In Brazil in March 2019, a furry bowling event had gathered under the name Furboliche. In attendance was Crash Azarel, a popular fursuit performer who had been guest of honor at Brasil FurFest the previous year. At the bowling event there was also another group in attendance to take photos of the fursuiters, to show them wearing sneakers for an advertising campaign for Converse (a brand bought by Nike in 2003). These adverts have been recently released on their Argentinian and Australian sites. Crash shared the news of the marketing launch on his Twitter feed.

WELL CONVERSE-ALLSTARS's FURRY COMERCIAL IS OUT.
So far only in Australia and Argentina, but coming soon near you! XD on their site and on their shops! pic.twitter.com/TMdbVWmCkG

— Crash Azarel (@Crash_Azarel) July 13, 2019

Afterwards, some furs began to be critical of the collaboration, concerned about using one's fursona for the profit of another, and fears of corporate culture and marketing infiltrating the fandom. True to its brand name, the shoe being worn by the furs of Brazil were starting a conversation on outside marketing within the fandom.

Update 7/27: Brasil FurFest has announced a sponsorship by Converse since this article was published.

This promotional newsletter was provided by Fangcon. Story written by Nightwolf.

Welcome one and all, to the furriest show on Earth! Come to a convention unlike any you've seen before!

What makes Fangcon stand out from the rest? We've packed this weekend full of activities to enjoy all weekend long by all ages. Test your skill and luck at our carnival corner, with games provided by furries from all over Tennessee. Enjoy the fursuit parade and watch the suiters compete in the fursuit games. For a more refined feel, take a seat in the poker tournament. Relax in the hotel's heated pool before the late night dances.

Yet another busy month for furries in the media is upon us, fronted by the Furries vs. Klingons bowling tournament; which gained internet-wide attention after being featured on Boing Boing and Fark TV.

Blogs went wild for this clash of the subcultures and someone even set up a poll on who they thought would win. From the start of the poll right up to weeks after the tournament the furs and Trekkies were neck and neck, each taking their turn to inch forward and fall back again. This was hyping up to be the subcultural clash of the year!

The hype was immense! Every furry, Trekkie and simply internet-centric website was reporting the event. Even Anthrocon caught up - bowling at the next Anthrocon anyone?