Fictionkind FAQ
In essence, fictionkind are all those who identify as something from fictional media in some way.
This FAQ was seperated from the other FAQs in part because fictionkind don't exactly have much in the way for community resources just for us anymore, and in part because there is quite a lot that is specific to those with fictional-based identities that deserves its own section.
There are several labels which fall under the umbrella of those with fictional identities (both identifying as and with). Fictionfolk has been proposed and is what we are currently using on this site.
Many fictionfolk have nonhuman related identities as well, check out our [Nonhuman FAQ] for that. If you want the broader umbrella label that fictionfolk is under, direct yourself to our [Alterhuman FAQ] instead.
Some common fictional-based identities:
Fictionkin(d)- A person who identifies in part or in whole AS a fictional character or species from modern media on an integral level. Used to be called mediakin and otakukin before the name for it settled on fictionkin.
Fictionflicker- An identity based in fiction that shows up for a short while, often after experiencing a new piece of media, but not always. May be a brief period of identifying as or with. Fictionflickers may happen because of a different primary identity, or may happen at random.
Fictive- A headmate in a plural system that is 'based on' or 'arrived as' a fictional character or species, but may be more broadly used to mean the same thing as fictionkin but for headmates. A fictive may be of the system's own fiction (Insourced), or from the works of other people (Outsourced).
Fictherian- A person who identifies in part or in whole as a fictional animal. See the [Nonhuman FAQ] for more information about therians, of which this is a subtype.
OCkin- A person who identifies as an original character from a work of modern media, rathe rthan an existing character in the work. These are a subtype of fictionkin.
Fictionhearted- A person who identifies with a fictional character or species from modern media on an integral level.
For a more in-depth glossary of words, see our Fictionfolk Glossary [HERE].
History of Fictionkind:
The most well known fictional identity category is fictionkin. Fictionkin was a term created on livejournal around 2007 in the community 'otakukin.livejournal.com'. It then replaced its predescessor 'otakukin' as the word to describe the experience, as it was a less than ideal label for many reasons. Mediakin was also used previously, but fictionkin won out the label popularity contest. Otakukin was coined in the 2000s as an offshoot of otherkin. When fictionkin won out, the community it was coined in changed its name to 'from_fiction.livejournal.com', and was the major hub of fictionkin activity of the time.
While the original users of the label were largely metaphysically based in origin theory, the label grew to be more inclusive of nonspiritual experiences for identifying as a fictional entity over time.
Many alterhuman communities were initially resistant and exclusionary towards fictional-identity based people, particularily fictionkin of a particular character. They originally viewed it as 'going too far', but many spaces now are much more accepting towards this.
Around 2014 the fictionkin community suffered several major blows that decimated the subculture and the information surrounding it in the form of people stealing the word 'kin' to be used as joking hyperbole to refer to liking, relating to, projecting on, or 'stanning' a character- something done 'for fun' only. They generally called themselves 'kin for fun' or sometimes 'kinnies'. They then tried to aggressively push actual fictionkin out of their community spaces and define us out of the word and community we created. The community has yet to recover properly from this, but its started to spring back in some places.
For more information on KFF, please see our testimony [HERE].
Most other fictionfolk communites spurned as offshoots of fictionkind or other alterhuman communities to pair with and echo fictionkin. Fictionfolk as a label was created to have a wider unbrella term for all of these fictional related identity labels by the original mod of the Fictionkind Dreamwidth community Dragotoxins/Sundragon.
Why identify this way?
There are many reasons someone might identify in this way- and each person has their own journey that led them to the labels and communities that they use. Some more common categories of reasons that people might have an identity intertwined with fiction like this include euphoria/dysphoria, instincts and mannerisms, spiritual beleifs, neurology, trauma, mental illness experiences, and archetypal resonance.
While spiritual beliefs and in particular past life beliefs are extremely common in particular for fictionkin- there is no consensus on why any kind of fictionfolk feel they are the way they are and many schools of thought beyond reincarnation. Some people may claim otherwise, but they are generally being revisionist or gatekeepy if they are not simply mistaken.
Identifying as fictionfolk is generally a positive and empowering experience for the people within the community. It gives us words for our feelings and a community that understands them and can provide peer support.
Other Questions
Is this a delusion?
A delusion has a very specific definition and not all nonhuman experiences fall under this as identity is not by itself a delusion. While some attribute their identity to influence by a delusion, not all do. Something being a delusion or the result of one does not mean that it is harmful or bad. Experiencing delusions should not be used to dismiss experiences or self determination.
Is this a cult?
While it cannot be denied that some spaces and groups are/were cultlike, fictionfolk identities themselves are not. Cults require a very specific set of parameters, and just having a non-normative belief that the average joe finds too 'woo'-ey isn't it.
Is this roleplay?
This is very specifically not roleplaying, this is genuine integral identification and experience. While some fictionfolk are ALSO roleplayers, these are two different experiences.
Ive seen people say kinning meant something else, whats up with that?
As stated previously there is a huge term theft and misinformation problem regarding the community vaguely referred to as 'KFF'. It is not just liking a character a whole lot or relating to them or 'stanning'. We came first and they tried to take our words from us for fandom purposes and malicious ironic jokes. Please refer to the KFF document linked earlier in this FAQ.
Also kin is not a verb. You arent 'kinning' something, you ARE fictionkind.
What is the difference between fictionkin and Delusional Attatchments?
'Delusional Attatchment' is a poorly coined term that KFF tried to come up with that misunderstands and waters down a serious mental illness in its coinage. Identities by themselves cannot be delusions. A post by Babydog on the subject may be found HERE. This term is usually forced on fictionkind by KFF because they want to give their theft more legitimacy.
How many fiction related identities/kintypes can you have at once?
There is no limit on the number of fictional related identities including kintypes you are 'allowed' to have. Its good to examine and consider things carefully and from other angles (hybrid entity, plural system, fictionflickering instead of fictionkin, etc) to be sure, but you absolutely can have more than one thing that you identify as.
Is it possible to be canon divergent fictionfolk?
Yes. This is not only possible but quite common.
Is this a thing for kids?
While many visible community members skew young, this is because people online who show off their whole lives in general skew young. Many adults -including older adults- are fictionfolk in some way. Blame no more internet safety talks and facebook. Even if the community was new and largely children, does it make it any less important? Any less heartfelt?
Is this an attempt to control what fandom does?
This is not a fandom thing. While it cannot be deinied some fictionkin and ficitives have used their identities to try to force fandom to follow their personal preferences and have behaved inapropriately in fandom spaces and towards creators, this is not behavior the community at large approves of nor is it inherent to being any kind of fictionfolk. A handful of badly behaved and very loud (often very new to fictionfolk spaces) people are not reflective of the community at large. This sort of behavior is looked down upon in the community at large and considered very rude. They do not speak for the rest of us.
Is this copyright infringement?
...No? They are not claiming to own or have created their source's material, nor are they selling or otherwise distributing their source. Them existing is not a crime. This also relies on the assumption that modern copyright law on intellectual properties is something that is something that should exist or be enforced.
Ive been identifying as a kinnie but now I realise this is not my experience, what should I do?
There are plenty of other words for you to use! Many have been proposed and a fair few are linked in the aforementioned KFF testimony. One such term is 'clicking' which sounds similar and is just as snappy. A carrd on this term may be found [HERE].
I think I might be fictionfolk in some way!
WIP guide in the works! Please stand by!
Someone showed me this FAQ to come out! What do I do?
Ask them what they want you to do about this information and reassure them that you still care for them. They might, for example, ask you to refer to them in a specific way, or be understanding about dressing or behaving in a certain way. The only way to know what you should do about this is to ask the person who came out to you.
Final Word
Fictionfolk are just existing over here. No need to be alarmed or upset.