, (That's not always pleasant) and I am pretty adventurous like Calliope, where I have also to deal with some obstacles with misunderstandings of a different culture than she has more common with her home-culture, just like me. Her life will also not only going about moon-shine and roses, I suppose so. But they are not lesser or actually better than an other of the candidates. They haven't just won the contest. Maybe an other character than Shanti will winn an other time. That would be also great.

It's pretty personal and relative what can hit someone by a background story of a character.

August 23, 2017, 6:08 am by

I really love this character. She seems so lovely and sweet :)

August 23, 2017, 5:55 am by

I'm happy Shanti won. I didn't vote for her based on her disabilities. Honestly, I think walking up to someone and saying, "Hi, I'm disabled" is kinda weird and no one should "win" on the merit of being disabled. That isn't a qualifying thing, and being disabled does not make you a good person or a brave one. I'm on government disability for ....things, and I am so tired of being told I'm "brave" No, I just am here and doing what needs to be done, just like everyone else. Her disabilities were not a factor. I voted on her because she has a plausible background in making beanbags, has solid tie-ins with other NPCs, and seems like she'd be nice to have a cup of tea with. And she likes cheese. I'm also very fond of all things Saherimos, which was a major point in her favor. I thought her character was well thought out and enjoyed the explanation of the real-life inspiration. Her sketch may not have been colored but it was expressive and endearing. I thought she was the best developed character offered, as a whole. Calliope was also a top favorite and I would be pleased to see her somewhere on the site.

August 23, 2017, 5:52 am by

It was so disappointing and spoke volumes that another finalist's comment was so bad that staff had to actually delete it.

August 23, 2017, 1:19 am by

i'm a little salty too but im not going to crap over someone else's success. and saying "played the game" still comes off as disrespectful. like, people who aren't like you exist. i feel like you wouldn't have said such a thing if Shanti was a white girl named Sharla that didn't need to use a wheelchair.. you made it to the finals of just like 5 or 6 people out of the millions of users on this site who might have submitted. dont be an ungrateful dingus lmao

I think Shanti's design is very cute! it would have been a blast to win that spot myself but i think her win is well deserved! can't wait to see her official portrait!

August 22, 2017, 6:19 pm by

I get what you're saying 100%. When you meet someone new, you usually don't say, "Hi, i'm so-and-so, and have autism, so i don't like big crowds." You do what normal folk do, "Hi, i'm so-and-so. What's your name? What are you into blahblahblah..." later on while walking through a mall "Btw, sometimes crowds bother me, so if I seem uneasy, that's probably why."

No need to drop the autism label; anyone can be affected by large crowds and not have autism. Or you could have autism but have the coping skills to overcome that weakness. For me, the latter would make for a more interesting character trait because it shows willingness to overcome problems and not letting the disability control your life and what you want out of it.

You can't change the cards you've been dealt, but how you play them is what matters.

August 22, 2017, 3:46 pm by

congrats to the winner!

August 22, 2017, 3:34 pm by

Finally some disability visibility! Thank you!!! ♥♥♥

August 22, 2017, 10:44 am by

August 22, 2017, 6:14 am by

Good point about the affordability of chairs. Thank you for the information about your family too. The manual chair does make more sense now :D

August 22, 2017, 5:00 am by

I really need to stop reading all the comments. We really cant have nice things, can we?

I will say though that people throwing around how racist anyone is who wasnt in love with specific charas is really not cool. My issue was not at all related to race or looks or anything, I was voting most for story and fit in to the site. Im sure my saying Im white and cis makes me seem like I have no right to say anything (Which is so false, Im so sorry I was born as I was you guys. After all its super cool of people who dont want to be judged by that to expect anyone not of a minority where they live is just a judgemental asshat) but everyone has issues and I dont judge based on them.

My issue with a few of these wasnt really the whole 'token minority, mary sue' whatever, but the fact that even if this was for a inclusive nonrepresented sort of npc it feels weird how we are defining the characters on JUST the disabilities.

As someone who has many issues with both physical pain from a disease, as well as mental health things to deal with, I just feel weird. Idk if I will explain this well. But lets take a shot lol. I do not go around and say 'I am my ocd, I am my insomnia, I have one ovary, dont look at my other traits but focus on my failings' Most people literally have no idea I suffer from anxiety, let alone the bigger issues that are life threatening. Its not because Im not proud of who I am, but because I dont constantly think about it. I am first and foremost in my mind a creative person who is outgoing and loves to inspire people. Yes ocd and other things are part of me, yes I do tell some people, no I am not ashamed, but I and many others dont sit around thinking 'I am only my disease' even when they suffer from things like cancer.

Of course one in a wheel chair has more obvious disability, and Im cool with that. I actually love that in terms of being a perfect user of beanbags and it fits great. But adding on this and this and this as well and oh yeah this other thing that has been hard for them makes it feel less realistic. Not because of the whole token thing, but because most people outside of their internet blogs or whatever tumblr things dont go around saying "Hi my name is, please be aware I have all these problems and judge me on that instead of my being as a whole"

So yeah. Idk. Im not trying to disagree with anyones feelings. I love that new sorts of people and many lifestyles and health matters come in to play. It just makes it hard to not feel that whole desire the ocs designer had was to make them tick off all the boxes. Ya know?

Not like it really matters in this situation. Its a drawing on a pet site. I just wanted to add this feeling I have because I know some people will relate and understand why some commenters are not exactly excited about this. It isnt a natural feeling addition, probably in part because of the contest being all about unrepresented sorts. Unlike when npcs like the awesome trans dressmaker in shengui, or quentin, or even the whole story with elsie just felt like they were smoothly added. Not because of What they are, but because they just fit in seamlessly.

Either way Ill shut up not. Sorry for the wall of text. I did not expect it to happen, am glad subeta is so open to all sorts, and holds such contests when they dont have to! Its awesome users are included in creative parts of the site so much more frequently now.

Also total congrats to all the entrants! Im still hopeful to see the whole pile of ideas. I want everyone who took time to participate to be appreciated :)

August 22, 2017, 4:42 am by

You can't assume the quality of the other entries was any good. That was a staff decision. :D

August 22, 2017, 3:39 am by

- I'm not saying I had a problem with the category, but surely there were more than 6 entries that fit the "under-represented" clause put in by Subeta. That was my only complaint.

August 22, 2017, 1:25 am by

THANK YOU! You put it so much better than I ever could! People don't get to decide to hide what OTHER people are/what HAPPENS to other people, because it makes THEM uncomfortable. It doesn't work like that.

August 22, 2017, 1:15 am by

It's the same "reasoning" I hear everywhere else for tv/video games/books/movie/etc, lately, which is why it's annoying me to see on Subeta (one of my escapes from the outside world and negativity, which is partly directed at me, since I'd be considered "diverse"). Subeta has always been a VERY inclusive site (which it's proving again, by wanting less represented types of NPCs to break from the usual), so I'm not even sure where all this "new direction" and "left-leaning" and whatever bull is coming from. It HAS to be the recent political atmosphere (with people feeling their representation is going down because someone else's is going up) in the world, which also seems to be suffering from not wanting diversity and progress, but that's another talk for another place. It's upsetting that people are upset about this. A girl in a wheelchair, who happens to not have a very happy background. So what? We KILLED off a child in a plot a few years back, hardly anyone got upset about that, but this girl in a wheelchair is "too adult" and "upsetting". We have sexual innuendo and sex and death jokes flying around here like crazy. We just recently had that awesome same-sex wedding! This site has been geared towards the older teen/adult progressive type player for as long as I can remember and I've been here a long time, none of that, a wheelchair, a PoC, or hints at sexual abuse or something should be such a problem. Someone being SEEN in a wheelchair shouldn't be a problem. THINKING SOMEONE IN A WHEELCHAIR, BECAUSE IT MAKES YOU SAD OR WHATEVER, SHOULD NOT BE SEEN, IS A PROBLEM. The whole world is like I've stepped into Crazytown, lately, and it's spreading into this game. THAT breaks escapism, not diversity. Not everyone is going to be white, able-bodied, and have a perfect background. If that bothers you, enough to make you quit or whatever, wrap yourself in plastic wrap and never leave your house or town and stop going online because that's the world, it's made up of awesome people; flawed and different. I mean, people are saying the character is bad, I admit it could use some tweaks, but saying it's flat or outright bad; she is a flawed character who makes the best of her situation and talents, like a REAL person, that makes for an interesting character. What the heck is an interesting character to people if not someone who has a few blips in their lives? This is my last visit to the news because I almost just can't believe this stuff. I just can't wait to see Subeta spiffy her up and she becomes an even better character. Ursa made a great character and so did the other entrants.

August 22, 2017, 1:03 am by

Thank you !

August 22, 2017, 12:28 am by

Hooomg yes. As I'm undoubtedly living in the same country as you, hommmmggg yesss positive Muslim characters would be great right now.

But yeah. Alana from Anne McCaffrey's books is such a BAMFin' character I wouldn't think of her as a Mary Sue but she scores well over 200 on the litmus test so...Mary Sue qualities do not a Mary Sue make, even in large quantity. There are even examples of Sues that score very, very low on the test and would ordinarily not be Sues (no examples come to mind but I think the litmus test named one). ^_^; I think ultimately you're right about it being thrown around without...fully using it correctly (or possibly understanding what it means. I've encountered many people who all think it means that you put yourself in as a character in a story.)

August 22, 2017, 12:23 am by

Quote

OMG this clusterfuck over a shop NPC
This is why we can&;t have nice things.

I believe I understand you. It's always a bummer if a few people are only able to react angry or rude. They strikes unfortunately, but I'm aware the most people are plain glad for Ursa and liked to follow this contest. So that few ones who are so angry has no influence on me and I'm still praud of it the character I have voted for, won.

Cheers!

August 22, 2017, 12:13 am by

Wonderful diversity. My son was thrilled at seeing an NPC just like his best friend. Beautiful sketch, kudos to the creator you did a wonderful job. 'something soft for my tush' It's the complaint most often lamented when we have to break out the older model wheelchair for visits.

August 22, 2017, 12:03 am by

I am honestly so shocked by all the hate that's being spread on a VIRTUAL PET SITE'S new announcement for a FICTIONAL CHARACTER. While I did not vote for Shanti (the Dillemma was SO cute, let's please put him somewhere else on the site), I am happy that she won. Sure, the art is a simple sketch, but it's cute nonetheless. And the "something soft for my tush" part definitely made me smile! I do however see why people would be mad, but I think so many people are overreacting. Yeah, I personally agree that she does have some character/background flaws, but at the end of the day she's still a nice character. So can we please, PLEASE stop hating on everything? Some polite criticism and suggestions for the Subeta staff is okay, but we don't need to be leaving the site or stop collecting beanbags just because you don't like a certain aspect of her character. I think Shanti is so adorable, though I agree that she could use some character development. But I'm not bringing down others or complaining because of it. Plus, fair is fair--Shanti won because she had the most votes. Please respect that. I'm really excited to see what the staff do with her character, and congrats to ! Looking forward to see this delightful character run our beanbag shop. :)

August 21, 2017, 11:50 pm by

thank you for that criticism of the "Mary Sue" comment. I get tired of hearing that thrown around everywhere, kind of like how everything was "ironic" some years back. It simply isn't true most of the time.

Personally, I voted for Fahimah because I like to see more positive, explicitly Muslim characters. In my country, especially under our current leader, we need more of these.

But, still, Shanti is pretty cool! Congratulations, ! I think you made a lovely character and I look forward to seeing how Subeta transitions her onto the site. I loved the art, too...Yeah, it's "just a sketch", but that's a heckuva lot better sketch than I can do on my best efforts!

August 21, 2017, 11:11 pm by

It isn't necessarily more realistic to have a motorized chair. My daughter's mobility is extremely limited due to bone malformation, autoimmune and chronic pain issues, so she uses a wheelchair when we leave the house. My son is severely brain injured and needs his chair any time he isn't in bed. Both have manual chairs. Motorized chairs are incredibly expensive and not everyone has insurance that will cover them. So unless this NPC is intended to be high income, i'd say the manual wheelchair is reasonable.

August 21, 2017, 11:06 pm by

I was thinking the exact same thing. If inclusivity upsets you to the point that you need to scream about it being "forced", you really need to take a look around you. If you want a sanitized version of the world where everything and everyone looks and acts just like you, and no one has more than one easily-fixable problem at a time, I'm afraid you'll have to make your own little bubble.

August 21, 2017, 10:42 pm by

Some users are apparently "alt-right" because this upset over some diversity is insanity. Haha!

August 21, 2017, 10:32 pm by

For those wanting to take a second look at the entries (click for bigger):

Larger image art links: Kanyin || Fahimah || Charlize || Calliope || Shanti || March

Yay for forgetting to close tabs like always! Also, ughhh so much sCode I really hope I didn't bork anything. :/

August 21, 2017, 9:48 pm by

left leaning lol really since when is being in a wheel chair left leaning omg these days lol the world is crazy just be happy for the winner <3 I thought all of them were amazing wish they all could of won :D

August 21, 2017, 9:39 pm by

I didn't even vote because I couldn't decide on one lmao but congrats!! She's cute, she'll make a great NPC.

The people who say it's pandering must not know a lot of different kinds of people :P And , complaining about the site getting political and left leaning... really??? How is someone in a wheelchair political? And I imagine it's gonna be left-leaning considering the creator of the site is gay and like half the userbase is LGBT (including me) lol....

August 21, 2017, 9:38 pm by

i voted for shanti woo

August 21, 2017, 9:32 pm by

No need to get upset because holy shit, just turn on the news. Much worse things to expend that energy on in this messed up world.

All of the entries were awesome btw.

August 21, 2017, 9:15 pm by

Congrats! Not who I voted for but she's a QT! Can't wait to see her in action!

August 21, 2017, 9:13 pm by

Yeah, I think you're all WAY overthinking this. I personally didn't even read any of the descriptions because I'm lazy. I just saw a cute girl who reminded me of Cherrl from Azure Dreams and was like "yep! You're cute, you'll do". Not everyone saw that she was several minorities and chose her for that reason. Also, who cares that she's a sketch? We weren't asked to draw the actual image for Subeta. It's supposed to just be an idea. It doesn't NEED to be more than a sketch.

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Beanbag NPC Contest Winner

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